BUDGET IMPASSE: Buhari Returns From China, To Deal With Saboteurs

After spending a week in China to seal economic deals that could see Nigeria draw down $6 billion investments, President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja yesterday to finish work on this year’s budget, which has been dogged by controversy. But there was apprehension, last night, that Buhari, who feels highly embarrassed by the alleged distortion of the budget by some members of the National Assembly, might press for sanctions against those found culpable. However, a source close to the Presidency said nobody could read the mind of the President on what he intended to do in relation to the crisis associated with the fiscal document. Sunday Vanguard learnt that the apprehension of some powerful federal lawmakers, who allegedly sabotaged the budget for pecuniary reasons, had been identified in both chambers of the National Assembly. The identification of the roles played by each of the lawmakers, according to competent sources, followed the week-long scrutiny of the document transmitted to the Presidency by the NASS. Presidency sources confirmed to Sunday Vanguard that the major areas of distortion carried out by the NASS had been compiled, saying Buhari would likely address Nigerians on the matter. It was also learnt that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who held a closed-door meeting with members on the budget, got to know how bad the budget had been ‘treated’ and offered to undertake a review to avoid further altercation with the Presidency on the matter. Dogara’s disposition, it was learnt, followed a meeting he had with a Minister who gave him a breakdown of the distortion done to the budget by members of the Appropriation Committees of the NASS. It was gathered that the Speaker had undertaken to do whatever was needed to ensure the review of the budget to ensure its success when assented to by Buhari and give succor to Nigerians. It was also learnt that, despite the tough stance of the Senate on the budget impasse, some leading members who had been briefed on how far the budget was “padded”, had opted to soften their stance and review the document in the national interest. “All that the President wants is to give Nigerians a budget that will reflate the economy and something to cheer about,” a Minister told Sunday Vanguard. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/budget-impasse-buhari-returns-china-deal-saboteurs/

Buhari Didn’t Sign Any Loan Deal With China – Presidency

The Presidency on Saturday said President Muhammadu Buhari did not sign any loan deal with the Peoples Republic of China during his just-concluded one-week working visit to the country. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, gave the clarification in an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH. Ahead of Buhari’s trip which started last Sunday, there were media reports that he would sign a $2bn loan deal with China during the visit as the Federal Government sought funds to finance the over N2tn budget deficit. http://www.punchng.com/buhari-didnt-sign-any-loan-deal-with-china-presidency/

FREE9JAEXPO Sunday Sport Tips (17/04/2016)

Switzerland -  Young boys vs Vadus-1
Albania: Partizan vs Vllaznia-1
Netherlands : Nec Nijmegen vs Cambuur-1
Sweden 2: Ljungskile vs Atvidaeberg-1x
Bulgaria 2: Verege vs Lokomotivo-1x
Italy : Fiorentina vs Sassulo- HWEH
Italy: Udinese vs cheivo- HWEH
Germany: Borussia D. Vs Hamburger- HWEH
India: Mumbai vs Shillong-1x
Spain : Sevilla vs Depo. -1x
Lativa : Suduva vs Utensi-1

England : Arsenal vs Crystal P-1

6 Things You Never Knew Could Ruin Your Skin

There are a lot of things that you take for granted, that really have a severe effect on our skin. Did you know that washing your face with soap is one way you harm your skin? Well, that is true. That and a host of other things that you do innocently but do your face no real good. Wondering what they are? FREE9JAEXPO highlights 6 of them in this piece…

Dirty pillowcase: Sleeping on the same pillowcase can cause breakouts even if you wash your face every night. Your pillowcases carry dirt and sweat from your hair, hands, and build up from the beauty products you use on your face at night, which can not only clog your pores, but also give you bumpy skin. It’s best to change your pillowcase every few days.

Your phone: Yes, it’s true! Your phone snuggles with your oily face and hair all day. A lot of bacteria accumulate on your phone, which when come in contact with your facial skin , can cause blemishes. Not cleaning the phone screen can trap dirt, makeup and moisturizers, giving you breakouts.

Makeup brushes, sponges and pads:Dirty makeup brushes can sure lead to pimples. You might be thinking it’s your new cream or even your foundation, but it could simply be you’re routine and not the product. Even if you have just washed your face and your skin is squeaky clean, those brushes still need to be washed. Makeup brushes start collecting dust, oil and dead skin cells if they are not washed for a long time.

Television remote: Your TV remote is something you handle everyday, be it while eating lunch or while snacking on popcorn or watching a movie. Remotes are loaded with bacteria, which can easily transfer to your fingers and then to your face, putting you at risk of breakouts. Wash your hands after handling the TV or AC remote and remember to wipe it down with an antibacterial wipe at least once a week.

Constant touching: Many of us have a habit of touching our face with dirty fingers or even plucking a pimple. Touching our face with hands introduces more oil, dirt and germs to skin. Not only that, our hair care products can also get on our hairline or face, eventually blocking pores. So, try and keep your hair away from your face whenever possible.

Washing face with soap: Soaps contains harsh chemicals which are not at all meant to be used for face cleansing. They can make the skin dry and irritable. The skin’s pH level, if disturbed, can contribute to skin problems. Ordinary commercial soaps have pH levels between 9 to 11, which increases the skin pH level, leading to problems.

Hope these tips help??

We are missing you Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – Nigerians lament

Nigerians have had to weigh their options, with some seeking alternatives, following the recent report of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration failing to  pay special allowance to security operatives attached to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

A disaffection is brewing among security operatives at the Aso Villa in Abuja, over unpaid allownaces

According to the report, the development is causing dissatisfaction among the security personnel. Prior to when the present administration came into power, all the security agents at the Villa under former President Goodluck Jonathan enjoyed the allowance up until March, 2015, while his administration left those of April and May, 2015, unpaid.

Some Nigerians have aired their views on the rather controversial issue, below are their thoughts.

Stanley Nnabuagha said: “Some say I rely on luck, but was it luck that got rid of fuel queues, revived our textile industries, rescued our banking sector, ensured total radar coverage for Nigeria, is reviving our rail infrastructure or expanded the economy by over 8% making Nigeria the 4th fastest growing economy in the world? Those are the result of hard work. Only hard work can make Nigeria work – GEJ”

READ ALSO: This is what Buhari will do to propaganda – APC

Onyebuchi Nwafor said: “We’re missing you the immediate past president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,the one and only true democratic president this country ever had, the silent achiever.”

Irem Kelechi attempted hitting President Buhari and the APC below that belt with his statement. He said: “And he said he is not a one chance president? Keep promising Nigerians. All promises cancelled (APC).”

According to Emmanuel Tom, “Those who voted for Buhari, have more now to regret”.

However, some other Nigerians did not see the situation as one that should be yardstick for comparing Jonathan and Buhari.

Some even went as much as sighting the trending issue of the missing Chibok girls that were abducted about 2-years ago. They claimed that the incident occurred under the watch of Jonathan and as reports have it, it was a lack of interest on the part of the immediate past administration that made the situation linger this long.

The present APC government still has some time to prove themselves worthy of the votes that brought them into power, do you think they would deliver? Would they out-perform the PDP administration that had been in power for about 16 years?

Let us know your thoughts on this very contentious issue.

Pro-Buhari group blasts President Buhari, says his government is losing direction

– Public opinion seem to be swaying against President Muhammadu Buahri gradually

– Many Nigerians are beginning to question the president’s ability to deliver the expected change promised during the electionnering period

– Pro-Buhari group, Change Vigilantes are the latest to voice their concerns

President Muhammadu Buhari’s popularity seem to be waning as a group hitherto known for supporting his government, yesterday, April 15, accused the government of derailing from its original visions.

Some of the supporters who made their opinion known at a town hall meeting organised by Change Vigilantes, a pro-Buhari group, in Lagos, urged the government to reverse itself from the wrong direction.

Time running pout for President Buhari?

According to The Guardian, speakers at the event identified corruption, epileptic power supply, unemployment, bad economy, as the major issues after almost one year of the Buhari administration.

READ ALSO: 7 reasons Nigerians should not blame President Buhari for current economic woes

Leader of the of group, Dr Ope Banwo stated that the president should not be allowed to fall into the same situation his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan fell into when his supporters refrained from telling him the truth.

Banwo said: ”I am one of those people spending their money and energy fighting for Buhari’s government, right now am not happy with the direction the country is taking in different areas.” 

”They say those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat the mistakes of history. So the government must learn from the mistakes of the previous administration.

”One of those things that led to the downfall of the Jonathan’s administration was that those who sincerely believed in the government never told the former president the truth until it was too late, and that is one of the things we are determined will never happen with the change government.

”I do not need to prove my commitment to the Buhari government because I have been a die-hard Buharist even before the election, touring places to ensure the success of the president at the election.

”We felt that the government is losing direction. So, as part of my own way to make sure the government never derail from its change mantra, we continue to call on the government, spending our resources to make sure he is on the right track.”

Speaking on unemployment in the country, Banwo said: ”The government is doing well, but the government performance on employment is poor. The president must be reminded that he promised 740,000 jobs in first year, but we got more than 740,000 layoffs.”

During her contribution, founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) Mrs Sola Salako said: ”I would rate the government as being fair, but after one year, we are not where we are expected to be.” 

Meanwhile, as Nigerians continue to groan under harsh economic conditions, President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that his trip to China yielded about $6 billion investment for Nigeria.

The president posited that his one-week trip would positively impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation.

In a related development, a report surfaced in the media earlier today chronicling how churches are experiencing financial downturn as Nigeria’s economic crisis bites harder across the nation.

The report stated that members have now turned to their church leaders for financial support towards feeding, accommodation and children’s tuition.

Dad decides to check his daughter’s room at 3am. What he sees? Every parent’s nightmare!

It was 3am when a concerned father awoke. Suddenly he felt he should check on his daughter. So, he headed into her bedroom. But he never expected to see this!

In the middle of the night, the 33-year-old dad opened his young daughter’s door. But what the hell! A massive man stood over her bed.

The father didn’t ask a lot of questions. He grabbed the intruder and beat him to a bloody pulp. Then he dragged the sexual pervert (who was later identified as 34-year-old Ricky Slater) away from his daughter’s room and called the police.

When cops arrived, they found the man unconscious. The suspected child molester died in the hospital the next morning.

Slater’s family is asking the court to charge the father who acted in defense of his daughter. So the cops upgraded Batterham’s charge from “grievous bodily harm” to murder.

Slater’s mom, Beryl Dickinson, said that because of Batterham, her three grandchildren were left without a father.

“They’ve lost their father, their beautiful father that they haven’t seen for years because he was in jail, which has nothing to do with this case,” Dickson told. “Just to think those little kids are going to grow up without a dad now.”

But who is right in this situation? Please, share your opinion below!

NDLEA arrests woman for smuggling 86 pellets of cocaine

NDLEA arrested a 41-year-old Dorothy Onyekasi who faked pregnancy with 86 pellets of cocaine

– The mother of three was apprehended at the Lagos airport during the inward screening of passengers

– The suspect insisted that her involvement in drug trafficking was a mistake

The suspect Dorothy Onyekasi

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 41-year-old Dorothy Onyekasi who faked pregnancy with 86 pellets of cocaine.

Premium Times reports that the mother of three was apprehended at the Lagos airport during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

According to a statement issued by the anti-drug agency on Saturday, April 16, the cocaine has a total weight of 1.720 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of N20.6 million.

Commenting on the incident, Ahmadu Garba, the NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, noted that the wraps of cocaine could have been easily mistaken for pregnancy.

“It was discovered that the suspect kept 86 wraps of cocaine inside a waist bag which was tied to her stomach.

“Unfortunately, the drug was detected by NDLEA officers on her arrival from Dubai. The drug was immediately packed and weighed in her presence,” he said.

The cocaine has a total weight of 1.720 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of N20.6 million.

Meanwhile, the suspect insisted that her involvement in drug trafficking was a mistake.

“I am separated from my husband who left me with three children. I used to import female bags and shoes from Dubai. My involvement in drug trafficking is a mistake and I take responsibility for my action.

“I travelled to Dubai to buy my goods. While I was preparing to return, I met a man in Dubai who gave me the drug and promised to give me enough money to expand my business. He also told me that when I get to Nigeria, he will call his partner to collect the drug and give me my money,” she said.

Muhammed Abdallah‎, the chairman of the NDLEA, revealed that in the past few days the agency has recorded numerous arrests and drug seizures at the Lagos airport.

“The drug cartels have also suffered huge losses from these operations. This particular suspect faked pregnancy with wraps of cocaine but she was caught by vigilant narcotic agents.

“Some of the suspects recently apprehended concealed drugs in their socks and luggage while others ingested wraps of cocaine in disregard of the danger to their health. In spite of their craftiness, we are daily stopping them from perpetrating their criminal act and forcing them to a retreat,” he said.

Earlier this week, the NDLEA recovered 193 wraps of cocaine inside a passenger’s socks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

A drug smuggler was detained by vigilant airport workers before he boarded the plane.

Nigerian Armed forces establish camp for repentant Boko Haram members

Rabe Abubakar said that the military authorities had not disclosed where the camp was located for security reasons.

The Armed Forces have reportedly opened a camp for repentant members of the Boko Haram Sect.

Speaking with the Punch on Saturday, April 16, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, the acting director of the defence information, said that the military authorities had not disclosed where the camp was located for security reasons.

He noted that the military expect that more insurgents would surrender when they discovered the way those in the camp were being treated.

“Definitely, the camp is there, and we are working round the clock to fix everything, and all what is required will be there and then we will move

“The camp is open, whether in Borno, in Mubi, in Jigawa; the camp is the camp and we have opened it, and people will come to know where the camp is. We do not want to disclose where the camp is for security reasons.

“We hope that more would surrender when the set of those who surrendered are being treated in line with global best practices, that would attract them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian army has recently averted a bomb attack on their troops at Pulka in Borno state.

In another display of vigilance, troops of 3 battalion were able to intercept a spy near the battalion headquarters at Gamboru Ngala and after interrogation, launched an attack on Boko Haram camp and killed 27 terrorists.

Sunderland cling onto hope of Premiership survival with the trashing of Norwich

NAIJ.com sports brings you the EPL review, with the survival for the Premier League status on the forefront.

With Newcastle and Sunderland reviving their survival hopes with important victories, while Man City enhanced their top four position with the trashing of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle United player celebrates a goal

Newcastle 3-0 Swansea

Rafael Benitez registers his first victory as the magpie’s boss with the away trashing of Swansea to give themselves hope of the Premier League survival.

Lascelles, Sissoko, and Townsend struck to leave the relegation battle a three horse race for survival. Lascelle’s headed goal from a corner opened the scoring in the 40th minute – his second goal for the club.

Moussa Sissoko’s first goal of the season doubled the scoring before Townsend’s late strike moves the home side within three points of safety with five games to play.

Rashford celebrates his goal

Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa

Rashford ended Villa’s 28-year-stay in the EPL with his solitary goal to leave them 15 points from safety with five games to play.

The home side, who sacked manager Remi Garde at the end of last month, have endured a torrid campaign in which the supporters have protested both at the performance of the players and the management of the club.

PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest sports news on Naij Sports

Everton players

Everton 1-1 Southampton

Saido Mane earned the visitors a well deserved point at Goodison Park as Everton let another three points slip away, however, Southampton dominated the possession and hit the woodwork twice.

Ramiro Funes Mori capitalised on slack defending from Betrand to drill home from close range.

The lead was short-lived as mane headed home from a loose ball with under 15 minutes remaining, and could have taken all three points if not for a fine save by the Everton goalie, Joel Roble to deny Rodriguez.

Sunderland were given a huge survival boost with goals from Borini, Defoe and substitute Watmore over fellow strugglers Norwich.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce admitted before the match that his side cannot afford any more mistakes in their bid to avoid relegation, and his players responded accordingly.

Fabio Borini  won and converted a penalty before the break. Defoe scpored jhis 10th away goal of the season to double the scoring before Watmore’s composed finish settled matters in injury.

What You Need To Know About The Currency Swap Agreement Between Nigeria/china

As a way of finding solutions to the current currency slump in Nigeria, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC) and Nigeria’s Central Bank have signed a deal on Yuan transactions. Recently, many Nigerians have found it exceedingly difficult to pay for services like education and healthcare in other countries, due to the weak Naira, and this deal is an attempt to resuscitate the currency.

Reuters reports that the director general of the African affairs department of China’s foreign ministry, Lin Songtian, said the deal meant the Yuan will flow freely around Nigerian banks and will even be included in the country’s foreign exchange reserves. This deal is one of the outcomes of the meetings between Presidents Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and Xi Jinping of China, during the Nigeria-China Business/Investment Forum in Beijing, China.

Aside from the financial investments China has made in agriculture and infrastructure in Nigeria, the deal will provide a way for both countries to settle trade agreements in the Yuan. It appears that President Buhari is determined to transform Nigeria into an exporting country as opposed to a primarily consuming one, saying it is high time the country started exporting to China.

However, this is the not the first time Nigeria has made attempts to include the Yuan into its foreign exchange reserves.

In 2011, under the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria at the time, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a small percentage of the country’s foreign reserves were in the Chinese Yuan. At the time, Nigeria’s $32 billion in reserves were 79 percent in dollars with the rest largely held in Euros and Swiss francs.

Bloomberg reports that Sanusi was cited saying the decision came because the Nigerian financial sector had a lot of confidence in the Chinese currency. “Confidence in China doesn’t mean lack of confidence in America. Europe and America will continue to be important parts of the world. Having said that, it will be almost living in a dream world to ignore China. It’s the second-largest economy in the world and it’s well managed,” Sanusi said.

In 2014, Central Bank’s deputy governor, Kingsley Moghalu, said the bank was looking to increase the percentage of Yuan foreign reserves in its possession from 2 percent to 7 percent. According to him, 85 percent of its foreign reserves were in dollars and it needed to have more in Chinese Yuan, as the country was taking a more important place in global trade. “It was clear to us that the future of international economics and trade will shift in large part to business with and by China. Ultimately the renminbi (Yuan) is likely to become a global convertible currency,” Moghalu said.

Now, the question is, will this integration of the Yuan help to shore up the Naira as intended by the president? The answer lies in the tentative decision that African countries are taking to dump the US Dollar as the prevailing currency in their foreign reserves. Since 2014, the world market has recognised the Yuan as a likely global reserve currency, a replacement for the dollar, which has led countries like Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe to integrate the renminbi (Yuan) into their financial markets. As a result of this, trade (however imbalanced) has increased between certain countries on the continent and China, as well as providing a fertile ground for demand for the currency on the continent.

http://www.financialwatchngr.com/2016/04/13/need-know-currency-swap-agreement-nigeria-china/

"What A Doctor Did When I Accompanied A Female Friend To The Hospital"

After reading the news about a Doctor At Sayemi Natural science Centre who was accused of Rape, I have come to get the answer to a question I have been asking myself for years about the conduct of a doctor I had encounter with. It was during my early days in the university , I accompanied a female course mate to the hospital. She was just a friend and nothing more . She was one of the finest in the faculty then. That morning she called me on phone and told me she was feeling feverish, and wants to go to the hospital to see a doctor. Trying to be a good course mate and friend I volunteer to accompany her to the hospital without even asking what the sickness was. When we got to the hospital, I waited on the reception while she went in to see the doctor . After some minutes, she came out and told me she was asked to wait for a test to be carried out to ascertain was wrong with her. After we had waited for like an hour, the doctor finally came out and request she follow him ( I assumed it was for the test). After about 10mins, the Doctor came to the reception again were I was innocently sitting and asked me to come with him; I followed him as we went into the operation ward. I was shocked to see my course mate lying on the operation bed unclad from her waist below, with her legs spread wide open . She was given those anesthesia drug that makes one slightly unconscious ( because she opened her eyes once in a while during the operation). The Doctor requested I should come closer and take a glance ( pointing at a boil close to her vagina; he said to me, "this is what we have to remove". I was still dumbfounded to utter a word. Without wasting anymore time , he cut open the boil and pus began to gush out (my eye see something that day). About an hour after the operation, she regained her consciousness. The first thing she said to me was "were you there?" I answered her in affirmation. She didn't know if she should hide her face or cry. She was angry with me (as if na my fault) , with the Doctor and everybody. I promised her I won't utter what transpired to any of our class members and I kept my promise. Since that incident, I have been wondering why did the doctor want me to be present during the operation. I guess I got the answer today; he was only trying to be careful for fear of any accusation of molestation or rape. Probably, he thought I was her boyfriend. He needed a witness. I think doctors should apply caution while dealing with female patients especially when it got to do with the private parts. They should request for a witness that would be present .

17 Mathematics Equations That Changed The World Totally

Mathematics is all around us, and it has shaped our understanding of the world in countless ways.

In 2013, mathematician and science author Ian Stewart published a book on 17 Equations That Changed The World. We recently came across this convenient table on Dr. Paul Coxon's twitter account by mathematics tutor and blogger Larry Phillips that summarizes the equations. (Our explanation of each is below):

Here is a little bit more about these wonderful equations that have shaped mathematics and human history:
http://www.mavenvibe.com/2016/04/13/17-equations-that-changed-the-world-totally/

Hospital Rejects PDP Lawmaker’s Donation In Yobe State

The Management of the General Hospital, Potiskum, Yobe state, has rejected donations of Hospital equipment from a member of the House of Representatives, representing Nangere/Potiskum Federal Constituency, Hon Sabo Garba. Investigation made by our state correspondent revealed that, Hon Sabo Garba, who won the election to the Federal parliament on the platform of the People Democratic party (PDP) beat the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Hon Ali Yakubu Mainasara, at last years general elections. According to a staff of the hospital, who spoke on the position of anonymity to LEADERSHIP Weekend, it was explained that the management and staff of the hospital believed that they would be punished or lose their jobs if they received the items from the opposition party (PDP). According to the source, the APC run state government had directed the commissioner of health to warn the staff of the hospital to reject any form of donations from oppositions parties including PDP. Sequel to this, the PDP lawmaker yesterday accused the state government and the All Progressive Congress (APC) of instigating the people against PDP further stating that the governor had failed the state. He said that, “the state government has failed to deliver the campaign promises to the citizens. If Yobe APC are blaming PDP and rejecting donations from its members, while also blaming PDP for 16 years of misrule, then we will start the change from my constituency.” He added that, “ what is wrong if I donated equipment to the general hospital, the hospital was built since the time of late prime minister, Sir Ahmadu Bello in 1956, and is in urgent need of a facelift. “I personally sent my own donation to help people of the state irrespective of political, religious and tribial differences. I am just doing it in good faith in order to promote our hospital. The hospital is the eldest in the northeast region, yet there is no water or light, and there is a lack of sufficient beds” said Garba. He however appealed to the state government not to play politics with the state health sectors. http://leadership.ng/news/518722/yobe-hospital-rejects-pdp-lawmakers-donations

Nigeria Is Not Sick” We Don’t Need IMF Loans – Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun

The Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Legarde says the state of Nigeria’s economy is critical and requires proactive monetary, fiscal and structural policies to put it on the path of growth. The IMF position during a media conference at the IMF WD spring meetings attracted the reaction of Nigeria’s Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun. The Minister, said Nigeria will overcome its economic challenges without taking loan facility from the IMF. She disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday. Adeosun made the observation at the ongoing Spring Meetings of the IMF-World Bank in Washington DC in response to why the government has refused to apply for IMF loans. The statement quoted the minister as saying that Nigeria was adapting to its new realities by implementing fiscal policies to steer the country back on track for stable growth with a diversified economy. Signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Mr Festus Akanbi, the statement said the minister expressed optimism that sound fiscal policies and investments would boost Nigeria’s economy by 2017. Adeosun insisted that what the country was passing through was surmountable because government was already applying a “cocktail of measures to address the problem. “Nigeria is not sick. The real vulnerability in the Nigerian economy is over-dependence on a single source of revenue; oil. “We have resolved to build resilience into the country’s economy to hedge against future oil shocks. This is because dependence on oil brings about vulnerability and laziness. “So, we are doing a combination of things to diversify our economy, with revenue mobilisation to enable sufficient investment in developing the non-oil sectors. “We have great opportunities to reset the Nigerian economy and ensure that as we go forward, growth will be in a sustainable manner so that we won’t be vulnerable to oil price fluctuations.’’ Adeosun said with a truly diversified economy the government would have enabled opportunities for wealth creation that would have flow down to every Nigerian. She said that the compelling business case in Nigeria is that the fundamentals remain very strong, a teaming, young growing population, rich in resources and that the government of the day is determined to finally get it right. She added that the long term investors recognise this and understand the difference between short term and long term issues and that the case for Nigeria persuades one to plan for the longer term opportunities http://www.nta.ng/news/investment/20160416-nigeria-is-not-sick-we-dont-need-imf-loans-finance-minister-kemi-adeosun/

Nigerian President Buhari and Jonathan at a Glance

CORRUPTION & WASTAGE: Buhari And Jonathan at A Glance 1] Jonathan sold Petrol at N87 while Buhari is selling at average of N300 & above, yet Buhari supporters think Jonathan was more corrupt and wasteful. 2] When Jonathan Budgeted N1bn for feeding in Aso-Rock in 2011, and N517m in 2015, APC cried wolf and now Buhari's budget for same is N1.7billion. Yet Buharists are mute and still think GEJ was more corrupt and wasteful. 3] Jonathan spent N1.4bn to service all presidential jets in one year while Buhari spends N6bn on same in 6month yet Buharists think GEJ was more corrupt and wasteful. 4] Jonathan gave more funding to education while Buhari's 2016 budget favours Ministry of information more than education yet Buharists think GEJ was more corrupt/wasteful. 5] Jonathan spent an average of N8million on each international trip while Buhari spends an average of N55million on each international trip, yet Buharists think GEJ was more corrupt and wasteful. 6] Jonathan created Over 5.8millon jobs in 5yrs while buhari has sacked over 2million workers in 8months. Check Federal Bureau of Statistics. 7] Jonathan made Nigeria's economy the best in Africa and No 1 investment destination & quadrupled our GDP in 4yrs while Buhari has dragged Nigeria's economy down to 14th position in ranking in just 7months. 8] Jonathan left Naira exchange rate @ N185 to $1 but Buhari with his Adama and Eve economics has destroyed the Naira in just 8 months which now sells at N315 to $1. 9] It took Jonathan less than 2weeks to select his cabinet including foreign based technocrats while it took Buhari 6months to do same. Even with indicted people and no single economist among the 36 names. 10] Buhari claimed that subsidy was fraud (Who is subsidizing who@) but buhari has spent N1.2trillion on fuel subsidy in the last 5 months and still no fuel while all Buharists have suddenly gone dumb. 11] Buhari/APC accused Jonathan of corruption but have not been able to pin one stain on him, while Muhammadu Buhari himself followed the crowd that entered into the #DasukiGate. 12] Under Jonathan freedom and liberty of Nigerians was not determined by party affiliation, but today under Buhari his perceived enemies and political opponents are leveled with frivolous allegations of crimes and intimidated with either the EFCC or the DSS. 13] Buhari does not have an Honorary WAEC but bags an illegal Honorary (Ph.D) from a university that have no PhD student and Not approved by NUC and yet Buharists respect his NEPA Bill more than GEJ's PhD. 14. Buhari used his secondary school principal's recommendation letter to become Military Head of State and again used Court Affidavit to become President and no one reminded him that these are the height of corruption. He Refused to declare his assets public, suppressing the FOI and denied all his 81 election promises and stayed in the last 8 months blaming former leaders. Jonathan was in that position, he never complained or blamed anyone, but faced his work even when Buhari's disgruntled brother ensured that Nigeria will know no peace. - Hope For Nigeria..... Share...... Make it viral.....

The Major Reason Why Many Ladies Remain Single For A Long Time

I honestly can't shake the pity off my mind anytime i see how many ladies wallow in frustration simply because they are still single at very marriageable ages and this is why i decide to drop this thought provoking piece. The major reason many ladies are still single at very ripe age is HIGH EXPECTATION and below is a simple illustration to explain my point. As a lady please get this straight;Good potential husbands are everywhere but your spec may not be readily available.An average Nigerian lady wants a cute,rich,caring guy and no matter how hard they try to shrug this off,they keep using this as a yardstick to be with a man but unfortunately 2 out of 10 guys are the specs of 8 out of every 10 ladies so these 8 ladies clamor to be with these 2 men but unfortunately these 2 guys can't marry more than a wife each. My advice to many ladies is to understand that it is perfectly normal to seek for a "financially ok" guy to marry but no matter how hot you may be, it is easier to get a man to marry you when he is struggling than when he is made.Comfort,wealth and good life is not usually instantaneous but progressive. Don't be fooled,many expensive wedding ceremony you see are sponsored by the bride or groom's family.As a lady,try your best to get something doing and lets just assume you meet a guy that makes as little as 40k a month and you also make like 40k a month,please start a life together and continue to build your lives together. You can always do an elaborate intro and engagement party and proceed to the registry and when you have money you can do a very big wedding ceremony. This thread is not for the few ladies who are fortunate to find a rich dude but for countless number of Nigerian ladies who are on the other side of the divide. Our ladies should Stop indulging in ultimate search contest with many other ladies for a rich guy and Until our ladies learn to look in the right direction,be financially independent,lower their expectation and be ready to build a life with a man without the negative preemptive mindset of what will happen after he becomes rich,i guess there will forever be an increase in aver-aged unmarried ladies. Just trying to make sense.

Senate Rushes Passage Of CCB Act Amendment

Determined to pass the Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act in a record time, the Senate Thursday unanimously endorsed the crucial second reading of the bill. The sponsor of the controversial bill, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, (Delta North) appeared radiant in his red cap as he presented his lead debate. Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, presided in the absence of the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki. Debate of the proposed amendment was done in a jiffy with only one Senator, Yahaya Abbdullahi, (Kebbi North) managing to chip in some words of caution about the timing of the bill. A total of seven Senators, Dino Melaye, (Kogi West), Barau Jibrin (Kano North), Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East), Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South), Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe ), Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir (Sokoto East) and Ekweremadu (Enugu West) supported the bill while Senator Yahaya Abdullahi appeared to have dissented. Nwaoboshi told his colleagues that he sponsored the amendment bill that was promulgated in 1989 and came into operation in 1991 based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as it were. He insisted that it is clear that the Act did not contemplate criminal trial “so the usage of Criminal Procedure Act and Criminal Procedure Code should not be used as a procedural template in the Tribunal.” He promised to provide a comprehensive amendment of the Third Schedule to the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Rules of procedure which should be the distinct rule for proceedings in the Code of Conduct Tribunal. He noted that the 1999 Constitution has two schedules-Third schedule and the Fifth schedules dealing extensively with the Code of Conduct for public officer. Nwaoboshi noted that the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides: 3 “The Bureau shall have power to: (a) Receive declaration by public officers made under paragraph 12 of part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of this Constitution; (b) Examine the declaration in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct or any law; © Retain custody of such declaration and make them available for inspection by citizens of Nigeria on such terms and conditions as the National Assembly may prescribe; (d) Ensure compliance with and, where appropriate, enforce the provisions of the Code of Conduct of any law relating thereto; (e) Receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation thereto, investigate the compliant and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal; Nwaoboshi urged his colleagues to support the bill. Senator Melaye in his contribution said that he studied the bill and it is clear to him that the Code of Conduct Act should be amended. Melaye noted that it has become apparent that the Code of Conduct Tribunal had begun to dive into criminal proceedings and criminal trial which was not the intention of the framers of the Act. He noted that the Act clearly stated that before trial, the person involved shall be communicated and the person will respond accordingly. He also said that the Tribunal should have at least three judges even though the Act stipulates five judges “but today the Tribunal has just two judges which is against the spirit and letters of the Act.” Senator Jibrin on his own said that it remained the duty of the National Assembly to make and amend laws where necessary to ensure that justice is always done. He added that in doing so, there should be fairness at all times. Senator Anyanwu reminded his colleagues that the only thing constant in life is change. He added that the Senate has the duty to amend gray areas of any legislation. Senator Olujimi said the amendment should be done “as quickly as possible. Senator Ibrahim also said the amendment should be done as quickly as possible and urged the presiding officer to find out if any senator was against the amendment. Senator Gobir described that amendment as “timely and important” and asked the Senate to go ahead to effect the amendment. Abdullahi however cautioned that timing of the presentation of the amendment was not auspicious. He said, “I want to point a word of caution. The question of the timing of this bill should be taken into consideration. Nigerian people can easily interpret that since 1991, this Act was not challenged but because our principal officer is being tried, we decided to come up with this amendment.” Abdullahi asked the upper chamber to re-examine whether the timing of the bill is right. Senator Ekweremadu asked if any senator was against the bill. There was pin drop silence on the floor. The Deputy Senate President noted that the bill has nothing to do with the proceedings going on in which the Senate President is involved. He said that Senators are only doing their job as parliamentarians adding that that Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal have come to stay. He however insisted that in carrying out their function, there must be equity and fairness. Ekweremadu who said that the Senate is not trying to frustrate anybody or institution, added “we must always do our jobs without fear or favour.” The bill was referred to the joint committee on Judiciary and Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back in two weeks

Driver Dies During Sex In Ilorin

Abdullahi Olesin A taxi driver in his 50s reportedly slumped and died during sex with a middle aged-woman at Lanjorin section of Muritala area, Ilorin on Tuesday night. The deceased reportedly died, few hours after he had told his wife he was attending a three-day prayer vigil. The incident, it was gathered occurred around 11pm. The deceased was said to have been rushed by the woman’s neighbours to a private clinic in the area after he slumped and the woman began to scream for help but he was rejected at the clinic. Some bystanders had earlier attempted to burn the clinic on allegations that the Director refused to  treat someone brought in on emergency but  later gave up their threat when they realised the dark-complexioned man was already dead. Policemen from the ‘A’ Division later came to the hospital and took  away and later deposited the corpse at the mortuary of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). A woman who identified herself as wife to the deceased was said to have also arrived on the scene and lamented that her husband told her he was participating in a three-day vigil at a church in the vicinity.

Man Raped By A Fake Police Officer In Delta

A young Nigerian man has opened up to free9jaexpo about how he was set up in Asaba Delta State Nigeria, and his valuables collected. A man called Bola traveled from Lagos to Ibadan, and was eventually set up in Delta State Asaba, Nigeria. It happened that he has been chatting with a man on Facebook who claimed to be a doctor. Upon his arrival at an arranged hotel in Asaba, this man collected his debit cards and other valuable items from him, using an internet banking app to transfer all his funds, amounting to about 85,000 naira. This man claimed that he was a police officer in disguise, and as well, threatened him with the recently signed Anti-Gay Law. But this wickedness did not stop there. This so called police officer also raped him without any protection and later followed the victim up to where he joined a bus back home. We have details of this man, including his picture, but we cannot release it, as the victim’s life will be put at risk. This man has the victim’s school ID card and has threatened to hurt him if he gets anyone involved. We are making further enquiries into this issue, and will see the outcome of whatever happens. This is clearly an act of wickedness and a crime has been committed here. This Wicked man needs to face the law for extortion and impersonation