Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Top 3 Things I Will Fix Before Leaving Office - Buhari

President Buhari has revealed some key things he will fix before leaving office. While speaking at a meeting with the director, Global Upstream of Shell Oil Company at the State house, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 25, he revealed these three key things.
Here they are:

1. Accountability During the meeting President Buhari made it clear that his determination to return Nigeria to the “good old days of accountability” was still on track. He also said that he would make sure all public office holders in Nigeria are held accountable. 

This has been shown in his continued war against corruption. President Buhari gave the reason for his tough stance on corruption and accountability, saying: “It is only by doing this that investor morale and confidence will return, and the economy will be positioned on the path of growth.”

2. Niger Delta As part of the meeting which included the Shell company’s concern with security of oil infrastructure in the Niger-Delta. the president urged them that militancy in the Niger Delta was another thing he would fix before he left office. He commended the Shell company for their continued faith in the Nigerian economy, giving them assurances on some issues of concern raised by the company. 

He then assured that his government would continue to prioritize security and also dialogue with the stakeholder-communities in the Niger Delta will continue. He also called for continued protection by the Nigerian Navy in view of repeated threats of attack by militants. 

3. Electricity Also, the president assured that the matter of epileptic power supply was one he had plans to fix before he left office. He said he would surely solve the country’s perennial electricity problem. This promise is in tandem with the statements he made in March 2016, when he said: “In the three years left for this administration we have given ourselves the target of ten thousand megawatts distributable power. 

In 2016 alone, we intend to add two thousand megawatts to the national grid.” Meanwhile, only yesterday, Monday, October 24, President Buhari met with governors who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The meeting took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Friday, 7 October 2016

Humiliation of Tinubu is a humiliation of the Yoruba race – Fayose

Ado-Ekiti – Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the current tirade against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a grand conspiracy and crude attempt to humiliate and reduce the political influence of the national leader of All Progressive Congress. Condemning the attack on Tinubu, Fayose said “humiliation of Tinubu is as good as humiliation of the Yoruba race,” adding that “Yoruba leaders must be protected”.

The governor said; “even though I am not a member of APC and I will never be, I was elected to stand in defence of the Yoruba nation once again I say no to the continuous dishonourable treatment being meted to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, having paid his dues.”

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose, said; “if Tinubu is allowed to be embarrassed and disgraced just the way our past leaders were humiliated by these same elements, the Yoruba nation would have been made to suffer for uprightness.”

The governor condemned the Tuesday, sponsored protest against the APC leader at the party’s national secretariat, saying; “it is unfortunate that Tinubu is now being vilified in a party he invested heavily in and his fellow kinsmen that he brought up politically are part of this conspiracy.

“In their desperation, they have even tried to set him against the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, by insinuating that tried to prevent his (Osinbajo) emergence as President Mohammadu Buhari’s running mate, this is sad!”

He lamented that “when other tribes protect its own, it is becoming historically common among the Yorubas to allow themselves to be used against their leaders just for momentary political gains at the expense of the collective interests of the Yoruba nation.

“It should be noted that late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was sent to jail by the conspiracy and collaboration of some Yorubas with the external aggressors.”

Governor Fayose said; “Tinubu is a prominent stakeholder, we should not sit back and watch while those he used his own sweat to make conspired with others to humiliate him.

Governor Ayodele Fayose 
“Most importantly, it is my position that irrespective of political affiliation, no leader of the Yoruba nation must be vilified unduly, especially by the same people who humiliated our past leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Bola Ige, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande and others.

“To me, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should not be seen just as an APC leader, but acknowledged as a major stakeholder in the Yoruba nation that we must all protect beyond politics. ”It should be recalled that these were among the issues that I raised when I visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State few months ago on the need to work together beyond party affiliations.

 “Here in Yorubaland, it is said that if a household is at peace, it is because the bastard child of the family is yet to attain the age of maturity and those people that Asiwaju Tinubu made, but are now being used against him should watch it.

 “I therefore condemn this conspiracy against Asiwaju Tinubu and I admonish those that are hoping to make political benefits from it to have a rethink.”

The governor, who called for greater unity among the Yorubas, added that; “We are first Yorubas before becoming members of political parties, it is my opinion that our leaders must be defended and protected not-minding the personal gains of today.”

Culled from Today's Punch Newpaper

Thursday, 29 September 2016

Nnpc/Total E&P 2016/17 Undergraduate Scholarship


Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI), in pursuance of its Corporate Social Responsibility, is pleased to announce the commencement of 2016/2017 NNPC/TOTAL National Merit Scholarship application. The scholarship

Annually, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria (TUCN):Total Exploration & Production. Nigeria Limited (Total E&P Nig Ltd) and Total Upstream.

Nigeria Limited (TUPNI), together with their venture partners, award scholarships to deserving Nigerian students in the tertiary institutions in the country. The programme is aimed at promoting academic excellence and quality manpower development in the Country. This is one of the many ways TOTAL demonstrates its commitment to the educational development of Nigerian students. It is a part of TOTAL’s rich Corporate Social Responsibility.


Eligibility

To qualify for consideration, the applicant MUST
    Be a Registered FULL TIME undergraduate in a recognized Nigerian University
    Be a certified 100 or 200 level student at the time of application
    Show proof of SSCE or Equivalent Certificate.
    Show proof of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) score.
    Show proof of Admission letter from the University and Matriculation Number
    Show proof of A-level or Equivalent Certificate (for direct entry students)

PLEASE NOTE:

    Students with less than 200 score in UTME need not apply
    Students with less than 2.50 CGPA of 5-point scale, or equivalent
    300 level students and above need not apply
    Current beneficiaries of similar awards from any other Company or Government Agency need not apply


APPLY NOW

Selection Test conducted on Saturday December 3, 2016, at eleven (11) Centers across the Country.

Monday, 26 September 2016

Judge Tsoho Withdraws From Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

John Tsoho, the Judge handling Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, has returned the case file to Ibrahim Auta, Chief Justice of the federal high court, for reassignment.

This was a sequel to an application by the legal team of Kanu led by Chuks Muoma, claiming that the court was biased in its handling of the matter.

“We are only asking the court to hands off; my client has lost confidence in this court,” he said.

He claimed that the court was acting in line with the suggestion of President Muhammadu Buhari that Kanu was not going to be released under any circumstance.

The counsel said that if they did not get the relief they sought, they would proceed to the International Court of Justice.

Muoma said any proceedings in the case, following the claim that a petition was written to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to protest against the court, would “stifle it”.

“I understand that there is a letter to NJC, though I haven’t seen it and the CJ has replied saying that the matter will be investigated,” he said.

“I would urge you that you transfer the matter; I would suggest that it be sent back to the CJ.”

Responding, the judge said: “I have no interest in trying your matter and I will return it to the CJ, but I will condemn the attitude of that counsel. I do not care if you take your case to another planet.”

He said that making a ruling on the said application was an attempt to “pre-empt” the outcome of the petition sent by Kanu’s lawyers to the CJ.

However, in a ruling, the judge who prevented the prosecuting counsel from speaking, said:

Zimbabwe To Leave UN In 2017 - Mugabe

The under fire, 92 year old President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has had enough of United Nations(UN) business, he revealed to reporters.

He wants to pull out unless there is a change in the composition of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council.

Speaking to supporters at Harare International Airport where he admitted he was not happy about protests directed at him during UN assembly, Mugabe made it plain clear that 2017 could see Zimbabwe and other countries signing divorce papers with the UN.


He said although agreement was yet to be reached, the intention was to make the pull-out manoeuvres in earnest at the UN General Assembly next September in 2017.

Mr Mugabe then shocked all and sundry when he went on to blast African Heads for their cowardly behaviour at UN summits.

“I don’t know if we are going to come up with a common decision. There are other countries who are cowards. Africa is now led by new leaders who are no longer members of the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity,” he said.

Mugabe pointed out that he is now the last man standing in Africa as the rest of the other leaders are clueless on the way forward.

“It(Africa) is now led by cowards only, without direction… It cannot only be Mr Mugabe who comes out calling for UN Security Council reforms,” he added.

Meanwhile, critics have pointed out that people like Mugabe should be grateful as they get more in terms of UN aid while they contribute nothing financially to the union of world nations.

Sunday, 25 September 2016

Us Election: Us Presidential Debate Clinton vs. Trump

The first presidential debate of the 2016 U.S. election season kicks off Monday night.

It's a one-on-one match-up between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump. The two candidates vying to follow President Barack Obama are close in the polls, which emphasizes the high stakes for this contest.

Here's what you need to know about the presidential debates.

Monday, September 26 is the first of three debates between Clinton and Trump, and there is one debate between their running mates, Tim Kaine and Mike Pence. Monday's venue is Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

The second debate is on Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and the finale is on Oct. 19, at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

The vice-presidential debate is on Oct. 4 at Longwood University in Farmville, Va.

Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump To Meet with Israeli Prime

Republican nominee Donald Trump met with Benjamin Netanyahu this morning at Trump Tower. And an aide to Democrat Hillary Clinton confirmed a planned meeting with the Israeli leader today as well.

Netanyahu has been in New York for the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

The press was barred from covering Trump's meeting with the prime minister but offices for both said they discussed Israeli security and efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. Their meeting lasted over an hour and included discussion of the Iran nuclear deal, of which Trump and Netanyahu are fierce critics; military assistance; security; and regional stability.

"Mr. Trump recognized that Israel and its citizens have suffered far too long on the front lines of Islamic terrorism," said a statement from Trump’s office. "He agreed with Prime Minister Netanyahu that the Israeli people want a just and lasting peace with their neighbors, but that peace will only come when the Palestinians renounce hatred and violence and accept Israel as a Jewish State,”

According to Netanyahu’s office, "Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Mr. Trump for his friendship and support for Israel.”

Trump, in 2013, recorded a video endorsing Netanyahu.

The candidates' meetings with the Israeli leader take place a day before Trump and Clinton face off at their first general election presidential debate Monday night at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

UN Outing Was Successful- Buhari

At the conclusion of his five-day activities during the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71), President Muhammadu Buhari declared that he had a very successful outing.

Addressing the media to round off his visit to New York, the president reviewed all his major and side events during the visit and highlighted the issues on which he sent a direct message to world leaders.

“I highlighted the need for the international community to work together to liberate humanity from poverty, save our planet from the devastation of climate change and rid the world of terrorism for a more peaceful and prosperous future,” a statement from his office said.

President Buhari also said that, “I mentioned that the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arising from Boko Haram terrorism is of particular concern to us. For this reason, we have taken concrete steps to address their humanitarian needs and to ensure that necessary conditions are established to enable the voluntary return of the displaced persons to their homes in safety and dignity”.

While acknowledging that “Nigeria as a developing country has been adversely affected by the global economic downturn,” he however, said that “we are undeterred and have embarked on a wide range of reforms in our efforts to diversify our economy and shift emphasis to mining, agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure development and the creation of the enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investment”.

He also noted that “fighting corruption remains of prime importance to our administration,” adding that the campaign is already yielding positive gains including significant stolen assets recoveries.

The president stated clearly Nigeria’s position on Climate Change, development in developing countries, youth development, statehood for the Palestinians, and reform of the UN Security Council with Nigeria ready to serve on a reformed Council to “advance international peace and security.”

President Buhari listed his meetings with world leaders and the benefits from some of the side events such as the US-Africa Business Forum during which discussions focused on how top American business executives “can collaborate with us to diversify our economy, which will in turn drive development, job creation and general business development in Nigeria.”

He mentioned his meeting with top Nigerian professionals in the United States and the urgent need to reclaim the shrinking Lake Chad, even as he expressed delight that “some countries notably the United Kingdom and United States pledged additional support in the tune of US $391 million humanitarian aid for the Lake Chad region.”

President Buhari used the occasion of the media event to thank relevant United States authorities for efficient security and administrative arrangements, and officials of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for demonstrating “that we still have capable officers in our Foreign and Civil Services”.

He commended the Nigerian officers for the “tireless effects in projecting a positive image to our country, even in difficult times”.

President Buhari did not forget members of the Nigerian media, as he thanked them for “going through elaborate security checks and clearance procedures to follow my activities and hectic schedule in order to keep all our people at home well informed of my meetings and engagements”.

No Referendum For Biafra - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, again, has disclosed that there is nothing like a referendum for the people agitating for Biafra, while advising them to form a political party that will rule Nigeria.

Mr. Buhari made the statement during a media event in New York City at the end of his visit to the United States as the leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the 71th United Nations’ General Assembly.

The President stated that the choice left for Biafran activists is to form a political party that would advance their interest within the Nigerian democratic space.

The President’s advice to Biafrans activists came a day after commercial activities in some key cities in the South East, and South-South of Nigeria were grounded following a stay at home order from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB ).

There were also protests in various cities around the world by Biafran activists demanding the release from prison of IPOB’s leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu

It will be recalled that, President Buhari had been dismissive of Biafran agitators as kids who did not see the Biafra-Nigeria Civil War.


Pastor Gets Stuck In Shrine,Loses Consciousness

A pastor, identified as Wale Fagbere, got stuck in a shrine in   Ketu community in Ayetoro  area of Yewa North local government, Ogun State while destroying the traditional worshipers’ items.

It was gathered that the pastor, whose church  could not be ascertained as of the time of this report, became unconscious in the shrine.

Fagbere was reported to have earlier told his congregation that he had been directed by God to destroy all the shrines in Ketu community.

An attempt to destroy the shrine boomeranged as he got stuck in the place, prompting residents to raise the alarm.

Further findings showed that the priests in charge of the shrine insisted that until they performed  some ritual on him, he could not  be let off the hook.

It was gathered that intervention of the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Abdulaziz Adelakun,  saved the cleric  as he was treated by the priests before he regained  consciousness.

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident,   said the man might be charged for sacrilege and malicious damage.

He said: “The police got the report  in   Ayetoro that one Evangelist  Wale Fagbere   went to   Ketu to destroy a shrine.  After the destruction,   the man became unconscious.

“When policemen     visited the place,   the traditionalists claimed that the subject  could not be taken away until some spiritual exercise had been performed. “The Alaye of Ayetoro,   Oba AbdulAzeez Adelakun, waded into the matter which led to the release of the man.

The victim has been revived and has been handed over to his family for more spiritual cleansing”.

When asked who the police would charge, the traditionalists or the victim, the PPRO said  the latter would be charged for sacrilege and malicious damage after he gets well.

He said the police next step would be determined by the traditionalists  lodging of a complaint against the pastor. “Everybody has right to worship anything he so desires”, Oyeyemi said.


Source: Vanguardngr

Morocco Applies To Rejoin AU After 32years

Morocco was the country that brought up the idea to create an African Union, then resigned from it because, Polisario (Minority of wannabies claim that Western Sahara is not part of Morocca. Even their leader is from Marrakech.) was granted admission to the African Union. So Morocco  decided then to quit the union in 1963.
 
Morocco has applied to rejoin the African Union 32 years after it left, the bloc said on Friday, as the North African kingdom seeks support for its plan to end a decades-old row over Western Sahara.

Morocco, which claims the sparsely populated stretch of desert, left the African Union in 1984 when the bloc recognized a republic covering part of the territory declared by Polisario Front independence fighters.

Morocco submitted its letter of intention to rejoin the union on Thursday, the AU said in a statement, without giving details of any reasons.

But Morocco has stepped up lobbying efforts across the continent its bid to offer Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Moroccan officials have recently made visits to Algiers, Abuja and Nairobi.

Rabat says at least 36 of the 54 AU member states do not acknowledge the Polisario Front’s breakaway territory, and wants the bloc to withdraw support.

Morocco has controlled most of the territory, which is rich in phosphates and has seen some initial oil exploration efforts, since 1975.

A ceasefire in 1991 called for a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara, but the vote has never taken place.

Tensions have been rising between Morocco and Polisario after a standoff between their forces in a U.N.-mandated buffer zone near the Mauritania frontier in the Guerguerat area. U.N. peacekeepers have intervened between the Moroccan gendarmerie and a Polisario brigade in the area.

Sunday, 18 September 2016

So Sad - Iranian Para-Cyclist Dies After Crash At Rio Paralympics

An Iranian para-cyclist, 48 year old  Bahman Golbarnezhad died Saturday after a crash during a race at the Rio Paralympics. The crash took place in a mountainous part of the race's course, which are the same circuitsalos used in the Rio Olympics.

He initially survived the crash and received treatment at the side of the road but had a Cardiac arrest on his way to the Paralympics' athlete hospital. The International Paralympic Committee said he was rushed to a Rio hospital where he died, it also said it would launch an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

The IPC President Philip Craven added in a statement:
 “This is truly heartbreaking news and the thoughts and condolences of the whole Paralympic   Movement are with Bahman’s family, friends, and teammates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee of Iran".
The Iranian flag was lowered to half mast in the Paralympic Village and there will be a moment of silence during closing ceremonies on Sunday.

Golbarnezhad also competed in the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Golbarnezhad's death was the first during competition at any Olympics Games since 1960, when Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen died during the 100km team time trial in Rome.

Saturday, 17 September 2016

Nigeria ls Not Worth Dying For – Bola Ige’s Daughter

Mrs Funso Adegbola, daughter of former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Bola Ige, has asserted that it is a waste of life for anyone to die for Nigeria.

Bola Ige was on December 23, 2001 murdered at his home in Ibadan by unknown men and nearly 15 years later, no one has been jailed in connection with incident.

Speaking with newsmen, Funso said her father sacrificed so much for the nation and the reward he got was death.

According to her, the family have left his killers in the court of God, whom she said is the greatest judge.

“Nigeria is not worth dying for. For my dad, that was his own belief (that whatever you live for is worth dying for), I don’t believe Nigeria is worth dying for because there hasn’t been justice.

“If somebody or some people are paying the price for his death, then I’ll know that Nigeria is worth dying for. My father believed too much in this Nigeria.

“Every time you said anything negative about the country, he would say no, Nigeria is going to be great, that Nigeria would someday be part of G7 and all that stuff.

“That was him, and I don’t condemn him for it. But as for me, Nigeria is not worth dying for. I’m going to live for my children, my grand children and great-grand children.

“God forbids anything to happen to you in this country, you are on your own. So, I’m not going to die for Nigeria. My father has already died for Nigeria; nobody in my family will ever die for Nigeria again.”

It would be recalled that two yet-to-be named suspects in ongoing investigation into murder of Ige, recently opened up on their involvement.

The duo confessed that four days before Ige was murdered, they travelled to Abuja to collect huge amount of money from some persons to carry out the operation.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit Opens In Crisis-Torn Venezuela

The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the Cold War, largely on the initiative of then-Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, as an organization of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union, but sought to remain independent or neutral. The basic concept for the group originated in 1955 during discussions that took place at the Asia-Africa Bandung Conference held in Indonesia. Subsequently, a preparatory meeting for the First NAM Summit Conference was held in Cairo, Egypt from 5-12 June 1961.

 The Non-Aligned Movement opens a summit in Venezuela, seeking relevance in a post-Cold War world as the crisis-torn host country seeks to lessen its growing isolation. Leaders from the 120-nation group will gather for two days on the Caribbean island of Margarita, where Venezuela will take over the movement's rotating presidency from Iran. The ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, headed by Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif started in Venezuela on Thursday.

Venezuela, an OPEC member and home to the world's largest proven oil reserves, will notably be seeking backing for its campaign to slash abundant global crude production in a bid to raise prices.

"We hope to reach important agreements with other countries that we want to have a fair price for our hydrocarbons," said Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino on the eve of the summit.

"We don't want prices to be in the hands of speculators, as has been happening for the past two years."

The oil crunch has triggered an economic crisis in Venezuela, causing food shortages, outbreaks of looting and riots. The crisis is the biggest threat yet to President Nicolas Maduro and the socialist "revolution" launched in 1999 by his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

The government has not said how many leaders will be at the summit, the movement's 17th. \

Venezuelan opposition leaders condemned the summit as a marginal event that will cost millions of dollars the government can ill afford. The speaker of the opposition-majority legislature, Henry Ramos Allup, dismissed it as a "meeting of dictators," while fellow opposition leader Henrique Capriles called it "a joke to hungry Venezuelans."

Margarita island has been the scene of anti-government protests recently. Dozens of people were arrested there earlier this month after Maduro was greeted by pot-banging demonstrators during a visit.The government has deployed more than 14,000 police and soldiers to the region in a bid to contain any unrest near the summit.

Foreign Ministers of the the Non-Aligned Movement members states will attend the meeting to be held on Margarita Island the largest island in the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta.

The Islamic Republic of Iran assumed the rotating presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 2012 for a four-year term during 16th NAM Summit in Tehran.

President Hassan Rouhani who is expected to attend the 17th Summit and deliver an speech on Friday, is going to hand over the NAM rotating presidency to his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro

Obama to meet Buhari at U.N. Assembly

Some 135 heads of state and government and dozens of ministers will attend the 71st General Assembly, the last for both Obama and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who will step down at the end of 2016 after a decade in the job.

President Barack Obama will meet with the leaders of Iraq, Nigeria and Colombia on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly gathering next week, the White House said on Friday.

Obama will hold separate sessions with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, Nigerian Obama to meet with Iraq, Nigeria, Colombia leaders at U.N. Assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, White House deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters on a call.

Obama is not expected to meet with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Rhodes said. The White House canceled a meeting with Duterte during Obama's recent trip to Laos for a regional summit after Duterte insulted him.

Duterte, who has lambasted the United Nations and threatened to quit the world body after it criticized killings in his war on drugs, has not been scheduled to attend the General Assembly meeting.

Duterte turned down a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the Laos summit.

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

David Oyedepo Foundation Announces 2016/2017 Scholarship Scheme

The David Oyedepo Foundation announces limited scholarship opportunities for the following programmes in the College of Agricultural Science and Engineering
in Landmark University:

Agriculture and Bio-Systems Engineering.(B.Eng.)
Animal Science (B.Agric.)
Crop Science (B.Agric.)
Agricultural Extentsion (B.Agric.)

Cutting edge approaches to the study and practice of Agricutural developments and applications in the 21st century as well as exposure to Agripreneuriship will form the bedrock of emphasis.

Interested candidates must have obtained a score of 200 and above in the UTME and must have obtained not less than 20points from the score in the O’Level Results this should be the equivalent of a grade B2 overall in all the requsite subjects for the Programmes in Agricultural Science and Engineering.

All applicants for the Scholarship are expected to apply (have already applied) into Landmark University through the Admission Application portal.
If you are yet to apply into Landmark University

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Hurry as limited spaces are available.
Entries end by Friday, 30th September , 2016

FRSC Gives October 1st Deadline for Speed Limiters


The Federal Road Safety Corps is set to clamp down on commercial drivers who do not install speed limiters in their vehicles by October 1st 2016. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said the installation of speed limiting device on vehicles is in accordance with the commission’s Establishment Act.
Assistant Corps Marshall Kayode Olagunju said the act empowered the commission to determine and enforce speed limiter for all vehicles. According to him, it also empowers the commission to control the use of speed limiting devices.He explained that the National Road Travelling Regulation Act 2012, Regulation 152 Sub-section (4) “says a person cannot drive a vehicle that is not fitted with speed limiter on any public road.

Assistant Corps Marshall Kayode Olagunju said,“I wish to tell Nigerians that the planned installation of the speed limiting device is legal. Section 10, Sub-section (3m) of the FRSC Establishment Act 2007 empowers the commission with the mandate to enforce the use of the device.

“The same Regulation 152 Sub-section 5 specifies penalty of N3,000 or three months’ imprisonment for defaulters.

This is not an administrative issue; it is something that is backed by law made by the National Assembly.

“We decided not to implement it on April 1, because we thought we needed to do more public education on it and to also get the collaboration of stakeholders.’’

According to him, the corps. will start installation of the device with commercial vehicles on October 1, as commercial vehicles account for about 60 per cent of road accidents.

On driver’s licence, Olagunju cautioned officers against issuing fake licences to the public, warning that the commission will not tolerate unwholesome practices.

CLICK HERE  for Approved List of Vendors for Speedlimiter  

Sunday, 11 September 2016

N230m Pension Fraud In Kogi State

Despite a massive bailout by the Federal Government last year, dozens of states including Kogi State still cannot pay their workers for many months.The states were in dire straits by the middle of last year with most of them being unable to pay workers and carry out basic functions of government. But despite this, most of these states are still unable to pay workers salaries. The most affected workers are primary and secondary school teachers, health workers, pensioners and traditional rulers among others.

It was gathered from reliable source that five top civil servants in Kogi State have been arrested for allegedly diverting N230m pension fund to their private uses.The Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Yusuf Okala, confirmed the development in Lokoja on Sunday. Okala, who is also the Chairman of the Staff Screening and Verification Committee, said the alleged fraud was discovered in the course of the committee’s work.

“Yes, it is true. We have been able to recover N20m from them through the efforts of the police command in the state,” he said. Also, the state Auditor-General, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, said that the money would be recovered in full from the suspects. The money was part of funds released by the administration of Capt. Idris Wada for the payment of pensioners.

Over 9,000 retirees in the state are owed between four and five months’ pension arrears as a result of the alleged diversion and the lack of funds by the government. Ododo explained that the suspects would be made to face the law. He commended the state government for setting up the committee for conducting the verification in the interest of the state.He said that apart from identifying ghost workers and pensioners, the committee was working to plug loopholes through which public funds were being stolen.


Ododo promised that all genuine workers and pensioners would soon be cleared for the payment of salaries and pensions.“The screening of workers and pensioners is going to be a continuous exercise.‘’No authentic staff or pensioner will have any cause to fear. Gov. Yahaya Bello-led administration in the state has high regard for both workers and pensioners.

The on-going verification is not aimed at victimising anybody but an effort targeted at saving money for the state to take adequate care of its responsibilities,” Ododo said

2017 Australia Government MSc Scholarship For Nigerians



This scholarship offers the next generation of Nigerian leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia. The scholarship is  awarded each year to Nigerian citizens with priority in the following areas:

  

     Agricultural Productivity
    Extractives
    Public Policy

Applications from exceptional candidates will also be considered in the following sectors:
 Education
 Environment
 Gender
 Health

Who can apply?

Professionals working in the Public Sector, the Private Sector or a Non-Government Organisation (Civil Society) in one of the listed priority fields of study.

Professionals who wish to undertake a Masters degree in Australia in one of the listed priority fields of study. (Masters of Business Administration are not permitted)

Persons with a clear vision of how the knowledge gained through the study of a Masters degree will be used to improve policy, practice or education in the proposed field of study.

Gender Equality: Australia Awards targets equal participation by women and men.

 Disability Inclusion: Australia Awards aim to ensure that people with a disability are given a fair and equal opportunity to compete for and obtain a scholarship.


Eligibility
At least 25 and not more than 50 years of age at the date of application

At least three (3) years’ post-graduation work experience. This work experience must be in a role relevant to the proposed field of study and to employment organisation type (e.g. public sector applicants should demonstrate public sector work experience).

Possess, as a minimum, a Bachelors degree (or the equivalent) from a recognised institution of at least four (4) years in length with at least a 2nd Class Pass.

 Public sector candidates must comply with Government of Nigeria regulations for government employees wishing to apply for scholarships.

Public sector, private sector and civil society candidates must provide evidence of completion of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) when they apply.

Must not already hold, or be studying for, a Masters degree

Must be willing to make a formal commitment to return to your current employment following completion of the award.

Must meet the general minimum eligibility criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships – refer to the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook

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2016/2017 Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship Program



 The Jim Ovia Scholars Program was founded since 1998. It is fully funded by Mr. Jim Ovia to provide financial aid to outstanding Nigeria youths. The scholarship was previously known as the MUSTE scholarship. Eligible awardees are supported for their undergraduate and graduate study for the duration of their program and includes tuition and maintenance allowances.

The scheme offers an average of 100 opportunities each year for new applicants while renewing applicants are supported annually, conditional on meeting all eligible requirements of the scholarship. Since October 2010, Mr. Ovia has invested over 100 Million Naira in the program to support 1500 beneficiaries and counting.

Eligibility Requirements:
The scholarship is open to all potential students of Nigerian citizenship.
One hundred (100) awardees are selected each year from a pool of eligible applicants. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of personal intellectual ability, leadership capability and a desire to contribute to society at large to improve the lives of others.

Application Procedure:
New Applicants
Completed online application
Valid Government ID (e.g. International passport, Voter’s Card,National ID or Driver’s License)
Please note that a certificate of origin or birth certificate will not be accepted as a valid form of ID. The only exception will before minors below the age of 18 years who are unable to apply for a government ID. In which case, a birth certificate will be accepted in lieu of a government ID for such minors.

An official original letter (not photocopied) letter from your school/Head of Department stating the following:
– Your full-name
– Course Title
– Department of Study
– CGPA
– Gender
– Matriculation number OR Newly matriculated who have not yet received a matriculation number or school ID must provide a provisional admission letter to their institution of study.
Original Secondary School Certificate (WAEC or NECO)
Original JAMB certificate
A valid student ID for your host institution (University/College)
A passport photograph


Application Deadline: November 30th 2016     APPLY NOW