Naira Depreciates Further Against Dollar At Parallel Market

 The Nigerian currency (Naira) has on Friday, November 27, depreciated at the parallel market about 48 hours after it strengthened against the United States currency (Dollar).

READ ALSO: Presidency Reacts To A Report On ‘Austere Salary Package For Ministers’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Naira lost N2 to exchange at N242 to the Dollar, as against its previous value of N240, however, the official inter-bank rate remained at N197 to the Dollar.

Traders at the market said in spite of the biweekly sale of forex to Bureaux de Change (BDC’s), the currency of the biggest economy in Africa continued to slide.

They attributed the development to the difficulty encountered by some BDC operators in disposing their forex due to the apex banks regulation on forex sales.

 

Buhari leaves Malta, Meets With World Leaders In France (Photos)

 Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Malta – where he participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – for Paris, France on Sunday evening, November 29, to join about 150 other world leaders for the Conference of Parties 21 (COP21) on climate change.

On arrival, President Buhari was welcomed by President Francoise Hollande of France at the opening of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris France on Monday, November 30.



The president is expected to present Nigeria’s statement at the opening session before participating in the launching of the International Solar Alliance same day, an initiative of the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi.

 

INEC Seizes 7 PVCs, 5 Fake Agent Cards During Bye-Election In Plateau

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Jos, Plateau state capital has announced that it seized seven Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from under aged voters and five party agent cards during the Qua’an Pan North House of Assembly bye-election.

READ ALSO: Kogi Election: Fresh Twist As Faleke, Wada Claim Victory, Audu’s Son Nominated As APC’s Candidate

This disclosure was made known to newsmen in Kwa, Qua’an Pan on Saturday, November 28, by Prof. Anthonia Simbini, INEC National Commissioner, North Central.

“We discovered in some polling units three major problems during the accreditation in this bye-election; under aged, fake party agent cards and low turnout of voters.’’
“We have seen with our eyes and seized seven PVCs from the under aged and five fake party agent cards in some few polling units visited,” she said.

Simbini said it was totally unacceptable to see under aged carrying PVCs to participate in elections.

“The children should not take the law into their hands but should wait until they reach the age of 18,” she added.

Speaking on the election, Dr Godwin Kwanga, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, described the accreditation as “peaceful and orderly.’’
He appealed to the people of Qua’an Pan to give the INEC officials the necessary cooperation for a successful and credible election.

 

Just In: Appeal Court Sacks Ex-Senate President, David Mark, Orders Re-run Of Election

 The Court of Appeal has on Saturday, November 28, nullified the election of former senate president, Senator David Mark.

The court, sitting in the capital of north central Benue state, Makurdi also ordered a re-run of the election within 90 days.

It would be recalled, Mark and the All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate in Benue, Daniel Onjeh had being at loggerheads head over the victory of the former in the last election.

The National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal had announced Mark winner, however, the verdict was challenged by the APC senatorial candidate, Onjeh.

Onjeh insisted that Mark rigged his way in for the fifth term, hence his decision to approach the tribunal.

 

Pres. Buhari Appoints 30 Federal High Court Judges

 President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Mrs. Rosemary O. Dugbo Oghoghorie and 29 others as judges of the Federal High Court on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

READ ALSO: Buhari’s Ministers Sad About The Proposed ‘Austere Package’

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday, November 27, in Abuja by the NJC acting director (Information), Soji Oye.
According to the statement, the new judges will be sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, in Abuja on Wednesday, December 2, 2015.
The newly appointed judges are: Justices Yellin Bogoro (Bauchi), Rosemary Oghoghorie (Delta), Taiwo Obayomi Taiwo (Ogun), Ibrahim Watila (Borno), Mallong Hoommuk (Plateau) and Isa Dashen (Adamawa).
Others are; Hassan Dikko (Kebbi), Jude Dagat (Kaduna), Olayinka Tokode (Osun), Simon Amobeda (Kogi), Jane Inyang (Cross River) and Daniel Osiagor (Rivers).
Also on the list are, Prof. Chuka Obiozor (Anambra), Iniekenimi Oweib (Bayelsa), Hassan Sule (Zamfara), Hadiza Shagari (Sokoto), Saleh Idrissa (Yobe) and Joyce Abdulmalik (Edo).
Also appointed are; Hillary Oshomah (Edo), Fadima Aminu (Adamawa), Toyin Adegoke (Kwara), James Omotosho (Ogun), Nehizena Ekunwe (Edo) and Stephen Pam (Plateau).

READ ALSO: Pres. Buhari Issues ‘Austere’ And ‘Embarrassing’ Salary Package For Ministers

Others are; Akintayo Aluko (Ekiti), Dr. Nnamdi Dimgba (Abia), Emeka Nwite (Ebonyi), Abdulazeez Anka (Zamfara), Abdu Dogo (FCT) and Adamu Muhammed (Jigawa).
(NAN)

 

Buhari’s Ministers Sad About The Proposed ‘Austere Package’

 

 The recently appointed Ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari, who had just spent three weeks in office, are reportedly unhappy about their proposed salary and allowance.

READ ALSO: Pres. Buhari Issues ‘Austere’ And ‘Embarrassing’ Salary Package For Ministers

It was learnt that some of the ministers were uncomfortable with the salary and allowance package as it might not be able to foot their bills.

According to a reliable source: “Most ministers have been sad since they received their letters of appointment because the salary and allowance package was a far cry from where they were coming from. We hope that ministers will eventually not steal if they have to serve this nation on hungry stomach.
“We have ministers in this government who left high-net worth job of $10,000 to $20,000 per month, how will they settle their bills? Some ministers have headed corporate. You can imagine a minister managing about $3billion portfolio now getting $8,521 per Annum.
“Some ministers have children in Ivy League universities where they are paying as much as $40,000 to $60,000 per annum. How will they be able to cope to meet up with their responsibilities?”
“Curiously, we have some Executive Secretaries, Directors-General and Group Managing Directors of parastatals like NNPC, PPMC, NCC, NDIC, PEF, PPPRA, DPR, NERC, NIGCOMSAT, and others who will be earning more than their ministers. I think the system is distorted somehow.”
Another source added: “To earn commensurate salaries and allowances, the president can explore foreign donors’ basket for payment of ministers. Or else, it will be difficult to get the best from this team.
“Alternatively, there might be scientific corruption in Buhari’s cabinet. This is the type of corruption we call ‘chop and clean mouth.’’

The package has caused a huge consternation in the cabinet because while Nigerian ministers earn $8, 514.28 Per Annum (N2,026,400), their counterparts in Ghana are on $50,000 (N11,900,000) and those in South Africa (the highest paying in the continent) were said to be taking home about $302,521 per annum.
Information gathered says that it was unclear if the ministers had made representation to the president or not.

Tags:Austere PackagebuharidatboyjerryMinisters

 

 

Pres. Buhari Issues ‘Austere’ And ‘Embarrassing’ Salary Package For Ministers

 With barely three weeks in office, President Muhammadu Buhari has shocked the recently appointed Ministers with poor salaries and austere allowances. The Nation reports.

The Ministers were said to be disappointed by the perk of office by the President even as Buhari also imposed among others travel restrictions on them.

READ ALSO: It’s A Crime For You Not To Prosecute Those Returning Looted Funds – Braithwaite Tells Buhari

As regards travels, the only leverage the Ministers will enjoy is the privilege of flying in a Business Class.
This was contained in a letter given to the ministers during the week by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal.

According to the letter, the SGF said, “I am pleased to inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has appointed you as a Minister in the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The appointment takes effect from 11th November, 2015 under the following Terms and Conditions of Service as contained in “Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders(Salaries and Allowances, etc) (Amendment ) Act 2008.”
“I am to add that your tenure terminates at the end of this Administration unless otherwise decided by Mr. President. Please accept my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on your appointment.”

The letter gave a breakdown of the perk of office the Ministers would enjoy while they last in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, as:
The substantive minister will earn N2, 026, 400 Annual Basic Salary($8,514.285), Minister of State is to get N1.8million($7,563.025) per annum.

READ ALSO: Looted Funds: Stay At Home And Stop Junketing Around The Globe – Fayose Tells Buhari

Other highlights of the conditions include: Estacode Allowance($900 per diem); Duty Tour Allowance(N35,000); Utilities Allowance(Telephone/ Electricity/ Water)–30% of Annual Basic Salary (N607,920); Domestic Staff Allowance(75% -((N1,519,800) of Annual Basic Salary; Medical Facilities (in accordance with NHIS Policy); Special Assistant (To be provided in kind); Security (To be provided in kind); Air Travel (By Business Class); Newspaper Allowance (15% of Annual Basic Salary-N303,960).

Parts of the letter read, ”As a Political Office Holder, you must obtain permission from Mr. President before you travel out of Abuja. If the trip is official, Ministers are entitled to a Duty Tour Allowance of N35,000 per diem. However, all private journeys will attract no Allowance.
”Severance Allowance of 300 %of Annual Basic Salary payable after full tenure of office with government. The allowance will be pro-rated after a minimum of two years tenure. 200 % of Annual Basic Salary (N4,052,800) will be paid to you to enable you to acquire accommodation of your choice in line with monetization policy.
”Furniture Allowance. 300 %(N6,079,200) of Annual Basic Salary will be paid once in every four years. The allowance will be paid annually at the rate of 75% (N1,519,800) of Annual Basic salary. Motor Vehicle Fuelling Maintenance Allowance. 75% of Annual Basic Salary (N1,519,800) for the maintenance of your vehicle(s) as Government no longer provides chauffeur driven vehicles to Political Office Holders/Public Officers for house to office running.
”Annual Leave (30 calendar days for each leave year or calculated on pro-rata basis, with 10% of Annual Basic Salary(N202,640) as leave grant); Personal Assistant Allowance (25% of Annual Basic salary to enable you to employ a Personal Assistant of your choice).”

Investigation however revealed that some of the ministers were uncomfortable with the salary and allowance package because it might not be able to pick their bills.

 

Samson Siasia’s Mum Regains Freedom From Kidnappers

 The Bayelsa State command of the Nigeria Police Force have announced that they have successfully secured the freedom of Ogere Siasia, the mother of Dream Team VI coach, Samson Siasia, who was kidnapped two weeks ago in Bayelsa State. Premium Times reports.

READ ALSO: Samson Siasia’s Mother Abducted In Bayelsa

According to the public relations officer of the Command, Butswat Asinim, her freedom will come as a huge relief to the head coach of the Nigeria U-23 Coach Samson Siasia who had complained that he was distracted by the abduction of his mother.

“Madam Beauty Siasia, who was abducted on the 16 November, 2015, was abandoned by her abductors along the East West Road, 28 November, 2015, due to hot pursuit by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Police Command.”
”She is hale and hearty and has been reunited with her family. The Police has intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects,” he said.

It would be recalled, the Nigeria’s U-23 men’s football team coach, who is in Senegal with the Dream Team VI, seeking a ticket to the football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games had revealed that the men that kidnapped his mother were demanding for N150 million and are sticking to it.

 

Garde Positive Of Villa Survival

 Remi Garde is keen to point out Aston Villa are not relegation certain and will fight back for survival.

With five points from 13 games, Villa look a side resigned, seeing as no club has recovered from such a poor start.

However, Garde is not letting statistics faze him as he intends to rescue Villa from relegation.
“Only when it’s done with mathematics can you accept things like that and we are not at that point,” he said.

“We are five points away from safety and, for the moment, that is not something that’s unreachable.

“I understand that people outside will bet on us being in this position at the end of the season, but I really think we have the possibility to close the gap.”

Garde, a replacement for Tim Sherwood who was sacked last month, added: “There are a lot of points left so why can’t we do it? Statistics are one thing, but sometimes they are made to be challenged.

“It’s not until we are in a position where we cannot do anything. I strongly believe we can. I am committed to the mission I have taken on.

“I don’t see any players fed up about the situation or what I am asking of them – not at all.”

 

Bad Belle! Jose Mourinho Wants Arsenal Out Of Champions League

 Jose Mourinho wants Arsenal out of UCL

Jose Mourinho has revealed he wouldn’t mind if Arsenal lost their spot in the Champions League Round of 16 to Olympiacos.

Jose Mourinho wants Arsenal out of UCL

Mourinho’s reason is simple: Olympiacos’ manager, Marco Silva, is an old friend of his.

READ: Mourinho: Chelsea Don’t Need A Striker

Mourinho said: “I would always like English teams to qualify, first. Arsenal are in a group where a kid friend of mine is the manager of Olympiakos and it would be fantastic for the kid’s career to go through.
“So I have to be honest and say that I would like the kid and Olympiakos to go on, and we know that Bayern go through for sure.”
Mourinho however acknowledged that it’d take something huge for Arsene Wenger’s boys to not make the final 16.
“The reality is that Arsenal can still do it. Arsenal can perfectly go to Athens and win.”
“Even having a bad group phase – because to lose at home to Olympiakos and to lose in Zagreb and to lose six points they should win is bad – they can qualify.”

READ: Drogba Tips Arsenal For The Title

“It’s not my problem, it’s their problem, but the reality is that first of all they can qualify, and secondly if they go into the Europa League then they become favourites to win.”
“So I think they can have success in the Champions League by going to the next round and they can succeed in the Europa League because then they become favourites, so I think they have a lot to play for.”

 

Pregnant Mercy Johnson Shares Lovely Photos With Her Family

 Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson who is pregnant with her third child has jetted out of the country, to prepare for the childbirth.

The mother of two who spent Thanksgiving in her in-laws house in the U.S.A, shared some lovely family photos showing off her growing bump and adorable kids.
Peep the photos below;

 

21 Dead As Suicide Bomber Attacks Muslim Procession In Kano

 21 dead in Kano bomb blast

An attack on a Shia Muslim procession in Kano has reportedly left 21 people dead and more injured, according to officials.

21 dead in Kano bomb blast: Boko Haram

The attack had happened moments after another man was arrested with a bomb, according to a BBC witness.

READ: Samuel Eto’o Commiserates With Nigeria After Yola and Kano Blasts

Speaking for the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Muhammad Turi said: “We lost 21 people and several others have been injured.”
The attack took place in the Dakasoye village in the Garun Mallam local government area of the state, south of the capital city.
The attack had occurred shortly after Jumah service, with children and women reportedly the majority of the casualties.

 

Far away by superv ft Blezo

Free Beat by Super V

Toyin Aimakhu Says She’s Never Getting Married Again

 Toyin Aimakhu gives up on marriage

Nollywood actress Toyin Aimakhu has loved and lost, and now she’s giving up on marriage.

Toyin Aimakhu gives up on marriage

Aimakhu has been plagued with reports of a relationship with Ebony Films’ CEO Seun Egbegbe, and was adamant about it in a recent interview.

READ: Toyin Aimakhu: “I’m Not Having An Affair With Ebony Films CEO, Seun Egbegbe”

“I don’t know where this story of me getting married to Seun Egbegbe is coming from,” she said. I think someone is behind all these. And I feel all these bloggers should always try to confirm their stories before publishing.”
“First it was the story of me getting a thorough beating from Seun and now they said I am planning to marry him. I have said it times without number that I’m not dating Seun and I have never been beaten to a pulp by any man. Seun is my friend. You can only marry someone you are dating. And I don’t think I have time for any relationship now,” she added.

READ: Toyin Aimakhu Asks Fans To Stop Giving Her Marriage Advice

The 31-year old’s marriage to Adeniyi Johnson didn’t survive, and according to her, that’s the end of the road.
“I don’t think I would want to get married again. I have tried it and it didn’t work. I just want to focus on my career for now. I have loads of project that I am working on and that’s basically what is giving me joy. I am setting up a movie academy in Ibadan and I have acquired a big property that I want to use for the school.”

 

#SU9JATvSeries : Jon Snow Resurrected In Game Of Thrones? (PHOTO)

#SU9JATvSeries : Jon Snow Resurrected In Game Of Thrones? (PHOTO)

HBOs Game of Thrones has resurrected the dead Jon Snow – at least on the Season 6 poster.

HBO on Monday released a teaser poster that features a bloodied Jon Snow but he looks like he’s still very much alive.
This represents the premium cabler’s first public “statement” about the character’s ambiguous fate.
The poster also confirms that Game Of Thrones is expected to return in April 2016

‘Frankly Speaking, 5 Months As Governor, I Am Already Tired’ – El-Rufai

 The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai has disclosed that he is tired of being governor already as there are lots of huge tasks to still address in the state.

This disclosure was made known by the governor at the just concluded Ake Arts and Book Festival which took place in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
El-Rufai, who was part of a discussion panel said his position as governor has not provided him with the opportunity of reading.

“In the last two years, I have been busy with opposition, new political party and elections. I used to read a book a week when I was less busy. But now, I just read files and documents and so on. My advice to anyone that thinks being governor is nice, don’t try it. You don’t get to read; you don’t have a life.”
“We are negotiating contracts that were awarded. Some of them were excessively inflated. We are recovering monies that had been paid for work not done. We are doing so because we are more interested in recovering the monies than humiliating and exposing the people that did it.”
“Frankly speaking, five months as governor, I am already tired. I honestly do not think that anyone who wants to do this job seriously can do it for more than four years and not burn out. When I look at some of my colleagues, some are putting on weight, they are looking nice, I ask them, ‘how do you do it?”

The Ake arts and book festival is an annual literary celebration meant to commemorate Nobel prize writer, Wole Soyinka.

 

Fuel Scarcity: NLC To Embark On Nationwide Protests

 The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are bracing up for a nationwide showdown over the inability of the nation’s oil company to solve the recurring fuel scarcity troubling the nation.

READ ALSO: Fuel Scarcity: APC Senators Thwart Move To Summon Buhari

This is coming on the heels of the country’s harsh economic situations which have been worsened by the continuous petrol shortage and high transportation fares Nigerians pay to get to their work places.
It was believed that several bigwigs of the union have been constantly involved in meetings in order to inform other members regarding the strike action.

READ ALSO: Behold! Church Where You Can Pay N20,000 And Check If Your Name Is In Heaven Or Hell (Photo)

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, November 24, some unnamed labour leaders issued a warning that if an immediate solution is not provided to end the scarcity issue on time, the possibility of a nationwide strike is in no doubt. They said the reason for this impending showdown is to end the hardship of the poor citizens.

 

NEW VIDEO: Orezi – Ogede Ft Wizkid & Timaya

 VIDEO: Orezi – Ogede Ft Wizkid & Timaya

Sprisal Entertainment music star Orezi unlocks a new video for “Ogede”. The Wizkid and Timaya assisted track is housed on Orezi’s critically album “The Ghen Ghen”.
 
The afro-pop titan known for his infectious club hits and party anthems does not disappoint as usual with the world-class Paul Gambit directed visual for the fan favourite.

The Kiddominant produced hit track follows-up Orezi last single “Baby Abeg”.

 

Julius Agwu Gives Out 250 Turkeys To American Families This Thanksgiving. Explains Why

 Nigerian comedian, Julius Agwu on thanksgiving day in the United States gave out 250 turkeys to families in Atlanta, Georgia.

The comedian, through his rep and COO of the Julius Agwu Foundation, Bishop Adejugbe, revealed that the main reason for the gesture was in fulfilment of their goals at the Julius Agwu Foundation. Their motto is For God &
Humanity.

He said,
‘We chose to give back to a community that has been very supportive of our [Nigerian] community and businesses in the United States. This community is a home to probably the highest concentration of people of
Nigerian descent in the State of Georgia, and it may also interest you to know that we have the only officially recognized Yoruba traditional ruler in the US HRM Oba Shola Akinrimisi the Oriade of Georgia with staff of office from the Mayor of Riverdale resides in the City of Riverdale. The Oba was one of the dignitaries that attended the
thanksgiving give-away”

As expected, Julius Agwu received some criticisms from Nigerians who felt that his countrymen needed that kind of gesture more. And what with the millions of displaced people in the North alone, there might be some truth to that statement. But giving is giving nonetheless.
Do you think Mr. Agwu made the right move?

 

MUSIC: Splash X Cole – Don’t Cry (Prod. Classic)

 Bong House Media releases new single, ‘Don’t Cry’ by its two artistes Splash and Cole.

Splash introduces Cole on a joint single titled ‘Don’t Cry’ which was produced by Classic Music. Cole who recently got signed to the label also released a Pidgin Version to Adele’s ‘Hello’.

  DOWNLOAD AUDIO: Splash X Cole - Don't Cry (Prod. Classic)

 

Just In: Plane With 500 Nigerians Deported From The UK Lands In Lagos, Many Stranded (Photos)

 500 Nigerians Deported From The UK

A plane carrying about 500 Nigerians deported from the United Kingdom has landed in Lagos. BBC Africa reports.

READ ALSO: Nigeria and UK @ War: British Embassy In Nigeria To Be Shut Down If UK Deports 500 Nigerians

The chartered flight, took off from London Stansted airport via a private charter company, Titan Airways.
It was confirmed that the flight, was scheduled to depart from the United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 24, at about 10.30pm – Nigerian time – to land in Lagos on Wednesday, November 25 at about 6.00am.

 

Photo credit: Africanspotlight

It was learnt that the deportees were not happy to be back and those who did not have relatives in Lagos are currently stranded in the airport.
On landing, one of the deportees stated that he was arrested by British police and was not allowed to even take his belongings before being deported.

READ ALSO: Nigeria and UK @ War: Nigeria Sets For Retaliation As UK Deports 500 Nigerians Today

Recently, Nigerian government expressed concern over UK’s plan to deport 29,000 Nigerians, and has insisted that due process be followed before Nigerians are removed from the UK.

 

Now Trending: Nigerians Write #OpenLetterToMrPresident

 Following the current economic crisis and ongoing fuel scarcity in the country, Nigerians in their attempt to be heard have taken to the social media to write President Muhammadu Buhari on the need for him to quickly address the numerous challenges been faced by the masses, barely six months after being in the saddle as president.

READ ALSO: Fuel Scarcity: APC Senators Thwart Move To Summon Buhari

The hashtag #OpenLetterToMrPresident is currently trending on Twitter.
See some tweets below;

olaiya kudus @KudusOlaiya
#OpenLetterToMrPresident pls it’s in you we hope. Try all your posible best to help us. #poorPeaples
11:54 AM – 25 Nov 2015
Faith Nwakwue @aa77bfa2c0cb4d5
I don’t understand y ppl wr carrying brooms around shouting ‘change’ and we r still in this condition #OpenLetterToMrPresident
11:52 AM – 25 Nov 2015
Naij.com ‏@naijcom 10m10 minutes ago
The struggle for heaven is real http://jokes.naij.com/13888-struggle-heaven-real.html … #OpenLetterToMrPresident #Good_Time_KissDaniel #SisiLaidebyB2L Atiku 500 Nigerians
Noni’s Blog @SASSYNoni
#openlettertomrpresident but you just Gallivanting the whole world.Please seat down for a month and do what you are supposed to do.
11:47 AM – 25 Nov 2015
iStandOUT @blaH_stevaz
@APCNigeria #OpenLetterToMrPresident i hope you don’t have a second term agenda? Evidently, you have spoilt your buttock with a lil fart!!!
Mr igoni #ABUAMAN @IgoniKitoyeM
#OpenLetterToMrPresident we elected you to change things, but you changed the economy 50times in 6 months with fuel scarcity what our Sin?
12:02 PM – 25 Nov 2015
Oluwajuyitan B. J @Juyitanbj
#openlettertomrpresident When will you start fulfilling your party campaign promises. #Youthnotsmiling
12:02 PM – 25 Nov 2015

 

Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Holds Economic Summit With The Aim of “Solving Nigeria’s Current Power Challenges”

 The Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday, 24 November held an Economic Summit featuring industry leaders of French and Nigerian corporations.

The theme for the Summit was: “Solving Nigeria’s Current Power Challenges” and “Doing Business in Nigeria and France”.
Among the speakers at the event were Mr. Viken Najarian, the GM Specialities of Total Nigeria Plc; Mr. Walid Sheta, the MD of Schneider Electric; Mr. Frédéric Chévé, Sales Manager, Vergnet Group, France; Mr. Herve Canarelli, the PGM – Solar Division of Total E&P Nigeria Ltd; Mr. Isaac Adesola Idowu, the Director, Infrastructure & Services of NIPC and Mr. Hakeem Adeniji, the Director of Commerce, Lagos State.
The Economic Summit was held as part of the 2015 French Week and the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.



Last Friday, a cocktail event was held to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau, an annual French celebration of new red wine made from Gamay grapes.
The French Week will round off with a Gala Dinner on Friday at the Eko Hotels & Suites. The Gala Dinner will also feature a world class fashion show with world class designers.
Other side attractions at the Gala Dinner will be live music performances, dance performance, an Art Exhibition and a raffle draw where a return ticket to France offered by Air France serves as the grand prize.

 

Atiku @ 69: Nigerians Show Love On Twitter; Want ‘Atiku For Presidency 2019′

 Today, 25th November, 2015 is the birthday of Nigeria’s former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The Nigerian politician, businessman and philanthropist, who was given birth to on the 25th of November 1946, has declared that he will continue using his experience and fortune to bolster democracy and education in the country, as he cocks 69, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

READ ALSO: Goodluck Jonathan @ 58: Top 58 Quotes Of Ex-President As Nigerians Show Some Love

This was contained in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Ibe on Tuesday in Abuja.

 The statement, which was issued to mark his 69th birthday on Nov. 25, quoted Atiku as saying: “I get enduring joy from seeing my people empowered with jobs, skills, income and opportunities through my investment.’’

Meanwhile, Atiku is currently trending on Twitter as some Nigerians are wishing he was President while others are calling on him to contest in 2019.

 

Fuel Scarcity: APC Senators Thwart Move To Summon Buhari

 Attempts by senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to persuade the Nigerian Senate to summon President, Muhammadu Buhari – who is also Petroleum Minister – to account for the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country, proved abortive on Tuesday, November 24, as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) frustrated the 

move.

READ ALSO: Curtail Your Utterances Or Be Banished From Igbo Land – MASSOB Warns Ohanaeze Ndigbo

According to Vanguard, the PDP senators, who are constantly against the President’s handling of current economic situation in the country, insisted that he be made to appear before the Senate to give explanations on the cause of the fuel scarcity and how he intended to solve the issue as Minister of Petroleum.
The motion was tagged: “The current fuel scarcity all around the country and the need to urgently resolve the crisis,” sponsored by Senator Jibrin Barau, APC, Kano North and 23 other senators, which was debated upon.
The opposition senators, speaking through Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP, Abia South, accused President Buhari of mismanaging the country’s oil sector, causing untold hardship for Nigerians, barely six months after being in the saddle as president.
Senator Abaribe supported his call with a prayer for adoption, but it was in a swift rebuttal defeated, when the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, put it up for a voice vote.
During the voice vote, the APC Senators, who were more in number, defeated their PDP colleagues with overwhelming shout of “yes” against the PDP’s “nay.”
Reacting through its chairman on Media and Publicity, Aliyu Sabi, the red chamber, maintained that the fact that the President was overseeing the Petroleum ministry as a substantive minister did not make him to be easily summoned like other ministers.

READ ALSO: Palpable Tension As Benin Republic Invades 16 Nigerian Villages, Hoists Flag

However, in his place, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu would be summoned to brief the Senate on plans put in place by the Federal Government to end the fuel scarcity.

 

Serena Williams Pens Down Heartfelt Tribute As She Loses Her Dog Of 16 Years

 Loosing a dog that you have shared 16-years experience with will most definitely hurt like loosing a family member, in this case it’s actually like loosing a dear friend.

So we understand Serena Williams’ pain as she lost Jackie, her dog of 16 years.

The tennis star penned down a heartbreaking tribute to say goodbye on Instagram, Read the tribute below;

“Today really is hard for me, My special friend in which I got at 17 (2 weeks before I won my very first Grand Slam) left me today. She was 16 years young and up until a few days ago was still sprinting.”
“Her poor body gave out this morning and she had a way of telling me it was time for me to be brave and let her go. With my dad by my side we were able to say a loving goodbye. She was with me from 1999 until today and I miss her so much. I got out of the shower this afternoon and she was not there to lick my leg as she always did everyday to remind me how much she loved me. I feel so lucky to have such a special friend. Give your dog, cat, pet a big hug. #breakingheart #bff Jackie Baila Pete Williams I will miss you and your memory will live forever.​”

Treat your dog right today because you never can tell when they will be dead and gone.