Friday 8 January 2016

US donates $11m mine resistant vehicles to Nigerian army

Mine Resistant Armoured vehicles
In a bid to fulfill its promise of helping Nigeria fight the Boko Haram insurgency, the United States will today, donate 24 mine-resistant and armor-protected vehicles to the Nigerian Army.
The vehicles, which are valued at $11m, would be handed over to the military authorities at the Nigerian Army 9th Brigade Parade Ground, Ikeja Army Cantonment in Lagos.
A statement yesterday, by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General Lagos, said: “The US is pleased to donate 24 Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected (MRAP) vehicles valued at $11m to Nigeria’s military authorities.
“The equipment donation represents part of the continuing US commitment to Nigeria and its neighbours to counter Boko Haram’s senseless acts of terror and promote regional security.”
SOURCE: Vanguardngr

Tuesday 29 December 2015

5 Places To Get Fish In Lagos

Lagos is surrounded by water. Lagos Island is practically on the ocean and the availability of water has contributed to the growth of Lagos: Tourism, Holidaying, Transportation and food. The availability of fish is therefore not a surprise and there are lots of markets were you can shop for your favorite fish: salmon (Titus), herring (Shawa) tuna (Kote), catfish. etc. whether you want to make stew or soup, garnish your jollof rice or yam porridge, enjoy a tantalizing plate of pepper soup, your fish is good to go.
Check out the 5 most popular fish markets in Lagos
Makoko Fish Market

Makoko is a community on water and land so it’s no surprise that fishing is the main occupation. There are lots of fishes for sale and trust me they are fresh with crystal eyes and shiny skin. Imagine the sizzling sound you:ll hear when you’re frying them!
Epe Fish Market


Located at Epe, the fish market is a place to behold. The fishes caught in the Lagoon are big and fresh. You can also get snails if you like them. Honestly, the sheer sizes of the fishes will surprise you .
Ojah Market

Located in Badagry, Ojah market caters for the needs of Nigerians and Beninese. Fishing is a common occupation there so you’ll be treated to a meal of fish alone if that’s what you want. The next time you visit Badagry, make sure you shop for fish at this market.
Ijora Olopa

Located in Iganmu, Lagos Island, this market provides all the sea food you want. Most are frozen foods though but it’s a way of preserving your favorite fish.
Apapa Fish Market

Interested in sea food, then this market will give you more than than. Located in Apapa, it offers baskets and baskets of your favorite varieties of fish. They market exclusively provides whole sales for people who want to go and resell. Whats more, a canoe ride comes with the treat of shopping there.
SOURCE: naij

19 Gestures That Makes A Woman Feel Absolutely Adored

19 Gestures That Makes A Woman Feel Absolutely Adored
After the initial giddiness of falling in love dies down, it can be hard to find the little things that give your relationship sparkle. The thrill that once came from holding hands for the first time can become ordinary.
These 17 actions can bring delight into your relationship once again, and make your sweetheart feel how much you truly adore her.
Play with her hair
Women are actually like very large cats. Playing with her hair will immediately cause her to internally start purring. (Note: If your lady has naturally curly hair, do NOT do this without first asking permission.)
Kiss in public
Little kisses on the train or at the grocery store are sweet reminders you are proud to be with her. They also take you back to the beginning days of your relationship when a simple kiss was enough to make your head spin.
Bring up past conversations
Linking previous conversations into current ones shows her that when she talks, you’re not mindlessly thumbing through Instagram – you’re attentive enough to what she is saying that you’ll remember it later on. Remember her likes and dislikes and work those into the conversation as well.
Run away from p****graphy
There is no better way to destroy your wife’s confidence than looking at s*xual images of other women. Show her she is enough by choosing to be committed only to her – even in your thoughts.
Make an effort to love her family
Her mother may be critical, her brother a major moocher and her uncle that awkward guy at the reunions that tells off-color jokes, but if she loves them, you should to. Make an effort to participate in family events she would like to be at … no matter how much you may dislike them.
Whisper in her ear at a party
Whisper a little compliment, inside joke or flirty remark to her when you’re in public. Those innocent shared secrets make her feel connected to you.
Take care of her
She may be a strong, independent woman, but be man enough to show her you love her enough to take care of her when she needs it. In turn, she’ll want to take care of you at your weakest moments as well.
Push her to follow her dreams
When it comes to dreams, jumping in to do it can be terrifying. Know her dreams, and tell her she can achieve them. Give her the confidence she needs to be who she wants to be.
Don’t buy that video game
Money disagreements are the third largest cause of divorce, according to the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. Sometimes not buying that toy you’ve wanted for so long because you can’t totally afford it says “I love you” more than anything else. Living within your budget is the most practical type of love.
Pause to make time
Your busy schedule is hard to navigate, but try foregoing something important one evening to demonstrate she is still the No. 1 priority on your list.
Don’t ask permission
There are times when she doesn’t want to choose the date, the restaurant or her birthday gift. Don’t worry so much about her liking it, and just surprise her. It’s the little surprises that keep love lively.
Just simply say it
The three words we should say a lot more than we actually do; a well placed, “Sweetheart, I love you,” is always welcome.
… or write it
There may be no quicker way to a woman’s heart than a hand-written note slipped into her purse or pocket.
Do the dishes
Do them, and watch the magic happen.
Lead in important conversations
Your lady doesn’t want to be your babysitter, and by initiating important conversations about your relationship, your finances, your children and other concerns allows her to not have to feel that way. Help her be your lover, not your mother.
Be on time
Or better yet, be early. If you have plans together, make them a priority. Being on time or early shows her you are excited to spend time with her.
Appreciate her getting ready
On the reverse, you’ll surely be waiting on your lady at some point as she is getting ready and will only be “five more minutes.” Have patience, and appreciate that sometimes looking stunning actually takes some time.
Initiate texts
Send her a text during the day, just to show her she is on your mind.
Give specific compliments
How long has it been since you told her she was beautiful? How much you love your life with her? How much you admire her ability to make others feel better about themselves? Don’t make her assume these things; tell her often.
SOURCE:fornaija

Wednesday 23 December 2015

FG Declares Dec. 24, 25, 28 As Public Holidays

Dambazau
The Federal Government has declared Dec. 24, Dec.25 and Dec. 28 public holidays to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.
The Minister of the Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.
“The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.
“Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration,” the statement said.
The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to‎ pray for the peaceand unity of Nigeria.
He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.
Dambazau wishes Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations.
Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
SOURCE:nigerianmonitor

Fuel Scarcity: Buhari Apologies To Nigerians, Says Pump Price To Stay At N87

fuel-scarcity1
President Mohammadu Buhari on Tuesday apologised to Nigerians over the long queues being experienced at petrol stations across the country.
The president made the apology while presenting the 2016 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
He said government was making efforts to bring an end to the shortages.
He added that the pump price of petrol will remain at N87 “for now”.
“ Government profoundly apologises to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery.
“It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by somestakeholders.
“Government is working very hard to end these shortages and to bring fuel to the pumps all over the country,’’ he said.
He said the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had been directed to explore alternative funding models to enable government honour its obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields.
The president expressed optimism that the measures could be achieved and would lower the burden that the traditional cash calls had imposed on the budget.
He further said it would reduce the burden on cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up the country’s national reserves.
He said his administration would not lose focus on the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which had been marred by corruption and inefficiency.
According to him, he has directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components.
“ We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per litre for now,’’ he said.
NAN reports that oil-related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion in the just presented 2016 budget.
SOURCE: nigerianmonitor

Monday 21 December 2015

Nigerian Banks Stop Use of ATM Cards Abroad

Godwin Emefiele
Deposit Money Banks have commenced a process to stop all customers from using their payment cards, popularly known as Automated Teller Machine cards, for dollar-denominated transactions when they travel abroad with effect from January 1, 2016.
SUNDAY PUNCH’s investigation also revealed the banks would not allow their customers to use naira-denominated ATM cards locally for transactions denominated in forex.
This means bank customers will not be able to use their cards to buy products from foreign e-commerce sites like e-bay and amazon.com in which payments are made in forex.
The development follows the lingering scarcity of foreign exchange, especially the dollar, to settle obligations arising from customers’ use of the ATM cards for forex-denominated transactions.
Already, Standard Chartered Bank has notified its customers that from January 1, 2016, they will not be able to use their naira-denominated ATM cards for transactions that are denominated in foreign currencies, either locally or when they travel abroad.
In a notice to its customers, Standard Chartered said, “This is to notify you that from January 1, 2016, your naira card will no longer be enabled for international use. This is as a result of the limited foreign exchange supply in the financial market.”
Asked how long the suspension of cards from international transactions would be, the spokesperson for Standard Chartered Nigeria, Mrs. Dayo Adurogbo, said, “We cannot give a definite date. It depends on how soon it is available. We will do everything to meet our customers’ demand once it is available.”
Further findings showed that a number of other banks had stopped customers from using their ATM cards abroad but had yet to officially communicate this to them.
Some customers told our correspondent that when they notified their banks of plans to travel and the need to enable their cards work overseas, they were simply informed that the cards could not be enabled for now due to issues relating to forex scarcity.
SUNDAY PUNCH findings showed others banks might issue notices similar to that of Standard Chartered Bank before the end of the year.
“We had some discussions recently and some top bank officials said they would stop customers from using their naira-denominated cards for international transactions due to the serious challenges in getting forex to settle their international partners,” a top bank official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said on Friday.
The current situation means customers travelling abroad for Christmas and New Year may face severe payment challenges, a situation that may mar their shopping plans.
The fall in prices of crude oil, the main earner of foreign exchange for Nigeria, has made the nation’s forex income to reduce drastically, creating dollar scarcity crisis for the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The CBN has been rationing dollar to banks, importers and other forex users as the nation’s foreign exchange reserves continue to deplete, hitting $29.4bn on December 7, 2015.
The PUNCH had exclusively reported on Thursday that banks had cut the amount that their customers could spend using their debit and credit cards abroad by between 70 and 90 per cent. This took effect during the first week of December for the majority of the banks.
Specifically, banks cut customers’ card spending in foreign currencies from the annual $50,000 allowed by the CBN to between $5,000 and $15,000.
According to findings by our correspondent, Ecobank Nigeria Plc has reduced its limit from $50,000 to $5,000, with a maximum of $500 monthly and $100 daily expenditure.
Skye Bank Plc, in a notice to its customers via email, also slashed its international card spending limit from $50,000 to $12,000 annually, a maximum of $1,000 monthly and $100 daily.
Wema Bank Plc also slashed spending on its payment cards from $50,000 to $10,000 annually, $1,000 monthly and $100 daily.
Although other banks have yet to confirm their new international card spending limits, findings by our correspondent revealed that the new limits for most of them ranged from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, and $500 to $1,000 monthly.
SOURCE: porscheclassyng

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Court 'Discharges' Nnamdi Kanu

A Magistrate Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, December 16, discharged the cases against the director of the Indigenous People Of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu.
At the ruling the chief magistrate, Shuaibu Usman struck out all criminal charges levelled against Kanu.
Usman said that since the State Security Services (SSS) through its lawyer Moses Idakwo had filed for a discontinuation of the case, the accused is thereby discharged.
Citing section 108 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act, he said the case is struck out due emerging facts by the prosecutor on the matter under investigation.
On Monday, November 23, the SSS had filed an application for the discontinuation of the case against Kanu.
Idakwo during his submissions said the facts emerging from ongoing investigation by his client – the SSS – show that the case against the Biafra agitator cannot be entertained by the magistrate court.
He said that the magistrate court lacked the jurisdiction to handle such case. Kanu was arrested on October 14 on arriving Lagos, Nigeria from the United Kingdom.
Following his arrest,  he was arraigned by the SSS before chief magistrate Usman.
But during the trial process,  the SSS obtained an order from the Federal High Court to keep Kanu in their custody for a period of 90 days.
This the SSS said will enable it conduct investigation on Kanu following allegations of terrorism and terrorism funding.
But in an objection, Kanu’s counsel, Egechukwu Obetta also applied to the same Federal High Court presided by Ademola Adeniyi to revoke the order it had given to the SSS.
He said the prosecutor had fraudulently obtained the order during an ongoing trial of the accused person at the magistrate court. Adeniyi is expected to rule on the matter on Thursday, December 17.
Kanu has also asked the court to strike out the criminal charge with reference number FHC/ABJ/ CS/873/2015 levelled against him by the SSS.
Recall that a statement published on the website of Radio Biafra on Saturday, October 17, disclosed the arrest of its director, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Department of State Services (DSS) as soon as he got to Nigeria from the United Kingdom.
SOURCE: Naij.com