By NBS Estimates, Nigeria’s Population Now 193.3 Million. Kano State Leads

National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have put the current figure of Nigeria’s population at 193,392,517.
This is just as the Federal Government proposed a total budget of N9.799 billion for the NPC in 2017, which, according to the sources, is a little above the United Nations’ estimate of 186,988,000.

It will be recalled that the national population census was last conducted in Nigeria in 2006 when the total figure was put at 140,431,790.

According to the latest population forecasts released by NBS, in its website www.nigerianstat.gov.ng, Kano remains the largest state, by an estimated population figure of 13,076,892 than the population of Lagos which is put at 9,113,605.

However, there exists a sharp contradiction in the actual population figure of Lagos, as both the United Nations and Lagos State government put the population of Nigeria’s commercial capital at about 22 million.

The 2006 census figures put Kano population at 9,401,288 and that of Lagos at 12,550,598.

Some highlights of the latest estimates indicated that there are 98,630,184 males with 94,762,333 females.

Also, the population figure of infants within the age bracket of zero to four years, according to NBC and NBS, constituted the largest percentage of the population with 31,116,156, followed by the figure of those between five to nine years with a population of 27,549,964.

An analysis of the figures showed that Nigeria currently had an estimated population figure of 78,971,690 of those between the ages of 15 to 39.

According to the analysis, there were 106,257,431 people within the working population of 15 to 64 years.

It also showed that despite Boko Haram insurgency, which has ravaged substantial parts of the North-East since 2010, the population figure increased substantially.

From a population of 21,614,789 in 2010, the six states of the North-East is currently put at 26,263,866.

Six south-west states of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states, according to the analysis, grew from 31,533,821 in 2010 to 38,257,260.

The analysis also showed that Kaduna retains its position as third most populated state with 8,252,366 inhabitants followed by Oyo with current population estimate of 7,840,864, which outpaced Katsina now with a figure of 7,831,319.

In 2006, Katsina’s population followed that of Kaduna State while Oyo was in the fifth place.

Bayelsa maintains its position as the least populated of the 36 states of the federation with an estimated figure of 2,277,961.

Anambra is the most populated state in the south-east with 5,527,809 inhabitants while Rivers State leads in the south-south region with 5,198,716 people.

For the north-east, Bauchi is the largest state in terms of population with a figure of 4,653,066 while in the case of the north central, Benue leads with 5,741,815 inhabitants.

According to the details of 2017 budget proposal submitted to National Assembly, by President Muhammadu Buhari, NPC will fully commence preparation for 2018 population census during 2017.

A stakeholders’ conference to present the 2018 census instrument to gulp N50 million, would hold during the year while N41.7 million has been earmarked for training of staff in Washington, for data collection and interviewing techniques.

There is also a proposal for N1.950 billion to be spent on field demarcation and another N1 billion is expected to be deployed to acquiring satellite imagery.

http://tribuneonlineng.com/nbs-estimates-nigerias-population-now-193-3-million/

Naira Among Worst Performing Global Currencies In 2016

The Nigerian naira has been listed as one of the world’s worst performing currencies in 2016, according to a report compiled by Bloomberg LP.

The naira was said to have lost 36.68 percent of its spot returns for the year, while the Egyptian pound, Suriname dollar and Venezuela bolivar’s currency spot returns dropped by 58.84 per cent, 46.68 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, for the period.

The Nigerian equity market fared worst in the year, according to the report, as the nation’s economy is set to contract in 2016 for the first time in more than 20 years as capital controls deter foreigners from investing and militants are blowing up pipelines.

The five best performing currencies of the world are the Russian ruble, Brazilian real, the palladium, the Iceland krona, and silver, which appreciated by 21.31 per cent, 20.96 per cent, 20.08 per cent, 14.42 per cent and 14.41 per cent, respectively, in terms of spot returns.

Two Africa currencies, the Zambian kwacha and South African rand, emerged as the sixth and seventh best performing currencies of the world. The kwacha and rand appreciated by 11.96 per cent and 11 per cent respectively.

The report stated, “It was a particularly bad year for any currency called the ‘pound’. The Egyptian version was the worst performer in 2016 as the nation took the dramatic step of allowing it to trade freely in an attempt to stabilise an economy struggling with a dollar shortage and concerns over social unrest. Britain’s pound tumbled after the Brexit and never recovered.”

On the other side of the spectrum, digital currency, bitcoin, was the best performer this year, rising more than 100 percent as capital controls in places like China and isolationist rumblings in the United Kingdom and the United States fuelled interest in alternate currencies, according to the report.

It added, “When it comes to currencies issued by governments and central banks, the Russian ruble has been the best performer of the year as the oil market rebounded.

“While the UK currency’s slide didn’t match those in some emerging markets, it did tally the worst performance among major currencies.”

Despite recent unrest, Brazil’s Ibovespa stock index remained the best performer for 2016 when looking at all indices in terms of the US dollar, the report noted, stating that this was largely due to hopes that President Michel Temer, who took office after Dilma Rousseff was impeached, would end the worst recession in a century and bring about political stability.

http://investorsking.com/naira-among-worst-performing-global-currencies-in-2016/

Obama Expels Russian Diplomats

U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats including shutting down of two Russian compounds in the U.S. in a number of actions announced on Thursday as reprisal for Russia’s meddling in US election.

Obama’s speech obtained by correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York, stated that the actions were “in response to Russia’s malicious cyber activity and harassment.

“Today, I have ordered a number of actions in response to the Russian government’s aggressive harassment of U.S. officials and cyber operations aimed at U.S. election.

“These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behaviour.

“The U.S State Department is also shutting down two Russian compounds, in Maryland and New York, used by Russian personnel for intelligence-related purposes, and is declaring ‘persona non grata’ on 35 Russian intelligence operatives.

“Finally, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are releasing declassified technical information on Russian civilian and military intelligence service cyber activity.

“This is to help network defenders in the U.S. and abroad to identify, detect, and disrupt Russia’s global campaign of malicious cyber activities.”

According to him, all Americans should be alarmed by Russia’s actions.

Obama added that “in October, my Administration publicised our assessment that Russia took actions intended to interfere with the U.S. election process.

“These data theft and disclosure activities could only have been directed by the highest levels of the Russian government.

“Moreover, our diplomats have experienced unacceptable level of harassment in Moscow by Russian security services and police over the last year. Such activities have consequences.”

He explained that he had issued an executive order that provided additional authority for responding to certain cyber activity aimed at interfering with or undermining America’s election processes and institutions, or those of its allies or partners.

“Using this new authority, I have sanctioned nine entities and individuals: the GRU and the FSB, two Russian intelligence services; four individual officers of the GRU; and three companies that provided material support to the GRU’s cyber operations.

“In addition, the Secretary of the Treasury is designating two Russian individuals for using cyber-enabled means to cause misappropriation of funds and personal identifying information.”

The U.S. president explained that “these actions are not the sum total of our response to Russia’s aggressive activities.

“We will continue to take actions at a time and place of our choosing, some of which will not be publicised.

“In addition to holding Russia accountable for what it has done, the United States and friends and allies around the world must work together to oppose Russia’s efforts to undermine established international norms of behaviour, and interfere with democratic governance.

“To that end, my Administration will be providing a report to Congress in the coming days about Russia’s efforts to interfere in our election, as well as malicious cyber activity related to our election cycle in previous elections.”

Source:
http://www.ajayiwrites.com/2016/12/obama-expels-russian-diplomats.html

Igbo And Fulani Clash In Enugu Over N100. Two Killed, Mosque Burnt

Ihuoma Chiedozie, Enugu

Two persons lost their lives in a bloody clash between Igbos and Fulanis at the popular Gariki market, in Enugu.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night.

Our correspondent learnt, during a visit to the market on Thursday, that the deceased persons had been identified as Ali, a Fulani and Ifeacho Ifeanyi, an Igbo.



It was equally gathered that the clash was triggered by a disagreement over the sum of N100.

Eye witnesses disclosed that trouble started when, late on Wednesday evening, the said Ali, whose surname could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, came to slaughter a cow at an abattoir located in the Gariki market.

They said Ali, who ordinarily would have gone to slaughter his cow in the New Artisan market abattoir, opted for Gariki market abattoir because the New Artsisan market had been closed by the Enugu State Government following the killing of a policeman by a mob of Keke NAPEP riders.

However, Ali, paid N400 instead of the required N500, which infuriated Ifeanyi, leading to a dispute.

The dispute between the two men over the said N100 soon turned violent, and in the ensuing fight, Ali allegedly brought out a dagger and stabbed Ifeanyi several times in the stomach, exposing his intestines.

Ifeanyi slumped and died on the spot.

But Ali met his own end immediately, as some Igbo traders, who were enraged at the development, apprehended him as he tried to escape and beat him to death.

The irate Igbo traders went further by burning a mosque that is located inside the Gariki market, where the large population of Northerners in the market worshipped.

Our correspondent gathered that the crisis would have further degenerated to the burning of shops and loss of more lives, had it not been for a team of anti-riot policemen who arrived at the market to stabilise the situation.

Spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the development, said the police had restored normalcy in the market and environs.

He said the police was on the ground to prevent further breakdown of the law and order.

Amaraizu added that the police was investigating the incident.

http://punchng.com/two-killed-mosque-burnt-igbo-fulani-clash-n100/

Adekunle Gold, Viktoh And Chinko Ekun To Leave YBNL - The NET.NG

Adekunle Gold, Viktoh and Chinko Ekun are leaving YBNL following the termination of their two-year recording and management contract each.

Meanwhile, the musicians are still looking to Olamide as they fear for their future.

‘Adekunle Gold’s contract with YBNL recently expired,’ an insider told Thenetng. ‘He’s yet to decide on his contract renewal because he’s not ready to go unaided.’


Adekunle joined YBNL as an artiste during the first ever OLIC (Olamide Live In Concert) in December 2014.

Before his major contract following the release of his hit, ‘Sade’, the singer – who designed the famous YBNL logo – used to work with the music label as a graphics designer.

The contracts of Viktoh and Chinko Ekun expired long time ago, but they decided to keep the update on the low as they fear it could make or tarnish careers.


Chinko Ekun was no where to be found at Olamide’s concert in Lagos on Monday, where his label mates took turns on stage to thrill the crowd.

‘Just like Chinko Ekun, both of them (Adekunle and Viktoh) don comot, but dem no loud am,’ another spokesperson told us in pidgin.

On April 26, a month after dropping his debut album (Y.A.G.I), Lil Kesh announced his departure from YBNL following the expiration of his two-year contract to promote his music label.

It only took the label a week to sign new artiste, Temmie Ovwasa. And in November, Olamide contracted fast-rising Mushin-based rapper, Davolee, who’s popular for his viral cover of ‘Panda’ by American artiste, Desiigner.

Three albums were released under YBNL Nation in 2016: Y.A.G.I by Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold’s Gold, which were released in March and July, respectively.

Label boss, Olamide also dropped his sixth studio album on Boxing Day, the same day his OLIC3 concert held at Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.

2017 will certainly be challenging for YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop), which has been one of the prominent Nigerian music labels in the last two years.

Source: http://thenet.ng/2016/12/net-exclusive-adekunle-gold-viktoh-and-chinko-ekun-to-leave-ybnl/

Court Sentences Mu’ammar Tukur To Death By Hanging In Katsina

A Katsina State High Court sitting in Funtua on Thursday sentenced Mu’ammar Tukur, son of former District Head of Bakori, to death by hanging for culpable homicide.

Tukur, 32, whose late father represented Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency at Federal House of Representatives, was convicted for using knife to stabbed Shafir Muktar to death.

In his judgment, Justice Abbas Bawale, said the prosecution led by Mr Aminu Garba had established the case of culpable homicide against the convict beyond reasonable doubt.

Bawale said the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered four exhibits which established the three needed ingredients, including death of the victim, cause of the death and intention of the action.

He said the incident occurred on April 21, 2008 in a serial fight between the convict and the some of the prosecution witnesses at viewing centre.

The judge said the defence counsel, Mr AbdulAziz Olagoke, effort to contradict the evidence of the prosecution was futile.

He said the defence argument that the prosecution did not tender the metallic material used in committing the offence could not be sustained.

The judge held that the convict ran way between 2008 and 2013 and was arrested at the grave yard during the funeral of his deceased mother.

Bawale held that convict’s reliance on provocation was not material because he left the scene and came with the metallic instrument to perpetrate the action.

He said the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt as required by law and sentenced the convict to death by hanging.

The judge also said the plea for leniency could not be entertained because the court’s discretion was blocked by law and directed that the plea should be set to the state governor.

He advised the defence to file its appeal within 90 days.
NAN

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/court-sentences-son-of-former-house-of-rep-member-to-death-by-hanging/178264.html

Sheriff: I Was Wrongly Accused Of Sponsoring Boko Haram

[quotr]Factional National Chairman of the People’s D e m o c r a t i c Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff yesterday said the victory against Boko Haram by men of the Nigerian Army has clearly vindicated him from widespread allegation that he was the major financier to the insurgents.

Sheriff, who disclosed this in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, while addressing a mammoth crowd of party supporters during a familiarisation visit to the state, said he was wrongly accused of being the financier of Boko Haram insurgents.

The former governor of Borno State said Borno State was worse hit by the activities of the terrorists among other states in the North East, which had become hotbed of the insurgents, where scores of people had been killed.

He lamented that he was also a victim of the crisis as he lost his step mother, cousin and candidate in one of the attacks, even as he commended the Nigerian Army for winning the war against terrorists in the country.

“Borno State suffered a lot due to the activities of Boko Haram and I want to use this opportunity to thank the Nigerian Army for the defeat and add that I was one of the victims of the insurgency because I lost my step mother, cousin and a candidate of my party to Boko Haram.” Sherrif said.

According to him, he was in Benue State as part of the fulfillment of his promise to the people of the state during their visit to him in Abuja.

While stressing that for the party to attain enviable heights, he noted that power must return to the grassroots, whom he said are the real owners of the party.

Sheriff, who said he was poised to rid the party of impunity and woo more supporters to its fold, explained that PDP lost woefully in the last general elections due to the greed of some ex- governors, even as he said that there would be no impunity again as long as he remained the national leader of the party.

He carpeted former Minister of Communication, Prof. Jerry Gana for saying 90 per cent of the party is with the Senator Ahmed Makarfi- led faction, saying the other faction is peopled with individuals, who only rant on the television and who have lost value in the communities.

The national factional leader of the party in the state, Senator Joseph Akaagerger described the visit of Senator Sheriff as significant, and lauded the synergy between Benue and Borno States.

He, however, assured his supporters that all necessary machinery had been put in place for the victory of the party in 2019 general elections.[/quote]

https://newtelegraphonline.com/sheriff-wrongly-accused-sponsoring-boko-haram/