Why I Visited Osinbajo – Namadi Sambo

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo on Wednesday paid a visit to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and both held private discussions.

Sambo said the visit was a usual familiarisation.

He added that “I have come to visit Mr. Vice President and the Acting President as a usual familiarisation visit.

“As you know, former presidents visit Mr. President and former vice presidents visit incumbent vice president,’’ he told correspondents after the visit.

Sambo said he was happy to meet his former staffers during the visit and thanked them for according him good reception

“I am happy to see all of you our old colleagues here and I want to thank you very much for this very good reception.’’

When prompted to disclose what both discussed, he declined, saying it was private.

Sambo climbed the staircase to approach the office of the Acting President, Osinbajo received him on the corridor and led him inside.

Sambo was Vice President to former President Goodluck Jonathan who handed over power to President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015.

NAN

http://punchng.com/my-visit-to-osinbajo-is-usual-familiarisation-says-namadi-sambo/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

NCC To Sanction Telcos For Poor Services

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday said is set to sanction telcos who are performing below the industrial average with consistently poor service delivery.

Its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Umar Dambatta, made the threat during an investigative session by the Ahmed Abu- headed House of Representatives’ Ad-hoc Committee investigating activities of telecoms equipment, service companies and vendors in the country.

According to him, the key performance indicators (PKIs) of the NCC when applied to the services of the telcos showed that they were performing below par. This got to the highest level especially in the months of October, November, December 2016, he said.

“We invited the operators and laid bare what was happening to the quality of service which has degraded to unacceptable level,” he said, adding that NCC will be taking compliance action to compel the service providers to provide acceptable standard of service delivery.

“The NCC is going to impose sanction, and there will be ranking on the quality of service so Nigerians will know which to patronise,” he added.

He however noted that the service providers have complained of lack of infrastructure, denial of right of way and the dearth of foreign exchange to procure telecoms equipment.

While speaking on job losses in the sector, Prof Dambatta said though the Commission was concerned, its mandate does not empower it to dabble into labour issues. “ It’s outside the purview of the Commission. It’s regulated by a different Ministry, we liaise with the Ministry of Labour and Employment,” he said.

The chairman of the committee said the committee has already written to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ascertain the issue of repatriated funds by telcos and others.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige is also to appear before the committee to explain aspects that has to do with job losses in the sector, he said.

The committee is also mandated to investigate the audited accounts of all registered telecoms and IT companies; evidence of compIiance with statutory obligations, frequencies monitoring report for GSM and microwave as well as dropped calls.

http://thenationonlineng.net/ncc-sanction-telcos-poor-services/

CBN Injects $388.66m Into Foreign Exchange Market As FCMB Increases Sales To

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released an additional sum of $388.66million to ease pressure on the naira, stimulate business activities and make foreign exchange (Forex) accessible to local operators. Confirming the numbers, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, disclosed that the sum of $87.885million was for spot sales, while $300.8 million was sold as forwards.

Mr. Okorafor further explained that the forwards were sold into three tenors of 30, 45 and 60 days respectively. According to him, the Bank sold $100.95 as 30-day forwards; $110.48 million as 45-day forwards and $99.37 as 60-day forwards.

Meanwhile, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has increased its sale of Forex to all customers and members of the public who play in the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) sector, manufacturing, Corporate Bodies as well as individuals. This is obvious in the return on utilisation of allocated FX published weekly by FCMB in national newspapers as demanded by the Apex Bank.

Inquiries made by our reporter confirmed that FCMB has been receiving its requested Forex from the CBN and has seamlessly met its obligations in the sale of Forex to all categories of
businesses and individuals as approved by the regulator. CBN has since resumed the sale of Forex to the lender, indicating that the Bank has been readmitted into the spot and wholesale strata of the foreign exchange market by the CBN.

However, the CBN, in the last few days, has extended Forex of various amounts to First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for invisible transactions, SME utilization, SMIS-Wholesale (30-day forward) and SMIS- Retail (Spot). It was also confirmed that about 5.77.06 billion litres of petroleum products valued at N760.44 billion were imported into the country in the first quarter of 2017. For this Nigerians are expected not to entertain any fear about a possible scarcity of petroleum products. The figures were the results of the bids submitted by dealers since Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

The CBN has continued with its intervention in the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the market to meet the needs of low-end users, the spokesman said the Apex Bank remained resolute in ensuring that it supplies enough forex to genuine customers and in the process, sustain liquidity in the market. With this development, Mr. Okorafor expressed hope that the CBN would inch even much closer to its objective of convergence of the rates in the interbank and BDC segments.

http://www.lailasblog.com/2017/05/cbn-injects-38866m-into-foreign.html

The Cambridge Black Boys’ Photo That Went Viral! Mostly Nigerians

On the 4th May, 2017,, an image of 14 black men from Cambridge University went viral on the internet. This picture was shared and reported by many news agencies including the BBC. The photo was taken and posted by Cambridge Afro-Caribbean society (ACS) to create awareness that there is space for black men (and women) in Cambridge. It was done to replicate a similar photo of young male students of Yale University posted by Akintunde Ahmad and his friends. This photo has re-awakens the conversation on the underrepresentation of black students in top universities. It’s shocking to note that out of 1287 students only 38 or about 1% identified as blacks. Black in this sense constitutes over 1 billion people in Africa, the black British, the black American and afro Caribbean population. Indeed, there is enormous work to be done.

However, of interest to note is that 12 of these black boys are either first or second generation Nigerians. This is a country with a global tag of negativities from fantastically corrupt, to drug peddlers, internet fraudster alias yahoo boys, etc. The battered image of Nigeria makes it look as if nothing good can come out of that nation. But, if you take a look at every sphere of life, you will definitely see a successful Nigeria. Of recent is Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua, the current unified world heavyweight boxing champion. You can only understand the enormity of this soiled image when you travel or work outside Nigeria. You constantly have to prove that you are not dubious, corrupt, arrogant or untrustworthy. The energy you should use in developing yourself and your environment is expended fighting this stigma. Indeed any Nigeria succeeding outside Nigeria deserves special accolades. So these 12 boys who posed for this photo deserve accolades.

You may be wondering why I think going to Cambridge is a big deal. Let me remind you that to get into Cambridge you require at least A*A*A in A level exams. This is a feat achieved by just 140 black students in the UK in 2015. As an international student, the average tuition fee for undergraduate degrees in Cambridge is about £23000. This is equivalent of about N10 million and most degrees are 3 or 4 years. If you happen to be a home student, which is the case for second or third generation Nigerians, the fee is about £10000 which is equivalent to N5 million. Meanwhile, most of the parents of these boys are not politicians but ordinary people in different spheres of life.

Furthermore, I need not bug you with the prestige of Cambridge University. The facts are clear. This is a university that has existed for over 800 years and has remained one of the top 5 universities in the world since inception. Also, a significant proportion of the key players in global space and conversation are alumni of Cambridge. My experience as a postgraduate student here is one I will not trade for anything. In my opinion, Cambridge is not just a British university but a global heritage.

Another interesting question from this photo is: Where are other Africans if 12 of 14 boys are either first or second generation Nigerians? A continent of 54 countries and a random sampling of 14 boys has 12 with Nigerian origin begs for an answer. If the key players in global conversation are trained in Cambridge and other top universities, then we have to be part of that space if we want to participate in the conversations. Africa and the rest of the black communities cannot be spectators and expect to score goals or control the rules of the game. So to the parents, who are sweating to get their children into Cambridge and other top universities, I say kudos! I hope other African parents can emulate Nigerians in getting their children into these spaces. It is not an accident that many Cantabs end up doing many great things in the society. So key in and be part of this space.

For those who think that most Nigerians are dubious and corrupt because of the activities of a few bad eggs, you may continue to tag us while we excel at things that matter. I will also add that if your parents can’t afford to send you to Cambridge, do not be discouraged. There is space for you. There are lots of scholarships and students loans that can get you to Cambridge and other top universities. Consult the university websites for information. I promise that all you need is to believe and give it a shot; I guarantee that your experience will be rewarding.

I deeply appreciate the Cambridge Afro-Caribbean society led by Ore Ogunbiyi (Nigerian) for this wonderful initiative. This sort of conversation is what we should never sleep on until we achieve better representation of black and minority ethnic groups in top universities. I hope this campaign achieves the aim of raising awareness and encouraging more BME students to apply and get into Cambridge and other top universities. I am also grateful to the support the university has given to the campaign and their efforts in widening participation of BME at the university. According to businessinsider, a university spokesman said “We maintain high academic standards but we are also committed to widening participation. ‘Widening participation further will require Government, schools, universities, charities, parents and students to work closely together. We will continue to work hard with all parties to raise aspirations and attainment to improve access to higher education.”

Apart from the undergraduate, the post-graduate also have the African society of Cambridge students (ASCU), Cambridge University Nigerian society (CUNS) etc. ASCU will be having their annual conference –Africa together, on the 9th June 2017. This is a platform where Africa problems are discussed and solutions proffered by Africans. To my Ghanaian counterparts, while we are at our Jollof war, I will encourage you to work hard and come and support my good friend Amatey Doku in occupying the Cambridge space. As rightly put by Dami Adebayo “Young black men don’t grow up thinking they’ll make it here. They should”.

Finally, while we excel in these great universities, I hope we will join hands in correcting our battered image and making Nigeria and Africa work. Nigeria is the heartbeat of Africa. Africa will be the force to reckon with when Nigeria works. Let us join hand in making project Nigeria a reality.

Dr Chinedu Ugwu
Dr Ugwu is a PhD candidate in veterinary science, University of Cambridge, UK.

The students pictured in the main image are (top row, from left to right): William Gore, Bez Adeosun, Peter Adefioye, Judah Aiyenuro, Joseph Adikwu, Dennis Mubaiwa, Dami Adebayo, Ife Adepegba, Donte Nembhard, Baba Bob-Soile, and Daniel Oluboyede. Pictured on the bottom row of the photo are Michael Samuelson-Beulah, Folajimi Babasola, and Ade Omisore.


https://www.businessdayonline.com/cambridge-black-boys-photo-went-viral/

Police Sergeant Shoots His Girlfriend In Yobe & Kills Himself

By Hamisu Kabir Matazu, Damaturu


A police sergeant, identified as Kennedy has shot his girlfriend and killed himself, Tuesday, in Potiskum town, Potiskum local government area of Yobe State.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened around 11:45am inside the sergeants apartment located at old secretariat building, adjacent Potiskum police station.

The Police Commissioner, Yobe State command, Abdumaliki Sunmonu, confirmed that the incident happened in the Sergeant's house.

He said the Sergeant was in the room with his girlfriend when the gunshots were heard.

"Later on, it was discovered that the sergeant shot his girlfriend, and shot himself. They were taken to hospital, the Sergeant was confirmed dead, while the girlfriend was in critical condition," he said.

He said that the sergeant was alone with the girlfriend in the room when the incident happened so only preliminary investigation will revealed what actually transpired.

A Neighbor of the Sergeant told our correspondent that the deceased usually have problem with the girlfriend.

"They were having some issues these days, blaming the Margi lady of having extra affairs, but nobody suspected he will do something like that." he said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/police-sergeant-shot-girl-friend-kill-himself-in-yobe/196990.html

Rivers Re-run Probe: Court Declares Police Panel Illegal

ABUJA-The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, declared as illegal, the Special Joint Investigative Panel that was constituted by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, to uncover those behind violence that marred the December 10, 2016, legislative re-run election in Rivers State.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike In a 106-paged judgment that lasted over five hours, Justice Gabriel Kolawole described the Police probe panel which included operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, as “a strange contraption whose existence will create legal doubt”.

Justice Kolawole held that the 15-man Special Joint Investigative Panel is a body unknown to any law in the country. He maintained that neither the Police Act, Security Agencies Act nor the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowered the IGP to set-up and co-opt the DSS which is not answerable to him but to the Presidency, into the Rivers re-run probe panel.

According to the court, the Special Panel, in so far as it was not limited to the Nigerian Police Force over which the IGP has authority, but co-opted another security agency, does not have the backing of any known law in Nigeria. “It is to this extent that the panel is unknown to the Nigerian Law or Criminal Justice System, even though its findings may be useful to bona-fide security agency as a working document”.

The court however acknowledged that under section 4 of the Police Act, the IGP, has the power to constitute an investigative panel. Meanwhile, the court declined to quash report of the panel, saying it would leave it to the discretion of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to in the exercise of his powers under section 174 of the constitution, decide whether any valid charge could be drafted on the basis of a report that emanated from “a body unknown to law”.

Justice Kolawole said he could have nullified report of the panel which Police has already submitted to the AGF, assuming a copy of it was tendered before the court by the plaintiffs. He said the court could not also disband the panel since it has already concluded the said investigation and submitted its report.

The Judge held that the Police panel lacks the power to indict any person or to make definitive pronouncements, saying it could at best make recommendations. He said the exercise that was conducted by the panel could at best be described as “ministerial in nature in line with the concept of covering the field”, saying it could neither be judicial or quasi-judicial in nature. Consequently, the court granted relief one in the suit that had the Rivers State Government, Governor Nyesom Wike and Attorney General of Rivers State as 1st to 3rd plaintiffs respectively. Earlier in the judgment, the court decried that despite the concept of separation of powers, a state Governor, even though regarded as the Chief Security Officer of the state, lacks powers to control the security apparatus in the state.

It noted that section 251 of the constitution only have governors “illusion of powers of command of Police in there states”. The court further observed that contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers, the way the constitution was drafted, Police Commissioners are not under obligation to comply with order of the governor of their state, but that of the President.

The plaintiffs had through their lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, approached the court to challenge the legality of the Police probe panel which they said was merely out to indict and ridicule governor Wike. Aside the IGP, other defendants to the suit were the DSS and a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Damian Okoro.
The plaintiffs prayed the court to restrain the defendants or their agents from enforcing or executing matters contained in a letter the IGP wrote to Wike on December 20, 2016, pertaining to the probe. Wike told the court the IGP had in the said letter entitled, ‘Investigation into allegations of crimes committed during the last rerun elections in Rivers state’, stated that the, “purview of the investigation will cover allegations of bribes taken, several brazen murder incidents (including that of serving Police Officers), reports of gross human rights abuses, acts of sabotage/terrorism, kidnapping for ransom and ballot box snatching, all of which were perpetrated in connivance with several federal and state civil servants as well as highly placed politicians within and outside the state”.

The letter also requested the governor to furnish the Police investigative team with all necessary information and exhibits that may assist the team in the investigation. Wike’s lawyer, Chief Ozekhome, SAN, insisted that action of the police to constitute a panel to investigate crisis that trailed the rerun election was illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and null and void. He said it would be in the interest of justice for the court to set aside the IGP’s letter to governor Wike and direct the Police boss to await the outcome of the commission of inquiry already set up by the Rivers State government. However, all the defendants urged the court to dismiss the suit as frivolous and highly bereft of any merit. Both Police and the DSS argued that prayers Wike sought before the court was capable of creating a very “dangerous precedent” if granted.

According to Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, who represented Police, “The prayer being sought by the plaintiffs will create a dangerous precedent if granted because it will mean that a terrorism suspect can go to court and say I cannot be investigated. “We have shown in our addresses that no citizen can go to court and pray the court to stop the police from investigating criminal offences.” On his part, DSS lawyer, Mr. Tijani Gazali, while aligning with Falana’s submissions, said there was evidence that IGP’s decision to set up the special investigative team was informed by complaints and petitions received on the crimes committed during the rerun. The defendants further insisted that no court has the power to stop the police from carrying out its constitutional duty of investigating crimes.

They reminded the court that section 4 of the Police Act and section 215 of the Constitution had vested the police with the power to investigate all manners of crime. Justice Kolawole earlier rejected Wike’s application for an interim order of injunction barring the panel from proceeding further with the probe pending hearing and determination of the substantive suit. Wike had through a supporting affidavit he attached to the suit, told the court that it was security operatives, mainly the Police and the Army that orchestrated violence following their partisan stance during the poll. He said some untoward behaviour of security operatives deployed for the exercise were caught on tape and presented to Nigerians and the whole world by various reputable television stations. In the affidavit deposed to by one Harrison Obi, a lawyer in Ozehkome’s chamber, Wike told the court that after the election, he constituted a commission of inquiry to look into immediate and remote causes of the violence with a view to avoiding similar occurrence in subsequent elections and punishing the perpetrators of the act. He said the commission of inquiry was set up under the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State. Wike maintained that he is legally empowered to embark on the inquiry as the Chief Security Officer of the state, adding that terms of reference of the panel of investigation set up by the Police clearly suggested that the goal of the intended probe is already pre-determined. He told the court that Police has already reached numerous conclusions against him, indicating that its investigation would be biased. Ozekhome said the intention of the Police was to produce a pre-determined damning report to convict Wike through the medium of the Commission of Inquiry. He said with conclusions already drawn and reached by the Police without hearing from his client, the investigation would only amount to a “smokescreen and rubber stamp to give credence to the governor’s guilt”. Consequently, he prayed the court to set aside the content of the letter by the IGP and order

Police to await the outcome of the committee of inquiry already set up by Wike. However, the IGP in his preliminary objection before the court, accused Wike of attempting to use the suit to cover his tracks. It will be recalled that the police panel earlier revealed that it recovered over N100millon bribe money from some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that conducted the Rivers poll.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/breaking-rivers-re-run-probe-court-declares-police-panel-illegal/

Jamb 2017: Top 10 States According To The Number Of Applicants

Jamb 2017 Statistics - See the Top 10 States with Highest Number of Jamb Applicants 2017

Jamb 2017 Statistics - Following the just concluded Jamb 2017 Registration below is the statistics of the top 10 state with the highest number of applicants, We believe this may inspire you and also help you to seat up for your exam knowing that you have lots of people to compete with.

These numbers were released by The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, at a news briefing with newsmen in Bwari, in preparations for the conduct of this year's UTME.

1,736,571 - Total Number of Registered Candidates (Highest Number in the History of JAMB)
Jamb 2017 Statistics: Top 10 States with Highest Number of Jamb Applicants

101,868 - Imo State (Highest Number)
88,655 - Osun State
87,811 - Oyo State
81,349 - Ogun State
81,108 - Delta State
77,253 - Anambra State
72,104 - Kaduna State
70,276 - Kano State
70,150 - Kogi State
68,916 - Benue State

321 visually handicapped candidates

624 CBT Centres Nationwide to Hold Exams Simultaneously

The official benchmark cut-off points for admissions will be released after the results are out.

He further said that cut-off points were not set by JAMB, but by policy committee been chaired by the Minister of Education with the Board, Vice-Chancellors, Provost of Education and Polytechnic Rectors.

He described cut-off points to be a minimum requirement and not an indication that one was admissible.

We wish all candidates the best of luck as the exam starts on 13th May, 2017.

Source: http://www.studentsng.org/2017/05/jamb-2017-statistics-by-states.html

US: Buhari’s Agenda Very Well Matches Ours

The US on Tuesday said that the agenda being pursued by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration were in line with its expectations.

Nathan Holt, the deputy director, office of West African affairs, bureau of African affairs at the US department of state, made the remarks on Tuesday from Washington DC via a teleconference on ‘Nigeria, a critical U.S. partner’.

Holt said: “In 2015, Nigeria had a very important election. It elected Muhammadu Buhari as president.”

“This represented the first time in Nigerian history that there was a peaceful, democratic transfer of power from one party to an opposition party.

“It was a milestone not only for Nigeria, but really for Africa as a whole.

“President Buhari’s electoral platform was that he wanted to fight insecurity, particularly the depredations of Boko Haram and other forces in the northeast.

“He wanted to grow the Nigerian economy, create jobs for its growing population, and he wanted to fight corruption. Well, the nice thing about that agenda is that it meshes very well with our own.

“That is – those are areas of focus that very much are consistent with US interests in Nigeria. We too want to partner with Nigeria and its neighbours to fight terrorism.

“We too support private-sector-led economic growth. And we are very much in favour of President Buhari’s campaign against corruption,” the US envoy on African Affairs, said.

Holt also spoke on his country’s decision to cut foreign aid, assistance, and payments to UN programmes but pledged continued robust US assistance to Nigeria and other countries in West Africa.

According to him, the US remains the leading humanitarian donor in the humanitarian, bilateral development assistance and the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR).

“We are very pleased that we are the lead humanitarian donor in the Lake Chad Basin region.

We’ve got a vigorous bilateral development assistance programme that’s dominated by health assistance, including the PEPFAR programme.

“The PEPFAR programme has really helped turn back the tide of HIV/AIDS not just in Nigeria but across the African continent,” he said.

https://www.thecable.ng/us-buharis-agenda-well-matches

Female Soldier Beats Policewoman Comatose In Lagos

By Joseph Undu

LAGOS— A policewoman attached to Makinde Police Division, Oshodi area of Lagos, yesterday afternoon, received the beating of her life after a female soldier engaged her in a fight, at Oshodi, opposite NAFDAC office.

A police source that spoke with Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said the police traffic warden was on official duty when she was assaulted by the military woman, adding “as we speak, the policewoman is in coma in an undisclosed hospital.

“The case of assault has been reported to Police Command Headquarters for further investigation.”
Although nobody knew what exactly transpired between the women, an eyewitnesses said there was an argument between the two female officers, who were both in their uniforms, which later resulted to an outburst.

Meanwhile, soldiers descended on this reporter, beat him up, tore his clothes and seized his phone as he tried to talk to the fighters and snap pictures of the incident.

He dashed across the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, but the military men went after him, hitting him all over his body, until a courageous motorcyclist sped off with him.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/female-soldier-beats-policewoman-comatose-lagos/

How Yam Farming Can Contribute To Our Economic In Nigeria

What exactly are the economic benefits of yam farming in West Africa? Yam farming is obviously one of the most rewarding farm businesses in Africa for many good reasons. Yam is one of the most popular food staple in most African countries and beyond. It is prepared in our kitchens in many forms pounded yam, porridge, friend yam, yam with vegetables mention just a few. Without yam in the market, millions of African families may starve.

Apart from feeding our stomach, yam has other nutritional and health benefits. Yams complex carbohydrates and fiber slows the rate at which sugars are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, because theyre rich in fiber, yams fill you up without filling out your hips and waistline.

Yams are also a good source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps with carbohydrate metabolism and is a co factor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. Thats how mothers nature works; when She brings forth a food, She makes sure it integrates everything needed to contribute to your health and vitality.

The Opportunities in Yam Farming

Yam is quite pricey in the market and no amount produced that will be enough let alone saturation. Yam can be exported to other countries to earn foreign currency and improve the economy of Africa. In ancient time down to very recently, the wealth of a man in Igboland is measured by the quantity of yam he harvested. Yam is a symbol of wealth in Igboland likewise many other places. Has this changed? The answer is no it is our recent acquired poor orientation towards farming that is trying to change it.

Ghana is the third largest yam producer in West Africa after Nigeria and Cote dIvoire. But in exportation, they are the leading exporter of yam accounting for over 94 percent of total yam exports in West Africa.

The big question is: How come Nigeria is the largest producer of yam in West Africa but Ghana is the largest exporter of yam in the same West Africa? Nigeria and Ivory Coasts eyes are still blind to the opportunities that exist in their hands. About 90 percent of Ghanas yams are exported to the US, UK and the Netherlands.

The Economic Benefits Of Yam Farming

Do you know that 50,000 tubers of yam could make you N10 million in a year? And what does it take to harvest 50,000 tubers of yam in a year? A hundred meters of yam ridge takes 100 yams if spaced 1 meter apart which is the standard recommended spacing. That means that five hundred by five hundred meters of farm land can comfortably give you 50,000 tubers of yam in a year.
The problem we have in this country about farming is that we are not used to thinking big, we only think of farming as means of feeding our extended family in the village. No, farming is far beyond that, it can make you millions of dollars.

To cultivate 500 x 500 meters of farmland for yam, you will need N3-4 million and after harvesting and selling, you make N10 million selling locally, making a profit of N6 million in a year. How many of you make N6 million in a year from your hustle in Oshodi and Alaba and other markets and streets in Africa? Why would you prefer to languish in poverty and hardship when there is plenty opportunity in Yam Farming? The season is about to begin. Be prepared!

From the above analysis, you can see the economic benefits of yam farming in Nigeria and West Africa. It is time to invest more in this sector of farming in Nigeria.

www.agricinfo.com/2017/05/the-economic-benefits-of-yam-farming.html?m=1

BBC Apologizes To Emir Sanusi Over False Publication Of Financial Recklessness

The British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, has apologised to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, over reports it published claiming the Emir was connected with a financial recklessness that took place with the Kano Emirate fund.

Recall that on April 24, the corporation had published a report claiming that the Emir was under probe by the Emirate’s anti-graft commission for alleged mismanagement of Kano Emirate fund.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission had opened an investigation into allegations of ‘questionable expenditures’ running into billions of naira by the council over a short period of time.

However, in the apology letter dated April 28, 2017 and sent to Emir Sanusi, Mr. Jamie Angus, editorial director at BBC, said that an April 24 story quoting the Chairman, of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Magaji, as saying that he (Sanusi) was amongst those being investigated in connection with alleged misappropriation of about N6 billion Emirate Council fund was “not correct.”

“The recording of the interview was passed to another colleague in Abuja office, summarised in a despatch and then sent to London where the online report was written and published.”

“It is now clear from our investigations that the reports did not accurately reflect what we were told by Mr. Magaji, who had, in fact, made clear to our reporter that you had not been invited in for questioning and indeed that it was unlikely that there would be a need to invite you for question.

“Accordingly, the report we published suggested that you were under personal investigation was not correct and for that I offer my sincere apologies,” Mr. Angus said.

http://www.naaija.com/2017/05/bbc-apologises-to-emir-sanusi/

Buhari Appointing Osinbajo As Coordinator Is An Impeachable Offence – Adegboruwa

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has described President Buhari's letter to the National Assembly referring to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as "Coordinator" of the nation's affairs while he proceeds abroad for an indefinite sick leave as an impeachable offence.

According to the Adegboruwa, the National Assembly should reject the letter from the President as it has brought the nation into a serious constitutional crisis.

Adegboruwa said “A coordinator is a Person of equal status with others. So the Vee Pee cannot make appointments or sack anybody while the President is away. He cannot discipline any erring minister. He is limited in policy decisions, as a coordinator. He has no power of control over the "Cabal" to whom the president has handed over power, albeit illegally.”

“The Chief of Staff was recently reported to have moved vital documents away from Aso Villa. In effect, Nigeria has no leader presently. The existing office of Vee Pee is no more. The constitutionally created office of Acting President has been circumscribed by the President.

“The President is away on an indefinite medical trip abroad. The Senate lacks the power to pronounce Osinbajo As Acting President, without a WRITTEN RESOLUTION of BOTH CHAMBERS of the National Assembly, through a DECISION taken on the FLOOR of both chambers.

“The President cannot travel for medical check up for an indefinite period of time. The National Assembly should reject the letter from the President. There is therefore a serious constitutional crisis.

“Pro-government lawyers and activists, who have goaded the Buhari administration into dubious and reckless interpretations of the Constitution in the past, should be held responsible for the current crisis and all acts of impunity from Aso Villa.

“In all, the National Assembly should commence impeachment proceedings against the President for gross misconduct.”

http://www.signalng.com/buhari-appointing-osinbajo-coordinator-impeachable-offence-adegboruwa/

Boko Haram’s Abduction Of Chibok Girls Was Real – PDP Senator, Ben Ndi-Obi

Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ben Ndi-Obi, has debunked insinuations in some quarters alleging that the story of the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok three years ago by Boko Haram terrorists was a hoax.

He stated that the abduction and release narratives of government were true while chatting with the media in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, there was evidence to show that the government did not stage-manage the abduction and release of the girls to score political points.

The PDP scribe said: “I certainly do not believe the issue of the Chibok girls is a hoax. I was in government when this happened.

“I do know the quantum of effort that was made by the past government in trying to release the Chibok girls – in as much as it wasn’t successful then.

“I know there are people who go around day-in-day-out crying and singing ‘bring back our girls’ I want to believe they are certainly not doing that for nothing. You all should also know that it has gained international dimension which means there is something behind that.

“I think this (Buhari) administration is doing well on the issue of the Chibok girls. There is no doubt about it. The military is equally doing extremely well in trying to track down the abducted girls.

“Nobody would be unhappy to hear that the Chibok girls have been released. We are all delighted and we will be more delighted when they are finally reunited with their family and friends.”


http://dailypost.ng/2017/05/10/boko-harams-abduction-chibok-girls-real-pdp/

FUT Minna Student Who Was Stabbed To Death By Her Lover

Here are photos of the female postgraduate student of the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, who was killed by a man suspected to be her fiancée. It was learnt that Bolatito Ajuola, a student of Science Education, was allegedly stabbed to death at about 11pm on Monday at her off -campus residence.

Reports have it that the said the man , Best Origboshe , was a worker in a company owned by the victim’ s father in Ondo State, when the duo began a romantic affair. However, Origboshe was said to have lost his job, resulting in ajuola asking him to join her in Minna.

It was learnt that on Monday , Origboshe and ajuola had returned from shopping when the victim prepared dinner and set the table for them to eat.

It was gathered that Origboshe was reluctant to eat the meal , claiming that it was too hot when ajuola queried him for shunning her food. An argument was reported to have ensued between them.

She reportedly rushed to the kitchen and emerged with a knife with which she injured her fiancé. The man afterwards went to a nearby store, where he bought a brand new knife which he allegedly used to stab her in the breast and in the stomach. ”

It was learnt that a professor in the university, who heard the cry from the house, rushed ajuola and Origboshe to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead.

Source; http://www.nationalhelm.net/2017/05/photos-of-female-fut-minna-student-who.html

Cecilia Ezeilo’s Aide Shot Dead

Unknown gunmen have killed an aide to the Deputy Governor of Enugu State.

The gunman struck Tuesday night in Enugu, the State capital killing the aide-de-camp, ADC, to Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo.

Although details of the incident are not clear yet, the deputy governor’s aide, a Police Sargent, Hellen was said to have been shot dead at Abakpa-Nike axis of Enugu metropolis at about 10 pm on her way to her residence after official duty.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu, while confirming the incident said “It is a painful news.”

The PPRO added he was yet to establish exactly what really happened before he makes further comment on the story.

He said, “If you look at what happened, it is painful and sad to hear that aide to deputy governor was shot dead on her way back after daily activities. “We can’t really say exactly what happened now but we are trying to find out.”


http://dailypost.ng/2017/05/10/breaking-enugu-deputy-governors-aide-shot-dead/

Drug Traffickers In Police Uniforms Arrested In Kano

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two suspected drug traffickers who posed as police officers in Nasarawa area of Kano metropolis.

Kano State Commandant of NDLEA, Alhaji Hamza Umar, told newsmen in Kano on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested in a brand new escort vehicle with police colour, siren, pilot plate number and in possession of two police caps.

According to him, the suspects were arrested while blaring the siren and pretending to be police officers were conveying 715 kilograms of Indian Hemp to Yobe.

Umar said: “during investigation by our officers, we discovered that the suspects were from Edo State, while their destination was Gashua, in Yobe State.”

“The two suspects who were arrested along with 715 kilograms of Indian Hemp disclosed to us that they normally convey such exhibits once a month”.

The commandant added that “if those people had succeeded in their mission to their destination, Yobe State, where the issue of insecurity is a major concern, only God knows what would have happened”.

One of the suspects told newsmen that he was offered N200,000 to convey the Indian hemp to Gashua.

Meanwhile, the command has also arrested a lorry with Ebonyi State Government plate number on its way to Libya through Kano, loaded with 64 kilograms of Indian Hemp hidden in fish packs.

The commandant said the lorry was apprehended along with the driver and three other persons.

“We are still investigating the suspects and i assure you we are getting more information from them that will assist us in getting the real owner of the exhibit.

“At the end of our investigation, the suspects would be taken to the Federal High Court to face the law,” Umar said.

The NDLEA boss added that in April alone, the command had intercepted over four tons of different illicit drugs and arrested 42 suspects, out of which seven had been convicted. (NAN)

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/04/drug-suspects-who-dressed-like.html