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Associate Director, Finance At FHI 360

FHI 360 is recruiting suitable and qualified applicants to fill the position of Associate Director, Finance. The Position is based in Nigeria.

Job ID: 18868 Location: Abuja-Nigeria

Description

- The Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS) project is a five-year PEPFAR program to provide high quality HIV/AIDS services, and to build the capacity of the public and private sectors in Nigeria in order to provide these services in a sustainable manner. - The SIDHAS project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Job Summary / Responsibilities Basic Function:

- The position holder will support the Deputy Director of Finance to manage responsibility for both accounting and finance for the FHI Nigeria Office and ensure compliance with the contractual requirements of funders with the objective of providing professional accountancy services consistent with generally accepted accounting principles

- Assist the Deputy Director of Finance in the supervision of the finance/accounting staff in the Country Office (CO) and state field offices. - With the Deputy Director of Finance, provide support with problem resolution on cash accounts, bank resolutions, accounting software, resolution of audited questioned costs, and financial close outs. - Provide support with the accounting workflow in the review and audit of FHI and sub-recipient reports for reimbursement of expenditures. - Analyse, develop and monitor accounting/fiscal control procedures and program budgets including monitoring cash flows and requesting for fund transfers from FHI/HQ. - Prepare financial reports for FHI Nigeria to monitor and track obligations and expenditures. - Provide training and backstopping on the accounting software. - Provide technical assistance on accounting and financial matters. Identify areas needing improvement and provide necessary staff development and training. - Assist FHI/Nigeria Program staff in monitoring sub-project budgets in accordance with approved work plan activities. - Prepare written and verbal responses to inquiries and requests for budgetary information. - In collaboration with the Deputy Director of Finance, prepare monthly and annual financial reports, including financial status of sub-projects account activities, with accompanying backup documentation and receipts. - Serve as a resource person to FHI/Nigeria on funder financial regulations and FHI/Nigeria accounting policies and procedures - Supervise finance/accounting staff to ensure that duties are carried out according to schedule. - Perform other duties as assigned.

- BS/BA in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field and a minimum of 9 years relevant experience with at least 5 years in international development programs. - or MS/MA in Business Administration, Social Sciences or related field and a minimum of 7 years relevant experience with at least 5 years in international development programs. - Possession of CPA, ACA, ICAN, or recognized equivalent is required. - Expert knowledge of USAID and other donor regulations is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

- Proven ability in the management of large, multifaceted programs - Proven ability to present financial information to a non-financial audience - Ability to work with others and to develop and maintain compatibility among project staff, subcontractors and recipients of assistance - Proven ability in building capacity of organizations in financial management - Ability to represent FHI/Nigeria to donors, government officials and the NGO community in financial matters - Proven ability in supervising staff - Well-developed computer spread sheet skills - Familiarity with multiple program (i.e. donor) regulations on financial reporting - Ability to execute detail-oriented work rapidly and with a high level of accuracy. - High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication, including presentation and training skills. - Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.

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JAMB: Quantity Vs Quality

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has continually made requests to secede from Nigeria and form "the Igbo nation". Many times, in its quest for self-determination, IPOB stands on the

The post FACT CHECK: Are Biafrans ‘indigenous people’ under United Nations charter? appeared first on TheCable.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum resources, is no longer the woman she used to be. The multi-million dollar jewelry and multi-million dollar houses are fading into history as she comes

The post EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Diezani rents London flat as £11m asset forfeiture looms appeared first on TheCable.

On Friday, Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, said President Muhammadu Buhari approved rail lines from Kano to Daura and Jibia local government areas of Katsina, his home state. The revelation

The post FACT CHECK: Jonathan or Buhari?

Who really approved Kano to Daura rail line? appeared first on TheCable.

Perhaps Franklin Jones, one of the best engineers of the 18th century, was thinking of death when he said: "Time is a versatile performer; it flies, marches on, heals all

The post OBITUARY: Kanti Bello, Yar’Adua’s associate who regretted ‘inviting Buhari into politics’ appeared first on TheCable.

The government of President Muhammadu Buhari has come under a fusillade of attacks for allegedly being high-handed. On August 8, protesters, who converged on the Unity Fountain in Abuja to

The post FACT CHECK: Did Nigerians enjoy ‘total freedom’ under Jonathan? appeared first on TheCable.

This might give you some headache: the clinic for Nigeria’s seat of power does not have the commonest of medications, paracetamol, TheCable has learnt. And cotton wool?

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Again, Lessons From Other Lands

South Korea and U.S. jail two VIPs for corruption

If truly Nigeria wants to learn about how to deal with corruption, the country is not short of examples, at least from other lands. Indeed, there is a surfeit of such examples. That corruption remains a festering sore in Nigeria merely shows the lip-service being paid to the cankerworm by the authorities. And, when the authorities appear set to deal with the issue, the necessary support from other stakeholders, particularly the judiciary – the bar and the bench – is usually not there. In all of the examples from abroad, the judiciary has always played a key role in nailing those involved; irrespective of their status in society.

Just last month, two countries presented yet another opportunity to teach the world that the wages of corruption is imprisonment. The first is South Korea where Lee Jae-yong, the de facto chief of Samsung was found guilty of bribery and related charges on August 25. And the other, the United States of America, where a New York court, on August 26, jailed Mahmoud Thiam, a 50 year-old former minister of mines and geology of the Republic of Guinea seven years for laundering bribes paid to him by executives of China Sonangol International Ltd (China Sonangol) and China International Fund, SA, CIF.

These are high profile convictions that might have been difficult to get in Nigeria. Lee is the billionaire son of Samsung’s ailing chairman, Lee Kun-hee. Lee bagged a five-year jail term in prison, well short of the 12-year sentence prosecutors had sought. We need to restate the status of Samsung to draw the point being made vividly home. The company is the world’s largest smartphone maker and South Korea’s biggest family-run conglomerate. Indeed its businesses are estimated to account for around 15% of South Korea’s entire economy. So, Lee’s trial qualified for a celebrity trial and it was appropriately tagged "trial of the century".

But, bribe taking is common among South Korean top business tycoons. David Kang, director of the University of Southern California’s Korean Studies Institute, painted a grim picture when he said in an interview before Lee’s conviction that serving jail term "is like a rite of passage," among the South Korean business elite.

However, as Eneke the bird said, "since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching." Since many South Korean business moguls have learnt not to do clean business, mixing business with politics in the most obscene manner, the country too has learnt not to be tired of sending them to jail. Lee’s father too is an ex-convict, having been sentenced to prison twice, even if he was also pardoned twice.

It is a notorious fact that corruption is widespread in Nigeria. And when we talk of official corruption, it is usually in high places. Unfortunately, our prisons are not congested with the right people who should be cooling their heels there. Rather, many of them are walking the streets freely, flaunting their ill-gotten wealth in the most provocative manner. As a matter of fact, in some cases they are given higher responsibilities as if promotion is the official reward for corruption. They are in government, in the legislature and worse still, the judiciary which has just been ranked second most corrupt institution in Nigeria, after the Nigeria Police Force. The rating, according to the National Bureau of Statistics is the view of majority of Nigerians. We think so.

This, no doubt, must be double jeopardy for Nigeria. When the judiciary is corrupt, and the police so notoriously so, where then lies the hope of the common man? Both institutions are crucial to the successful prosecution of the war against graft.

Our judiciary in particular must rise to the occasion. It should purge itself of the corrupt elements in its fold. There should be no unnecessary rigmarole in the handling of corruption cases. We need reforms that would put the burden of proof on the accused instead of the present situation where it is on the prosecution. A public official in whose custody money that he could not have made all his entire service life was found should have the duty of showing proof that the money is not a proceed of sleaze. Until we do that, we would be dancing in circles in fighting corruption. When we do that, public servants would have less incentive to steal and countries like America would also heave a sigh of relief with few looters seeing that country as safe haven for their loot.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s statement after Thiam’s conviction is instructive: the "sentence sends a strong message to corrupt individuals like Thiam that if they attempt to use the U.S. financial system to hide their bribe money they will be investigated, held accountable, and punished," adding that: Indeed, "corruption is a cancer on society that destabilises institutions, inhibits fair and free competition, and imposes significant burdens on ordinary law-abiding people just trying to live their everyday lives".

We pray and hope that America would live up to this billing because it is one of the countries where African looters find safe to hide their loot. But, whether or not America is able to keep to its words, the Nigerian government has a lot to do to tame corruption, especially in high places because, unless it does so and vigorously too, corruption will kill the country.

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Queens College Alumni Association Commends Senate – The Eagle Online

Governor Ayodele Fayose has threatened to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of 0) of petrol stations if they don’t sell fuel within 24 hours.

This followed the protest against petroleum marketers in the state, which yesterday paralised business and commercial activities in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The protesters accused the marketers of being used by the opposition parties against the governor.

Also, the Amalgamated Drivers Union has given the marketers 24 hours to suspend their strike or face the wrath of the people.

Fuel marketers had since Monday stopped selling fuel to motorists, as directed by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) and Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD).

The marketers had embarked on an indefinite strike over what they described as the governor’s open victimisation of their members.

The drivers and artisans, who marched from Fajuyi area to the old garage, claimed that they were the worst hit by the station’s closure.

The drivers were led by the Chairmen of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (APC), Clement Adekola and his counterpart in Lorry and Pick-up Transport Association of Nigeria, Adekunle Atowoju.

According to them, the only way to sustain the peace in the state is for everyone to work with the government of the day. The oil marketer should dialogue with government and other unions for a speedy resolution of the crisis.

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The Silent King: Ooni Of Ife Allegedly Behind Ugly Rumors Of His Wife

It`s time to reveal some secrets from the Ubi Franklin Biography for you. He was once the manager of popular Nigerian musician, Iyanya. He is currently the CEO of Made Men Music Group. Thanks to his list of successful artistes like Selebobo and Tekno, he has made millions of Naira.

Check his biography to know more about him!

Ubi Franklin Profile

His name is Ubi Franklin. The full name is Ubi Ekapong Ofem. Ubi Franklin was born on February 2, 1986. Currently, he is one of the most successful music managers in Nigeria. He is a manager of Tekno, Emma Nyra and Iyanya. Ubi Franklin net worth is estimated to be about $1.5 million. He is also married to Lilian Esoro. They have a son, Jaden who was born on July 2016.

Ubi Franklin Family

READ ALSO: Femi Falana biography

The Biography of Ubi Franklin is filled with sad moments. He was born into a large family and had 14 siblings. He was born 41 years ago in Cross River state. His father was a high court judge. Life was not easy for Ubi Franklin as he never had a lot of privacy due to his big family.

Ubi Franklin got his primary and secondary education in Calabar. He dreamt that one day he would become a lawyer or a Governor. He studied Law at Madonna University. Still, everything turned out better than he expected. He created his Tripple MG Label and found three super popular artists that made him thousands of dollars.

Ubi Franklin Wife

In Ubi Franklin bio, one of the brightest pages belongs to his wife, Lilian Esoro. There were a lot of rumours surrounding Ubi Franklin wedding. Two years ago, people could not believe it when he got married to the popular actress.

In 2015, Celebrity Magazines were mostly interested in his another other rumoured lady - Emma Nyra. Still, according to Ubi Franklin, Ubi and Emma's relationship did not work out. Therefore, in November 2015, he married Lilian Esoro. One year later, she gave him a son, who was named Jaden.

Lilian Esoro is one of the leading actresses in Nollywood. Shee is also an entrepreneur. She is the CEO and founder of Goldie Locks - one of the best and most fashionable hair salons in Nigeria. Her career started in 2006 and today she is one of the best Actresses in Nigeria.

There are rumors that this couple is no longer happy with each other. These rumors started when Lilian unfollowed Ubi Franklin on Instagram. She even returned to her maiden name on her Instagram account. Lilian Esoro and Ubi Franklin pictures on Instagram showed that it is possible they are separated. One of the last events that they were working on together was a Charity project in Abuja. He also attended this Charity event with just his son.

Fans have continued to spread rumours about the possible problems in Ubi Franklin's marriage. Still, there has been no official confirmation from the couple about whether or not they are separated. Whatever the secret is, they have successfully been able to keep it from the public.

Ubi Franklin Life

If you read Ubi Franklin biography, then you would have learned that his life was not easy. He is now a successful businessman despite the possible problems in his marriage. He did not begin his career as a child from a wealthy family, but he was born for success. People can learn a thing or two from this man. He managed to create his music empire by himself. His wealth did not come to him without any efforts. He is a self-made entrepreneur!

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SAHCOL Boosts Clientele Base With 3 Airlines

Dr. Maymunah Kadiri is a multiple award-winning mental health physician, psychotherapist and advocate. She is currently the MD/CEO of Pinnacle Medical Services, Lagos. In this interview with GERALDINE AKUTU, she talks about her work, importance of mental health, parenting and more.

Can you share your growing up experience? GROWING up was fun all the way. Imagine growing up in a house filled with wives and many children, including extended family members. With this analysis, I need not to be reminded that discipline was the only option I had and there was no alternative. I’m born a Muslim, and still a practicing Muslim. With a large household like mine, you can imagine what a child like me will learn. My dad was and still is for everyone and not for anyone. He instilled a lot of discipline in us. He made us know that despite the fact we have step-siblings, we are one. The mothers did a lot of nurturing, encouragement, ensuring the family values and our belief systems were intact. As a mother and wife now, I praise my mom every second I get. I wondered how she coped with other wives and having nine of us. I love her till death, likewise my dad. I’m proud to have them as my parents and role models. Some of my childhood experiences have made me shine like a star. Trust me, not all polygamous homes are bad, I can say mine is one of the best ever. I’m so grateful to all those that helped in shaping my future as of today.

What led to the setting up your own company? I chose this line of business because it is my area of professional training and practice and for the passion I have for mental health. Also, there is a serious need for this business because the industry is currently under-served, and the ability to generate employment for others and myself with the goal to create financial freedom.

Pinnacle Medical Services Limited was registered with CAC in May, 2011. We started operation fully in 2012 after my six years of training programme with Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba. As an entrepreneur, I knew for me to succeed in whatever I have passion for, I needed to equip myself with the relevant expertise from all areas. After a successful completion of my programme as a Consultant Neuro-Psychiatrist, the next bold and very important success key factor was to train as a business owner. This led me to Enterprise Development Center, Pan Atlantic University where I was awarded as one of the Goldman Sachs Scholar in Entrepreneurial management. When they say businesses fail within the first five years of existence, Pinnacle is already sitting on a solid foundation from inception. We have won a government grant, several awards, have our systems in place, have experienced staff with required skills, among other good things. Though as a business, we still have the ups and downs, but we are grateful for the impact the organization has made within this short time.

Expatiate more on the functions of your organisation Pinnacle Medical Services Limited is a health and wellness center dealing on psychological, mental, emotional and behavioural health related problems. We offer consultancy services cutting across diverse aspects of psychological, behavioural, emotional and mental health related issues. Pinnacle has its CSR, which involves our various seminars, workshops, trainings in schools, corporate organizations, churches and mosques, among others. We hope to be the leading voice for mental health in Nigeria and beyond.

What were the initial challenges? People are not encouraged to seek help for mental health related illnesses; the high rate of quackery in the society; no culture in place to seek help on time for stress related and mental illnesses. When people seek help, they do not want to pay for the services rendered to them and religious views of the members of the society are also part of the challenges. The issue of discrimination and stigma of people living with some health problems cannot be overemphasized. I’m still a work in progress.

What success stories have you recorded so far? Ability to create and secure jobs. Ability to be one of the pioneers in a grey area (mental health facility) of medical practice in Nigeria, to develop new services and revamp new products, to expand and broaden my network and the ability to establish the first state of the art specialist center on psychological and mental health well-being in Nigeria.

Can you share your most memorable moments? So many…. from the delivery days of my three lovely children despite my nine months of staying in the hospital all during the three pregnancies (please, don’t ask why I went back after experiencing so much pain), to seeing my patients that were once vagrant psychotics on the streets (roaming the streets), addicted to drugs now living productive and fruitful lives, to being recognized for our work locally and internationally, winning monetary awards (grants) among others.

What’s your take on women empowerment? Women empowerment is very key to any economy. It’s not only about gender equality, feminism, etc. It’s about having happy women that will be more emotionally balanced to nurture healthier and saner children for a more productive society. Did you know one of the vulnerability factors to having depression as a woman is when you are unemployed? Investing in women help to improve the world is very paramount.

What else do you do aside owning a Pinnacle Medical Services? Aside Pinnacle Medical Services, I run the following enterprises. Pinnacle Health Radio, this is the African’s first online health radio which is for delivering real time health solutions to our end-users. This is aligned to the Sustainable Development Goal Number 3, which talks about good health and wellbeing. Pinnacle Training Hub is a training center for various psychological and mental health workplace issues. We help to put various corporations on a more productive and safety scale from preventive to treatment of emotional issues that affect the employers and their employees. Pinnacle Medicals Speakout Initiative is geared towards creating awareness on psychological and mental health related problems in Nigeria and beyond. We have been to various schools to speak on a variety of emotional and psychological issues. We also organize seminars and workshops on a monthly basis at our facility including a lot of pro bono health talks to various organizations, too many to mention.

During our rally some years ago at the University of Lagos, we found out that 2 of their students had committed suicide and one was currently on admission after attempting to take his life. Suicide is no longer an "Oyibo problem", it’s high time we realize the challenges are increasing and some people can’t cope with them. If you have a psychological problem, deal with it, rather than trying to bind and cast it away. It will be my joy when Nigerians will come to the realization that mental health is our health, not a separate entity. When not working as a Physician, Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, I love to tour the world and talk fashion.

Discipline is lacking in today’s children upbringing, what do you think is the cause? Discipline begins from the homes, which are the primary units for every child. This is not a role that can be substituted or contracted to others. Even the excuse of career life shouldn’t be an excuse to having undisciplined children. I have quite a number of families substituting presence for presents. They spoil the children with gifts rather than the quality time they desire and deserve, it is their right. Parents have to sit up to their responsibilities and schools shouldn’t condone such children due to monetary benefits.

How can this be tackled? Parents, teachers and every member of the society have our various roles to play in tackling this societal scourge. Like I said earlier, parents just have to sit up to their responsibilities. It is cheaper, better and happier to nurture a healthy disciplined child than repairing a damaged adult.

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D’Tigress Land In Final – The Eagle Online

The premier of Zuriel Oduwole’s documentary held last week at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, with a lot of dignitaries in attendance. The documentary, which lasted over an hour, centres on the determination of a 14-year old girl to effect changes in the lives of less privileged children across the world.

All she has done, those she has met, countries toured and the aim of her project are all communicated to her audience through her power of narration. Presented in a clear, articulated manner, young Oduwole carries her audience along in her numerous journeys across the world – from Tanzania to Brazil, Kenya, Ethiopia and down to Nigeria, her native country.

Oduwole’s monologue is often interrupted with the meeting of a personality, who appends signature on her football.

While speaking on her motivation for the project, Oduwole stated that she was moved by the realisation that a lot of children within school age, especially in Africa are out of school.

According to her, "Some of them are younger; others older than I am. They are out of school, deprived, denied, lacking in basic cares, sometimes, orphaned."

In fact, the underprivileged children featured prominently in her documentary as she attempts to identify with them in most of the countries in Africa, where such sights abound. So, moved with compassion and the determination to chart an assuring future for her peers, young Oduwole begins the journey that brings her in contact with many world leaders and heads of state.

Through her organisation, Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up, over 20 world leaders were interviewed on issues affecting children and girls. Going from one country to the other, the child education advocate undermines the rigours of travels and breaks geographical barriers as she takes world policymakers on the need to secure the future of children across the world, particularly the poor and the deprived.

"To get interview with heads of state, I often send them letters through their offices and wait for their response. Some times they say ‘yes;’ some times, they say ‘no’, and I continue." she informed.

Born in the U.S. to a Mauritius mother and a Nigerian father, Oduwole’s documentary also captures her meeting with some prominent Nigerians, including the renowned playwright, poet and Nobel laureate in Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka, former Governor of Rivers State and now Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as well as the Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

Unfortunately, the young girl expressed sadness over passing away publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru, who died on November 20, 2011. From her account, she visited Rutam House, Lagos, a few years back to see the late publisher, whom she had read about and whose philosophy she admired, which she said was centred on giving voice to the voiceless.

"But it was too late," she laments in her documentary.

Oduwole aspires to become a Robotics Engineer in the nearest future and later in life become the President of United States of America so she could make policies and take decisions that would change the lives of African children for the better. Until then, however, she said she would not relent in her campaign for the girl-child education until needed actions are taken.

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WCQ: Cameroon Leave Nothing To Chance Against Eagles

Having read Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun’s illuminating autobiography, I Remember, I felt justified by my enthusiasm in accepting from the publishers, the privilege and challenge of bringing it to the attention of prospective readers via a review. There are not many individuals who approach life as if they have had a premonition that they could be important at some point in history. The culture of documenting events, be it in a diary or a notebook, requires exceptional discipline and commitment. Professor Adamolekun reveals that he has kept a diary since he was 19, and the foresight is a trait he might have inherited from his parents – both father and mother are said to have kept records in their own ways. This has resulted in a most authentically-documented personal history.

Adamolekun hardly requires an elaborate introduction. He is one of Nigeria’s most outstanding academics, a world-class scholar who once rejected a prominent political appointment in order not to truncate his drive towards the very top of his academic calling. He was a beneficiary of many scholarships and has won several awards, including the prestigious Nigeria National Order of Merit (NNOM), the country’s "highest national prize for academic and intellectual attainment." His academic discipline, "public administration", has more or less become synonymous with his name. His numerous academic publications, according to WorldCat Identities, enjoy close to 3,000 library holdings worldwide. There can hardly be any doubt that Adamolekun is truly an accomplished scholar.

Autobiographers share their experiences of both failures and triumphs. So, what factors or experiences have shaped the life of this autobiographer, and endeared him so much to a community of knowledgeable and decent people? The first influence in his life, as is the case with most individuals, is parental. He was lucky to have had parents who, even when they themselves did not have the privilege of formal education, encouraged education in the family. Young Ladipo Adamolekun, 14th in a family of 19 children, had the "good luck" of having to be guided or coached by older siblings who included the legendary Nathaniel Kolawole Adamolekun, who was the first indigenous Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university.

The Adamolekun family, even though a polygamous one (Baba had 3 wives), enjoyed peace and harmony among its members. The autobiographer attributed what I once had cause to describe as "management polygamy" to "fairness" on the part of a father who never spared the rod. Of course, a background of strong Christian culture also contributed to the healthy co-existence in the family. Even when the patriarch of the family had sponsored the education of his children through hard-earned agricultural proceeds, children provided a helping hand to one another once they were in paid employment. So, the first important lesson in this autobiography is that of guidance and good home management by parents.

The role of parents can only be foundational; it would require a combination of talent and hard work for any individual to achieve as much as Ladipo Adamolekun has achieved in his academic career and other endeavours. He made a First in French at the highly competitive University of Ibadan in 1968. But it is in the field of Public Administration – his research interest at the University of Oxford – that the world of scholars now celebrates him.

Reading through his autobiography, it would appear that his engagements at Oyemekun Grammar School (Akure, Ondo State) where he first met his best friend, the equally famous Professor Kole Omotoso, had prepared him for that discipline. He was School Librarian and Senior Prefect and Head Boy in his penultimate and final years respectively. At the famous Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, where Adamolekun obtained his higher school certificate, he was also entrusted with leadership roles: he was a prefect and head of the school’s Literary and Debating Society. Dr Abiodun Adu, now a consultant gynaecologist in the UK and his junior at Christ School, talks about him, albeit with nostalgic admiration, "Oga was one smallish genius often seen with nothing but heavy books in his hands". Professor Adamolekun’s library, in his hometown, Ladipo Adamolekun Public Affairs Library, boasts of about 4,500 books.

The delicate frame and gentle disposition of Professor Adamolekun must not be taken for granted. Just as it is with many smart minds, Wole Soyinka and Gani Fawehinmi for instance, there is a stubborn or rebellious edge to his character. He is very strong-headed in matters of principle and conviction. Even at secondary school, he did not hesitate to tear up his examination sheet before a teacher who had awarded him marks in English which made a mockery of the high marks he had attained in a mock examination in which he came first in the class. As one political activist of the Awoist persuasion, he once risked his life by shouting at a convoy of ruinous NNDP politicians sometime in 1965. More significantly, when the Tribune newspaper, sometime in 1980, published an article which impugned his character and integrity, he successfully sued for libel. He would joyfully celebrate that victory with colleagues at the University of Ife Staff Club.

But it has not been all joy and celebration for Professor Adamolekun. The darkest moment in his life was when his beautiful and intelligent wife of more than 30 years, Dr Olukemi Adamolekun (nee Ajayi), was murdered by armed robbers at Ibadan on May 4th 2002. The narration of his years of nightmare is moving. A genuinely loving and devoted husband and father, it took many years of pleading and persuasion by family members and friends, for him to eventually remarry in 2007. His new wife, Olajumoke, is equally beautiful and intelligent. Both are warmly acknowledged in "I REMEMBER".

There is a saying that "the proof of the pudding is in the eating". Professor Adamolekun’s autobiography has some messages for all of us. His parental upbringing has a message for parents generally; his exploits as a student at school and university have a strong message for students. Of course, his experiences as an accomplished academic at various universities (Obafemi Awolowo University, in particular), and as a leading professional at the World Bank, should provide useful guidance to those who seek to operate at the highest level of professional calls. His description of academic standards at the University of Ibadan in the 1960s should forever shame those who have been responsible for the current decadence of educational standards in Nigeria.

Professor Adamolekun, even in retirement, has continued to project the highest ideals of a true academic determined, as he obviously is, to leave society better than he met it. His publisher, the charismatic Chief Joop Berkhout, enthused over Adamolekun as the quintessential professor and not the "Tokunbo" (half-baked) type – I agreed.

"I REMEMBER", the autobiography of Professor Ladipo Adamolekun, is an impressive and well-indexed 352-page publication of Safari Books Ltd. Ibadan. Adamolekun’s account of his life is a balanced narration, unlike the hagiographic sketches that are sometimes labelled as biographies or autobiographies. As expected, the style of presentation is fluent. Significantly, in my view, he did not insult or malign the character of another in a quest for self-promotion. The only missing links are his philanthropic gestures, known to this reviewer, which he might have chosen not to trumpet out of sheer modesty. A book that serves as a role model for generations, it is with great enthusiasm and a sense of professional honesty, that I recommend "I REMEMBER" to individuals and libraries worldwide.

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AUGUST 27th PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS And ETFS

Dangote Group last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Niger State Government for the establishment of a N166 billion state-of–art and fully integrated sugar complex.

The pact, which was signed in the government house in Minna, will see the company producing raw sugarcane on 16,000 hectares of land at Lavun Local Government through an out-grower scheme.

The company, which is currently operating out-grower scheme in rice production in a number of states, has the Africa’s largest sugar refinery in Lagos and a sugar cane plantation in Numan, Adamawa State.

According to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, the investment was informed by his company’s firm belief in the potential of the Nigerian economy, adding that the new outlay will add value and create jobs for Nigerians.

He commended the state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello for his foresight and efforts to woo investors to Niger State noting "the Dangote’s Integrated Sugar Project in Niger State will also include the establishment of integrated sugar mills, generate power, produce molasses, ethanol fuel, biomass and produce animal feeds.

In his remarks, Governor Bello said the deal would revolutionise agriculture in his state and Nigeria. The governor then urged Dangote Group to explore other investment opportunities available in the state, just as he announced that the state was opened for multi-sectoral investments.

Niger State Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Rahmatu Muhammad Yar’adua said that the deal with Dangote Group would help grow the agricultural sector and create direct and indirect jobs in the state.

Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Plc, Abdullahi Sule stated that the MoU would be a game changer for Niger State economy and Nigeria as a whole. He said the integrated sugar mills will have the capacity to produce 160,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar, noting that the company has been in the fore front of support for government industrialisation programmes through backward integration policy in agriculture.

According to Abdullahi, Dangote Sugar Refinery is developing a sugar backward integration plan through the production of 1.5MT per annum in 10 years in: Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba and Niger states respectively. The Group’s Executive Director Stakeholders’ Management and Corporate Communication, Ahmed Mansur had also announced that the group was investing over $1billion in the agricultural sector in the country, specifically in rice, sugar, tomato and dairy productions.

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CSOs Beg FG To Quickly Sign Appropriation Bill, Consider Adolescents

The Federal Government has been advised to as a matter of urgency ascent to the appropriation bill as any further delay could spell doom for the country’s health indices.

Speaking at a Stakeholders meeting in Abuja, the Coalition for Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Accountability Mechanism (C4MAM) said Continuous delay would stall supply of immunisation vaccines, which in turn will affect survival of infants negatively.

It also noted that delay in supply of commodity for family planning could contribute to increased maternal deaths adding that others are delay in supply of consumables to be used in Primary healthcare care facilities and consumables at the tertiary care institutions while capital projects to be executed by appropriate bodies will keep being on hold.

"If money is not released, therapeutic nutrition will not happen, in the north east, due to the insurgency, a lot of young children are so malnourished, in this years budget, some money for that purpose has been allocated and if not quickly released, the children might be affected permanently;

"Before you purchase vaccines for children, you have to pay money in advance …that little money that has been earmarked for that is better release on time," said the Chairman of the Coalition, Dr Ejike Orji

Orji further explained that some of the children are within the 1000 window days of opportunity and further delay of their treatment could affect them for life.

The Coalition made up of over 40 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has also pleaded with the federal government to include the adolescents in budgetary allocation.

The group noted that a recent research carried out by the MacAuthur’s foundation revealed that adolescents make up 70 per cent of maternal deaths in the country.

It said, "Our coalition is about women, children and adolescents and these are the most vulnerable group in any country even in civil normal dispensation.

You can see what’s happening in the northeast, majority of the IDPs are young people and girls and you can see all the abuses coming out of that."

The Country Director, MamaYe also known as E4A, Dr Babatunde Segun said interventions for adolescents is a key to tackling maternal deaths as it is in the country’s best interest to educate youths on reproductive health and how to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

He said, "We as a nation need to recognise that adolescents are a vulnerable group so the government needs to ensure that it provides youth friendly services, where they can comfortable access without being stigmatised by some family planning providers, it is better to save an adolescent through educating them on use of FP commodity than to leave them to seek cover where they will be killed through abortion and some other dangerous means."

[denisemulvany18-blog]

Cheers For NDDC Over Harvest Of Projects

Obong Nsima Ekere’s time as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is causing excitement in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the Niger Delta. Stakeholders recenly rolled out the drums to celebrate what the commission has done for them.

They applauded the interventions of the commission.

Community leader in Mbo, Akwa Ibom, Chief Effiong Eduno, said the NDDC has really touched the lives of the people.

He said the commission has built model schools in nine states of the Niger Delta, Akwa Ibom inclusive. This is in addition to the provision of scholarships to students of secondary and tertiary institutions from its catchment areas.

Available records also indicated that the NDDC had committed itself to 890 projects and 62 emergency repair works across the state. Official of the commission noted that of the 890 projects, the agency has completed and inaugurated 160 while 281 already completed are waiting commissioning.

Some of the major projects of the commission in the state include the 12.5km Okoita-Itu-Mbak Atai-Ikot Ntuen-Mkpeti-Oku Iboku road in Itu, the 10.125km Ididep-Ekpenyong-Ikot Etim Afaha Itiat road in Ibiono Ibom, the 30km Nsasak junction-Akon road in Essien Udim and 6.7km Iwuochang-Okorutip road project with 600m bridge span bridge.

Others are the 4.9km Oku Iboku internal roads in Itu, construction of a community centre at Ibiaku Ishiet along Airport road, renovation of hostels, dinning and kitchen at Methodist Boys High School, Oron, maintenance/dredging of creek at Esit Eket and Okoroitak in Ibeno, on-going construction of a specialist hospital at the main campus of the Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin local government area.

Comrade Ndarake Eshiet, a native of Iwuochang in Ibeno local government area, said the construction the 6.7km Iwuochang-Okorutip road project with 600m bridge span bridge had opened the council to new opportunities.

Eshiet added that life was hellish and unbearable for his people before the bridge was constructed.

‘’I must confess that before this bridge was built life was very difficult for us. We didn’t have access to other places. There many villages around here besides my village but movement of people and goods were impossible.

‘’We are fishermen; getting our fishes outside our communities for people to buy was a herculean task. There was no development of any kind. Before the bridge, it was very difficult to access medical treatment for our sick because you can’t even leave this place to get treatment in hospitals in Ukpenekang or other places. Due to this challenge, so many of our people died.

‘’But the story has changed now. The bridge has brought visitors and development to our communities. Our sufferings have been substantially reduced and all I can say is that we are grateful to the NDDC’’.

David John Ikwo, another native of Iwouchang, said with the NDDC bridge, accidents resulting to deaths and other losses from boat mishaps are now a thing of the past.

‘’The bridge has really helped from boat tragedies which usually occurred in the past. Boats used to capsize leading to deaths and loss of valuable properties. And before dead bodies are recovered it takes up to three days to four days. I thank God because we don’t have such sad experiences again.’’

Idem Alexander, from Oruk Anam Local Government Area, said he relocated back to Iwuochang because the NDDC had brought a lease of life to the people.

‘’Before NDDC constructed this bridge, visitors were not coming to this part of Ibeno. Now visitors from different areas in the state and beyond are pouring into this community and other villages around. I am welder and decided to open up my workshop here because people now have access to this community.

‘’My appeal to the NDDC is that it come complete the sections of the road, that is from Okorutip to Ntafre and from Iko to Atabrikang-Ntafre. This stretch of road is supposed to lead to Akpaden in Mkpat Enin but work on these sections of the road has delayed for too long and that has also affected my businesses and other businesses in the area’’, Ikwo said.

Chief Ntekpere Akpanusoh, a resident of the street, said: ‘’It won’t be wrong if one says that the repairs of Nsentip Street deserves a testimony in the church. The road has been abandoned for so many years.

[denisemulvany18-blog]

Sex And The Lawmakers

Mohammed Garba Go­lolo (APC – Bauchi State); Hon. Mark Gbillah (APC – Benue State) and Hon. Samuel Ikon (PDP – Akwa Ibom State), were selected among the House mem­bers for the International Visitors Lead­ership Programme in Cleveland, Ohio, they were expectedly delighted.

Who wouldn’t be? Yes, by their status in the Nigerian society, huge chances are that they would have been to the United States of America once or more times in their lives, and even to other parts of the world. But, this was different: An all-expense paid trip to the US!

After about two weeks of savouring the glitz and glamour of the beauti­ful country and, of course, immersing themselves in learning and training (the primary purpose of the trip), they returned to Abuja and the Green Cham­ber, certainly happy to have been part of the wonderful experience in Cleveland. End of story? Not quite.

They also came back with a bagful of trouble, which they didn’t exactly bar­gain for. Chances are that, if they knew or had any inkling the journey would turn a misadventure, they wouldn’t have thought twice before opting out of the programme. But, man is not God, so can’t tell what lies ahead. How would they have known that the devil lay in wait somewhere in Ohio, waiting to drag them from the top floor of influence to the doorstep of disgrace? Now, they are fighting not to be pulled down. Was it a moment of indiscretion that has led to this hoopla? Are all these a storm in a tea cup? The days and weeks and months ahead will tell.

Anyway, back in the country, the trio are fighting the battle of their lives, to extricate themselves from alleged sex scandal, which they allegedly got entan­gled in in the course of their American sojourn! Which kind trouble be dis?

While Hon. Gololo is being accused of sexually assaulting, albeit attempting to grab (and rape) a housekeeping staff of the hotel they were lodged in, the other two men, Hons. Gbillah and Ikon, were said to have sought the assistance of hotel staffers to get them prostitutes for the night or many nights (it is not stated).

The man who blew the lid in Nige­ria, the United States Ambassador, Mr. James Enwistle, in his strongly worded letter to Speaker Yakubu Dogara, said the lawmakers’ conduct, was unfortu­nate, shameful and regrettable. What he didn’t add was that, were it not for their status and the fact of their being guests of the US government, they prob­ably would have been arrested and pros­ecuted for the alleged sexual indiscre­tion, frowned at by the government. He called on Dogara to order an inquiry into ‘the dishonourable’ conduct of the men.

Media reports have also since sug­gested that a travel ban and cancellation of the visas of the concerned lawmakers may have been effected by the United States government, to register how seri­ously it frowns at the ugly saga.

Of course, Gololo, Gbillah and Ikon, have vehemently denied the allegations. They said they were not only seriously embarrassed, they might be heading for the courts to clear their names of the damaging allegations.

They are right to feel embarrassed. They are not the only ones embarrassed. Nigerians too are. Their constituents, friends and families would be. To be linked to such story, even in a country where such things don’t really mat­ter, and blown to the proportion it has would depress anyone in their shoes.

This is my take on the issue: We have to get to the bottom of the matter to find out what really happened. Were they framed as the lawmakers have alleged? If the answer is yes, the next question would be: Why would they be framed? If this had happened in Nigeria, politi­cal motives would be easy to read to it. Now, two APC lawmakers and one PDP are involved. That’s why no one has talk­ed much about political detractors since the saga broke.

So, if like the lawmakers claimed that they were falsely accused, then the law courts would be the place to go. I hear they are planning to institute suits in Cleveland, to redeem their soiled image. It would be interesting to see how far the case will go. This is not just about the trio alone. It is the whole National Assembly that is on trial. Let them have the courage to pursue the case to its logi­cal conclusion and let the course of jus­tice be served.

But, if in their hearts, they know they ran foul of the 11th commandment: Thou shall not be caught, the sensible thing will be to quietly stop the grand­standing and apologise to their guest (America), constituents and Nigerians for their indiscretion in a foreign land. Nothing is lost in saying you are sorry if you find you have been cornered. They could even blame it on poor, old devil.

However, to insist on one’s right, when you are wrong and later disgraced, when the truth comes out will be double jeopardy and embarrassment.

The puzzle many are finding hard to fix is: Is it possible for an ambassador of the status of Mr. Enwistle, representing a country like America, to make such hefty allegations without concrete facts? What if there are CCTV recordings of what transpired at the hotel? On what grounds would the lawmakers stand? This is the concern many Nigerians have expressed.

Indeed, since Ambassador Enwistle’s letter on the Ohio episode, the nation has lapped onto the salacious story. Little surprise, though. Sex excites, es­pecially when it happens in high places or when it concerns people in top public positions.

Even though in this instance, sex has not taken place, the mere fact of an ac­cusation and allegation has been enough to drive up the adrenaline of discussions, both serious and the ridiculous. Many emergency morality judges and sex ex­perts have suddenly sprung up, pontifi­cating and examining facts and fictions behind the allegations. Indeed, like all such lurid stories, it has been high on drama, high on sensation and suspense. We all are awaiting what would happen next.

Of course, like in subject matters of this nature, where almost everyone is an expert or appears to be one, every per­son is entitled to his opinion.

Truly, I feel for the guys involved in this scandal. If the story turns out to be true, it would surely affect their politi­cal future in a country where politics has turned quite dirty. Their families could be shaken. Even in a country with not much high premium on morality, it still doesn’t sound good in the ears to be told that your spouse or dad solicited assis­tance to get prostitutes, even though many top level Nigerians cutting across professions and tribes would have en­gaged their services at one time or an­other. Here, hypocrisy is the name of the game. It is the man who is caught that is the thief. That’s the way things are here.

But, there is the good side to the Cleve­land saga: Now, some of those randy lawmakers, governors and other top lev­el public officers would watch it before engaging in the revelry of spoilt brats, when they travel out of this shores. Even at home, we hear of wild parties and drunken outings, where young campus ladies are debased for some filthy lucre. The time of reckoning is fast approach­ing for such depraved government offi­cials, feasting on the poverty in the land.

Fundamentally, we must get to the level where young girls and women will not be viewed primarily as sex objects and playthings. We must begin a value-orientation in our country. It���s a duty we owe the fatherland.

[denisemulvany18-blog]

How Military Bombarded Us While Sleeping – Ijaw Fishermen

SOME Ijaw fishermen and women, who narrowly escaped death in Thursday’s bombing of their fishing camp at Okosugbene Creek, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, by troops of Operation Delta Safe, who allegedly mistook the settlement for militant camp, narrated their ordeal, yesterday.

The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, and Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, in separate statements, claimed that several women and children were killed and injured in detached attack and shooting by soldiers and navy, on Burutu waterways and Warri.

Speaking exclusively to Saturday Vanguard on phone, one of the fishermen, Mr. Peter Ebitimi, said: "We were bombed while we were still asleep, I am a fisherman, our village is made up of only fishermen and women, there is no militant camp near our village, I do not even know how I survived the heavy bombs.

His words: "The military bombed us out of frustration when they could not locate the alleged militants they were looking for. My sister, Paulina Maika, was seriously wounded on the head, several fisher men/women and children are still missing, and others injured were rushed to the hospital in Warri," he added.

He stated: "Wisdom Ekeremo, a 5- year old, seriously wounded in the bombardment has also been admitted at the Central Hospital, Warri, and others at various hospitals, which I do not know the names now."

Another angler, who was unhappy that the fishing settlement was described as a militant camp, said: "It is not true that our village is a militant camp, it is not true that there is a militant camp near our village. What happened was that some militants came in contact with military patrol gun boats in Burutu-Warri River, close to our village Junction."

"The military shot at the militants and the militants responded with heavy fire, and the military was frustrated. The soldiers called for help to tackle the militants, but very unfortunately before the arrival of more gunboats and two fighter jets, the militants had already left.

"So when the military bomber jets came, they began to hover and bomb every mangrove tree and equally bombed our village. They bombed us from both land and air. The military missed their target and bombed us," he said.

IYC condemns killings

IYC in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr.

Eric Omare, said: "The military killing of innocent Ijaw villagers at Okosugbene, Gbekebor in Ogbolubiri Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State and the shooting of children at Desemor community, Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom in Warri South West Local Governemnt Area of Delta State in the early and late hours respectively of Thursday, November 24, 2016 is senseless, the height of unprofessionalism and crime against humanity."

"The IYC wonders how the Nigerian military would embark on aerial and land bombardment of innocent villagers at the small fishing camp of Okosugbene on very weak intelligent reports that militants were around the area. If the intention of the military is fish out militants; why the killing of old women and children?

"At the time of issuing this statement, Madam Atuku, an octogenarian is in a state of coma in a private hospital in Warri as a result of the effect of the bombings apart from several innocent people especially children that were killed and injured," it said.

Navy goes wild in Warri

The council added: "As if the killings at Okosugbene in the early hours of Thursday, November 24, 2016 were not enough, the Nigerian Navy also went berserk in the evening of Thursday, November 24, 2016 in continuation of the spilling of the blood of innocent Ijaw people by shooting sporadically into Desemor community, Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, directly opposite Warri township and injured several people."

"As at this morning (Friday, November 25, 2016), the following persons, who are mainly children sustained serious gunshot injuries and are in critical state at the Naval Clinic in Warri: 1. Master Andrew Okilo, Money Girl Okilo, Alice Ogbomi, Joseph Ogbomi, Mrs. Wisdom Ogbomi, Blessing Ogbomi, Perelade Ogbomi and Mrs. China-Ere David.

"The world would recall that just recently on January 29th and 30th , 2016 and throughout the night of May 30th to May 31st, 2016 respectively, same officers from the Nigerian Navy, Warri barracks shot into Naifor Island, also opposite the Warri township and seriously injured a couple (Mr and Mrs Tiemo). This couple is yet to recover fully from the injuries sustained and the military has abandoned them to their faith," IYC added.

It asserted: "The IYC in the strongest term condemn these unprovoked attacks on Ijaw people and communities and call on all lovers of humanity to join in condemnation. The Ijaw has not done anything to warrant such a treatment from the military under President Buhari. These attacks are provocative and our people are being pushed to react."

"If the Nigerian government cannot protect Ijaw people and communities, then we may be forced to protect ourselves against such attacks in the future. We call on the international community, especially the United Nations Human Rights Commission to prevail on the Buhari administration to protect the rights of the Ijaw people to life. Ijaws are being killed like animals on a daily basis in the Niger Delta region without justification. These unprovoked and extra-judicial killings must stop," the group stated.

Suicidal mission

IPDI in a statement by the national president, Mr. Austin Ozobo, said: "The military personnel drafted to Niger Delta are not professional in their operations, they are on suicidal mission. The Okosugbene bombardment is a clear genocide. Bombing innocent villages because you miss your target is suicidal and a call for concern by well-meaning country men."

It noted: "Same was done to Ayakoromo community in 2010, when they could not locate the late John Togo’s camp, they went and bombed innocent Ayakoromo town that is made up of more than 15,000 people. They killed hundreds of persons and undertook mass burial in the town."

"Equally, Gbaramatu kingdom was razed down by overzealous Nigerian military in 2009 after bombing Camp 5. They caused heavy genocide and nobody questioned them for their atrocities.

The military personnel in Niger Delta are so callous and heartless. There is no justification to bomb innocent village, comprising children and more fishermen/women.

"Even if there are suspected militants in such communities where children and other lawful people are living, it is not fair to bomb innocent persons and criminals together. Such is not a known precedence in the world. We seriously condemn it.

This amounts to witch-hunt and vendetta. We have done nothing wrong to warrant these barbaric and sting operations as Ijaw people," the group asserted.

[denisemulvany18-blog]

Atiku Commends Niger Delta Youths For Rescinding Quit Notice

Atiku stated this in a statement he issued on Sunday and he enjoined everyone to imbibe the spirit of unity, emphasized that the defeat of the indomitable Lions of Cameroon by the Super Eagles was a demonstration of the fact that the country will strive and succeed if everyone is united and stop the act of enthroning ethnicity. The Waziri Adamawa, while calling for unity also stressed on the need to restructure, stating that the country is too big to disintegrate. He said: "No one disowns a child when he or she is almost 60. Nigerian is too old and too big to fail. Instead of divisions, what we must do is restructure our federation till it more closely resembles the almost perfect union that our Founding Fathers chiseled together at the various pre Independence conferences."

He also stated that although we may come from different area of the country, however, we need each other to suuceed. Atiku said: "There is enough in Nigeria for everyone’s need and to meet every bloc’s aspirations. What we need is not uniformity but harmony. Just like an orchestra, we may all sing differently, but when our voices are blended, together, they give off a richer more melodious symphony than would ever have been possible if we were to sing individually." He further stated that struggle is necessarily for development and urged everyone to embrace peace so that the country can progress.

[denisemulvany18-blog]

FG To Provide Enough Fertiliser For Farmers In 2017

The federal government said on Sunday that adequate provision has been made for farmers across the country to have enough fertiliser to grow food throughout the year.

The chief executive officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr Uche Orji, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

"Last year fertiliser was sold as high as N14,000 a bag in the open market.

"And now we are selling it for N5,500, that is 30 per cent below what the market was. The price is boldly written on the fertiliser bag so you can’t be cheated.

"We have the capacity to blend what the nation needs and this year, fertiliser will not be an excuse for farming in Nigeria.

"Anybody who tries to sell it more than that, there is a whistleblower number and when you call, then, the National Security Adviser would be involved to investigate," he said.

Orji said that this year would be different from last year, because Nigeria now has the capacity to blend and produce fertiliser locally.

He said with the help of the NSIA, 12 out of the 28 existing fertiliser blending plants scattered across the country have been resuscitated.

He said the plan is to refurbish additional 6 blending plants by 2018.

"Fertiliser has four components. There is Urea, phosphate, potassium and limestone. You mix it together and that gives you your fertiliser.

"We used to import the whole thing completely blended. And there is a lot of physical labour involved in making fertiliser.

"So what we did was to say we have 28 blending plants that were ideal. So the presidency said we should have a look and see how we can make fertiliser available to farmers on time and at a reasonable price.

"So the only way we can do that is to look at how we can do that locally. Of the materials needed to make fertiliser, Urea is found in Nigeria as well as Limestones in Edo state, Sokoto and many parts of the country.

"Those two components make up 65 per cent so instead of importing the whole thing, we import 35 per cent, ship it to the blending plants, blend it and sell to farmers," he said.

The NSIA boss said that Nigeria has an agreement with Morroco to buy Phosphate and the potassium is bought from European traders.

He said local production of fertiliser has helped to create thousands of jobs, revive the moribund government companies, and save foreign exchange for the country.

Orji said the federal government was targeting the production of 12 million bags this year.

He said, however, that transportation logistics remained a major problem.

He said they were taking advantage of the rail system where it works, in places like Kaduna and Bauchi to transport materials to the plants.

Orji said that the Nigeria Security Adviser was also a part of the programme to offer security for the materials as they were highly sensitive.

According to him, fertiliser is well known as a component for making some kind of bombs.

[denisemulvany18-blog]

Andy Ubah Still In The Cold

Are you a good scriptwriter? If yes, you may be interested in knitting a story around the political life of SenatorAndy Ubah, and you can be assured it will make a huge box-office success.

Over the years, his perpetual failure to clinch the number one job in Anambra State has remained an intrigue to many political observers, particularly as he is regarded as a political heavyweight. But with his series of political losses, many now doubt if he is really a gladiator as thought, but a mere paper tiger.

In 2007, Ubah, a former Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo was literally dusted by former Governor Peter Obi when his victory to the Anambra Government House was upturned. Not one to easily give up on his hope, Ubah has jumped from one political party to the other to realise his ambition, all to no avail.

It will be recalled that he left his former political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, for the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, to participate in the November governorship election.

The billionaire suffered another humiliation of his life when he lost the APC ticket to a young man, Tony Nwoye. His defeat shocked his friends who have since warned him to desist from contesting political post. Though they had advised him to drop the ambition, Ubah didn’t seem to be bothered.

[denisemulvany18-blog]

N100bn Revenue: Wike Has No Reason Not To Perform – Peterside TellWike

Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr.

Dakuku Adol Peterside, has said the recent revelations that Rivers State got over N100 billion in five months from the federal government, showed that Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike no longer has excuse for nonperformance.

This is as a group, the Inter-Ethnic Network for Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (INCRA), has called on Wike to explain how the state government spent the N34 billion it received from the federal government as part of the Paris Club refund.

Peterside, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, said excuses for non-performance has been the hallmark of the Wike-led administration in the state.

He stated that the latest admonition followed disclosure by the Federal Ministry of Finance that Rivers State got the highest amount of N34 billion from Paris Club refund, in addition to over N75 billion accruing the state from federal allocations in the past five months.

The NIMASA boss said, "The governor is busy brandishing projects executed by the immediate past administration and trying to claim credit for same. The first responsibility of a state governor is security of lives and property.

"Despite the huge revenues that have come the way of our state, Governor Wike is yet to understand that governance goes beyond carrying out a handful of projects. The will to ensure security of lives and property and provision of jobs for our teeming youth go hand in hand.

"Unemployment is on the rise and this is what is fueling criminality and crime in the state. Rivers youth have been abandoned to their fate with no clear policy to enable them achieve their aspirations.

"With the amount of money the governor has received in the last five months, in addition to over N100billion borrowed from banks, there is no reason why our state should not be better secured and courting favours of investors.

"Since Wike became governor, no major investor, either foreign or local, has looked the way of Rivers State. Despite wasting our money in hosting all manner of events, no serious attempt has been made to employ our youth. Rather than create employment, the governor has made more people jobless. All visionary policies and programmes of his predecessor have become moribund" he said.