Obama Offers Daughter Advice As She Goes To College: Be Open To New Experiences

September 15, 2015

President of the United State of America has advised her daughter Malia, to be open to new experiences when she goes to college and ensure that she gets a good grade.

“The advice… is to be open to new experiences when you go to college. Don’t go to college just to duplicate the same experience you had in high school,” Obama said yesterday at a Town Hall on college access and affordability at Des Moines, Iowa.

“Don’t make your decision based on, ‘well, where are all my friends going so that I can do the exact same things with the exact same friends that I did in high school,’” Obama said.

“The whole point is for you to push yourself out of your comfort level, meet people you haven’t met before, take classes that you hadn’t thought of before. Stretch yourself. Because this is the time to do it, when you’re young. Seek out new experiences,” he added.

He was responding to a question on what advice he would give to his daughter Malia, 17, when she goes to her college.

“Now, this is assuming that Malia would listen to my advice. She’s very much like her mother at this point. She’s got her own mind. One piece of advice that I’ve given her is not to stress too much about having to get into one particular college.

“There are a lot of good colleges and universities out there, and it’s important I think for everybody here to understand you can find a college or university that gives you a great education, and just because it’s not some name-brand, famous, fancy school doesn’t mean that you’re not going to get a great education there.

So one is lower the stress levels in terms of just having to get into one particular school; I think that’s important.

“The second piece of advice I have is keep your grades up until you get in, and after that, make sure you pass. Because it’s important that you kind of, run through the tape in your senior year and not start feeling a little slack. I don’t worry about that with her; she’s a hard worker.” [myad]

Directive On Single Account: Banks Freeze Interbank Market, Await Further Instructions

Greenbarge Reporters

September 15, 2015

Nigerian banks have frozen the interbank money market to await further instructions on how to comply with a directive to transfer government revenues into a single account with the central bank.

One of the dealers said: “no trading is currently going on because no bank was willing to put out quotes until there is a clearer direction with the implementation of the Treasury Single Account. The market is right now frozen, as no trading going on.”

Analysts have predicted that implementation of the government policy will drain naira liquidity from the banking system, potentially putting some banks in a dire situation.

The overnight lending rate closed at 5 percent on Monday, but dealers said the rate was initially quoted at 200 percent on Tuesday. No deals were done using that rate.

Chief executive at Financial Derivative Company, Mr.Bismarck Rewane, confirmed that about 1.2 trillion naira, or 10 percent of banking sector deposits, would be transferred to the government account with the central bank, in the course of implementing the TSA policy.

“We expect an initial paralysis in the market and a disruption of operations of some of the banks, but they would overcome that.”

He said the central bank could reduce the size of the cash reserve requirement (CRR) commercial lenders are expected to keep with it and inject some liquidity into the banking system to minimize the impact of the new account policy.

The CRR, which is the amount the central bank requires banks to set aside, is currently 31 percent for both public and private sector deposits.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari ordered that all revenues be paid into the “Treasury Single Account” (TSA) with effect from today, September 15, as part of a drive to fight corruption and aid transparency. [myad]

Buhari Lists Viable Investment Opportunities To French Business Community

Greenbarge Reporters

September 15, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has taken his time to list numerous investment opportunities that are waiting to be explored as he addressed French community today in Paris, France.

Buhari made it clear that there is more to Nigeria investment opportunities than just oil exploration, adding that the country is blessed with lands rich in agricultural and mineral resources coupled with skilled and low-cost labour, large market, robust and competitive private sector, stressing that the areas remained largely untapped.

According to the President, other critical areas, such as agriculture, energy, automobile and skill development needed to be expanded to provide jobs for the youths.
President Buhari who spoke at a gathering of investors at the Nigerian-France presidential business forum which held at the headquarters of the French Business Confederation (MEDEF) in Paris called on the French investors to explore vast untapped natural deposits in Nigeria even as he said that the idea behind his aggressive campaign against insurgency is to create a safe haven for local and foreign business and investments.

President Buhari recalled that Nigeria and France already have a cordial trade partnership,saying that both countries needed to exceed their annual trade volume of $5billion, adding that the long standing economic ties between the two countries which dates back to 1902 when the CFO set up a training programme in Lagos State.

He promised evolve a competitive, virile, productive economy based on excellence, integrity, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

“It is a positive development that today Nigeria is the largest trading partner with France in Africa.

“But opportunities abound to greatly increase the current $5billion annual trade volume and I fully agree with President Hollande when he declared in February, 2014 in Abuja that trade volume between both countries should double in four years.

“Today many French companies are happy to have flourishing businesses in Nigeria, opportunities abound to greatly increase the $5billion annual trade volume between the two countries”

“Nigeria is now at a new dawn to chart and reposition its destiny for greatness. We are resolved and firmly determined to consolidate on industrializing Nigeria and diversifying its economy into sectors such as agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, petro-chemicals, food processing and textiles.

“Nigeria has what it takes to make a break-through and there is more to Nigeria than oil. It is a blessed land rich in agricultural and mineral resources coupled with skilled and low-cost labour, large market, robust and competitive private sector”, he said.

The President also expressed his gratitude to President of the Movement of French Entrepreneurs (MEDEF), Mr Pierre Gattaz, organizers of the French-Nigeria Business Forum for making the gathering a possibility.

He said that he was looking forward to hosting the French business community in three weeks time.
Earlier, Mr. Gattaz who described Nigeria as the biggest economy in Nigeria expressed their readiness to do business in Nigeria, saying that electoral victory of president Buhari was one way of taking Nigeria out of the economic doldrums, assuring the president of their support through businesses and investments in the country. [myad]

Asari Dokubo Displays Some Of His Kids

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2015

Leader of the now rested Niger Delta Volunteer force, Alhaji Mujahideen Asari Dokubo recently displayed some of his children in a family picture. [myad]

Toyin Nwosu’s Kidnappers Demand N100 Million Ransom

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2015

Criminals who kidnapped Toyin Nwosu, wife of the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun newspaper, Steve Nwosu, in the early hours of today, have finally contacted the family, demanding the sum of N100 Million as ransom.

This was even as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni has described the attack as an ‘armed robbery operation.’

Owoseni who spoke to newsmen at his office in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, today said the home of the senior journalist remains an active crime scene since his wife was held hostage.

“Steve Nwosu was a victim of armed robbery attack. The place is still an active crime scene, so we are careful in order not to jeopardize investigation.” [myad]

Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs Declares September 24 Eid-el-Kabir

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2015

The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared September 24 as Eid-el-Kabir across the country. The position of NSCIA slightly differs from that of the Jamaátu Nasril Islam, the umbrella body for Islamic organizations in Nigeria, which has earlier declared Wednesday, September 23 as Eid-el-Kabir.

The JNI had in a statement on Sunday by its Secretary General, Khalid Aliyu, said the month of Dhul Hajj begins today (Monday), meaning Eid-el-Kabir would be observed on Wednesday, September 23.

The JNI, like the NSCIA, is under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Saád Abubakar.

However, the Secretary General of the NSCIA, Ishaq Oloyede today said the announcement by the JNI was done in error.

“The NSCIA would issue a statement on the new month of Dhul hajj later today,”he said.

He also said the Moon-Sighting committee of the NSCIA already agreed with the decision of authorities in Saudi Arabia that the month of Dhul Hajj begins tomorrow (Tuesday).

“Consequently, Eid-el-Kabir would be observed on Thursday September 24, while Wednesday is Arafat day,” he said. [myad]

German Firm Plans N14 Billion Factory In Lagos

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2015

The investment drive of the Lagos State Government received a major boost today when the representative of the Knauf Group International, Mrs. Isabel Knauf expressed her company’s readiness to commence work on a N14 billion manufacturing firm in the state.

This was made known when the German Ambassador, Michael Zenner led a group of German diplomats and investors on a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Zenner canvassed for an increased presence of German businesses in Lagos, even as he sought for improved bilateral trade relations with the State Government.

“We are here to introduce and express our interest in business and economic cooperation, especially on food processing and building materials. A lot of allied companies in Germany also wish to join hands in the investment drive of the Governor”, the ambassador said.

In his remarks, Governor Ambode who expressed his administration’s readiness to receive German investors, described Lagos as the economic hub of Nigeria and fifth largest economy in Africa, thereby making it investors’ first choice of destination in Nigeria.

“As the economic hub of the country, we pride ourselves as the largest of the nation’s economy with the GDP of $131billion. For any German company that wants to do business in Nigeria, Lagos is your best bet. We are committed to the rule of law and we assure you of a safer and secured environment.”

The Governor, who described the visit by the German envoy as the first by an ambassador to actually visit and commit to commence immediate foreign direct investment, lauded their confidence in the Lagos economy.

He assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to do everything possible to ensure smooth take off of the project and sought to activate a state sister relationship with the city of Hamburg to further boost cooperation.

“I also want to let you know that you are the first ambassador to come out openly that you want to come and start business immediately. With your coming, investors are beginning to have confidence in our quest to build an investor-friendly environment. I want to say openly that we are committed to give everything required by this group to start work immediately”, Ambode enthused.

Earlier, Mrs. Isabel Knauf of the Knauf Group International had solicited the support of the Governor towards locating a $70million (N14billion) building/construction tools manufacturing company in Lagos.

She solicited the support of the Governor saying the preference for Lagos was informed by its proximity to ports, availability of gas pipeline and a ready market.

“We are looking to invest and build a factory here. We are looking for your support. We have been to Lekki Sea Port and want to proceed on investing straight off. I wish to express our interest in investing about 70million US dollars in construction tools factory in Lagos for the first stage.”

Journalists Union In Lagos Condemns Kidnapping Of The SUN Deputy MD’s wife

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2015

The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the abduction of Mrs. Toyin Nwosu, the wife of the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers, Mr. Steve Nwosu. It called for her immediate and unconditional release.

Mrs. Toyin Nwosu was abducted in the early hours of today, Monday when kidnappers stormed the residence of the Nwosus in Lagos.

The Council, in a statement by its chairman, Deji Elumoye and Secretary, Bimbo Oyetunde, wondered why journalists have suddenly become the targets of kidnap, recalling that it was just last weekend that Mrs. Donu Kogbara, a columnist with Vanguard Newspapers was released by her abductors in Port Harcourt after spending one-week in captivity.

“We condemn this dastardly act and we appeal to the kidnappers to please free harmless Mrs. Nwosu immediately and unconditionally.”

Lagos NUJ also called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, and his team to live up to their billing in securing the lives of the citizenry while appealing to the Lagos State government not to relent in its effort at ensuring safety of the people and their property. [myad]

Man Catches His Wife, A Mother Of 2, Having Sex With Neighbour In Ajegunle

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2015

A man whose name was given simply as Udoh was reported to have caught his wife, a mother of two kids, having sex with a neighbour on their matrimonial bed at the weekend in their Ajegule, Lagos home.

It was learnt that Udoh’s wife, whose name was given as Gift and one Chukwuka, a next door neighbor, were having sex when Udoh arrived and was hinted about what was happening by their neighbours. Udoh was alleged to have peeped through an opening in the window where he saw them in the act.

A neighbour who identified himself as Joseph Enang said that immediately Udoh saw Chukwuka having sex with his wife, he shouted: “Abasi mbong” and rushed to the door where he screamed the name of his wife.

Udoh was said to have rushed into the room when Gift opened the door but Chukwuka allegedly escaped through the sitting room door.

Enang said: “When Udoh picked his cutlass and came out looking for both Gift and Chukwuka, they were nowhere to be found. Udoh bit his hand and swore that if any of them returns to the premises, blood would flow. He called his wife’s elder brother, telling him to order his sister, Gift back home or he would not see her alive. He narrated what happened to her brother.

“The neighbours were aware of the adulterous behaviour of the duo. Chukwuka is also married and blessed with one boy. His wife had quarreled with him over his relationship with Gift but he would not listen.

”He lied that there was nothing between them but just good neighborliness. People in the compound knew what was going on and later told the man secretly and that was why he told the wife he was going to an emergency party at Ikorodu and may not return on time. Unknown to the wife and his secret lover, he had set a trap for them,” Enang revealed. [myad]

Vice President Osinbajo Challenges African Union, ECOWAS To Root Out Conflicts In Africa

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2015

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has challenged the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to focus on conflict early warning and action. He also called for a unified approach in order to eliminate parallel initiatives in tackling conflict in Africa.

Osinbajo spoke today at the opening of a retreat for members of the AU Peace and Security Council and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) focusing on the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa, holding at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja.

“I would like to remind you that attention should be focused on how the PSC and the RECs can enhance effectiveness and efficiency using their comparative advantages and various capacities within the context of subsidiary and complementarity in the areas of early warning and early action, conflict prevention, peacemaking, post-conflict peace building, reconstruction and development, strengthening of democratic practices and governance, as well as in combating terrorism and violent extremism.

“It is when all of these are comprehensively addressed that all the weak linkages and gaps that often pose risk to parallel initiatives and contractions will be eliminated thereby achieving our delineated objectives under the APSA (African Peace and Security Architecture).”

Professor Osinbajo noted that “today, almost on a monthly basis there is a fresh conflict situation, or a relapse of post-conflict situations.

“At the same time terrorism and violent extremism present fresh problems, including large numbers of IDPs and refugees going across the borders of neighbouring countries.” [myad]

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