Sunday, 31 May 2015

Buhari names Adesina and Shehu as his Spokesmen

Garba Shehu

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced Mr Femi Adesina and Mal. Garba Shehu as his spokesmen. Femi Adesina will serve as Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) while Garba Shehu will be the new Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity).

The President made the announcement on Sunday evening.
Buhari has also approved the appointment of Mal. Lawal Abdullahi Kazaure as the State Chief of Protocol (SCOP).

EFCC Arraigns 16 Bankers and 6 CBN officials Over N8 Bilion Fraud



Sixteen workers of Nigerian commercial banks and Six top officials of Nigeria's central bank in the country have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, for a mega scam involving the sum of N8 billion.

The suspects were picked up by the EFCC operatives for stealing and putting into circulation defaced and mutilated Nigerian currency notes to the tune of N8 billion meant for destruction.

According to Vanguard, all the suspects have already been taken into EFCC custody preparatory to their arraignment at the Federal High Court, Ibadan on Tuesday, June 2. The trial will run till June 4 in a bid to speed up the prosecution of the suspects by the court.

Buhari can Bridge the Gap between the Rich champagne class and the Poor - Ben Murray Bruce


Mr. Ben Murray Bruce, Bayelsa state senator-elect spoke on issues concerning accountability and transparency in government. Do you think he nailed it ? His words below:

I have not criticised any government. I have not criticised APC. I have not criticised PDP. I have not criticised Goodluck Jonathan, neither have I criticised Muhammadu Buhari. I have raised good government issues and policy issues.
These are issues that I have raised all my life. Maybe these people on social media have just discovered Ben Bruce but, go and check the speeches I made two years ago, three years ago, twenty years ago, even in front of President Goodluck Jonathan to ascertain whether they are different from what I am saying now; maybe they just discovered me. Go on youtube and see my speeches.

President Mohammadu Buhari and VP, Osibanjo Fail to Declare their Assets Publicly


Buhari in February this year, while campaigning had said that he would publicly declare his assets and liabilities, if voted into power.

Buhari stated this in a document highlighting what he would do in his first 100 days if he assumed power on May 29. He said he would encourage political appointees in his administration to also declare their assets publicly.

Saturday, 30 May 2015

Prince Williams Calls on FIFA to Tackle Corruption and put Sports First

The Duke of Cambridge speaks out over Fifa corruption claims, calling on football's world governing body to clean up its act

The Duke of Cambridge has intervened in the Fifa corruption scandal with an unprecedented speech criticising world football’s governing body.
He urged Fifa to deal with the allegations of widespread bribery levelled at the organisation by American and Swiss investigators for the sake of football and its fans around the world.

In his speech as president of the Football Association before Saturday’s FA Cup Final at Wembley, the Duke gave his backing to the FA’s tough stance on Fifa and its opposition to its president, Sepp Blatter, who stands accused of presiding over “rampant, systemic and deep-rooted corruption”.

According to report on telegraph.uk, Prince William, talks to Sepp Blatter during the FA150 Years Gala Dinner The Duke said: “There seems to be a huge disconnect between the sense of fair play that guides those playing and supporting the game, and the allegations of corruption that have long lingered around the management of the sport internationally.”

Sepp Blatter Re-elected as FIFA President


Sepp Blatter has been re-elected as FIFA president for a fifth time after rival candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein conceded defeat as the voting went into a second round. Out of the 206 valid votes, Blatter got 133 while Ali obtained 73 as neither candidate was able to obtain the two-thirds majority for an outright win.

According to Blatter in his winning speech, "I thank you that you accept me and that for the next four years, I will be in command of this boat called FIFA and we'll bring it back to the shore,".

Sepp Blatter joined FIFA in 1975 and has been FIFA president since 1998. His win came despite demands that he quit in the face of a bribery scandal being investigated by US, Swiss and other law enforcement agencies that plunged the world football body into the worst crisis in its 111-year history.

Speaking just before the vote, Blatter said he felt that he had only been with the organisation for a short time and wanted to stay longer. "What is time anyway. I find that the time I have spent at FIFA is very short," he said. "The more one ages the more time flies by quickly. I am with you, and I would like to stay with you."

Prince Ali has also lost his place on FIFA's executive committee. "It's been a wonderful journey in terms of knowing you and working with you," he said while announcing his withdrawal. "Thank you all who supported me and best of luck for the future."

Meanwhile the US authorities have accused top FIFA figures and sports executives of corruption, while Switzerland is investigating the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

According to Aljazeera report, the scandal widened on Friday when Britain's Serious Fraud Office said it was examining possible corruption at FIFA. A judge in Argentina has ordered the arrest of three businessmen accused of using bribery to obtain football media rights, and the Brazilian Senate moved to open a formal inquiry into football bribery allegations.

Marco Polo Del Nero, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, dramatically flew back to Brazil from the FIFA Congress shortly before the election.

His abrupt departure followed the arrest of nine senior FIFA officials including former Brazilian football chief Jose Maria Marin. Del Nero told a press conference on Friday he did not plan to resign and "had nothing to do" with corruption.

FIFA takes in billions of dollars in revenue from television marketing rights and sponsorships, making it one of the wealthiest and most powerful sports bodies in the world.

It has been dogged by corruption scandals for decades, mostly investigating itself and avoiding scrutiny by criminal courts. I hope this will not affect the the game of football in the future.

Thursday, 28 May 2015

Outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan Set to Hand Over to Buhari



Today marks a new dawn in Nigeria as the biggest event holds at the Eagle square, Abuja with over 50 Heads of State and Government including a delegation from the United States, led by Secretary of State, John Kerry, will all witness the historic inauguration of the 5th Executive President of Nigeria, Mr Muhammadu Buhari.

Reports has it that Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city is already filled with visitors from across the country and outside Nigeria. there is a beehive of activities in town with citizens anxiously waiting for the hour to come as the Capital city is already wearing a new look.

Adequate Security has been provided and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has given his word that the city would be effectively policed during and after the inauguration. Aranse has also ordered a tight security around the Eagles Square, venue of the event.

Notable hotels and likely vulnerable places within the Federal Capital City are being manned by the police.

The President-elect, who just arrived from the United Kingdom, has been taken round the Presidential Villa by the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

This is the first transfer of power from the ruling party that has been in government since 1999, to the opposition party, All Progressives Congress APC.

The military have been seen patrolling the city to ensure that there is no breach of peace at the FCT.

Nigerian celebrities are also not left out of the inauguration ceremony as Music duo, P-Square, Inyanya,Tecno, Faze and Ubi Franklin all travelled to Abuja for performance rehearsals earlier on Thursday, ahead of this historic event.

It is a new dawn for all of us in Nigeria.

Congratulations Buhari! Congratulations Nigerians!!!

Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina Elected 8th President of the AfDB



The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has been elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Dr. Akinwunmi was elected on Thursday in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast where the African Development Bank Annual General Meeting has been ongoing.

He beat seven other contenders (Sufian Ahmed, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Ethiopia; Jaloul Ayed, Minister of Fnance, Tunisia; Kordje Bedoumra, Minister of Finance and Budget, Chad; Cristina Duarte, Minister of Finance and Planning, Cabo Verde; Samura M.W. Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sierra Leone; Thomas  Zondo Sakala (Zimbabwe), former Vice President, Country and Regional Programmes, AfDB; and Birama Boubacar Sidibe (Mali), Vice President, Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) for the top job.

The cheering news of the distinguished minister comes as Nigeria prepares for the inauguration of the newly elected administration of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, which holds today.

The president- elect, Mohammadu Buhari had in April communicated his backing of Dr. Adesina’s candidacy to the Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, who is the current chairperson of ECOWAS.

Buhari said that his support of Dr. Adesina’s candidacy was not just because he is Nigerian but because he “has a proven track record in a career that predates his position as Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development”.

If you have been tracking or monitoring Dr. Akinwumi's achievements in the Agricultural sector, I am sure you will concurr to his new position as the President of Africa Development Bank. Akinwunmi has really disguished himself as a leader and a role model to emulate. Congratulation!!! To know more about Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, please click HERE

Two Young Brothers Build Mobile Web Browser

Two young brothers, Osine Ikhianosime and Anesi Ikhianosime have renewed hope in the future of Nigeria as they register their names in the catalogue of application developers. The duo have built a mobile web browser that is already in use globally. Osine Ikhianosime 13, and Anesi Ikhianosime 15 who co-developed ‘Crocodile Browser Lite’ were born of same parents and both are students of Greensprings School, Anthony Campus, Lagos. While both brothers write code, Anesi designs the user interface.

According to Vanguard.com, Osine and Anesi launched the mobile browser on the Mobango app store before moving to Google Play Store to try and reach a wider audience.The browser currently has around 100 to 500 downloads and they do not have ads in the app yet. They both began developing an Android web browser, which they named Crocodile Browser Lite, about a year ago out of boredom.

Due to their keen interest in technology, they decided to create a functional, fast browser for feature and low end phones because, according to them, “We were fed up with Google Chrome.” Osine who told TechCabal in his pitch mail said: ‘’I write the code, my brother designs it.”

Born April 28, 2001, his interest in computers began at age seven. It was also at this age that he and his brother, Anesi Ikhianosime, who was 9 at the time, came up with the idea of starting a company.

Recalling how it started, Osine said, they first named it ‘Doors’ with Microsoft’s Windows, but when they discovered that the name was already in use, they had to change the name to BluDoors. Relating his experience, Osine said: ‘’When we decided to learn to code at age 12 and 14 respectively, I didn’t let my uncle’s belief that it would be a tough feat to achieve deter me.”

On his part, Anesi said: “I learnt to code by myself. I started in 2013, I used sites like Code Academy, Code Avengers and books like ‘Android for Game Development’ and ‘Games for Dummies’,” said Anesi. Meanwhile their mother, Mrs Ngozi Ikhianosime, who is a Mathematics teacher said: “Osine could already use a PC before he could read at age three. It is all he does since he learnt to code.”

The mother who ascribed the success to Greensprings Schools, said students of the school have access to computer and internet facilities, just as personal laptops are made available to each of them at home. “After Anesi is through with his secondary school education, he will attend A levels, after which he will go to MIT in Boston for his first degree, because the university has the facilities he needs to learn.” She said.

Osine Ikhianosime and Anesi Ikhianosime have rekindled hope in the future of nigeria as they register their names in the catalogue of application developers. The duo have built a mobile web browser that is already in use globally. Osine Ikhianosime 13, and Anesi Ikhianosime 15 who co-developed ‘Crocodile Browser Lite’ were born of same parents and both are Year nine and 11 students of Greensprings School, Anthony Campus, Lagos. While both brothers write code, Anesi designs the user interface.

According to Vanguard.com, Osine and Anesi launched the mobile browser on the Mobango app store before moving to Google Play Store to try and reach a wider audience.The browser currently has around 100 to 500 downloads and they do not have ads in the app yet. They both began developing an Android web browser, which they named Crocodile Browser Lite, about a year ago out of boredom.

Due to their keen interest in technology, they decided to create a functional, fast browser for feature and low end phones because, according to them, “We were fed up with Google Chrome.” Osine who told TechCabal in his pitch mail said: ‘’I write the code, my brother designs it.”
Born April 28, 2001, his interest in computers began at age seven. It was also at this age that he and his brother, Anesi Ikhianosime, who was 9 at the time, came up with the idea of starting a company.

Recalling how it started, Osine said, they first named it ‘Doors’ with Microsoft’s Windows, but when they discovered that the name was already in use, they had to change the name to BluDoors. Relating his experience, Osine said: ‘’When we decided to learn to code at age 12 and 14 respectively, I didn’t let my uncle’s belief that it would be a tough feat to achieve deter me.”

On his part, Anesi said: “I learnt to code by myself. I started in 2013, I used sites like Code Academy, Code Avengers and books like ‘Android for Game Development’ and ‘Games for Dummies’,” said Anesi. Meanwhile their mother, Mrs Ngozi Ikhianosime, who is a Mathematics teacher said: “Osine could already use a PC before he could read at age three. It is all he does since he learnt to code.”

The mother who ascribed the success to Greensprings Schools, said students of the school have access to computer and internet facilities, just as personal laptops are made available to each of them at home. “After Anesi is through with his secondary school education, he will attend A levels, after which he will go to MIT in Boston for his first degree, because the university has the facilities he needs to learn.” She said.
Their father Mr Philip Ikhianosime, who is the Head of Management Services and Human Resource Manager at an Insurance Company says the boys developed interest in PC usage very early. He agrees as well, that his children’s school is very instrumental in their continued interest in programming.

Anesi says that he’d like to develop another app that solves real social problems, such as traffic and communication. The brothers are releasing a new version of Crocodile Browser Lite 3.0 this April.

Their father Mr Philip Ikhianosime, who is the Head of Management Services and Human Resource Manager at an Insurance Company says the boys developed interest in PC usage very early. He agrees as well, that his children’s school is very instrumental in their continued interest in programming.



Football Came to me Naturally - Azizat Lamina Oshola

Super Falcons forward Azizat Lamina Oshoala  who plies her trade with Liverpool’s female football team is the reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year and dusted off the challenge from other contenders which included Spain’s Veronica Boquete, Germany’s Nadine Kessler and Scotland’s Kim Little and Brazilian forward, Marta, to win the BBC top prize. Born 9 October 1994, Azizat is a Nigerian, from Ikorodu in Lagos state.

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Court Strikes out Ufomba's Suit Against Dr. Alex Otti


Dr. Alex Otti
The Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia this morning dismissed the suit filed by REAGAN UFOMBA challenging the candidacy of DR. ALEX OTTI as the flag bearer of APGA.

In a landmark judgment, the Court refused to yield it's stamp to affix on an attempt to foist acandidate on a Party, more so, when the aspirant himself neither purchased the Party's nomination form nor participated in the Party's primary election.

The Court maintained that the choice of a party's flag bearer is entirely a party's affair and the Court can only intervene in the case
of manifest irregularities.

In these circumstances that there was nothing contradicting the fact that DR ALEX OTTI is the candidate proposed to INEC by the leadership of APGA having emerged from the Party's duly conducted primaries, the Court Consequently declined jurisdiction to imposeanother candidate on APGA and accordingly struck out the suit.

Top FIFA Officials Arrested for Bribery and Curruption Charges


Seven officials of  FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, have been arrested by Swiss officials early Wednesday morning US time at their hotel in Zurich.

The arrests were made at the request of the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, who wants them in connection with a bribery investigation.

Hours after the arrests, the Swiss Office of the Attorney General opened a second, unrelated investigation concerning the bidding process for the 2018 Russia World Cup and the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

According to VOX.com, In the first investigation, the US Dept. of Justice alleges that sports broadcast and marketing executives allegedly paid more than $150 million in bribes to FIFA officials to secure broadcast rights. Nine soccer officials and five sports executives are being indicted, and four have already pleaded guilty.

No one has been charged in the second investigation, but Swiss authorities are interviewing 10 FIFA executive committee members who served during the bidding process in 2010.

Fight Corruption Like I Did - Guinea President to Buhari

President Alpha Conde of Guinea has expressed confidence in the ability of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to fight corruption, adding that Buhari will fight corruption like he has done in his country.

The Guinean President Alpha Conde while speaking with journalists after a meeting with the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the Lagos State Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode, in Lagos on Tuesday has urged the president -elect, Muhammadu Buhari to fight curruption like he has done in his country.

According to Conde, "I came to Lagos to meet my brother, Tinubu before I meet with President Buhari. With the election of Buhari, who is a straight forward person that will fight corruption like me, I believe his emergence as President will culminate in a stronger relationship between Guinea and Nigeria.

Conde also described the outcome of the March 28 presidential election and acceptance of defeat by President Goodluck Jonathan as victory for Africa and Nigeria.

“Before the last general elections in Nigeria, there were anxiety, fear and uncertainty over the land. It was the belief that the country would disintegrate. This is also drawn from the fact that Nigeria fought the Biafra war. The war against Boko Haram was also there which Africa has to jointly fight.”


He said, “The election in Nigeria is a victory for Africa and Nigeria, being the biggest black African country. We also congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat just like President Abdou Diouf of Senegal when he lost the presidential election.”

Monday, 25 May 2015

Subsidy: Nigeria Loses $2 Billion Annually to Fake Subsidy Operators


Senator representing Kwara Central and former Kwara state governor, Bukola Saraki, has said that Nigeria was losing a total of $2 billion to fake fuel subsidy operators. 

Saraki said, the fuel subsidy management in the country was a very big platform for fraud. He  urged the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari to completely remove the fuel subsidy and restore normalcy to the petroleum sector.

Speaking to newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja, the senator accused the government of issuing import licenses to very bogus number of companies totaling 82 and being used by oil marketers and government officials to rip off the national treasury on yearly basis.

He argued that it would be better to remove the fuel subsidy and deliver the sector and the citizenry from the grip of racketeers in the industry, who would never allow things to work well because of their personal aggrandizement.

Saraki said 'subsidy in itself was never a problem to the country but the bad management of the subsidy, which he said had been turned into a huge racket that created the lingering crisis in the oil sector.

He said: “No matter what is happening now, if you go back to look at it, the major issue that dwindled us was the subsidy management. We are talking of about minimum of over $32 billion wasted on it over the last five to six years.

“That is the difference between where we are now and that time. It has impacted on our exchange rate, it is going to impact on our infrastructure, there is no money for capital budget.

Speaking on his ambition of becoming the next Senate President, Saraki maintained that he had the capacity, competence and the will power to drive the 8th Senate to reposition the country towards rapid socio-economic development, advising the elected Senators of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to focus on competence, capacity and merit in their choice of the next President of the Senate and other principal officers rather than on sentiments.

Foreign Currency found on a Top Boko Haram Commander



Defence Spokesperson of the Nigerian Military, Chris Olukolade, said thousands of Euros were found on a top Boko Haram leader killed during an operation in Mafa, Bornu State.

The military did not release the identity of the militant.

“The terrorist who is also an Amir by status and believed to be of foreign descent, is among about 30 terrorist fighters who died in the encounter while many others fled with wounds,” he said.

The defence spokesman said the terrorists lost a number weapons and equipment to the military including the captured 13 rifles, a machine gun, rocket propelled grenade tubes and several other assorted ammunition.

Armoured vehicles were also destroyed during the battle and a Toyota Buffalo vehicle was recovered from the terrorists the spokesperson said.
Mr. Olukolade said troops got their equipment damaged.

Mop up operation was ongoing in the area with a continuing offensive on all terrorists’ hideouts he concluded.

Oil Marketers Agree to call Off Strike Immediately


MOMAN - The Association of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria,  have agreed to call off their strike action over unpaid subsidy claims and commence lifting of petroleum products nationwide in the next six hours.

The strike was called off at a meeting with the Chairman, Senate committee on petroleum resources, Magnus Abe, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, ‎ Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, MD of NNPC Joseph Dawha and other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector in Abuja today May 25th.


The oil marketers also agreed that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) should immediately revoke the license of any oil marketer that refuses to lift petroleum products across Nigeria.

Members of PENGASSAN, NUPENG, MOMAN, IPMAN and all other officials also addressed the press where they affirmed the resolutions and agreement and called off their strike action as well.

We urge all Nigerians to remain calm as petroleum products will be made available across the country within 24 hours.

Drogba Set to Leave Chelsea As Manchester Releases Falcao after Loan Ends


Thirty-seven year - old Chelsea striker Didier Drogba announced on Sunday that that the premier league match against Sunderland would be his last as a Chelsea player.

According to Drogba, "I have no plans to retire from football yet. I just want to leave stanford bridge to pursue my career in another club". 

The striker returned to the club last summer on a one-year deal and helped win a fourth Premier League title.

“I want to play for at least one more season and in order to play more football I feel I need to go to another club,” Drogba said on the club’s website.

“All the fans know my love for Chelsea and I hope to be back here in the future in another role.”

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s game, he added, “I spoke with the manager and the board and we all agreed that as I wanted to enjoy a bit more the pitch, they will let me go.

“I will always come back here. It is good to know the club want me to come back and be part of the future of this team. I am happy how we found this solution.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United have confirmed Radamel Falcao will return to AS Monaco following his season-long loan spell with the club.

The striker joined the Reds on transfer deadline day in September, initially on a temporary basis with an option to make the move permanent.

However the Colombian failed to discover the form which made him one of the most feared forwards in world football and managed just four goals in his 29 appearances for United.


Louis van Gaal paid tribute to the 29-year-old’s professionalism during his time at the club.

Van Gaal told United's official website: "Falcao is a top professional and a good human being. On behalf of myself and everyone at the club I would like to wish him well for the future."

Falcao is unlikely to be the only player to depart Old Trafford this summer as Van Gaal attempts to construct a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season

Sunday, 24 May 2015

Airlines cancel Flight Operations over Fuel Scarcity



The intense fuel scarcity has cripple commercial activities at the airport as there is total scarcity of aviation fuel to run the aircraft of the various domestic carriers.

According to information gathered, thousands of air travellers were left stranded across airports in Nigeria on Saturday.

ezeanyanwu.blogspot.com gathered that the two largest domestic carriers in Nigeria, Arik Air and Aero Contractors, cancelled almost all their flights in Nigeria as a result of the scarcity of JetA1, otherwise known as aviation fuel.

At the Abuja and Lagos airport, many passengers, who arrived with the intention of travelling out of the two cities, had their flights cancelled.

A lot are them got frustrated by the development,and left the airport in anger. 

It was also gathered that the situation might get worse this week as the industrial action embarked  by Tankers Drivers across the country is still in progress. 

We plead to the relavant authorities to act as soon as possible to avoid further crisis in the petroluem sector. 

Saturday, 23 May 2015

Ireland Legalise Gay Marriage by popular Vote


The republic of Ireland has voted by a huge majority to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in the world to do so by popular vote in a move hailed as a social revolution and welcomed around the world.

According to 'The Guardian' Some 62% of the Irish Republic’s electorate voted in favour of gay marriage. 

Out of an electorate of more than 3 million, 1,201,607 backed gay marriage, while 734,300 voters said No. The result prompted a massive street party around the gay district of central Dublin close to the national count centre.

Addressing Ireland’s gay community, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the result meant that “a majority of people in this republic have stood up for them [those in the gay community]”. He said: “In the privacy of the ballot box, the people made a public statement. With today’s vote we have disclosed who we are. We are a generous, compassionate, bold and joyful people who say yes to inclusion, yes to generosity, yes to love, yes to gay marriage.”

Irish deputy prime minister and Labour leader Joan Burton added: “The people of Ireland have 

Friday, 22 May 2015

Fuel Scarcity: Senate Summons Okonjo Iweala and Allison Madueke


Following the directive of the Senate to the joint committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream) to investigate the biting fuel scarcity in the country, the committees on Friday summoned the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her counterpart in the Petroleum Resources Ministry, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke, to appear before it on Monday next week over the lingering fuel crisis in the country.

According to reports, also summoned along with the two ministers are the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Managing Director, Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency; and the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources.

FIFA Names Flying Eagles of Nigeria Youngest U-20 World Cup Team

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been rated the youngest team heading to the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The FIFA U20 World cup competition will kick -off on May 30 to June 20, with 24 teams participating in the tournament.


Thursday, 21 May 2015

Tribunal Grants Dr. Alex Otti's Request to Inspect Election Materials


The inaugural sitting today at the tribunal granted Dr. Alex Otti 's request to inspect  to inspect electoral materials used for the elections.

Counsel to the petitioner, Chris Uche(SAN), had applied for an exparte motion from the tribunal during its inaugural sitting to inspect ballot papers, card readers and form EC8G and another order to serve the respondents.

The chairman of the tribunal Justice Usman Bwala in his ruling, granted both motions and ordered that the first respondent, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu be served using substituted means.

Reacting to the ruling, the counsel to the petitioner, Chris Uche (SAN), said the tribunal granted them three days to inspect the materials at INEC office in Umuahia, adding that their team will be bring in experts for forensic analysis as well as statisticians.

The chairman of the tribunal had during the inaugural sitting admonished all parties in the case to stay clear of them throughout the period of the sitting to enable them discharge their duties without interference.

Wednesday, 20 May 2015

PDP Board of Trustees Chief Tony Anenih Resigns



The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a turn for the worse yesterday when the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, finally succumbed to the growing pressure to step down. Anenih tendered his letter yesterday.

According to reports,  President Goodluck Jonathan was said to have directed Anenih to resign.

Anenih complied with the directive when he dropped his letter of resignation at 5.20 pm wednesday.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has also accepted his (Anenih) resignation commending the vital roles he played in the party, especially as the BoT chairman. Until a new BoT chair is elected, the secretary of the Board, Senator Walid Jibrin, will hold the forte.

Indications are emerging that President Goodluck Jonathan may replace Anenih as the BoT chairman. But it's still foggy.

Federal Government Upgrades Four Colleges of Education to Universities


The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday, approved the conversion of Four federal colleges of education to Universities.

Minister of Information, Patricia Akwashiki, and Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, briefed State House correspondents of the meeting’s outcome.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the council, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Shekarau listed the affected colleges of education as Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo (now Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo); Federal College of Education, Zaria (now Federal University of Education, Zaria); Federal College of Education, Kano (now Federal University of Education, Kano); and Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri (now Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri).

According to Punch, the minister explained that the colleges of education were part of the 21 federal colleges of education that had been awarding degree programmes in the last three decades under the close supervision of the different universities they are affiliated to.

He said the council considered the need for further quality in teaching service, hence the conversion of the colleges to universities since more graduates would be needed in the teaching profession.

“We are heading to having more graduates in the teaching profession and hence the need for these universities to produce graduates in education. If we need quality education, we need quality teachers,” he said.

Shekarau explained that the next step was for the Ministry of Justice to prepare amendment to the laws establishing the colleges.

PDP National Party Chairman Adamu Mu'azu Resigns, Secondus takes Over


Chief Uche Secondus, Deputy National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP) has taken over as the acting National Chairman of the party following the resignation of the party Chairman, Adamu Muazu, who threw in the towel on Wednesday on health grounds.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, made this known to journalists at the Wadata Plaza secretariat of the party. He commended Muazu for his services to the PDP and love for the nation.

According to Olisa,“I can confirm that we have received the resignation of the National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu. I can confirm that the chairman, who had health challenges, stayed on for the primaries, for the campaigns and the elections and after consultations with his family, and in his personal interest, he had decided to resign.

“This party commends him for his services to the party and for his love for the nation. We wish him well. We will not forget him. In line with the constitution, the  Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, has taken charge of the affairs of the party as acting national chairman of the party. The constitution does not recognise a vacuum.”

Metuh concluded that Secondus would be in charge pending when a replacement would be appointed from the North-East.

Enyeama is World's 18th Best Keeper


Vincent Enyeama, Super Eagles captain, has been ranked the 18th best goalkeeper in the world in 2015 by The Telegraph, a UK newspaper.

According to the Telegraph, In a poll conducted on its website, votes were cast to determine who the best keeper in the world was and the Lille goalkeeper made the list of top 20 goalkeepers in the world.

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer is in first place followed by Manchester United’s David De Gea and Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois. Joe Hart of Manchester City is fourth while Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus came fifth.

Petr Cech of Chelsea, Keylor Navas and Iker Casilas of Real Madrid, Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur and Salvatore Sirigu of Paris St. Germain are among other to 20 goal keepers.

Victor Valdes of Manchester United, Pepe Reina of Bayern Munich, Diego Lopez of AC Milan, Samir Handanovic of Inter Milan, Wojciech Scezceny of Arsenal, Rene Adler of Hamburg, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo of Barcelona and Southampton’s Fraser Forster complete the list.

Enyeama has had an astounding season in the Ligue 1 with English giants Liverpool reportedly scouting the Nigerian keeper ahead of a £3m deal at the end of the season.

Buhari Appoints Femi Adesina as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity



The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, made his first official appointment by naming the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina, as his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity.

According to Thisday, Adesina's appointment, though yet to be formally announced, is said to have been concluded but merely waiting for some formality before the official announcement.

Already, the management of The Sun Newspaper, it was gathered, is concluding plans to re-organise its management structure following Adesina's impending departure.

Adesina was recently re-elected as the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for another term of two years.
The NGE president was returned unopposed at the 2015 bi-ennial convention of the Guild which held in Lagos by his colleagues, most of whom described his tenure as the “best the Guild has ever had.”

With his new appointment, Adesina also becomes the second person to be so appointed while serving as the president of the Guild of Editors. The first person was the late Mrs. Remi Oyo, who was the SA, Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

A prolific writer and tested journalist, Adesina started his career at the Vanguard Newspapers as a features writer before later moving to the defunct National Concord Newspapers. He is a pioneer staff of The Sun newspaper where he became the editor, and later the managing director and editor-in-chief, a position he will be quitting for the new assignment.

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Tony Usidamen: What Nigerians Expect from the Buhari Administration


Mangaing partner, Uburu Communications and social commentator Tony Usidamen has encouraged the incoming government to cut down drastically in the cost of governance and focus more in providing the basic needs of the common man. Tony made this know in an interview session on "Sunrise Daily", a daily programme on Channels television. According to Tony, Nigerians are looking forward to War against corruption, food security, accelerated power supply, integrated transport network, increased access to healthcare and education, affordable housing, devolution of power and accelerated economic growth are central to the change that the APC promised.

"Though noble (and in line with the expectations of Nigerians) these programmes aren't novel, as - let's face it - they have formed the basis of electoral campaigns of all previous Nigerian governments. To succeed, therefore, the Buhari administration must be ready to do what others before it didn't - have not just the "balls" (willpower) but the ingenuity to effectively carry out these plans. As Stephen Sondheim noted, “Having just the vision is no solution, everything depends on execution!”

In the immediate to short term, I expect the government of Buhari to look to reducing the cost of governance in the country, (view video below) not only by advocating pay cuts for political office holders - as is being proposed by some - but by plugging loopholes in the public finance system that permit stealing and encourage wastage.

Monies saved through this medium can them be channeled into financing some of the administration's medium to long term capital programmes. Of course, the government cannot directly finance the industrial development of the nation all by itself, and so must encourage private sector participation and continue to make the nation an attractive foreign direct investment haven.

Critical to the realisation of its goals is the effective mobilisation of support for its policies and programmes from the citizenry, and information management is key to that process. Well orchestrated public relations efforts will ensure that there is no communication breakdown between the government and the people (a major achilles heel of the Jonathan government) and build trust - a requisite without which every government will fail, even with the best of intentions!

Tony Usidamen is a Public Relations guru, Social Commentator and managing partner of Uburu Communications. 

Jay Z Mocks Apple , Youtube, Spotify in Tidal Freestyle


Jay Z threw some punches at the big tech companies who compete with his upstart music streaming service Tidal. According to Jay, they've got the money, but he’s got the microphone. This weekend,   the freestyle came as part of Jay Z’s “B-Sides” concert, a performance of some of his rarest songs that was supposed to “exclusively” be available for live stream on Tidal.


According to Josh Constine of Tech Crunch, Tidal touts exclusives from its all-star lineup of partnered artists like Kanye West, Daft Punk, Beyonce, Arcade Fire, and Madonna. The problem is that fans don’t take kindly to pay walls, and inconvenience encourages piracy.

But something special did come out of Jay Z’s show. He ripped on Google as well as Jimmy Iovine, head of Apple’s Beats Music, for apparently trying to buy him out. He roasts YouTube for what he considers tiny payouts to artists.

Then Jay Z, also referring to himself as Jigga and ‘Hova, addressed criticism that Tidal’s partnered artists are rich, so why should fans care about making sure they’re paid? He admits his Tidalers “own shit” but asks why people don’t have a problem paying Apple for iPhones or Phil Knight’s Nike for shoes. Plus Spotify is valued at $9 billion so they’re not exactly starving artists themselves.

See the Rap lyrics below:

“Don’t ever go with the flow. Be the flow.

I don’t need no middlemen to talk to my n*ggas / I understand if you don’t understand I figure I’m Jigga / That’s where we differ / I take what’s mine you accept what they give you, I get you /  I don’t take no checks, I take my respect / Pharrell even told me ‘Go with the best bet’ / Jimmy Iovine offered a safety net / Google dangle ‘round a crazy check / I feel like YouTube is the biggest culprit / Them n*ggas pay you a tenth of what you supposed to get

You know n*ggas died for equal pay, right? / You know when I work I ain’t your slave, right? / You know I ain’t shucking and jivin’ and high fivin’ / You know this ain’t back in the days, right? / But I can’t tell by the way they kill Freddie Gray right / Shot down Mike Brown like the way they did Tray, right? Let ‘em continue choking’ n*ggas / we gon’ turn style / I ain’t your token n*gga /

You know I came in this game independent, right? / Tidal / My own label / same difference / Oh n*ggas is skeptical cause they own shit / You bought nine iPhones and Steve Jobs is rich / Phil Knight’s worth trillions, you still bought those kicks / Spotify’s nine billion and they ain’t say shit / ‘Lucyyy you got some splainin’ to do’ / The only one they hatin’ on look the same as you / That’s cool / I know they tryin’ to bamboozle you / Spending millions on media tryin’ to confuse you / I had to talk to myself ‘Hov, you used to it’ / It’s politics as usual.”


At least Tidal is raising the question about how artists can be fairly compensated, even if it doesn't have the answer. What do you think ?

Apple Aquires Chinedu Echeruo's Hopstop.com for $1 Billion

Chinedu Echeruo has joined the league of Billionaires as Apple has purchased his Hopstop.com application for one billion dollars, The Wall Street Journal’s publication, AllThingsDigital has reported.

Hopstop.com founded in 2005, makes mobile applications for both iOS and Android that covers over 300 cities and that helps people get directions or find nearby subway stations and bus stops. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed as at the time of this report.
Echeruo, formerly an analyst at the investment banks and hedge funds, founded Hopstop.com in 2005.

Echeruo is now Chairman of the Board for Hopstop, has been compared to Israel’s Waze, which was recently acquired by Google for $1 billion. The move is seen as Apple’s plan to bolster its map offering, especially given Google’s recent acquisition of Waze.

A serial entrepreneur, Echeruo grew up in the Eastern part of Nigeria and attended Kings College, Lagos.

He attended Syracuse University and the Harvard Business School in the United States and founded Hopstop.com after working for several years in the mergers and acquisitions and leveraged finance groups of J.P Morgan Chase where he was involved in a broad range of M&A, financing and private equity transactions.

He also worked at AM Investment Partners, a $500 million volatility-driven convertible bond arbitrage hedge fund. He founded and raised nearly $8 million for his two U.S based internet companies: Hopstop.com and Tripology.com.  Tripology.com was acquired in 2010 by American travel and navigation information company, Rand McNally.

True to form, Echeruo is working on yet another venture but this time, focused on small businesses in Africa.
According to him, “There is no reason why every entrepreneur should have to reinvent the wheel every single time in all the countries in Africa.

"My idea is to essentially have one place where a budding entrepreneur can access a template for starting a business, and then customise it to suit their own situation; essentially, a business-in-a-box.”