Jonathan's House Robbed by Police Officers Guarding it

Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Abuja house has been burgled. According to Premium Times, the house was not robbed by thieves, but by police officers assigned to guard the premises.

 

The Nigeria Police have thus arrested three of its officers for stealing items valued at several millions of naira. The items were alleged to have been stolen from the residence located at No. 89, Fourth Avenue in the Gwarimpa district of Abuja.

They include sets of furniture, dozens of plasma television sets, refrigerators, air-conditioner units and box-loads of clothes such as designer suits imprinted with GEJ’s name, male and female Ijaw traditional attires, lace materials and bowler hats. .

The three mobile police officers conducted a systematic looting over a period of three months beginning from around March 2016, until they totally stripped the house of all movable items, which they sold piecemeal to dealers at the Panteka second-hand materials market in Tipper Garage, Gwarimpa.

By the time family members of the former president were made aware of the looting early this month, the house had been stripped bare. GEJ was said to have personally gone to inspect the property after which he reported the vandalization to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

List of clothes said to have been stolen and sold: 1. Niger Delta traditional attires in about 20 Ghana-must-go sacks. 2. Suits, each one with “President Jonathan” inscribed in the inner side, in five big Ghana-must-go sacks.

3. About 10 big Ghana-must-go sacks of women attires made from lace materials sewn in Niger Delta style. 4. More than 10 bundles of Ankara materials, known as Atamfa. 5. About 10 sets of babban riga. 6. One big Ghana-must-go sack containing clothes with PDP logo neatly sewn on each one. 7. About 20 Niger Delta bowler hats.

Electrical appliances and furniture items: 1. 36 Plasma televisions. 2. About 25 refrigerators. 3. Five sets of furniture. 4. Two sets of sitting room chairs. 5. Several air conditioner units

4 'Yahoo boys' arrested over the killing of popular Ghanian slay queen

The police in Dome-Kwabenya have arrested some four persons in connection with the killing of a popular slay queen, Lydia Ama Serwaa, better known as DC Queen.

Her lifeless body was discovered last Wednesday at a popular Pub with some parts of her body missing. DC Queen was widely known as a ‘party girl’ who gained some level of attention by snaps as well as posting some Facebook photos of herself at several parties.

Some unconfirmed reports also indicates that, Serwaa was also into the habit of hanging out loosely with suspected fraud boys popularly known as Sakawa, at various parties including pubs in and around Accra.

According to the police, the four, all suspected to be fraud boys, are James Opoku, Yussif Ahmed, Akwasi Adae and Muhammed Abdul-Sadeek. They are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

The benefits of having eCommerce business

eCommerce

Many people are moving from physical stores to buy goods and services online. Ecommerce can simply be defined as the activity of doing business activities online, which involves buying and selling products and services through a website. Consumers are increasingly choosing this method of shopping because it is convenient.

Apart from the fact that an online store allows consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes 24/7, unlike a brick and mortar store which is open for a set number of hours, there are many other benefits of having an eCommerce business. In collaboration with PayU, we have listed five of them below.

1. Build an online presence

Statistics show that more than 80% of the online population has used the internet to purchase something. We’re in an era where your customers expect your services to be available online. And if they aren’t, your audience will be searching for an alternative – who is your competitor – to make an online purchase.

2. Provide customers with comprehensive information

An eCommerce site allows you to provide shoppers with detailed information on products, which customers appreciate, as they can then make informed buying choices. From the product description to customer reviews and a returns policy, you can provide as much information as you want. Customers can view ingredients and get background information about the product’s manufacturers, which is difficult to do in physical stores.

3. Save on running costs

Operating an eCommerce business can actually save you money, as the overall cost of maintaining an online store is far less than that of a brick and mortar store. You can reduce labour, and cut down expenses in many other ways such as in overtime and supervision expenses. Ecommerce gives staff members time to concentrate on profit-generating activities.

4. Attract new customers
An immense number of people search the internet every day to find products that they want to buy. With a physical store, it’s next to impossible to reach such a huge market. However, with an eCommerce store you can easily reach these shoppers while also offering them the convenience of various online payment solutions to pay for their purchases. An online store enables a business to reach many more consumers than it would with physical stores.

5. Capture the buying habits of your customers

A website can capture the movements of each person who visits the site, including the items that a shopper viewed, the pages that were clicked, as well as all the products that were bought. This information can give you more insight into what your customers desire the most, so that you’re able to meet all your customers’ needs. As a result, they will be happy and keep coming back.

Without an online presence, you’re limiting the potential for growth; eCommerce is no longer an option for today’s businesses.

$300bn losses in 3 yrs globally - Kachikwu

Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, NNPC MD and Minister of State, Petroleum Resources

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, on Monday, lamented the loss of 300 billion dollars in oil investments globally in three years, due to the decline in oil price.

Kachikwu, who stated this at the 2017 Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos, said the losses were in oil exploration and production.

The theme of the conference is: “Building the Waves of Boom and Burst: Common Objectives Diverse Perspective’’.

The minister said on the Nigerian side, the loss of these investments was due to inefficiency in the country’s security policy and inconsistency in policies.

According to Kachikwu, investors prefer to invest the limited resources elsewhere in African countries; so what we are losing, other countries in Africa are gaining.

“The situation is very challenging when it comes to losing opportunities arising from the investment.

“For the first time in the oil sector, the decline in the oil price resulted into loss of jobs.

“Infrastructural gap is another factor which the decline in the price created.

“We have an infrastructural gap deficit of 50 billion dollars because the government was responsible for infrastructure and we did not engage the private sector.

“The whole idea of the new petroleum policy is to move the private sector into financing part of the projects because Government cannot do it alone,’’ he said.

The minister said the boom and bust had become the way of life in the oil and gas sector.

READ: FADAMA III: Farmers adopt new farming technology

“I think we have had about five circles of boom and bust over the last 35 years and each time, we begin as if we did not expect it.

“The boom and bust have become the nature of oil and we should not be surprised anymore.

“Over 80 per cent decline in world oil price was recorded between 2014 and 2016 with oil price falling between 25 dollars per barrel.

“All the same, we have managed through the principles of OPEC, to keep the price going between 45 and 50 dollars per barrel.

“For now, our expectations between the year 2017 and 2018, is to keep the price at 60 dollars per barrel,’’ he said.

Kachikwu, however, said some countries and people were moving away from oil.

He said that electric motors were taking over globally.

“In the next 20 to 25 years, oil lifespan will expire, so we just need only five years to make a change of policy in the sector.

“We must make a traumatic decision for the oil sector to survive the innovation.

“The country needs a consistent policy and to deal with inefficiencies in our system to survive the trend,’’ he said.

Welcoming the participants, Mr Saka Matemilola, the Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, said the mission of the conference was to disseminate information as regards the oil and gas sector.

Matemilola said petroleum sector remained the main focus of the national economy.
He said the current challenges in the oil sector provided the necessary catalysts to provide opportunities for the country.

Mark praises Army for restoring training at military school

Mark: Former President of the Senate, praises Army for restoring combat training in school.

By Mohammed Lawal

Former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, on Monday applauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, for the restoration of combat training at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria.

A statement signed by the NMS’ spokesman, Capt. Haruna Sani, on said the senator made the commendation during the NMS’ Speech and Prize Given Day Ceremony in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Mark, who was the President of the 6th and 7th Senate, said the reintroduction of training at NMS would boost students’ morale.

Mark also an alumni of NMS said that the school had produced eminent Nigerians that contributed immensely to the development and unity of the nation.

He observed that the school had remained the benchmark of not only academic excellence but also for character moulding.

While congratulating the graduating boys for a successful six years journey, the lawmaker urged them to count themselves privileged to have passed through extensive military training.

Mark charged them to remain committed, dedicated disciplined and prepare their minds for greater challenges ahead.

The lawmaker enjoined them to be good ambassadors of NMS and contribute their quota to national unity and development.

The statement said the event featured the unveiling of the Young Leader Magazine, presentation of awards to deserving students and souvenirs to dignitaries at the event. (NAN)

Police nab 31 suspected criminals in Abuja-Kaduna Road.

The Police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood speaks on arrests of criminals in Abuja-Kaduna road.

The Nigeria Police have arrested 31 persons suspected to be involved in armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

The Force Spokesman, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, who disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Katari, said the suspects belonged to different criminal gangs.

He added that the arrest was sequel to the deployment of additional police teams on the Kaduna-Abuja road to tackle kidnapping and armed robbery cases.

The teams are made up of Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Intelligent Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Force Intelligence Branch and Police Helicopters.

Moshood said that the teams had made significant achievement since it came on board.

He said that several serviceable AK- 47 rifles used by the suspects to terrorise the communities and commuters were also recovered.

The spokesman said that the suspects had made confessional statements to the police on the various roles each of them played in the commission of the crime.

“We will continue to build on these successes to ensure that crimes that cannot be prevented are promptly detected,”he said.

He said that the police would continue to build on the current successes to ensure that the last kidnapper was removed from the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

He assured all the communities along the route and other parts of the country that the operations would be sustained to curtail crime across the country.

Moshood said that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, commended members of the community for their support.

The District Head of Katari, Alhaji Gambo Giwa who spoke to newsmen, called for the sustenance of surveillance to prevent crimes in the community.

The district comprised of six villages of Bishiri, Rijana, Katari, Aruko and Koronsohuwa.

He said that the community had witnessed so many atrocities including rape, killings and armed robbery unleashed by the suspects.

Gambo said that members of the community were ready to cooperate with the police for the continued provision of security.

“We want the presence of the police to be maintained in this area,”he said.

NAN reports that the police on July 25 commenced ‘Operation Absolute Sanity on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

NAN also reports that the operation is to complement and augment the on-going Joint Police and Military operations on ground before now.

In a related development, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Musa Kimo, has warned a group against its planned protest to block major roads in the territory..

The command’s Spokesman, DSP Anjuguri Manzah , said in a statement that Kimo gave the warning on Tuesday.

“Information at the disposal of the FCT Police Command has it that some disgruntled persons have perfected plans to embark on unlawful protest with intent to block major roads in the FCT.

“The Command is hereby warning the group to heed wise counsel and channel its complaints to the appropriate authority,“ he said.

Kimo said that the command would continue to be professional and respect human rights of citizens in carrying out its duties.

He, however warned that it would not fold its arms and watch any group or groups jeopardise the existing peace in the territory.(NAN)

Manchester United announce the signing of Matic

Manchester United have announced the signing of Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea for a fee believed to be £40million.

Matic made 40 appearances in all competitions last season but he will see his role dimish this coming season after the arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco.

The Red Devils also announced that the midfielder will wear the number 31 shirt.

#MUFC is delighted to announce the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea on a three-year contract.

Matic, formerly of Benfica is expected to play deepest in a midfield three with Paul Pogba and Spaniard Ander Herrera.

A Pregnant Doctor Jumped In To Deliver Domeone Else's Baby - While She Was In Labor

Amanda Hess may have been in the hospital preparing to deliver her own baby, but that didn't stop her from jumping in to help deliver a fellow patient's baby when she heard that the on-call doctor was out of the building.

Hess, a Kentucky OB-GYN, was being induced at Frankfort Regional Hospital last week when she overheard fellow mom-to-be Leah Halliday-Johnson preparing to deliver. According to NBC News, the on-call physician had been on the way to the hospital, but Hess knew that there was no time to waste.

“I just put on another gown to cover up my backside and put on some boots over my shoes, to keep from getting any fluid and all that stuff on me, and went down to her room and I knew her," Dr. Hess told local station WKYT.

Dr. Hess recognized Halliday-Johnson as a patient she had previously seen, though she wasn't exclusively Halliday-Johnson's doctor.

Halliday-Johnson told People that she had only been dilated by 1 centimeter when she reached the hospital, but her fourth child soon began to arrive faster than expected — with the umbilical cord wrapped loosely around her neck. The nurses on the scene had cautioned her not to push before the on-call doctor arrived, but that proved difficult.

"I was not being quiet about the fact that it was difficult for me not to push," she told People.

Halliday-Johnson also didn't realize that Dr. Hess was in labor herself when she arrived to help: "She was definitely in doctor mode," she told NBC News. "My husband noticed something was going on because she had on a hospital gown, but I didn't notice that because I was on the delivery table. I was in my own world there."

Dr. Hess ended up helping Halliday-Johnson deliver a baby girl after "two quick pushes," according to People.

"I appreciate what she did for my family, and it speaks a lot to who she is as a woman and a mother as well as a doctor," Halliday-Johnson told NBC News. "It makes you feel better, bringing a baby girl into the world, knowing there are women like her willing to step up like that."

Welcome to Mothership: Parenting stories you actually want to read, whether you're thinking about or passing on kids, from egg-freezing to taking home baby and beyond. Because motherhood is a big if — not when — and it's time we talked about it that way.

Igbo won't support Nigeria's breakup - Orji Kalu

A former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has said the Igbo will not support any move that will disintegrate Nigeria. Kalu’s view was expressed in a lecture in Lokoja on Sunday at the inauguration of the GYB support group.

Delivering a lecture titled, ‘Mainstreaming Igbo in Nigeria Politics’; Kalu underscored the need to make Nigeria to work for all.

His said,

“I see a more united country rising from the ashes of hate and fear. Those who fear that the Igbo do not have leaders should first try to find out how Igbo people manage their affairs. Yes, Igbo people have their leaders and when their leaders speak, those they lead take cue. And of course, Igbo leaders are talking.”

He called on the Igbo to align properly and seek strategic partnership of other interest groups and political blocs to achieve developmental ideas.

“The Igbo cannot do it alone. I agree that development of Igbo land is a task that must be done; but it cannot be done in isolation,” he said.

He argued that if the Igbo found a very strategic political partner, while not putting all their eggs in one basket, they could achieve their goals.

“We can however not do that if we remain antagonistic to one another. We cannot achieve it if we scare everyone with hate. We cannot achieve it if we think it is Igbo and Igbo alone. No, we must build necessary network. We must build alliances across the political divide. If we don’t build such alliances, we may not be able to market our demand,” he said.

Malaria: State to receive mosquito-treated nets

Mosquito Nets

The Federal Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), is to distribute 2.995 million mosquito-treated nets to Osun residents to reduce malaria scourge.

Dr Gbenga Adepoju, the Director of Public Health, Osun Ministry of Health made this disclosure on Monday in Osogbo during an orientation programme organised for journalists to help spread awareness.

According to Adepoju, the programme was being championed by the Federal Government, the Global Fund, Society for Family Health and Catholic Relief Services.

He said that the plan was to distribute the nets, which cost more than two billion naira to every household in the state at the ratio of one mosquito net to two persons.

“Malaria is endemic and Osun is lucky to be selected as one of the six beneficiaries of the Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs), re-distribution programme of Global Fund and the Federal Government.

“The redistribution programme is to resume in early September, having begun in 2013 with 1.6 million nets distributed to residents of the state.

“It is being redistributed this year because the nets previously distributed have a life span of three years.

“More than 14 thousand personnel have been employed and trained for the distribution exercise; this will really go a long way in fighting the scourge”.

The NMEP representative, Mr Sam Abutu, said at the programme that malaria treated nets campaign was to partner with the state in its re-distribution exercise to reduce the malaria scourge in the country.

Abutu said that newsmen were being employed to help in public enlightenment, as the public needed to have information on the importance of the LLINs and know its right use and care.

In her own remarks, Mrs Romoke Adeyanju, the Osun Malaria Coordinator/Programme Manager, Osun Ministry of Health, called on media practitioners to join them in the war against malaria.

Adeyanju said that people should be enlightened that once they collect the nets, they must make use of them by sleeping under them.

“The people, who will be collecting the nets should understand that they are to be sleeping under it to prevent mosquito bites.

“They are not to keep them in the house or turn the nets to the window, door cover or to fishing nets.

“It is important that residents of the state attain maximal utilisation of the nets,’’ she stressed.

Adeyanju said that when the programme came up in 2013, 90.2 per cent distribution was recorded while 65.4 per cent utilisation was attained.

The programme manager said that the utilisation, however, dropped to 47.5 per cent in 2014 and later declined to 15.7 per cent in 2015.

She said that the programme envisaged a record of 100 per cent ownership (collection) and at least 80 per cent utilisation in 2017 distribution exercise.

Lagos police uncovers Badoo shrine in Ikorodu

The Lagos state police command has uncovered a shrine used by members of the Badoo secret cult in Ikorodu. The force public relations officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole shared the video online this afternoon.

Videos here…

 

2019: Saraki in fresh trouble

The presidential ambition of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki in 2019 is facing another hurdle as powerful cabals within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have perfected plans to frustrate his ambition.

Sources close to Nigerian NewsDirect revealed that as it was becoming clearer that President Muhammadu Buhari who is still on medical vacation in London may not be able to stand the rigours of presidential campaign in 2019 and may be advised to withdraw from the race on health grounds, Saraki is in poll position to get the APC ticket if a free and fair primary election is conducted.

Saraki, whose late father was one of the top political key stakeholders in the northern part of the country and Kwara state in particular, was a Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo before he became  governor of north central state of Kwara.  As governor, he was the Chairman of the very influential Nigerian Governors Forum. After his tenure in Kwara, he installed his erstwhile commissioner of finance, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed against the wish of his late father.

Also, against the directive of his party, Saraki emerged the Senate President. However, despite animosity from his party and presidency, Saraki had been able to effectively manage the Senate.

However, many power brokers within the party feels that Saraki may be too dangerous to be allowed to rule the country.

“Saraki has an axe to grind with many people in the country, it is too dangerous to allow him to rule” a source told Nigerian NewsDirect.

A top official of APC who spoke under condition of anonymity said the image of Saraki may not fit into the anti-corruption stance of the present regime, which is the major selling point of the party to Nigerians.

“Saraki has corruption cases raised against him by the anti-corruption agencies in respect of his stewardship as the governor of Kwara State, so such a person may not be fit to put on the shoes of President Buhari if he does not want to contest in 2019” the source explained.

The  chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay described Saraki led 8th Senate as the worst in the history of Nigeria, adding that its members would be kicked out in 2019 general election.

Nigerian NewsDirect was reliably informed that the current face off between the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecutions, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla and the duo of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu; and Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Ekpo Nta may be about the game plan to frustrate Saraki out of the presidential race.

Obono-Obla said  the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, had requested for the case files of ex-governors including Saraki from the anti-corruption outfits but they disobeyed the AGF

Saraki’s case file was among those file being requested. Other ex-governors involved include:  Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno);  Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Saminu Turaki (Jigawa); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Joshua Dariye (Plateau); Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); James Ibori (Delta); Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Danjuma Goje (Gombe); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Ikedi Ohakim (Imo); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Achike Udenwa (Imo); Ubong Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom); Jolly Nyame (Taraba); Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo); Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); Adamu Mu’azu (Bauchi); Lucky Igbinedion (Edo) and Peter Odili (Rivers).

However, Nigerian NewsDirect learnt that Saraki was the main target of the lot as his prosecution would affect his preparation and chances at the poll.

In 2014, Saraki was dragged before Justice Ahmed Muhammed of Abuja High Court 7 over corruption charges. The police had insisted then that it had hard facts on how several millions of foreign currencies were wired into Saraki’s domiciliary and Nigerian accounts.

The police also accused Saraki of using fictitious names to launder several millions of dollars into the accounts of some companies owned by him.

“There are several unusual cash inflows into the dollar domiciliary account of Carlislie Properties and Investment Ltd by Polybags Industry (Nig) Ltd.,” according to the police affidavit.

It added that PolyBags Industry made payments of between US$4,500 and US$10,000 eight separate times on 24th August, 2010 amounting to $78,000.

Curiously, the police said, “Polybags Industry Nig. has denied ever making such payments”, raising suspicion that the name Polybag was probably used as a fictitious name to launder the money.

The police said different individuals linked to Saraki, including one Abdul Adama, lodged unusually huge sums of money into his naira and dollar accounts. One of such accounts is identified as 003497479.

The police also said: “On the 10th of May 2009, 18 separate lodgments of $10,000 were made by the said Abdul Adama, who also used the fictitious name of Garba Dare to make some of their lodgments the same date! It totalled US$180,000.00 in one day!

“There was also an unusual single inflow on 12th February, 2010 of the sum of $120,000 which was immediately converted to pound sterling and washed overseas through applicant (Saraki)’s Pound Sterling Account.

“There was unusual single cash inflow on 15th February, 2010 of the sum of $US1,000,000.00 in one day! Same was also converted to pound sterling and washed overseas through British Pound Sterling account No. 441/441953/3/1/0.

“The converted dollars to pounds sterling ended up in the purchase of a real property in the United Kingdom.”

The police also said there were “so many other unusual heavy inflows into the applicant (Saraki)’s account that were usually washed overseas to fund applicant’s American Express Card No.374588216 836009.

“All these lodgments made in favour of applicants have necessitated his invitation,” the affidavit added.

All the money launderings were done through the defunct Intercontinental Bank – which collapse was partly being blamed on Saraki’s clandestine takeover of the institution through his friend and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),now Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

However, one of Saraki’s aide who did not want his name in print said the intended persecution of Saraki would fail as those in the past failed.

“They keep putting him (Saraki) on media trial but he keeps winning in the court, they are afraid of his popularity but Nigerians know that their antics is to stop his political ambition but God won’t allow them to succeed” he added.

57 year-old man kills his pregnant 35 year-old lover

The Abia State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adeleye Oyebad has confirmed that 57-year-old Ogbonnaya Igwe,confessed to killing his 35-year-old pregnant married lover, Ijeoma Chibuzo, who he invited over to his residence at 22, Obohia road, Aba.

Ogbonnaya who shot Ijeoma when she arrived at about 10.30am with his pump action rifle, claimed he had given the deceased over N600,000 for her upkeep on the understanding that she would abort the pregnancy, said he got tired of her still exploiting him.

“Ijeoma Chibuzo was my girlfriend. We started dating in 2013. I didn’t know that she was married. In the course of our relationship she became pregnant, but we agreed that she would abort the pregnancy. I gave her N600,000 for the abortion and for her upkeep.

Not long after she came back and took N200,000 and another N400,000, because of the pregnancy. I even had to sell my house worth more than N1million, all to appease her to abort the pregnancy. Then I realized that she was just defrauding me because of the pregnancy.

When I was tired of the issue of Ijeoma using the pregnancy to blackmail me, I decided to invite her to my house when she demanded another N600,000. She came around 10:30am on July 9, 2017.

Immediately she arrived, I went inside my bedroom, picked one of my pump-action rifles and shot her dead.” Ogbonnaya further revealed that he had licence for the pump action rifle.

The State’s Police commissioner, said the husband of the deceased Onuoha Chibuzo, was invited to the station to identify the corpse before it was taken to the mortuary, as he further disclosed that the suspect who is also married with 3 kids would be arraigned in court following completion of investigation.

Infrastructure: An important driver of economic and national development

MINISTER of Power Works and
Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola,
while inaugurating the Board of
the 6th Council of the Registered
Builders of Nigeria, CORBON, in
Abuja, noted that infrastructure is
an important driver of economic
and national development.
Fashola later charged the
Board with the duty of ensuring
professional builders in the
country endeavour to build
infrastructure that would last for
a very long time.
In his brief remarks during
the ceremony, Fashola noted
that “given the importance of
infrastructure building as one of
the time-tested and proven ways
of driving economic and national
development, the need to have
qualified professionals to build
the nation’s infrastructure could
not be over-emphasized”.
The Minister, while stressing the
importance of the Council, told the
members, “We are inaugurating
this Council at a time of some
momentous responsibility that
our nation has to deal with. We
have an economy that we need to
recover.
“We have an infrastructure that
we need to build. We all know
that infrastructure building
is one of the time-tested and
proven ways of driving economic
development in addition to
national development”.
Noting that the size and capacity
of any nation or community was
“oftentimes related and relatable
to the quality of its infrastructure
and quality of the lifestyle of its
people”, the Minister urged them
to imbibe “the fullest possible
meaning” of the title they bear,
adding that the title conferred
on them holds an enormous
responsibility.
“If you certify people or if you
approve or accredit people to take
that responsibility and whatever
they then build collapses, ask
yourselves, are you builders;
because, for me, builders really
build to last. And, therefore, you
have, perhaps, a responsibility
that is higher because of the times
than it ought ordinarily to be”, he
told the members.
Fashola, who noted that the
nation was passing through
unusual times, pointed out that
the period called for “unusual
men and women of character”
to actually earn the sobriquet
and title, “Builder”, adding, “At different times of the nation’s needs,
it always has the manpower and the
professional cadre that it calls upon.
“So in times of war we have called
upon our soldiers and they have
responded admirably in the last two
years; in times of health epidemic,
we have called upon our doctors
and if the Ebola incident is anything
to go by, they have all responded
admirably”, he said.
Still stressing the importance of
the Board, Fashola, who disclosed
that the Revised National Building
Code would soon be presented to
the public, said the document would
address “some of the challenges that
we have to deal with” adding that
government would need the Board
members to enforce the Code.
“It is a document we will ask
you to help us enforce; to help us
ensure that the builders you certify
are not only familiar with it but
they imbibe it as a way of life. And
if there is anything to be gained
from that, it is also to focus on the
quality of materials, the standard
of the materials that we use as we
go forward in our nation-building
effort”, the Minister said.
He said the enforcement was crucial
given the lessons that could now be
learnt from Europe; “incidents that
have affected human lives and that
have been very costly in terms of
loss of life and property arising from
materials that were used to build”,
adding that he would speak more to
what Nigeria had done as a country when that document was finally
unveiled.
Giving a brief history of the
Council, Fashola, who noted that
the 15-member Board was created
by law, added that that it provides
for two persons to be represented
and nominated from the Ministry,
four persons to represent states in
rotation.
“Also, five persons to be elected
by the Institute of Building, three
persons to represent the Academia,
the universities and institutions of
higher learning including Colleges
of Technology and Polytechnics
that offer courses relating to the
approved qualification.
“The fifth Council ended its tenure
of service on the 27th of February and
this Council has been determined
by notices and letters issued to
various organizations to nominate
persons, conduct elections and take
all the steps necessary as provided
in the Enabling Law to nominate
members”, he said adding that the
current Board had evolved “by a
process that complies with the spirit
and letters of the Law.” He said.
The Minister said Government had
tried to ensure some semblance of
equity in some of the nominations,
adding that by the time the number
was put together, it would be seen
that “within the framework of the
law, we have done the best that we
can to ensure that there is some
balance”.
Again charging the members to
earn the title, Builders, in the real
sense of the practical impact that it
now made on the society, Fashola
declared, “You have earned it
by scholarship. We ask you now
to earn it by utilization and
ensuring that you regulate existing
professionals, certify incoming
professionals who would help
Nigeria to build to last”.
In his acceptance remarks,
Chairman of the Council, Professor
Kabiru Bala, expressed delight and
appreciation to the Government
for making substantial Budgetary
provision for the Council in this
year’s budget pledging that the
Board would do its utmost to
meet the challenges posed by
their responsibility and not betray
the trust reposed on them by the
Government.
Responding to the issue of
building collapse raised earlier by
the Minister, the Chairman said so
far there had been no registered
CORBON member that had been
directly involved in building
collapse, adding that the ones
that were collapsing were as a
result of inadequate monitoring by
registered professionals.
Also present at the occasion were
the Minister of State, Mustapha
Baba Shehuri, Permanent
Secretary Works and Housing, Mr.
Muhammed Bukar, Director/HOD,
Public Buildings and Housing
Department, Mrs Salma Yusuf
Mohammed among others.

Video: Davido angrily collects microphone from Sina Rambo on stage in US?

In a video that has gone viral, Nigerian pop star, Davido Adeleke, was seen ‘snatching’ the microphone from his cousin, Sina Rambo who was backing him up on stage!

Alot of people are insinuating he just changed his faulty microphone and nothing cooking! Watch video and tell us what you think!

The incident according to CelebsLifestyle happened in  Baltimore Maryland, US.

(Photos and video below)

Experts- Eating Suya and Roasted Plantain can cause Cancer

The President, Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria President, Prof Musa Borodo, warned Nigerians at a press briefing commemorating the 10th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association in Ado Ekiti.

Borodo told Nigerians that diseases such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, helicobacter pyloris and other infections that occur in the gastrointestinal tract, are usually not easy to detect when looking out for signs and symptoms.

And when the symptoms are obvious they are often too late to treat. According to him, about 10 percent of people in Nigeria are suffering from Hepatitis B – a viral infection – which he warned could lead to cancer, if not properly treated.

“This (Hepatitis B) is something that can be prevented, if you don’t treat it, it could become cancer. So, it is a huge problem.” Borodo said it was chosen to create awareness on early detection of cancer, prevention and cure.

Borodo lamented that two cases of cancer at end stage are reported daily in the treatment centre. He advised people to take natural foods, avoid refined sugar, eat well, exercise regularly, drink clean water, visit hospitals for routine check up and stay away from smoking to avoid cancer.

Stating some of the cause of cancer, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the conference, Dr. Deji Ajayi, cautioned against taking burnt boli (plantain), burnt suya and refined drinks as they could cause cancer.

Experts- Eating Suya and Roasted Plantain can cause Cancer

The President, Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria President, Prof Musa Borodo, warned Nigerians at a press briefing commemorating the 10th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association in Ado Ekiti.

Borodo told Nigerians that diseases such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, helicobacter pyloris and other infections that occur in the gastrointestinal tract, are usually not easy to detect when looking out for signs and symptoms.

And when the symptoms are obvious they are often too late to treat. According to him, about 10 percent of people in Nigeria are suffering from Hepatitis B – a viral infection – which he warned could lead to cancer, if not properly treated.

“This (Hepatitis B) is something that can be prevented, if you don’t treat it, it could become cancer. So, it is a huge problem.” Borodo said it was chosen to create awareness on early detection of cancer, prevention and cure.

Borodo lamented that two cases of cancer at end stage are reported daily in the treatment centre. He advised people to take natural foods, avoid refined sugar, eat well, exercise regularly, drink clean water, visit hospitals for routine check up and stay away from smoking to avoid cancer.

Stating some of the cause of cancer, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the conference, Dr. Deji Ajayi, cautioned against taking burnt boli (plantain), burnt suya and refined drinks as they could cause cancer.

Man arrested for wearing 7 year-old pant and bra for rituals

Operatives of Soldiers at  Oduloju street, Sabo-Oniba  have arrested a man identified as brother Hyacinth  for wearing the pant and bra belonging to his 7-year-old neighbor, Ijeoma, for alleged ritual. He was nabbed at around 3a.m on Saturday, while fulfilling a ritual requirement.

The Victim who lives in a room with his wife and children, allegedly owns over five shops with business name ‘A.Y’ in ASPAMDA trade fair complex and 7 plots of land at Igbede.

According to his neighbors, he is very kind and generous. He has, reportedly, assisted his landlord since he packed in and has offered driving his children to school. He is a Deeper Lifer and is popularly know as ‘brother.’

An eyewitness revealed that the soldiers who caught him while performing the ritual on a bridge in the area, had heard a recurring chant of incantations with the name “Ijeoma” and quietly moved closer to the direction of the voice.

However, the suspect noticed their presence and ran away, but the soldiers pursued and tracked him to his house where the wife pleaded for mercy but the case was subsequently handed over to the Oduloju community. He was later transferred to the Sabo-Ajangbadi police station where he is currently being detained.

Governor Masari to establish oil refinery in Katsina - Commissioner

The Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Katsina State, Abubakar Yusuf, has disclosed plans by the Governor Aminu Bello Masari’s led administration to establish a refinery in the state.

Yusuf disclosed this yesterday in Kankia local government area of the state this during the commissioning of the PVC and Vinyl Tube production lines managed by an indian firm, AMPRI Global limiteds.

According to him, the refinery is to be established in Mani area of the state.

He said approvals had already been granted for the requested hectares of land to Blak Oil Energy Limited to establish the refinery.

To this end, the Commissioner said all stakeholders were working round the clock to reach and achieve the industrial destination.

The Commissioner described the establishment of the refinery as one of the Governor Masari’s industrialization package efforts.

In his words: “It is pleasing to note that the industrialization package of Rt. Honourable Aminu Bello Masari include the effort for establishment of a refinery at Mashi Area. Approval had been granted for the requested hectares of land to Blak Oil Energy Limited to that effect. All stakeholders are working round the clock to reach this important industrial destination. May Allah make it easy for its accomplishment.”

“The intended industrial journey by the industrialization Governor would really assist in jobs, income and wealth creation, boasting of internally generated revenue, improving foreign exchange earnings and its conservation as well as further enhancement of the overall investment in the state. Consequently, poverty reduction, economic empowerment and improvement of general standard of living,” Yusuf said.

Enclosures

 Aminu-Bello-Masari.jpg 

 Aminu-Bello-Masari.jpg 

Evans' lawyer opens up on billionaire kidnapper, court case

Olukoya Ogungbeje, ​legal counsel to ​Chukwudi Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans has spoken on the travails on his client and the case he instituted in court.​

​Ogunbeje, who filed a case of fundamental human right, said the police and the section of the media were attacking him for doing his job.

“Let the media tell the police to go and do their job and carry out proper investigation rather than attacking us”, he told Premium Times.

​”​What we have asked the police to do is a constitutional requirement, that is, anybody who has been arrested should be taken to the court of law and if they don’t have a case against the person, you release the person.

​”​They went and staged managed media stations to be interviewing Evans to be making him say that he is not aware of the law suit. How can someone who is in custody be able to pick a lawyer? To you the journalist is that possible?

​”T​he family members briefed us and we are doing our job.​ They call us that we should forge ahead. We have the full backing of the family and I can tell you that authoritatively.

​Asked his chances of winning the case considering his defeat in court in recent cases, the lawyer said reports that he has not not been winning “are just a pit of lie from the pit of hell”.

​”​I can tell you one, the Nyako matter, I won it up to the Supreme Court, go and check your records. The Olanusi matter, the former deputy governor of Ondo State, it’s at the appeal court, we won. The N13 billion Ikoyi suit is it now on appeal.​ T​here are a good number of cases that we have won even to the highest court.​”​

​On why he decided to be a counsel to Evans who confessed to being a notorious kidnapper​, Ogunbeje ​​insisted that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

​”​We have asked ​the Police to charge him to court.​ If you have to brief me because the police have vilified you, they have criticised you, they have said negative things about you, is that a ground for me to say I am rejecting your brief.

​”​What are we saying, where have we gone wrong? We are only doing our job. See let me tell you, I have the responsibility to defend whomever within the confines of the law only.

​”​I am not saying we will represent him at all cost, that we will get him off the hook at all cost, no. We will only represent him within the bounds of the law.

​”​If the law says that when someone is suspected to have engaged in a crime, the law says that the investigating authority which is the police should either take him to court within 24 or 48 hours which is two days. We are saying charge him to court, let the law take its course​”​

 evans.png 

 evans.png 

Father burns 13-year-old son with iron, ties tim to window for 3 days

A father of five, Austin Segun, who tied his 13-year-old son to a burglar-proof for three days because a Church leader said the boy was a wizard, has been given an ultimatum to leave Eruemukohwarien community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mr. Segun was said to have been released on bail after he was arrested and detained at the Ughelli ‘A’ Division Police Station over the incident. The victim, Tobi Segun, who just finished his Primary 6 School Leaving Certificate exams, was rescued by a group of vigilante, who heard him whimpering at about 2a.m.

 Rescued

One of the vigilante members, who rescued the victim, told Vanguard that during their routine night patrol, they heard the faint cry of the boy saying he wants to die and that he can no longer bear the torture. The vigilante member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:

“Immediately, we alerted the community Youth Chairman and others. When we gained access into the house, we saw the boy alone, tied to the window protector while his hands were tied behind him.

“Though the parents were not at home, the landlord called the father on phone while the community Youth Chairman alerted the DPO of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division, who personally came and arrested the suspect.”

Why we tied him – Step-mother

Confirming the incident to Vanguard, the victim’s step-mother, Mrs. Edijala Favour Segun, said:

“They told us that he is a wizard at a Church we went to for prayers and he also admitted that he is a wizard.

“At a point, my husband had to use a hot iron to burn his palm and feet owing to his misbehaviour. Despite this, he opened the fridge in the house and ate everything.

“This led to my husband tying his hands and legs to the protector. He had just been tied for three days before we were arrested.

“On that day, our landlord called us on the phone that we should come back to the house. On getting home, we were faced with a crowd that started hitting my husband and me.

“After some minutes, the Police came and arrested my husband, while I was asked to take Tobi to the Ughelli Central Hospital for treatment.

“My husband was able to secure his release, but the IPO in charge of the case ordered that we should move out of the community.

This was documented and we all agreed to it including leaders of the community.”

Recounting his ordeal to Vanguard, Tobi said:

“I always run from the house because I am not comfortable. My mother is dead and the woman here is my step-mother.”

Julius Berger abandons Lagos/Ibadan Expressway

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has announced that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has finally suspended work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

It sad the development was not unconnected with delays in the payment of agreed contract fees for work already done.

Checks have shown that the contractor handling the reconstruction and expansion works on the Section II from the Sagamu interchange to Ibadan, Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited, with Contract No. 6205, had suspended further work on the project due to an outstanding debt of N8.94bn.

The RCC had in a letter addressed to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, and dated June 2, 2017, called his attention to the worsening financial situation of the project and pleaded for his intervention in order to ensure the continuation of work on the site.

The Julius Berger letter stated, “It has become evident that the required adequate funding for the continuation of the project is not available. We trust that you will understand that, therefore, and as a consequence of the unacceptable financial risk to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, we are left with no choice than to immediately commence suspension of the works on the project, as earlier notified.”

However, Fashola, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Hakeem Bello, on Sunday, stated that the two contractors working on sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Messrs Julius Berger and RCC had given notice of suspension of work on the site.

According to Fashola, the letter from the Managing Director, RCC, Mr. M. Nakhla, which was dated June 2, 2017, stated, “In view of the irregular payment and the attendant cash flow problem, we shall be constrained to suspend further execution of work unless there is an appreciable improvement in the project’s cash flow and adequate funding arrangement is put in place for further works.”

Fashola said the letter was co-signed by the Division Manager, Julius Berger, Mr. W. Loesser; and the Commercial Division Manager, Mr. T. Meletschus.

Stop Attacking Personalities - Kalu to Fayose

Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia state.

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has advised Goveror Ayo Fayose of Ekiti to concentrate on criticising policies and performance and not personalities.

Aside the persistent attacks on the person of President Muhammadu Buhari, he said, that Fayose recently accused him of  deceiving Igbo people.

Kalu gave advice to Fayose on Sunday in Lokoja where he delivered  a keynote, “Mainstream Igbo in Nigeria politics,” at the inauguration of Ndigbo Support Group for Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB).

The former governor explained that his political decisions were always in the interest of Igbo and Nigerians.

“A few weeks ago, Fayose granted an interview, saying I am deceiving the Igbo.

“How can I deceive the Igbo when I am taking you to the centre stage of Nigeria politics, when I am taking you to be part of Nigeria’s decision making, when I am taking you to stand with 24 governors than to stand with 10 governors?

“How can I deceive you when you will be part of ministerial decision? How can I deceive you when by tomorrow you will be part of the Federal Government than to stand with a minority party?

“This is not the spirit of an Igbo man. Our spirit is to belong where other Nigerians are. That is the spirit other Igbo man should carry along. As Igbo, it behoves on us to stand by the truth.’’

Kalu also advised Fayose against taking his criticism of President Buhari personal, but to base it on performance.

“My friend, Governor Ayo Fayose, should focus his criticism on President Muhammadu Buhari on performance and not on his family, not also going personal.

“When we were in government, we focused our criticism on former President Obasanjo’s performance for the interest of our people. I didn’t go personal when I was governor under the Obasanjo government. I based my stand on issues.

“On third term agenda, I was very specific that it was unrealistic and could not stand.’’

Oil and Gas companies get 21 - day ultimatum - Anti-labour Practices

PENGASSAN Boss: Babatunde Ogun

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has given a 21-day ultimatum to some oil and gas employers over anti-labour practices.

Mr Fortune Obi, PENGASSAN’s Public Relation Officer (PRO) said this in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday.

Obi said that PENGASSAN would shut down activities of the companies nationwide if they failed to resolve the industrial issues with the workers.

He said that the companies include, Fugro, Sterling Global, Indo rama Petrochemical Company, Baker Hughes and General Electric.

Others he said are Universal Energy, Frontier Energy, Vam Onne, Neconde Energy and ObiJackson Group, SDF, Ciscon, Tecon, Obax, Pan Ocean, NNPC Retail Limited, Exxon-Mobil and Petrobras.

Obi said that the decision to go on strike after the 21-days ultimatum, was reached after a meeting with the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the union.

“The union gave the ultimatum due to persistent unfair industrial relation’s practices by the management of the companies in the sector,’’ he said.

He, however, called on the relevant stakeholders to endeavour to address contentious issues affecting its members within the stipulated days to avert the strike.

According to him, PENGASSAN in the last three years has not only been stretched, but equally over-burdened.

“We are fast running out of patience over the loss of will by various managements to attend to industrial and welfare issues.

“Particularly, frustrating is the sustained indiscriminate redundancies, sack, casualisation, ill-treatment, adverse work condition and incessant disagreement to collective bargain resolutions,” he said.

Obi described as sad these anti-labour practices against PENGSSAN members without recourse to extant labour laws.

He said that the Association had also called on the leadership of the National Assembly to reconsider the amendment of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Act which would portend danger in government’ if pushed to woo investors into the country.

Obi, however, said that PENGASSAN was open to genuine and transparent processes that would lead to optimisation of the plants as well as guarantee the end of importation of refined products.

Tickets to Mayweather vs Mc Gregor Are Not Selling very well

Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” most assumed that tickets toFloyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor on August 26 would sell out instantly. With the jostle less than a month away, ESPN now reports that, in fact, the opposite is true.

An online check on Saturday showed that literally hundreds of seats in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, were still available to cop from Ticketmaster. The article continues that fans would be able to purchase six tickets together in 162 different spots throughout the venue.

There is a logical reason as to why, though: pricing. The cheapest ticket in the venue comes in at an exorbitant $3,500 — not withstanding another $300 in buyer fees — and climbs to $10,000. The resale market is just as expensive, with the original $500 tickets now selling for around $2,000.

“There’s fairly little sales going on in general,” said Chris Leyden, a content analyst for SeatGeek.com. “I think a lot of it has to do with where prices are now. I think people are a little uncomfortable paying this much or maybe even more.”

Fight promoter, Leonard Ellerbe, appeared unphased at current sales, however. He told AP that he still expects the fight to not only sell out but also smash box office records.

Stay tuned for more information on the big fight. In the meantime, revisit the pair’s fiery London media conference below.

Military probe Boko Haram hit on NNPC convoy, screen phone calls, messages

The recent deadly Boko Haram attacks, which left in its trail loss of lives, property and abductions has necessitated a joint security intelligence service in examining calls and messages within the Yesu District in Magumeri axis of Borno State​.​

​The military ​is ​suspect​ing​ that ​moles were feeding terrorists with movement of its personnel, government workers​ and vulnerable villages.

​A top officer told PRNigeria​ that security services will determine whether there was connivance and collaboration by those living along the routes​, ​since the same NNPC explorers ​had ​travelled regularly to the exploration sites on the same route.

“It is so baffling the shocking ambush by the terrorists when our gallant troops have always provided adequate security cover for the same convoy regularly on that same route and similar ones for months without problems​,​” the source lamented.

There are concerns that the planned military onslaught recently announced by the Chief of Army staff​ ​(COAS) with adeadline to capture ​Abubakar Shekau ​dead or alive​ may b​e​ slowed down because of the ​kidnap of some staff of University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and other​s.

Another intelligence officer said: “Some military decisions must have the backing and endorsements of the ruling political class before they can be carried out to avoid any collateral damage.”

Meanwhile, the kidnapped workers have appealed to the Federal Government to meet the sect’s demands.

A video released by the sect showed two lecturers in the Geology Department of the University, Yusuf Ibrahim and Dr Solomon N. Yusuf, and Haruna, a driver.

The men said that they are part of oil workers and academics ambushed and abducted by the Abu Musab al-Barnawi faction of Boko Haramlast Tuesday

Yusuf said, “I want to call on the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to come to our rescue, to meet the demands of Soldiers of Calipha Abu Musab al-Barnawi. They have promised us that if their demands are met, they will release us immediately to go back to the work we were caught doing.

“I want to call the attention of the entire country; we were captured doing the work of exploration – of acquiring gravity, magnetic and soil geochemistry for exploration in the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin, which will boost the economy of the nation. We were caught in the line of our service.

“I want to call the attention of the Acting President that we have seen the route we took up to this position where we are recording this video right now. I want to advise that the use of excessive force is not the solution. We want to call on the Federal Government to meet these demands and as promised, they will release us immediately.”

Enclosures

 UNIMAID-staff.jpg 

 UNIMAID-staff.jpg 

Newborn twins and sister orphaned after mother dies on their Dad's funeral day

Newborn twins and their sister have become orphans at an early age, after their 24-year-old mum, Stephanie Caceres, died on the funeral day of their 26 year old  Dad, Jevaughn Suckoo, who was shot and killed on July 11th at the Renaissance Apartments in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Stephanie Caceres who welcomed her baby three days after the death of her boyfriend wrote on Facebook;

“I just don’t understand how someone can have the heart to leave three kids without a father especially two that never got the chance to even meet him,” she posted. “They didn’t deserve this! I’m trying I really am to stay strong but this has to be the toughest battle I’ve ever had to fight.”

However, Stephanie suffered complications from an infection that resulted from her C-section two days later, and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. She passed on the 10th day, same day as Suckoo’s funeral.

Suddenly the newborn twins and their 21-month old sister, Kailanie are without parents. “Just complete shock, completely devastated,” said Joni Saunders, aunt of 26-year old , the man who was killed.

Saunders was joined on Thursday, by Irma Meza, mother of 24-year old Stephanie Caceres, the woman who died.
Saunders and Meza spoke at the doctor’s office in Lake Clarke Shores, where Caceres worked.

The women said they were dealing with the sudden deaths of their loved ones, and the challenge now of caring for the couple’s three small children. “I think right now we’re just very focused on the children, making sure that they’re okay,” said Saunders.

Saunders said the toddler adored her father. “He walks into the room, and nobody else existed for her,” said Saunders. “Same thing with Stephanie. She was such a dedicated mom.” Meza explained she’s diabetic, and said Stephanie always told her she would take care of her.

Meza said she never she imagined Stephanie not being around, and Meza would be the one providing care for the children.  At the doctor’s office, diapers, formula and other items collected for the children, took up a large portion of a medical supply room.

A GoFundMe account was created for the children and over $98k have been raised for them. Plus, several people donated lots of baby food, diapers, clothers etc for the children and their upkeep. Saunders and Meza said they are overwhelmed by the outpouring from the community.

Construction Industries: Strategic to any Economy

BUILDING and Construction,
together with Real Estate Sector of
the economy, are amongst the most
strategic sectors of any economy.
Their collective effect is profound
and can be seen and felt in all
activities of all global economies.
The capacity of the Building and
Construction sector to generate
employment on a massive scale,
its multiplier effects in the overall
economy and more importantly,
its vital contribution to the
country’s fixed capital formation
and investment marks it out as an
important sector.
This was the reason for the 7th
Building and Construction Economic
Roundtable, BCERT7, organised by
the Quantity Surveyors Registration
Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, held
recently in Abuja.
The intention of the round table
is to attract contributions and ideas
from participants to move the
industry and the economy forward
and to integrate it to sub-regional,
regional and global economy.
According to the President,
QSRBN, Mallam Murtala Aliyu,
the construction sector is therefore,
a strategic sector in reflating any
economy that has slid into recession
as we currently have in Nigeria.
He said a major objective of the
Annual Building and Construction
Economic Roundtable, BCERT is to
set and sustain our overall national
development agenda by maximising
the contribution of the building and
construction sector of the economy
to the mix.
“BCERT 7 is the seventh edition of
this round table and the focus this
year is on global competitiveness
of Nigeria’s quantity surveying in
driving national development.
“As laudable as the objectives
of BCERT are, the role of
quantity surveying in putting
Nigeria on the cutting-edge of Global Competitiveness should be
interrogated.
“This amongst others, informed our
choice of theme for this roundtable.”
He said.
QSRBN president also noted,
“Implicit in a globally competitive
economy is the availability of massive
employment opportunities especially
for our youths and our very active
population.
“It is our belief that no country can
achieve sustainable economic growth
and development without having its
teeming youths employed and engaged
in viable economic activities. Nigeria
and indeed Africa must save our active
and resourceful youth from moving to
Europe for demeaning engagements,
most of the time losing their lives in the Sahara or the Mediterranean Sea
even before they get there.
“The current government is evolving
a strong policy to make remaining at
home more attractive. The building
and construction sector is therefore a
target sector for this laudable policy”.
He stressed that a notable agenda
of the Federal Government is to place
the Nigerian Economy on the right
trajectory for sustainable growth and
development.
He noted that it entails efficient
resource management and drastic
reduction of waste and leakages which
have done incalculable harm to the
economy of Nigeria.
“Sustainable economic development
can be achieved through strict
adherence to corporate governance, value for money principles, probity
and accountability as a national
ethos. As a result of the indulgences
of the past, practices that are
unacceptable in many jurisdictions
are celebrated in Nigeria.
“Where the ‘end’ is often used
to justify the ‘means’, there is a
problem of ethical orientation. The
solution will therefore be found in
putting in place effective legislations
and building of strong institutions.
Strong institutions of state that defy
time and embedded in strong values
to protect public good and interest
at all times.” He said.
Aliyu opined that the quest for
global competitiveness is one of
the fallouts of globalisation of the
economic space.

Inter-Bank Forex Market gets $462m CBN boost

CENTRAL Bank of Nigeria
CBN last weekend intervened
in the inter-bank Foreign
Exchange Market with the
total sum of $462,336,426.74
in line with its commitment to
sustain and deepen flexibility
in the foreign exchange market
to further enhance foreign
exchange flow in the economy.
A breakdown of the forex
intervention figures obtained
from the Bank indicates
that the Retail Secondary
Market Intervention Sales
(SMIS) received the largest
allocation of $267,336,426.74.
The CBN also offered the sum
of $100,000,000 as wholesale
interventions, while the sum of
$50,000,000 was allocated to the
Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs) forex window. Those
requiring foreign exchange
for Business/Personal Travel
Allowances, tuition and
medical fees, among others, got
a total allocation of $45,000,000.
Confirming the figures,
the Acting Director of the
Corporate Communications
Department, Mr. Isaac
Okorafor, said the leadership
of the CBN was impressed
by the positive impact its
current foreign exchange
management was having on
the manufacturing sector,
agriculture and economic
activities in general across the
country.
While reiterating that the
CBN management was also
encouraged by growth in the
non-oil sector, particularly
agriculture, he noted that the
apex Bank would not relent
in its efforts at sustaining
stability in the inter-bank Forex
market as well as ensuring
the convergence between
the exchange rates at the
Nigeria Autonomous Foreign
Exchange (NAFEX) and the
Bureau de Change segments of
the market.
According to him, the CBN
will continue to ensure proper
surveillance of the forex market
to guard against any sharp
practices by participants and
uphold transparency of the
process.
Re-echoing the optimism of
the CBN Governor, Godwin
Emefiele, at the last Monetary
Policy briefing on Tuesday,
July 25, 2017, Mr. Okorafor
expressed hope that the Bank’s
intervention, coupled with
complementary fiscal efforts,
would restore the economy to
the path of growth.
Meanwhile, the naira
maintained its steady rate
against major currencies
around the globe, appreciating
to N360/$1 in the BDC segment
of the market on Friday, July 28,
2017.