Ambode finally signs N1.046Trn budget appropriation bill 2018 into law.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has signed the N1,046,121,181,680, 2018 appropriation bill into law.

The governor, appended his signature to the budget,termed, Progress and Development”, this morning, at a brief ceremony, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode


Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly had barely a month ago passed the appropriation bill after consideration for Governor’s assent. The governor had initially presented the appropriation before the state house of assembly last year December for consideration and subsequent approval.

Nigerians Dying Of Poverty, Suffering – Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, has expressed concern over the suffering and hardship facing the Nigerian masses and called for well-meaning leaders to salvage their precarious condition.

He also lamented that the corporate existence of Nigeria was being threatened by selective administration of justice, marginalisation, and vendetta against perceived political opponents of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

This is just as he decried the level of poverty in the country, adding that many Nigerians are dying in silence with nobody standing up for them.

Fayose, therefore, called on people of good conscience not to allow their voices to be silenced because of possible political antagonism or persecution.

He spoke in Lagos on Friday night while being conferred with the award of Man of the Year by the Silverbird Group. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor was quoted as saying that the major step to take to solve the problem was in going back to the basics and restructuring the country.

Fayose, who fielded questions from newsmen after the event, said he would not allow anybody to drown his voice or silence him no matter what it would cost. “A lot of people we know to be vocal have lost their voices. Some have taken cover under the beds of their wives. We are in a perilous time and I appreciate those who are still standing for the people at this time. For me, I will remain a man. Some people have kept quiet because they fear that they may be persecuted,” he said.

“But should we all keep quiet when people are oppressed and suppressed and blatantly marginalised? Look at the level of poverty in the country, it is sickening. The standard of living has gone down. And how do we explain a situation where some people are treated as slaves and others as princes. This country belongs to all of us. It is in serious need now and we must salvage the situation,” he added.

On the call for restructuring, Fayose said he aligned with the call made many years ago by the late Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu that the country must be restructured. He noted that the issues that led to the civil war were yet to be resolved many decades after.

“I was moved by what the late Chief Ojukwu said many years ago and never knew his wife would be the one to present this award to me. We should go back to the basics or we are going nowhere. We are one and the same and no section must be marginalized,” Fayose posited.

While charging leaders to make laws for the good of the people, adding that the law prohibiting open grazing in Ekiti State had come to stay. He said anybody who crosses the line would be dealt with.

While presenting the award to Fayose, former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, described Fayose as an irrepressible governor of the people.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, said all the award winners were men and women who deserved to be so recognised.

Baruten Local Government in Kwara State have silently denounced to the Republic of Benin.

Residents of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State have denounced their Nigerian citizenship.

They said they now to belong to the Republic of Benin.

The residents attributed their decision to long neglect of the local government in terms of basic infrastructure by the Kwara State government.

In a statement made available to journalists, Abdulrazaq O. Hamzat of Kwara Must Change accused Kwara politicians of deceiving residents of the local government with promises during electioneering campaign.

He said since the creation of Kwara state over 51 years ago, no single meaningful project has been done in the local government by either state or federal government.

Hamzat said some members of Kwara Must Change residing in the local government confided in the group that they have since lost hope in the Kwara State government and have silently denounced their Kwara State citizenship due to absolute neglect.

”I am from Baruten local government, in Gwanara district specifically. We call ourselves citizens of Benin Republic because we are not sure if we are part of Kwara state. From Gwanara, we travel to Saki in Oyo state for medical treatments and some even die on the road while going’’. ‘’Others go to Benin Republic for medical treatments too, because we really lack everything at Baruten especially Gwanara district’’.

Read Hamzat’s full story below:

Kwara Must Change wishes to bring to public attention, the unfortunate situation in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State that has made the people denounce their beloved Kwara State.

Baruten is a Local Government in Kwara State sharing border with Benin Republic, but unfortunately, there is no road leading to the Local Government from Kwara State.

When going to Baruten, one has to travel a long distance to neighbouring Oyo State before connecting back to Baruten Local Government. However, apart from Oyo State, one can as well travel to Benin Republic and come in through the other axis.

Although, Nigeria’s border road to Benin Republic located in Gwanara district of Baruten Local Government is stinkingly terrible, notwithstanding, one can still use it at grave discomfort.

According to the people living in the local government, since the creation of Kwara state over 51 years ago, no single meaningful project has been done in the local government by either state or federal government.

A few days ago, some members of Kwara Must Change residing in the local government confided in us that they have since lost hope in the Kwara State government and have silently denounce their Kwara State citizenship due to absolute neglect.

‘’I am from Baruten local government, in Gwanara district specifically. We call ourselves citizens of Benin Republic because we are not sure if we are part of Kwara state. From Gwanara, we travel to Saki in Oyo state for medical treatments and some even die on the road while going’’. ‘’Others go to Benin Republic for medical treatments too, because we really lack everything at Baruten especially Gwanara district’’.

This is why Kwara Must Change is forced to ask the Kwara State government if Baruten Local Government is no longer part of Kwara State. If they are part of the State, why is Kwara State government not responsible for those living in Baruten and why are they completely abandoned over the years?

It is important to note that, the Kwara State governor, Senator representing Kwara North and other office holders often go to Baruten during electioneering campaigns. When they go there, they make all sorts of promises, but after getting into office, they forget the people.

We contend that, If government cannot build ordinary road into Baruten local government, how would they provide schools, medical facilities and other infrastructural developments?

Kwara Must Change is hereby calling on the Kwara State government to tell the people of Baruten their fate, whether or not they remain part of Kwara State and Nigeria in extension.

CBN Governor says MPC may cut interest rates before July

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria says the Monetary Policy Committee may start cutting interest rates in the first half of the year as inflation eases.

Godwin Emefiele said once inflation gets to low double digits “and high single digit happens, then it should be easy for the MPC to begin to look at easing.

He added that while inflation slowed to a 20-month low of 15.4 per cent in December, it’s still above the CBN’s six per cent to nine per cent target band.

The CBN Boss stressed increases in the price and shipment of oil, Nigeria’s biggest foreign-currency earner, and improved investor confidence means the central bank can build its reserves to $60bn in the next 12 to 18 months, from $40bn currently.

No hiding place for tax evaders – FIRS Chairman

Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS, Babatunde Fowler says there is no hiding place for tax evaders, 

who had refused to seize the opportunity provided by the Voluntary Asset

and Income Declaration Scheme to pay appropriate taxes.

Fowler described the VAIDS scheme as a tax amnesty programme, which taxpayers were expected to take advantage of.

Fowler stated that the VAID was targeted at every taxpayer, who had unlawfully underpaid or not paying by any means, adding that the scheme would run till March the 31st.

He said the scheme will provide opportunities for taxpayers to regularize their status relating to previous tax periods by honestly declaring previously undisclosed assets and incomes.

Ambode’s aide, Deji Tinubu is dead

The Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Commerce, Deji Tinubu, has passed away. It was reported

that Deji was at a novelty march being played in Epe, yesterday January 25th, when he slumped.

Deji Tinubu, who was the former Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, slumped in the field and was confirmed dead at a hospital in Epe.

According to an eye witness, “He slumped while playing football this evening at Retreat with Governor in Epe, took to the Charlet clinic but was later rushed to the General Hospital in EPE when condition didn’t improve…. unfortunately, we lost Uncle Deji Tinubu.”

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the ooni of Ife, says Adam and Eve were black people.

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the ooni of Ife, says Adam and Eve were black people created in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

Ogunwusi made the claim in a video posted on Instagram by GoldMyneTV.

He said human beings were created in Ogba Idena, also in Ile-Ife.

According to the monarch, Noah’s ark is also in the ancient Yoruba city.

The ooni said: “The Yoruba land is very powerful. Adam and Eve are of the black race. And they were created in Ife.

“Humans are the last creation of Eledumare, and were created in a place we call Ogba Idena (a garden where we became humans).

“The white men called it Garden of Eden. Ogba Idena is where Eledumare called all the angels and said let’s create humans. Ogba Idena is in Ile Ife. Even Noah’s ark is in Ife. We have three Ifes; Ife Odaiye, Ife Ooyelagbo and Ile Ife.

“All the world history is in Ife.”https://www.instagram.com/p/BeSJcVYFBic/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_legacy

China -Nigeria bilateral trade stood at $12.3bn in 2017

China says its bilateral trade with Nigeria in 2017 stood at 12.3 billion dollars.

Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Lin Jing told our reporter that the trade figure recorded was from January to November 2017.

Lin added that the figure also represented a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2016.

“The bilateral trade is a very important mechanism to boost our economic relationship.

“We do not have the total trade volume for the whole year, but for the total volume from January to November, bilateral trade stood at 12.3 billion dollars.

“That represents more than 30 per cent of increase compared to the same period of 2016; we believe that by maintaining our normal trade volume, our overall economic relation and cooperation will be boosted and give impetus to our overall relationship.”

Nigeria and China established formal diplomatic relations in Feb. 1971.

The envoy, however, said both countries, in 2005, established strategic partnerships to promote relations in several areas and enhance continued people-to-people exchanges.

He said such strategic partnership was fostered as a result of Nigeria’s importance to China.

“Nigeria is the biggest Chinese investment destination in Africa, the second largest export market and the third largest trading partner of China in Africa,” he said.

Agreements by both countries following the strategic partnership paved way for Chinese investment and development opportunities in Nigeria.

Lin reiterated the Chinese Government’s commitment to exhaust its efforts to promote development programmes in Nigeria.

He said plans were underway to transfer some of China’s industrial capacity to Nigeria

“There is also a concept initiated by my ambassador called made in Nigeria with China.

“I think this is a very good concept; there are many private investors in China, they have expertise, experience and surplus industrial capacity.

“They need to find the market. All these conditions we will make use of to see whether we can try something successful here.”

He further said that China’s relationship with Africa would boost economic activities, generate income and enhance foreign investment.

“We have friends in Africa and we want to further cement our friendship and we believe that by supporting each other we are going to have bigger win win scenario.”

NIGERIAN PRESIDENT BUHARI, BOLA TINUBU, BISI AKANDE MEET INSIDE ASO ROCK

Latest update as President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Also in the meeting holding inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is a chieftain of the party, Chief Bisi Akande.

The meeting is coming a few hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo, issued a statement urging Buhari not to run for the 2019 elections.

2019 Elections: Atiku meets with Fayose in Ekiti

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has arrived Akure, Ondo state from where he will proceed to Ekiti.

Governor Ayo Fayose among other dignitaries received him at the airport in Akure amidst cheers from his supporters that stormed the airport as early as 9:00am to give him a rousing welcome. 
Below are Photos from the scene:

Ghanian broadcaster Peace Hyde reveals journey from teacher to TV star

Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)Peace Hyde is one of Ghana's most prominent journalists. As West African Correspondent for Forbes Africa she's gone toe-to-toe on TV with the continent's elite: billionaires like Folorunsho Alakija, Aliko Dangote and Cosmas Maduka.

However, Hyde hasn't always lived in Accra, and is part of a growing number of Africans moving back to the continent to work in sectors like development, finance and the thriving tech industries.

Hyde's journey from the UK to Ghana is an increasingly common one, coming from a desire to reconnect with her parents heritage.

"My mother is one of the first generations that left Accra, Ghana to live in the UK, but she never really left what it meant to be an African: the morals, the values, the principles," Hyde tells CNN.

Hyde moved to Ghana in 2012. Before, living and working as a science teacher in London, Hyde felt her students of African descent weren't engaged with their history.

"They didn't really relate to being African, they weren't proud of it. And that started making me question myself," Hyde explains.

Perhaps that's unsurprising, given there's not always been strong links between the continent and the diaspora. However, efforts from those like Kamil Olufowobi, Founder and CEO of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), are looking to strengthen ties.

When Hyde relocated to Ghana she founded a nonprofit for youth empowerment, Aim Higher Africa. Their work involves teaching young children in Accra living in poverty who don't have access to education.

A worthy and necessary pursuit given that, according to UNICEF, three out of every 10 children in Ghana live in poverty and one out of every four children are unable to attend primary school at the correct age.

"I felt that all I was doing when I was in the classroom (in the UK) was I was teaching quite comfortable kids, about things that wouldn't really directly impact them in their everyday life. Whereas in Africa I felt that I'd found an environment that could give children an actual future," Hyde says.

WHO donates 853 motorcycles to Nigeria

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has donated 853 motorcycles to the Nigerian government to improve disease surveillance in the country.
The vehicles and other items were handed over to the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, by the WHO Country Director, Wondimagegnehu Alemu, on Monday in Abuja.

Making the work of DSNOs easier

At the ceremony, Alemu said WHO was making the donation to help increase disease surveillance across the country, because surveillance is key in diseases control and eradication. He said the motorcycles are to make the work of Disease Surveillance and Notification officers, DSNOs, easier as the officers play a major role in surveillance at the field level through visits to communities and health facilities.

"They also facilitate timely investigation and responses to the outbreak of diseases where they occur. It is with this recognition of their role in disease control in the rural communities that WHO in partnership with other donor partners have provided the motorcycles to enhance surveillance system in Nigeria," he said

Alemu, while urging for proper maintenance of the motorcycles and their use for the stated purpose, said the DSNOs deserve to be provided with the most appropriate logistics to enhance their mobility across the country, including to the remotest parts.

The motorcycles will be distributed among the 36 states and the FCT.

Surveillance critical to public health

In his remark, Adewole thanked WHO and the country director for the gesture. He said disease surveillance was critical to public health maintenance and the donation signified that 2018 would be a good year for Nigerians.

Adewole said what is important for Nigeria is to get to know when and where there is a disease because when there is no prompt information, diseases spread. "When we are able to detect and respond appropriately, we would be able to curtail the spread of diseases and maintain good health across the nation. We will be able to send officers there, we will be able to investigate and make appropriate diagnosis and be able to respond," said the Minister.

He also assured that the DSNOs would use the motorcycles appropriately to help detect the outbreak of diseases.

Amanda Pam, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Secretary, Health and Human Services, who represented the minister of Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello, said the motorcycles given to the FCT would be distributed to the eight area councils. This, he said would go a long way in checking diseases and bringing health care delivery to the doorsteps of residents of the FCT.

Why I Am Not In A Hurry To Make Decisions- Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday evening said he was not ready to do anything in a hurry.

He said would sit and reflect on issues before he would continue with a clear conscience.

Buhari said this during a dinner he hosted in honor of chieftains of the All Progressives Congress at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said, “I keep telling people that while I was in uniform, quite reckless and young, I got all the ministers and governors, and put them in Kirikiri. I said they were guilty until they could prove their innocence. I was also detained too."

“I decided to drop the uniform and come back. Eventually, I am here. So really, I have gone through it over and over again."

“This is why I am not in a hurry virtually to do anything. I will sit and reflect and continue with my clear conscience.”

Buhari also denied the allegation of ethnic bias being leveled against him.

He explained that the number of substantive ministers he appointed from the South East where he got only 198,000 votes is enough proof that he is not favoring the North as being speculated in some quarters.

“There is something that hit me very hard and I am happy I hit it back at somebody."

“Seven states of the North are only represented in my cabinet by junior ministers, ministers of state."

“In South East, I got 198,000 votes but I have four substantive ministers and seven junior ministers from there."

“You are closer to the people than myself now that I have been locked up here, don’t allow anybody to talk of ethnicity. It is not true,” he said.

Buhari also noted that throughout the period of his struggles to become the President, he enjoyed the support of people of other ethnic grouping and religious affiliations.

He recalled, “There is one thing that disabused my mind in a dispassionate way about ethnicity and religion across the country. You know that tribunal for presidential election started at High Court of Appeal. The President was my classmate. I missed only four of the court sittings."

“For that first phase, 2003, we were in court for 30 months. My legal leader was Chief Ahamba (SAN), an Igbo man. He asked the panel of judges to direct INEC to produce the voters register to prove that the election was done underground.

“When they came to write the judgment, they completely omitted that. Another Igbo man, a Roman Catholic, in the panel of judges wrote a minority report.

“I went to the Supreme Court. Who was the Chief Justice? A Hausa Fulani, a Muslim from Zaria. After 27 months, Ahamba presented our case for two hours and 45 minutes. The Chief Justice got up and said they were going on break and when they returned the following day, they will deliver the judgment. They went away for three months. That was what made it 30 months.

“And when they came back, they discussed my case within 45 minutes."

“In 2007, who was the Chief Justice? A Muslim from Niger State. The third one (in 2011), who was the Chief Justice? My neighbor from Jigawa State. The same religion and the same tribe.”