Participate in miss Nigeria.

MISS NIGERIA FORMS NOW OUT!!! How to Enter:
To be considered for the 41st edition of the Miss Nigeria Pageant, you must pay at any Heritage Bank Branch with the following details:

ACCOUNT NAME: MISS NIGERIA PAGEANT
ACCOUNTNUMBER: 5800001957
BANK: HERITAGE BANK PLC.
@heritagebankng
PROCEDURE:

Step One:

Pay a non-refundable fee of 5,000 Naira  to Heritage Bank

Step Two: - Fill in the online form and include your Teller Number.
- Download your copy as PDF ready for print and to be presented at the casting venue. -International applicants: Applicants can also apply by submitting a YouTube video (Please note International applicants must be of Nigeria Citizen by birth)

We are searching for young girls all around the world to be part of this great opportunity. Send a two minute video clip of yourself with your name, age, occupation, brief background and tell us why you want to be the next Miss Nigeria, upload to YouTube and email the link to info@missnigeria.ng for more information visit missnigeria.ng #beautypageant #MissNigeria2017 #diamondjubilee #beingmissnigeria #nigeria #women #empoweringwomenbeyondbeauty

FEDERAL ALLOCATION DROPS

States and federal governments will have to brace up for hard times again as the amount shared for the month of September 2016, shrunk to N420 billion from N510.2 billion in the previous month.

Addressing journalists at the end of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in the Abuja on Thursday, the permanent secretary of the federal ministry of finance Dr Mahmoud Isa Dutse attributed the decline to the “activities of vandals in the Niger Delta Inspite of the appreciation in the price of crude oil in the international market.

Dutse lamented that crude oil export volume decreased by 1.5 million barrels in June, 2016 as a result of the activities of Nigeria Delta vandals and appealed that “we need to do everything possible to normalize things in the Niger Delta.”

Other reasons for the decline were the Force Majeure declared at Bonny terminals and the subsisting one at the the Forcados terminal as well as the shut- and shut-down of pipelines for repairs and maintenance.

Dutse added that there was decrease in the volume of dutiable imports, receipts from Joint Venture Cash Call, foreign companies income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT).

For statutory disbursements in the month of September, the federal government got N120.351 billion; state governments received N61.044 billion; local governments were given N47.062 billion while mineral producing states got N13.729 billion.

In addition, the three tiers of government shared a total of N61.694 billion with the federal government receiving N9.254 billion; state governments, N30.847 billion and local governments, N21.593 billion.

To make up the numbers, an additional N41.402 billion exchange gains accruals and another N63.386 excess Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) were shared among the three beneficiaries.

Aside from the disbursements, the permanent secretary disclosed that the funds in the Excess crude Account remains N2.454 billion.

He also expressed optimism that Nigeria’s potential for growth remains high given the recent announcement by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Nigeria’s economy is now larger than that of South Africa. This development he said, “will make us a major destination for investors and it shows that Nigeria is on the part of growth.”

The Accountant General of the Federation, (ÀGF) Alhaji Idris Ahmed, attributed Nigeria’s economy overtaking that of South Africa to the massive capital investment made by the federal government and he also reiterated that “we will come out of this recession soon as all the indices and parameters point to this.”

When the permanent secretary and team of federal government delegation left, the Edo state commissioner for finance and chairman finance commissioners forum Mr. John Inegbedion told journalists that the cost of collection deducted by revenue generating agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) were unconstitutional.

However, he admitted that it was politically agreed by all stakeholders that the agencies should go ahead and receive cost of collection because the federal government was not able to fund them properly and that limited their ability to function well so it was agreed to let them have it

ORTOM ON LIVE RADIO BENUE.

ORTOM INTERACTS ON RADIO BENUE, OCTOBER 17TH, 2016
Radio Benue, Makurdi, will tomorrow Monday, 17th October, 2016, play host to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on a special edition of its interactive phone-in programme, Issues of the Moment.
This edition of the programme, which is as usual, at the instance of the Governor, will hold from 8 to 10 o’clock in the morning with focus on appointment of traditional rulers and the Chieftaincy Law recently passed by the State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency.
The programme provides another opportunity for you, the Benue populace, to interact with your Governor on matters related to the traditional institution and other issues of governance and development.
You can be part of the programme by dialing telephone number 07038267479 which will be activated during the programme while you can send short text message to 08034787173 which has already been activated for that purpose.
Remember that text messages must contain the sender’s full name and location.
While at Radio Benue for the programme, the Governor is expected to relaunch the AM Channel of the Corporation which has been running test transmission on nine-one-eight kilohertz, three-two-seven metres in the Medium Wave Band.
Signed: Management

BUHARI VS BUHARI

POLITICS IS NOT A PROFESSION AND YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW EVERYONE IN ALL STATES BEFORE YOU WORK WITH THEM
Aisha Buhari’s interview with BBC: We only knew Fashola, Amaechi, few others
BBC Hausa: It has been One and a half years since President Muhammadu Buhari came into power, a lot of people are expressing their unhappiness over the way few acquaintance of the President have hijacked power while neglecting people that work for his success. Like we have promised, here is how the interview with Aisha Buhari and Naziru Maka’ilu from Abuja goes.
BBC Hausa: People have goodwill towards President Muhammadu Buhari, especially looking at the things he did before, but since coming into power things have not been working the way they should, what do you thing is the cause?
Aisha Buhari: I am not a government official, but in my opinion as a woman, a mother, what I think is it is well known that the first 4 years are not going to be easy. Firstly, it was people that brought the government into power. More than half of those people are not appointed into the government. Some people that are not politicians, not professionals were brought into the government. They don’t even know what we said we want and what we don’t during the campaign. They even come out and say to people we are not politicians, but they are occupying the offices meant for politicians. Some have parted with their wives, some lost their children lost, some women too have parted with their husbands because of politics, a lot happened during the time. The way things are going I too I am not happy. We are just starting, we have not finished. Some people that worked for the government have been appointed. But those heading government agencies you can find one fighting his state governor, they contested together during election one in APC while in PDP.
BBC Hausa: Who are those doing these kinds of things?
Aisha Buhari: Everybody knows them. Those people should know that people voted singly. Even Buhari too had one vote. Nobody voted 5 times. 15.429 Million People. That one that people are thinking too, he had only some 2 or 3 people. I am pleading to them to have the people at heart and embrace everybody so that we can all move together. Not even now in 2016 or 17, lot of people are creating divisions within the APC, which is our source of concern. They think they have worked for the government while those appointed some of them had no voter’s card. What I fear is uprising of 15.4 million people.
BBC Hausa: Is the President aware some people are subverting his government?
Aisha Buhari: Whether he knows or he do not, those that voted for him knows.
BBC Hausa: But you are the most closest to him, did you tell him?
Aisha Buhari: There is nothing I can tell him, he is seeing things himself. Out of the people he has appointed, take 50, 45 of them I don’t know them. Perhaps he doesn’t know them too. I have been living with him for 27 years.
BBC Hausa: Do you think there are some people that are dictating to the President things to do, not him?
Aisha Buhari: That is what I am saying, those that know they don’t have voters card, they should give chance to those that have, they are the ones that struggled and knows what we want to do. Some of them if you go to a meeting with them they will tell you, we are not politicians, if somebody is wise, they will not accept to take any political office. They didn’t even work for it. Even if you are asked to, you should say it is not my profession. Those places not headed by politicians will cause people discontent.
BBC Hausa: One would wonder to hear you say some people have hijacked the government without him knowing, but who do you think are those people?
Aisha Buhari: I don’t know them, I don’t know them. I don’t know them
BBC Hausa: But some people are calling names, saying 2 or 3 are the ones, do you that as well?
Aisha Buhari: Yes I agree. Because of those appointed apart from Fashola, Ameachi and some others, not much, I don’t know them, most of us too don’t know them, and he too does not know them
BBC Hausa: One would wonder that Buhari is not the one charge knowing him as a person who had leadership experiences, people would not believe
Aisha Buhari: Yes, it is surprising; nobody thought it is going to be like this. But now that it is so…sometimes when one is doing something wrong without him knowing, but when people talk to them, they should listen. Because in the future, whether he is going to contest or not, it is that same people that would vote for APC. We hope those people don’t come back, and everybody don’t hope so too
BBC Hausa: You said “Whether he is going to contest in the future or not”, has he disclose it to you whether he is standing or not?
Aisha Buhari: He didn’t tell me, but I have made up my mind.

WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION THICKNESS.

Full Details Of Nigerian Secret Police Raid On Federal Judges Revealed

SaharaReporters has learnt from sources at the Department of State Security (DSS) that the overnight raid on the residences of some nine court judges, culminating in the arrest of several of them, came as a result of petitions and decisions of the National Judicial Council (NJC), a statutory body that regulates the activities of judges.
by SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK Oct 08, 2016

SaharaReporters has learnt from sources at the Department of State Security (DSS) that the overnight raid on the residences of some nine court judges, culminating in the arrest of several of them, came as a result of petitions and decisions of the National Judicial Council (NJC), a statutory body that regulates the activities of judges.

Two DSS sources, however, stated that contrary to earlier reports, the Supreme Court nominee for Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was not targeted in any of the raids conducted so far. Justice Onnohen reportedly raised alarm to friends when he noticed police action next to his residence as a team of security agents swooped on his next door neighbor, Justice Sylvanus Ngwunta. A press release issued by the DSS indicated that Justice Onnohen is not under investigation, SaharaReporters learnt that the justice's appointment is being fast-tracked to become the CJN in a few days.

However, two Supreme Court justices, John Inyang Okoro and Sylvanus Ngwuta, were arrested in connection with the receipt of bribes from Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. Justice Ngwuta reportedly traveled to Qatar to receive bribes that he shared with Justice Okoro and other justices in order to help Mr. Wike to win a case at the Supreme Court regarding his disputed election. During a search of his home Justice Ngwunta was in possession of N35,208m, $319,475, 25,890 pounds and 280 Euros

The two judges have been linked with massive properties development in Abuja and Calabar. Justice Okoro is said to be building seven houses simultaneously in Calabar with the help of former Governor Godswill Akpabio and his predecessor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom state. Justice Okoro had N4.35m, $38,833 and 1000 Euros in his possession during his arrest this morning.

SaharaReporters learned that Governor Wike sprang up late at night to obstruct the arrest of a judge in Port Harcourt. The altercation that ensued created a tense atmosphere between the Governor and security operatives sent to arrest the judge.

One source told SaharaReporters that the judge involved was Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. Justice Liman, who is yet to be apprehended reportedly took $2million from Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party to give a judgement that “overthrew” the faction led by a former governor of Borno state, Ali Modu Sheriff. Governor Wike reportedly transferred the funds in cash to Liman in Ghana, before it was ferried to his home in Port Harcourt. The bribe was to be shared between Lima and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Auta. When the team arrived the house in Port Harcourt where the loot was kept Gov. Wike mobilized his men to counter the DSS team with the aid of the State’s Police Commissioner. Another source also stated that one Justice Uche Nma Agomoh of the Federal High Court in the same city who was a lackey of the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daudu was also involved in the scam.

A statement issued by the DSS stated that their team was obstructed by the governor and some thugs with the help of officers from a sister agency, which SaharaReporters learnt is a reference to the Nigerian police.

A security source claimed that Governor Wike left when confronted by police and DSS agents who threatened to shoot him, however, the obstruction aided movement of the cash found on the property. Governor Wike told a different version to the press, claiming he did not know who the judge was.

As early as 11 p.m. Nigerian time, the siege on the homes of judges became public knowledge when DSS agents raided the home of a young judge, Dimgba Nnamdi, who apparently has been a thorn in the side of the DSS lately. When the siege was over, the judge's brother had been brutalized, after which the security agents showed their victim a "search warrant" meant for Justice Okoro. Justice Dimgba Nnamdi was "roughened up" but not immediately arrested. However, a DSS source stated Justice Dimgba is guilty of corruption and had been arrested as well.

Justice Muazu Pindiga, who was arrested in Gombe, was transported to the DSS headquarters in Abuja. A DSS source told our correspondent that Justice Pindiga was cooperating with the DSS regarding his role in a bribery scheme over the Rivers State election tribunal from which he was removed as a judge as Saharareporters exposed him for receiving N100m from Governor Wike.

SaharaReporters learned that Justice Muhammad Ladan Tsamiya, an Appeal Court justice who was recently "compulsorily retired" by the NJC, was not home when a DSS team invaded his home in the Gwarimpa area of Abuja, he reportedly surrendered to the DSS later this morning.

One of the most dramatic scenes took place when the DSS team stormed the home of Justice Adeniyi Ademola. When the team ordered Justice Ademola to come out, the judge claimed he was not home, but his cellphone signal gave him away. He was subsequently arrested with at least N300 million found in different local and foreign currencies in his bedroom. Specifically the same of N54m cash, $171,779. 4,400 Euros, 1,010 Rupees, and 80 pounds was found in his residence.

A different team also arrested Justice Kabiru Auta in Kano.

One DSS source told our reporter that the raids were meant to be carried out by joint DSS and the Nigerian police teams, adding that the police bungled some of the raids by apparently tipping off their targets.

Several security agents stated that the raids took place following independent investigations that were triggered by petitions submitted to the NJC against some of the judges. According to one of the operatives,  none of the nine judges targeted haven't spent their salaries in the last two years.

One source revealed that the raids were originally planned for last week, but had to be postponed for "strategic reasons."

A statement issued by the DSS stated that the agency had recovered large sums of foreign and local currencies. The DSS gave a breakdown of the recovered funds as follows:

SUMMARY OF RECOVERED MONEY

1.   NAIRA          -      N93,558,000.00

2.    DOLLARS   -      $530,087

3.    POUNDS    -      £25,970

4.    EURO        -      €5,680

Other foreign currencies were also recovered. The funds were recovered from just three of the arrested judges.

The DSS revealed that its operatives also seized banking as well as real estate documents from several judges.

The agency is making preparations to arraign the arrested justices in court early next week.

LIST OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SOLE ADMINISTRATORS IN BENUE STATE

1 Usula Mfaga         -Logo

2  Peter Onche          -Obi

3 Micheal Umoru Inaellegwu - Agatu

4 Innocent Inyiyongu               -Makurdi.

5 Akura Dannis                         - Vandeikya

6 Adakole Abutu                        -Ohimini

7 Achado Benedict Nyiekura   - Gwer-East

8 George Alli                               -Otukpo

9 Dajuma Oche Solomon         -Apa

10 Anthony Shawon                  -Guma

11 Orngu Daniel                          -Kwande.

12 Barr. Oketa Alexander           -Ado

13 Kwaghmande Aper Innocent - Ushongo

14 David Yiman Terna                  -Buruku

15 Vera Akua                                 - Katsina Ala

16 Becky Orpin                               -Gboko

17 Mrs Anna Itodo                         -Okpokwu

18 Austin Okwoche                        -Oju

19 John T Ayaku                              -Konshisha

20 Akola James Simon                    -Ogbadibo

21 Agee Asawa                                  -Ukum

22 Anthony Sende                              - Tarka

23 Tar Timothy Terry                          - Gwer West .

NIGERIA TO GET LOAN

The African Development Bank is looking to provide a total of $4.1 billion to Nigeria over 2016 and 2017, its president said, as Africa’s biggest economy seeks to bridge its budget deficit and improve weak infrastructure.
Akinwumi Adesina said the funds would be used to develop the power and agriculture sectors in the west African country, which has slipped into recession for the first time in over 20 years, largely due to low oil prices.
He was speaking after holding talks with the finance minister, Kemi Adeosun, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the capital, Abuja.
Oil sales, the economy’s mainstay, generate 70 percent of government revenues. Attacks on energy facilities in the Niger Delta have cut crude production by around a third since the start of the year.
The OPEC member has been left struggling to fund a record 6.06 trillion naira ($18.6 billion) 2016 budget that aims to stimulate growth by tripling capital expenditure.
Adeosun said Nigeria had asked for a $1 billion loan to help cover its 2016 budget deficit.
She said it would be concessional and carry an interest rate of 1.2 percent.
Adesina later said the pan-African lender was looking to provide $4.1 billion over 2016/2017.
He said “deepening the level of diversification in critical sectors” such as agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing, was of particular importance.
Aside from a wealthy elite who have profited from oil wealth, most of the 180 million people in Africa’s most populous nation live on less than $2 a day. Development has been held back for decades by a poor power, road and rail network.
“I expect that our portfolio in Nigeria will not decrease — it will actually grow. We expect to invest in Nigeria, by 2019, a total of $10 billion,” said Adesina, a former Nigerian agriculture minister.
The finance minister said the country was not over-borrowing. “What we are trying to do is to ensure that this money we are borrowing, we use it on the key infrastructure that will drive the economy,” she said.
Last week the central bank left its benchmark rate at 14 percent, defying calls from Adeosun to lower rates so that the government could borrow domestically to boost the economy without increasing debt-servicing costs.
Adesina said the AfDB had “asked for the need for better synergies between the macro policy side and monetary policy side and also the fiscal policy side of the economy.”

FAMILY OF INGYOROKO THAANKS THE LORD

The family of mr and mrs Moses Ingyoroko yesterday organised a thanks giving service at NKST church ,Uwua ,Gboko, Benue state to thank God for his blessins to them.

Preaching at the servicc, Rev Shikaa of Britow church enjoined christians to always remember to thank God for the good things he has done to us.

He reminded the people that King David appreciated God's goodness by always giving thanks to him and urged all christians to follow the footsteps of king David.

In their speech, Mr and mrs Ingyroko thanked God for guiding them this far,and thanked allguests for honouring their invitation.

Ithe accassion witnessed the cutting of anniversary cake.

ARMLESS SPANIARD WANTS FRIENDS.

"As clear as I have no arms or hands,nobody will comment 'Amem'-Maribel Martinez Romero.
Despite her condition ,she wants friends.
You can connect with here on her facebook page.

GOVERNOR ORTOM BACK FROM UN

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, today returned from a trip to the United Nations 71st General Assembly in New York, the United States of America.

He arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 5.05 in the morning aboard a British Airways aircraft.

His Special Adviser, Media and Information Communication Technology, ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, and Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties, Mr. Abraham’s Kwaghngu, alighted from the same aircraft with him.

Governor Ortom made a presentation on “Experiences in multi-stakeholders’ engagement in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Africa at a side event of the Assembly.

He canvassed the involvement of stakeholders across all sectors in the implementation of projects of the scheme.

The Governor also attended another side event on climate change organized by Nigeria's Permanent Mission in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment at which President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister in the ministry, Amina Mohammed as well as other players in the sector across the globe were present.

At the close of the United Nations events, Governor Ortom met with a cross section of the Benue community in New York which hosted him to a dinner.

He assured them of his determination to reduce the state wage bill through the elimination of ghost workers and renegotiation with major stakeholders to a sustainable level.

Governor Ortom assured that efforts in the provision of security have yielded positive results and reduced criminality in the state adding that the permanent solution to the perennial farmers and herders clashes remained ranching saying a bill prohibiting open grazing in the state has been forwarded to the state assembly for passage.

The Governor’s wife, Dr. Eunice Ortom, top government officials, youth activists, and politicians received the Governor at the airport and escorted him to his Games Village residence in Abuja.

SUSWAM IN MAKURDI.

Widespread rumours of the former Governor of Benue State , Dr Gabriel Suswam  escaping  overseas were put to rest with his dramatic appearance at NKST High level ,makurdi where he took part in the church's holy communion service.
On why he has not been arrested up till now baffles people.
Only time will tell.

DRAMA IN KETU

There was drama in Ketu Community of Ogun State on Saturday after a pastor became numb after attempting to pull down a shrine.
The cleric, identified as Wale Fagbenro, reportedly claimed he was directed by the “Holy spirit” to destroy the traditional worshippers’ shrine.
A witness said Mr. Fagbenro became “speechless and motionless” upon entering the shrine.
Residents of the area in Yewa North Local Government Area subsequently raised an alarm attracting a crowd to the scene.
The witness said when the priests in charge of the shrine were approached, they declared that the cleric would only regain consciousness after some rituals were performed.
However, the priests eventually treated Mr. Fagbenro after the traditional ruler of Aiyetoro, Abdulaziz Adelakun, intervened.
The police in Ogun said on Sunday that the incident was reported to them.
“The command got the report at her division in Ayetoro that one Evangelist Wale Fagbere went to Ketu to destroy traditional worshippers ‘ shrines,” police spokesperson Abimbola Oyeyemi said.
“After the destruction, the man became unconscious, motionless and could not talk.”
Mr. Oyeyemi said the victim has been revived and “has been handed over to his family for more spiritual cleansing.”
He said the victim could still be charged for malicious damage if the traditional priests file a formal report
“Everybody has right to worship anything he so desires,” Mr. Oyeyemi said.

POLICE ARREST FOUR MORE PEOPLE INDICTED BY COMMISSION.

Four more persons indicted by the Elizabeth Kpojime Judicial Commission of Inquiry for alleged looting of the Benue State treasury have been arrested by the Police and taken to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Those arrested are former Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Pension Board, Andy Uwouku, former Accountant of the Board, Paul Chile, former Accountant, Local Government Service Commission during Richard Gbande's tenure, Moses Burya and former Cashier of SUBEB, Jacob Ageva.

The leader of the investigation team from the police headquarters who did not want his name mentioned, explained that the Police arrested Andy Uwouku over illegal withdrawal of millions of naira at Keystone Bank Plc, Makurdi branch - an account he opened for the Pensions Board to which he was sole signatory.

He said the police were investigating Uwouku for alleged diversion of pensions money and converting it to personal use.

The former Accountant of the Pension Board, Paul Chile is being investigated for allegedly conspiring with Uwouku to convert pensioners' money to their own use.

The leader of the investigation team further explained that the former Accountant, Local Government Service Commission, Moses Burya who was arrested with many fake receipts and receipts of a non-existent consultancy firm was said to have defrauded the Benue State Government of millions of naira under the pretext of training of local government staff.

The former Cashier of SUBEB, Jacob Ageva was arrested over alleged fraud in the payment of teachers' salaries from 2011 and 2015.

When contacted, the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Bashir Makama confirmed the arrest, adding that the matter was being handled at the Force Headquarters.

Also speaking, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa who similarly confirmed the arrest, explained that the State had reported those indicted by the Kpojime Judicial Commission of Inquiry to EFCC, ICPC and the Police, pointing out that the arrest was in continuation of investigation as the affected persons will later be arraigned in court with a view to recovering the looted funds.

He urged the people of the state to support the Ortom administration to recover Benue's wealth stolen by the immediate past administration as the funds would help in the development of the rep

WHY NIGERIA'S ECONOMY IS IN TROUBLE-BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari has explained to Nigerian professionals in America how and why the Nigeria economy got into trouble.

The professionals, including top flight aeronautics engineers, physicians, I.T experts, a Judge, a top policewoman, entrepreneurs, an Import Specialist at Customs and Border Protection, professors, two straight A students, and many others, had converged from different parts of the United States of America.

President Buhari had the assurance that with all hands on deck, including the best brains in the Diaspora, the country would bounce back in the shortest possible time.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said: “I am very pleased with this meeting. Wherever you go in the world, you find highly competent and outstanding Nigerians.

“They not only make great impact on their host countries and communities, their financial remittances back home also help our economy, particularly at a time like this, when things are down.

“We got into trouble as a country, because we did not save for the rainy day. For example, between 1999 and 2015, when we produced an average of 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, and oil prices stood at an average of $100 per barrel, we did not save, neither did we develop infrastructure.

“Suddenly, when we came in 2015, oil prices fell to about 30 dollars per barrel. I asked; where are the savings? There were none. Where are the railways? The roads? Power? None. I further asked; what did we do with billions of dollars that we made over the years? They said we bought food. Food with billions of dollars?

“I did not believe, and still do not believe. In most parts of Nigeria, we eat what we grow. People in the South eat tubers, those in the North eat grains, which they plant, and those constitute over 60 per cent of what we eat. So, where did the billions of dollars go?

“We did a lot of damage to ourselves by not developing infrastructure when we had the money.

“Talking of our military, they earned respect serving in places like Burma, Zaire, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, and then, suddenly, that same military could no longer secure 14 out of 774 local governments in the country. Insurgents had seized them, calling them some sort of caliphate, and planting their flags there; till we came, and scattered them.

“We raised the morale of our military, changed the leadership, re-equipped and retrained them; USA, Britain, and some other countries helped us, and today, the pride of our military is restored.

“Boko Haram ran riot, killing innocent people in churches, mosques, markets, schools, motor parks, and so on. And they would then shout Allahu Akbar. But if they truly knew Allah, they would not do such evil. Neither Islam, nor any other religion I know of, advocates hurting the innocent. But they shed innocent blood, killed people in their thousands.
“Now, we have dealt with that insurgency, and subverted their recruitment base.” He said

Buhari continued: “Those who stole Nigeria dry are not happy. They recruited the militants against us in the Niger Delta, and began to sabotage oil infrastructure. We lose millions of barrels per day, at a time when every dollar we can earn, counts. It is a disgrace that a minimum of 27 states, out of 36 that we have in Nigeria, can’t pay salaries.

“But I prayed so hard for God to make me President. I ran in 2003, 2007, 2011, and in 2015, He did. And see what I met on ground. But I can’t complain, since I prayed for the job. In the military, I rose from 2nd Lieutenant to Major-General. I was military governor in 1975 over a state that is now six states. I was head of state, got detained for three years, and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which had N53 billion of that time in Nigerian banks.

“God has been very good to me, so I can’t complain. If I feel hurt by anybody, I ask God to help me forgive. He has done so much for me.

“After 16 years of a different party in government, no party will come and have things easy. It’s human. We need quality hands to run Nigeria, and we will utilize them. I will like to welcome you home when it’s time. But I’ll like you to be ready.” He added

All the Nigerian professionals pledged to contribute their quota towards re-launching their fatherland to a new dawn.

LOOTERS FIGHTING US-BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said those who stole Nigeria dry are angry with his government and so have recruited the services of militants in the Niger Delta to fight his government.
President Buhari in a group photo with Nigerians professionals residing in the US.
He said this while addressing a group of Nigerians professionals residing in the US.
He added “We got into trouble as a country, because we did not save for the rainy day. For example, between 1999 and 2015, when we produced an average of 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, and oil prices stood at an average of $100 per barrel, we did not save, neither did we develop infrastructure.
“Suddenly, when we came in 2015, oil prices fell to about 30 dollars per barrel. I asked; where are the savings? There were none.Where are the railways? The roads? Power? None. I further asked; what did we do with billions of dollars that we made over the years? They said we bought food. Food with billions of dollars? I did not believe, and still do not believe. In most parts of Nigeria, we eat what we grow.” Buhari noted
People in the South eat tubers, those in the North eat grains, which they plant, and those constitute over 60 per cent of what we eat. So, where did the billions of dollars go? We did a lot of damage to ourselves by not developing infrastructure when we had the money.
Talking of our military, they earned respect serving in places like Burma, Zaire, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, and then, suddenly, that same military could no longer secure 14 out of 774 local governments in the country. Insurgents had seized them, calling them some sort of caliphate, and planting their flags there; till we came, and scattered them.
We raised the morale of our military, changed the leadership, re-equipped and retrained them; USA, Britain, and some other countries helped us, and today, the pride of our military is restored”he said

ATTENTION, BSU STUDENTS.

BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY

PRESS RELEASE

DIRECT ENTRY

This is to inform all Direct Entry (DE) candidates who applied for admission into the Benue State University for the 2016/2017 academic session that a time-table has been released for the conduct of the 2016/2017 Direct Entry screening exercise.

According to the time-table, the screening exercise will take place as follows:

S/No Subject Dates/Time
1. Commencement of Online Registration Friday, 23rd September, 2016
2. Commencement of Screening Exercise  Monday, 26th September
3. End of Screening Exercise  Friday, 7th October, 2016

Candidates are expected to report to their faculties for screening from 9:00a.m to 4:00p.m daily.

Mrs. Catherine Terlumun Bur
Ag. Registrar

IAM NOT A BOKO HARAM SPONSOR-IHEJIRIKA

A former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Oyeabo Ihejirika, has told an FCT High Court that he is not involved with the Boko Haram Sect.
He told the court on Thursday that he fought the Boko Haram sec. using his commanders in the field.
Ihejirika sued Nduka Obaigbena, Leaders and Company Limited, and Stephen Davis, an Australian who claimed to be a hostage negotiator working for the release of Nigerian women taken hostage by the Boko Haram sect at Chibok, Borno State in 2014.
The former army boss is claiming N100bn for damages from the defendants for defamation in the interview granted by Davis to Arise TV and then published in ThisDay
He also asked for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further defamatory comments concerning him.
Ihejirika wants the defendants to publish a full retraction and apology in the front page of ThisDay Newspaper for the said false and libellous publication
Ihejirika who was cross examined by counsel for the defendants, Frank Chude, said that Boko Haram were terrorists and the. Nigerian Army is fighting the group.
On whether his duties as General is of public consumption, Ihejirika said he was a public figure and issues related to him were for public consumption.
The former COAS said he did not have personal issues with Boko Haram but fought them as terrorists.
He admitted that he had heard about the tape of the interview and his name was not mentioned.
But Ihejirika said he was the only Chief of Army Staff that retired in January 2014 as mentioned in the tape.
He also said he had never granted ThisDay Newspaper any interview but read the said publication when his attention was drawn to it.
His Counsel, A.B. Anachebe (SAN), had raised objection that his client would not answer the question by the defence if the story published in ThisDay Newspaper about Ihejirika was true.
Anachabe said that the question and false publication was the reason why they were in court
Justice Valentine Ashi adjourned the case till Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 for continuation of cross examination and defence.
Recall that the former Army boss was arrested in June in connection with the with alleged misappropriation of the arms funds under former national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

BUHARI 'S ADDRESS AT THE UN.

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI GCFR, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE UNITED STATES – AFRICA BUSINESS FORUM, NEW YORK, USA, 21st SEPTEMBER, 2016

1. I am delighted to be present here today at the 2nd edition of the United States–Africa Business Forum. I wish to thank the United States Department of Commerce and Bloomberg Philanthropies for organizing this event and for giving me this opportunity to address this august gathering of Political and Business Leaders from the United States of America (USA), Africa and other regions of the World. I believe all of us will take advantage of this Forum to establish and strengthen business relationships; share valuable experience; and collaborate for mutual benefits.

2. The United States has historically been one of Nigeria’s top trading partners; for decades, the US was the biggest importer of Nigeria’s crude oil. In the last two years, however, the sharp decline in US imports of our crude, on account of rising domestic production of Shale, has altered the trade balance between our two countries. But it has also thrown up opportunities for Nigeria to increase its non-oil exports – especially in agricultural products – to the U.S.
3. Today, Nigeria enjoys a mutually beneficial trade and investment relations with USA. This relationship has culminated in massive inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into Nigeria. There are several US Companies doing business in Nigeria, including Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, General Electric, IBM, Microsoft, Procter and Gamble, Coca-Cola, Pepsi Company, British-American Tobacco Company, UPS Courier Company, BCG, Johnson Wax Nigeria Ltd, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, to name a few.

4. These are no doubt challenging times for the Nigerian economy. But let me use this opportunity to boldly affirm our conviction that there is no crisis without an accompanying opportunity. In our case, we see Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges – occasioned mainly by the fall in oil prices – as an opportunity to set the economy firmly on the path of true diversification, sustainable economic growth, and shared prosperity.

5. Since the inception of my Administration in 2015, all efforts have been aimed at ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy rising standards of living. We campaigned for and came into office on the back of three fundamental issues: One, Securing Nigeria from terrorism and banditry, Two, Fighting corruption and ensuring that public funds work for the public good, and Three, Revamping an economy that was dangerously dependent on crude oil, and afflicted by rising inequality and jobless growth. We are pleased to note that our efforts are yielding fruit.

6. (On Security) – Hundreds of communities and thousands of people have been liberated from the clutches of the terrorists, under our watch, and are now getting a chance to, with support from the government and the international community, rebuild their homes and their lives.

7. (On corruption) – Our quest is to ensure, through a combination of institution-building and judicial efforts, that public funds work for the public good, and that persons responsible for overseeing the use of these funds come to this task with the utmost sense of transparency and accountability. Earlier this year we signed up to the Open Government Partnership, a clear demonstration of our commitment to a radical departure from a past characterized by large-scale state-enabled corruption. Let me also assure that we will continue to strengthen Government institutions established to address investors’ concerns.

8. (On the economy) – We are weaning ourselves from a historical dependence on crude oil, diversifying our economy, and putting it on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth. To this end, we have embarked on policies aimed at establishing an open, rules-based and market-oriented economy. We will continue to actively engage with the private sector at the highest levels to listen to your concerns and to assure you of our commitment to creating enabling policies in which your businesses can thrive. Indeed, we have constituted a Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, which is working on a wide range of business environment reforms, ranging from making our planned visa-on-arrival regime a reality, to ports reform, to improving the speed and efficiency of land titling and business registration. We aspire to make Nigeria one of the most attractive places to do business.

9. Let me now focus on the priority investment sectors for our administration: Infrastructure, Industry, Agriculture, Mining and the Digital Economy.

10. Infrastructure: For far too long Nigeria has under-invested in the critical infrastructure necessary for a modern economy. Now, that is set to change. We are working hard to bridge an electricity deficit of several thousands of megawatts, which will require substantial private sector investment, especially in Transmission. Our railway system is being opened up after decades of a government monopoly that has hindered the needed private sector investment. We are well on course with a concessioning deal that will see General Electric take over hundreds of kilometers of existing rail assets, and invest billions of dollars to upgrade assets and services.

11. On Industry, there is the Nigerian Industrial Plan that is being implemented. The implementation is directed at interventions to improve productivity and output in five industry groups, namely: agri-business and agro-allied; solid minerals and metals; oil and gas; construction, and light manufacturing. Currently, investments and partnerships are being directed to leather and leather products; sugar; palm oil processing; food processing, specifically tomato and fruit processing. Automobile assembly and manufacturing are important to the diversification of the Nigerian economy. Industrial zones and parks are being established. This is work in progress.

12. In Agriculture, through our Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP), we are prioritizing the improvement in domestic production of rice, wheat, maize, fish, dairy milk, soya beans, poultry, fruits and vegetables, and sugar, as well as the export of cowpeas, cocoa, cashew, cassava (starch, chips and ethanol), ginger, sesame, oil palm, fruits and vegetables, beef and cotton. To achieve these goals, we are ready to partner with and support willing private investors, by creating an environment that is stable, safe, and competitive. I am pleased to note that Coca Cola has recently invested substantially in one of Nigeria’s best-known dairy and fruit juice companies, and is looking to increase its stake over the next few years.

13. In Mining, Nigeria is determined to build a world class minerals and mining ecosystem designed to serve a targeted domestic and export market. To accomplish this, we are prioritizing exploration, local processing and beneficiation of our mineral assets with provision of generous incentives including favorable tax regimes and royalties to investors interested in our market. We have as part of this identified mineral resources, which exist in commercially viable quantities, and designated them as strategic priorities for Nigeria’s domestic Industrialisation and Infrastructure requirements.

14. In the Digital Economy, which, like Infrastructure, has a multiplier effect that touches every part of the economy, opportunities abound. We have welcomed and continue to welcome investors willing to take a stake in one of the world’s largest and fastest growing telecoms markets – a market which has attracted more than $35 billion in FDI over the last decade and half. The Nigerian Communications Commission will shortly commence a licensing process for the deployment of broadband infrastructure across metropolitan areas in the country.

15. Young Nigerians are increasingly demonstrating that they have the talent and the passion to leverage the digital economy for solving our most pressing challenges. We are seeing a lot of activity in that space, and not just in Lagos, but even in cities further afield, from Uyo to Abuja. There are currently 150 million active mobile phone lines in the country – sixty percent of which are connected to the Internet. I can confidently say that Nigeria is in the early stages of a domestic technology revolution, and the government is paying serious attention and offering its full support.

16. Three weeks ago I hosted Mark Zuckerberg, the Founder and CEO of Facebook, which is now used regularly by 17 million Nigerians, more people than in any other country in Africa. A few months ago Mr. Zuckerberg invested $24 million in Andela, a technology company that has Iyin Aboyeji, a 25-year-old Nigerian as one of its co-founders, and maintains its main campus in the city of Lagos. On the same day that Mr. Zuckerberg visited I also welcomed and interacted with 30 of the most exciting technology startups in the country; among whom lie tomorrow’s billion-dollar corporations.

17. In terms of Trade, Nigeria is keen to more effectively leverage the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) opportunities to boost exports to the US Market. In collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) we have developed an AGOA Response Strategy to boost exports under AGOA. We are willing to collaborate with willing development partners to address some of the constraints to accessing the US Market under AGOA, such as our inability to comply with US requirements. With our U.S. counterparts, we are also working on a post-AGOA framework. Nigeria will continue to work closely with the U.S. to ensure that trade works for development.

18. I urge the American businesses present here to take advantage of the investment opportunity that Nigeria represents. Nigeria remains the number one investment destination in Africa, with total FDI inflow of about US$3.64 billion in 2015. Apart from our domestic market of 170 million, the largest in Africa, we are also the main gateway to a combined West African consumer market that is about as large as ours. With a median age of 19, and with 70 percent of the population below the age of 35, Nigeria’s greatest potential lies in the talent and energy of her youth.

19. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we recognize that the economic benefits of our trade and investment relations with the United States and other partners are unambiguous. In order to encourage private capital inflow, we have packaged some fiscal investment incentives which include the following: up to 5 years of tax holiday for activities classified as ‘pioneer’; Tax-free operations; no restrictions on expatriate quotas in Free Trade Zones; Capital Allowances (Agriculture, Manufacturing and Engineering); a low VAT regime of 5 percent; among others.

20. Let me use this occasion to announce the commencement of the latest in a series of bilateral engagements between the United States and Nigeria: the U.S. Nigeria Commercial and Investment Dialogue. This Dialogue, which will focus on Infrastructure, Agriculture, the Digital Economy, Investment and Regulatory Reform, will be jointly led by the Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the US Commerce Secretary, and will include business executives from both countries. By strengthening existing trade and investment ties between our two countries, as well as opening up new vistas, it will complement the work currently being done by the US-Nigeria Binational Commission, the US-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework, and similar initiatives. We very much look forward to the mutual benefits that will accrue from this Dialogue.

21. On this note, I enjoin investors here today to take advantage of this Forum to build synergies that would translate to increased trade and investment flows between Nigeria and United States of America. Nigeria welcomes you.

22. I wish you a fruitful deliberation. Thank You for listening

Dr Samuel Ortom at the UN

Dr Samuel Ortom took his turn at the United Nations.
Its a rare feat because only heads of states usually have such opportunities to address the UN.

RELEASE OUR STOLEN FUNDS- BUHARI CRIES OUT.

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Switzerland to urgently release Nigeria’s stolen funds stashed in the European nation.
The Nigerian leader stated this at a meeting with his Swiss counterpart, Johann Schneider-Ammann, his spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Read the full statement by Mr. Buhari’s spokesperson below.
President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the long history of economic relationship between Nigeria and France on the one hand, and Nigeria and Switzerland on the other.
At separate bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ongoing 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America, the President welcomed more investment and economic partnerships, saying Nigeria was a fertile ground for o handsome return on investments.
“Apart from your country’s close relationship with us, you have the same with most of our neighbours,” President Buhari told Francois Hollande of France. “We seek more collaboration, particularly in agriculture, mining and security.”
The President told his French counterpart of the Presidential Committee on the North East, which he described as a one-stop mechanism on development partnership for a zone that had been ravaged for many years by Boko Haram insurgents, and which needed urgent rebuilding.
Responding, President Hollande pledged that France would not only fully engage with Nigeria on different fronts, but would also provide humanitarian assistance in the North East.
“We will invest in Nigeria, we believe in her,” the French President said.
At another audience with President Johann Schneider-Ammann of Switzerland, President Buhari sought his counterpart’s cooperation on speedy repatriation of Nigerian money stashed in that country, stressing that Nigeria needed such resources, particularly for infrastructure.
With the two countries having agreed on projects to which the restituted funds would be deployed, President Schneider-Ammann promised quick action, as soon as the draft agreement was signed. He also pledged consolidation of mutual trade relationships, infrastructural development as well as support in training and equipping of the Nigerian military.