IDPs will return home next year, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Wednesday in Abuja that the return of persons displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency to their home communities will begin in earnest next year.

PMB told the delegation led by former British Foreign Minister, Mr. David Miliband,from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) that his administration will do all within its capacity to facilitate the quick return and resettlement of over two million internally displaced persons in their towns and villages.

The president also seek the support of the IRC and other local and international non-governmental organizations for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons. He emphasised that there was an urgent need for support in the areas of agricultural inputs, health, nutrition, water and sanitation.

President Buhari urged the IRC and other international agencies to work with the Presidential committe on the North-East and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) who were alreay doing a lot to cater for the IDPs and restore some basic infrastructure in communities affected by terrorism and insurgency.
 

Mr. Miliband assured President Buhari that the IRC will intensify its ongoing work in Nigeria which has assisted over 350,000 displaced persons, mainly in Adamawa and Bornon states.

On Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change: Oprah,61 loses 15 lbs

Oprah Winfrey, the new part-owner of Weight Watchers is determined to make a permanent lifestyle change.

In October, we reported that Winfrey purchased a 10 percent stake in the company for $43.2 million, which led Weight Watcher's stock to jump 75 percent that day.

The former talk show host says she's tried diets over and over again, only to get frustrated with them and fail.
"I was fed up with my lose-and-gain-again routine," Winfrey says. "I'd had enough of no-carb regimens. Some people can live without bread and pasta, but it just doesn't make sense to me. All the times I tried to do so only made me crave them more."

Which is why Weight Watchers was the perfect fit for the lifestyle guru. She wanted a plan for life, and here it was in the form of Weight Watchers; according to her, Wait Watchers is not a diet but a whole shift in perspective.

Winfrey proved that the program really works – by trying it herself. She showed up for an appearance on Stephen Colbert's The Late Show at the end of October looking visibly slimmer, and later revealed on Ellen that she had dropped 15 lbs. since Aug. 12.
Related video:Oprah Reveals Initial Fear of Weight Watchers, 15 Pound Weight Loss

Arms purchase scandal: EFCC arrests Raymond Dokpesi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested the Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi for alleged involvement in the arms deal during Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan led administration.

According to SaharaReporters, CBN paid N2.1billion to Chief Raymond of DAAR Communications on the instruction of the Mr. Dasuki. Meanwhile, another reporter-Fidelix, said Raymond was picked up on the ground that some monies were traced to his account in which the Commission needs some clarifications.

It was learnt that the former Governor of Sokoto State, Mr. Attahiru Bafarawa was also arrested on Tuesday in the early hours of the morning.

Details later

Nigeria: President Buhari leaves Abuja for Iran on Sunday

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Sunday for Tehran to participate in the  third Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum opening in the Iranian capital on Monday.

In reference to a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President and the leaders of Iran, Russia, Qatar, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Oman, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bolivia and other member-countries of the GECF are expected to review the current market outlook on gas.
Adesina said the leaders would also discuss strategies for boosting gas production during their meeting in Tehran.

He said Nigeria and other GECF members currently account for 42 percent of global gas production‎, 70 percent of global gas reserves, 40 percent of pipeline transmission of gas and 65 percent of the global trade in Liquefied Natural Gas.

Femi added that Buhari would also meet with Nigerians resident in Iran.
He said, “The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Mr.  Geoffrey Onyeama; the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu and the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.).
“He is due back in Abuja on Tuesday, November 24, 2015.”

Nigeria was nothing more than a pariah nation and failed state - Fani-Kayode defends PDP

The former Minister of Aviation and spokesperson of the Goodluck Jonathan 2015 Presidential Campaign, Olufemi Fani-Kayode, has warned minister-designate and spokesman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC,   Alhaji Lai Mohammed to desist from insulting the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

On his twitter handle, @realffk; Fani-Kayode faulted claims by the presidency and the APC that PDP destroyed Nigeria during its 16-year reign at the helms of affairs of the country, argued that before the coming of the party (PDP) in 1999, Nigeria was nothing more than a pariah and failed state.

“To say PDP destroyed Nigeria over last 16 years is rubbish.Till PDP came in 1999 we were nothing more than a pariah nation and failed state.

The insults of Lai Mohammed against the PDP are getting too much. If he does not behave himself I will get into the ring and spank him,” he posted.

Ghana president John Mahama visits Offa local government in Kwara State, Nigeria

Offa is a city and Local Government Area located in Kwara State, central Nigeria with a population of about 90,000 inhabitants. The vegetation in Offa is savanna vegetation and the town is noted for its weaving and dyeing trade, using vegetable dyes made from locally grown indigo and other plants. Offa is well known for cultivation of Sweet potatoes and maize which also formed part of the favourite staple foods of the indigenes in the town. Offa in one of her eulogy is being address as the home of sweet potatoes.

President John Mahama arrived at the Kwara State local airport, Ilorin on Saturday and he was welcomed by the Kwara State executive governor Abdulfatah Ahmed after which he proceeded on his journey to Offa the same day;

Indigenes of Offa were very happy and pleased to see the president of Ghana, JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA during his visitaion to the home of sweet potatoes last Saturday 24th October, 2015.

Many people will be asking the purpose of Mahama's visitation in Offa; the below is an excerpt from Mr. president speech:

“Actually I found it necessary to visit my home and pay respect to my father, Kabiesi, the Olofa of Offa. For those who did not know the history, many years ago, knowing the business acumen of the people of Offa, their business takes them far away across the world, and so, a very strong branch of Balogun family of Offa has established himself in Kumasi in Ghana. By that time he had a very beautiful daughter and my father at that time was also a very young man, he was a member of the parliament in government… his eyes fell on this beautiful daughter of Offa, one thing led to another and so Aunty Nusi Balogun became my step mother.. “ that is how Balogun and the Mahama’s family of Ghana developed a relationship. For many years I was here in Offa with Aunty Nusi and I know the town very well.”

“Then (late 70's), Ijagbo and Offa were separated, in the outskirts of Offa, there was bush before you reach Ijagbo, but when we were coming I realized as we passed along Ijagbo, it was just continuous all the way to Offa; the two communities have merged”.

President John Mahama is now the Aare Atolase Of Offa-- a befitting chieftaincy title in Offa

DPR shuts some filling stations in Sokoto

Recently the state has been experiencing shortage of petroleum products with many filling stations closed down leading to hike in the pump price by some station owners who still have the products.

The Zonal Operations Controller of the Department of Petroleum Resources in charge of Sokoto and Kebbi states, Alhaji Mohammed Makera, disclosed to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday shortly after a raid on some filling stations that six independent marketers' filling stations in Sokoto and its environs were sealed for various offences.

Makera said five of the filling stations were sealed for selling petrol above the official pump price of N87 per litre and fined N100,000 each.

The remaining filling station was sealed for hoarding and fined N200,000.

“All the sealed filling stations would not be reopened until they write an undertaking to sell petroleum products at the government-approved pump prices,” he said.
Makera warned the marketers against contravening the government regulations, vowing to duly sanction any erring filling station in the two states.

Oprah Winfrey partners with Weight Watchers

Oprah Winfrey just made a big bet on Weight Watchers.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. is a leading, global-branded consumer company and the world’s leading commercial provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations.

In 2014, consumers spent approximately $5 billion on Weight Watchers branded products and services, including meetings conducted by the Company and its franchisees, digital weight management products provided through its websites, mobile sites and apps, products sold at meetings, licensed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other publications.

In a press release on Monday, October 19, 2015; the weight-loss assistance company said she joined its board and purchased newly issued stock representing a 10% stake of shares outstanding. She also bought options to acquire an additional 5% of fully diluted shares.

According to the press release, Oprah became an adviser, as well as a regular member of the program who will "candidly share her experiences and perspective along the way".

"Weight Watchers has given me the tools to begin to make the lasting shift that I and so many of us who are struggling with weight have longed for" she said in the statement. "I believe in the program so much I decided to invest in the company and partner in its evolution."
Weight Watchers shares surged by as much as 38% in premarket trading.

The teen hacker breaks into CIA Director personal email

A hacker talking to The New York Post claims to have compromised the personal email account of CIA Director John Brennan.

In reference to the Post, the "teen" hacker operates with a classmate under the name "Crackas With Attitude." The two were tweeting under the accounts @phphax and @_CWA_, the latter of which has been suspended. Before it was shut down, the @_CWA_ account tweeted what it claimed was sensitive CIA information which showed what appeared to be a list of names, along with possibly matching social security numbers. The @phphax account has also been tweeting documents it claimed to obtain from the hack.

The Post reports that the hacker gained access to the account through simple social engineering techniques which convinced AOL to reset the password on Brennan's account.

According to the Post, the CIA says it has "referred the matter to the appropriate authorities."

South African prison releases Oscar Pistorius, put under house arrest

On Valentine's Day 2013, Pistorius fatally shot Reeva Steenkamp in his Pretoria home. He said he had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder hiding in the bathroom, but he was arrested and charged with murder. At his trial the following year, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide. He received a five-year prison sentence for culpable homicide and a concurrent three-year suspended prison sentence for a separate reckless endangerment conviction. In November, prosecutors asked the sentencing judge for permission to appeal the verdict. Permission was granted in December, and the case will next be presented to a five-person panel at the Supreme Court of Appeal. His release from prison to house arrest was announced for 21 August 2015 but this was placed "on hold" on 19 August 2015. On 15 October 2015 it was confirmed that Pistorius was to be released from prison on 20 October 2015; however he was released on 19 October 2015.

  

The handling of the actual placement is an operational matter of the local management, and how they handle it is their prerogative that is carried out in the best interest of all parties concerned, the victims, the offender and the Department of Correction Services," Wolela said in a text message sent to journalists.

Facebook says it will warn users of 'advanced and dangerous' attacks

In the recent notification posted to the official Facebook Security page, the company says it will begin informing users if their account "has been targeted or compromised by an attacker suspected of working on behalf of a nation-state." See what the notification looks like on the desktop version of the Facebook website;

"While we have always taken steps to secure accounts that we believe to have been compromised, we decided to show this additional warning if we have a strong suspicion that an attack could be government-sponsored," Facebook's chief security officer, Alex Stamos, wrote. "We do this because these types of attacks tend to be more advanced and dangerous than others, and we strongly encourage affected people to take the actions necessary to secure all of their online accounts."

In reference to the statement on the security page, the warning does not relate to any compromise of Facebook's platform or systems; so users should ensure that their computers or mobile devices are remediated and malwares cleared off having an account compromised in this manner.

Nigeria Army arrests fake Army General who sponsors Boko Haram

The Nigeria Army in a statement on Tuesday said that on suspected Boko Haram sponsor, Aliyu Hussaini, who was parading himself as a military brigadier general was arrested by soldiers of the 33rd Artillery Brigade in Bauchi State during a raid.

This is a landmark success recorded in the ongoing Operation Zaman Lafiyah as troops of the brigade recently arrested Hussaini popularly known as Colonel, a suspected Boko Haram terrorist and an Impostor who has been parading himself as a Brigadier General in the Nigeria Army.

Hussaini and one Ibrahim Mohammed, who is also known as Yuram were arrested during the raid operation.

#BokoHaram: Chad sentences 10 members of Boko Haram group to death

Chad's capital N'Djamena, less than 100 kilometres from the Nigerian border, was hit by a series of suicide bombings in June and July that killed more than 40 people.

Yesterday, the chief prosecutor said that 10 members of the Islamist militants were sentenced to death on terrorism charges.

The verdict was announced in a closed court room just two days after the trial began and nearly a week ahead of schedule. The people who were sentenced included a 30-year-old Cameroonian Mahamat Moustapha, also known as Bana Fanaye (shown in the above picture), who was declared by Chad as the mastermind behind the N'Djamena attacks.

Earlier this week, he pleaded guilty to charges against him, which also included allegations of fraud and drugs and weapon possession, judicial sources said.

Chad along with Nigeria is leading the 8,700-strong regional military task force against Boko Haram. Chad's President, Idriss Deby, has strengthened local anti-terrorism laws and has said that Boko Haram can be destroyed by year end.

#Noise: Lagos shuts down churches over noisy worship

The chaotic megacity's environmental protection department said it had sealed off 22 premises on Wednesday after receiving dozens of calls a day, according to local newspaper reports.

Neighbours of one church - Jesus Our Lord Divine Catholic Prayer Ministry - said they were constantly disturbed by a congregation of mainly pregnant women, young mothers and their children.

Adebola Shabi, head of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, confirmed that officials receive around 50 telephone calls and 20 text messages a day complaining about noise, mostly from churches, the New Telegraph said.

With the enforcement so far, the agency has sealed 55 premises meanwhile, churches would be allowed to reopen after paying fines starting at 50,000 Naira.

#Tunnel: See the world's longest tunnel

The Swiss newspaper Tribune de Genève reported that the Swiss Gotthard Base Tunnel is set to be the longest railroad tunnel in the world at more than 35 miles long. Constuction of this project is almost completed and tests are set to begin by October 1st.

The tunnel, which started excavation in 1999, will speed travel times across the Swiss Alps, ultimately connecting Zurich and Milan with trains moving at top speeds of more than 150mph. Since the project first started, more than 31 million tons of earth have been excavated, and eight workers have died.

After the October tests, the tunnel will be just about ready to ferry its first customers: officials are planning an official opening for June 2016, with about 1,000 people eligible for the maiden voyage of the railroad.

#Nigeria: Congratulations!! Bisi Kolawole becomes first female Nigeia Police PRO

 What a man can do, a woman can do better!!!

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has appointed acting ACP Olabisi Alofe Kolawole as the new Force Public Relations Officer.

The appointment makes B the first female police officer to be appointed as National Police spokesperson of the Police Force.

According to a statement by CSP Abayomi Shogunle, deputy Police PRO, the appointment is geared towards harnessing the enormous potentials among Nigerian female police officers.
 

Bisi who holds a first degree in law, from Ogun State University and a Masters degree in Police Leadership and management from University of Leicester, United Kingdom replaces CP Emmanuel Ojukwu who is now the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command.

#Nigeria: Efritin.com becomes the first classifieds platform within 21 days after its launch

The organization recently confirmed that it currently has 128,000 listings on its platform with over 100 staff in only 8 states in Nigeria.
 

This accomplishment can be attributed to the platform’s thorough verification process of sellers that gives buyers a safer platform to transact on.

Sellers are physically verified within 48 hours of an advert placement before the product goes live on the site’s network.

The verification process may be seen as a way to reassure Nigerians, especially after several people have reported various circumstances of online scams and fraud in the past.

Inspiring!! A black girl flies Cross Country at age 15

Kimberly Anyadike was born in 1994; her parents are both from Nigeria. She's the youngest black female pilot who flew from Compton, California to Newport News, Virginia. It was a journey that covered 2, 342 miles which she completed in 13 days; she's the first Africa American teen to fly across the United States.

She was accompanied by safety pilot Ronnell Norman and Major Levi H. Thornhill; a certified commercial pilot and a retired U.S. Air Force pilot respectively.

Disgrace!! Drunk Policeman falls into gutter

Today, at about 12 noon, a traffic officer attached to Onipeye junction was so drunk that he fell inside that dirty gutter along Ife road, Ibadan.

Cristiano Ronaldo advertises Monster headphone

Following the Youtube by Ronaldo - ROC Live Life Loud on the 3rd of August, 2015; Cristiano Ronaldo, the soccer superstar wants to sell you his headphones.

 

Ronaldo has partnered with a consumer electronics company Monster to launch ROC Live Life Loud; a new company and brand offering an "exclusive lifestyle electronics collection curated by Ronaldo." These include headphones (either on-ear, in-ear, or over-ear) and a floating Bluetooth speaker. Brand prices ranges from $169.95 to $299.95 on choice of specifications.

         

 

The company's success was helped by endorsements from celebrities, and although Ronaldo might not exactly be a household name in the US, he's a megastar abroad. In fact, by some accounts he's the world's most popular athlete, with 37 million followers on Twitter and 105 million on Facebook (making him the most liked celebrity on the social network). However, it seems he's still capable of going completely unnoticed, with a viral video made to promote the new brand showing him disguised as a homeless person.

 

Nigeria!! MTN moves for repayment of its debt

MTN, The Africa largest wireless carrier with operations in 22 countries is said to have commenced talks with The Central Bank of Nigeria for early repayment of almost $600 million of debt it owes some Nigerian banks so as to save its image from possible damage.

This move was aimed at reducing further exposure of the naira which has weakened against the US dollar.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Group, Sifiso Dabengwa, said "We have already been negotiating with the lenders but the challenge has been getting the central bank to approve that we can accelerate the payment; It would help alot in terms of dealing with the currency fluctuations". -Bloomberg

Nigeria!! Publishing names of bad debtors in newspapers is the way forward - Expert

A financial expert, Dr Uche Uwaleke, on Wednesday commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CNB) for directing commercial banks to publish the names of bad debtors in newspapers. He said, This people had been given ample time to pay their debts and they refused to pay, so they do not have any excuse for non compliance.

I think the directive by the CBN is a step in the right direction, it is the way forward.”

Refusal of banks to collect foreign currency from customers would curb illicit flows of currency associated with Nigeria’s banking sector.He said the measure would reduce money laundering and shore up the value of the naira, especially in the black market.

If you notice, we are already beginning to feel the effect because since the introduction of this measure, naira in the parallel market seems to be appreciating.
Before this measure was taken, the parallel market rate was around N250 to the dollar but now the rate is between N209 and N210 with an official rate of N197.
So we are seeing a situation where in the near future the margin will keep on narrowing down to bridge the gap,’’ he said.

In his viewpoint, The CBN should continue to watch and react to circumstances as they arise

OSun State: Labour suspends strike

According to the NLC chairman, workers agreed to suspend the strike which started on May 26 because the state government would begin payment of January and February 2015 salaries as from Monday (yesterday) while the remaining salaries would be paid with the bailout still being expected from the Federal Government.

A copy of the MoU made available to journalists showed that the Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye, led the permanent secretaries of the Ministries of Justice, Finance and Human Resources and Capacity Building/Public Service to sign the document.

The MoU read, “Both parties, therefore, agreed to enter into this Memorandum of Understanding in anticipation of the bailout expected from the Federal Government on the issue of settlement of salary arrears and to show the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce, having in mind the need to collect data towards the completion of the physical verification exercise of workers and retirees in the public service.

#BetrayalOfTrust: APC suspends former SSG, 17 others

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara state, Northcentral, Nigeria, has suspended a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Saka Olododo‎, from the party following allegations of his involvement in anti-party activities.

He was suspended along side 17 members of the party following the recommendations of an Investigative and Disciplinary Committee, IDC, chaired by Alhaji Dare Garba which probed the alleged anti-party activities of the affected persons during the 2015 general elections.
 

Seventeen other involved members are Alhaji Tunde Saad, Mr Mashood Dauda, Mr Oba Sulaiman Asude‎, Mr Lukman Adeloyin, Alhaji Wahab Tobe, Mr Sa’ad Yero, Mr Iyanda Olori, Alhaji Amuda Bembe, Alhaji Amuda Musbau, Mr Zafi Saka Adanla, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Adanla, Alhaji Abdrahaman Sa’ad, Alhaji Saliman Rasak (Rasaki Pupa), Hon. Raimi Akanji, Alhaji Baba Alata, Alhaji Raufu Asude‎ and Mr Fatai Olodo‎.

The suspended 18 members are from Ilorin East local government area of the state.

It was noted that the former secretary and Alhaji Tunde Saad were placed on a year suspension while others were suspended for six months.

#RIP: Oscar-winning composer, James Horner dies at age 61

Sometime ago, Horner won two Oscars for his work on the 1997 James Cameron-directed "Titanic" -- earning best original dramatic score and best original song for the Celine Dion classic, "My Heart Will Go On." He died on Monday after the small plane he was piloting crashed in central California, his agency confirmed this Yesterday(Tuesday).

Reaction to his reported death was immediate, with celebrities who worked with him posting condolences.

#Congratulations!! Seyi Shay closes deal with American label

Deborah Oluwaseyi, a Nigerian music star, popularly called `Seyi Shay,’ has signed a deal with Island Universal Records; They closed the deal at the Universal Offices in South Kensington, London, on Tuesday.

The label operates as a division of Universal Music Group, a home to diverse and unparalleled family of global and award winning American artists like Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber and so on.

Shay said “my music style is primarily a combination of Afro-Pop and R&B. I do not conform to a particular genre of music.

“I believe that my musical prowess spans different genres. My music draws from things that inspire me.’’ She also cited her mother, Mathew Knowles, Beyonce’s Dad; 2face, Beyonce, Tina Turner, Sound Sultan, Wizkid and Omawuni as her mentors. #Alubarika

DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Benue House of Assembly members fight over leadership

Lawmakers at the Benue State House of Assembly, north-central Nigeria, clashed on Tuesday following a letter addressed to the Speaker by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to appoint majority leader for the Assembly.
The APC and the Peoples Democratic Party’s free for all fight at plenary started when the Speaker of the Benue Assembly, Mr Terkimbi Kyange, read the APC’s letter in which it claimed majority after a lawmaker of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected into its fold, which gave it a marginal lead over the PDP.
Normal legislative activities had began peacefully with the adoption of proceedings without any sign of an impending pandemonium before the chamber became a boxing ring minutes later.
The lawmaker in the eye of the storm, Mr Nick Eworo, hinged his defection on his expulsion from the PDP at the local government level.
The PDP lawmakers quickly arrested the reading of the letter via a motion to declare the seat of Mr Eworo vacant in line with Section 190 of the 1999 constitution.
Points of order for and against the motion of the PDP lawmakers to declare Mr Eworo’s seat vacant flew from all directions.
Mr Kyange then overruled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers’ motion, declining the request to declare the said member’s seat vacant.
The APC-PDP clash soon degenerated into a free for all physical combat and fighting, while some female lawmakers scampered for safety after heated argument with other colleagues.
The Sergeant At-Arm quickly removed the mace while fighting was going on.
However, a legislator, Tema Kester, on behalf of the PDP lawmakers vowed to resist the move which they described as a rape on the constitution.
While the Speaker hurriedly adjourned sitting till Thursday, activities at the State’s Assembly continued without any sign of prior civil disturbances.
DOWNLOAD

Source: Wadup.com.ng

Experts ask National Assembly to review PIB

Some experts in the Nigerian oil and gas industry on Monday called on the leadership of the new National Assembly to review the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) passed by the 7th House of Representatives.

Seyi Gambo, former Public Relations Officer, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said that the bill had generated mixed reactions.

He said that the proposed higher taxes in the PIB would make exploration of oil and gas uneconomical for International Oil Companies (IOCs), adding that this might lead to low investment by the IOCs.

The expert noted that with the current draft of the PIB, it would be highly unlikely that IOCs would invest in offshore and domestic gas projects in the country.

Gambo expressed worry over the increase in gas tax from 30 per cent to 80 per cent, royalty payment from seven per cent to 12.5 per cent for big producers and the minimal tax allowances for investment incentives on gas.

Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo, National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said that one of the objectives of the PIB is to enhance government’s revenues through better tax codes and restructuring of joint ventures between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and oil majors.

Okoronkwo said that IOCs operating in Nigeria had also expressed their opposition to certain sections of the fiscal term of the PIB over the years.
He said that they had continued to raise concerns about the proposed fiscal regime in the PIB which caused some companies to sell some of their oil blocks and suspended new investments, especially in deep offshore areas where they had been complaints that the PIB imposed stiffer conditions on operators.

#Bombblast; Another suicide attack at Yobe market

A female suicide bomber at about 10:30am detonated her Improvised Explosive Device in Nannawaji, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State;

An eyewitness claimed that Scores of people were killed and 26 others were injured in the attack.

#Congratulations;Wizkid signs a new deal with GLO

Congratulations on this  "Expensive $hit"; I can now see the land is green as Expensive $hit coroner took to his twitter handle as a proud GLO Ambassador in Nigeria. #Moremoney

#Annoucement;Olamide renews contract with Etisalat

This afternoon, ShakitiBobo coroner took to his Instagram page, the renewal of his deal with one of the giant telecommunication companies in Nigeria. #kodurosoke #Moreblessing

Bomb blast at Baga road motor park, Maiduguri

According to an eyewitness, we were made to understand that two female Suicide bombers tried to enter a fish market in which one detonated herself there, while the other one failed to blow up. Meanwhile, she later blew herself up at a nearby mosque but killed herself alone.

#NoMoreCheckPoints; Buhari authorizes removal of military checkpoints in Nigeria

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Aliyu Ismaila, disclosed this to State House correspondents after a meeting Buhari had with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said that the President had instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to get the Chief of Army Staff and Inspector-General of Police to  remove all the military men along the roads across the country.

Ismaila assured Nigerians that the issue of Boko Haram will soon be over with the kind of strategy to be deployed as a result of the common front that has been formed by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin.

He said the service chiefs left the meeting happier because the President updated and enriched their strategic plans.

#Discipline FRSC: Officer dismissed over issuance of fake driving licenses

Sunny Kpogha, a Road Marshal Assistant has been dismissed on an alleged misconduct relating to issuing fake driving licences. Today, the Federal Road Safety Commission Sector Commander in Edo, Mr. Familoni Oluwasusi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin. He said that the dismissed staff had been handed over to the police for prosecution. He also called on members of the public to ensure that their biometric were taken during the driving licence issuing procedure.

MTN signs Cobhams, drops Wizkid and others

A statement issued by the telecommunications company noted that the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge, made known on Thursday while unveiling Cobhams Asuquo, as the latest addition to MTN's list of brand ambassadors.

 

According to the statement, Asuquo will be joining Davido, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, Sound Sultan, Iyanya, Chidinma, Banky W, KCee as well as Saka, Osuofia, Mama Gee and others who have all renewed their contracts with MTN.

He said, however, that for 2015, artists like Timaya, Wizkid, sean Tizzle and a few others would no longer be ambassadors for the brand, though the relationship continues in other areas in which MTN enables artists to monitize their work.