The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has briefed the Senate on the 47 new Sports Utility Vehicles seized from a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Mr. Godknows Igali, and forfeited to the Federal Government.
The EFCC made this known to the lawmakers in a report presented by the Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to the Senate Committee on Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption.
The committee had asked Magu, when he appeared before it to defend the 2017 budget estimates of the EFCC, to come back with the report of the activities of the commission.
The EFCC boss, who presented a report on assets recovered by the agency to the lawmakers on Wednesday, was, again, asked to come back with a more comprehensive report, including the details such as assets seized, assets forfeited, loot recovered and pending corruption cases.
The EFCC said the cars were seized in Utako, Abuja residence of the ex-civil servant, who is currently under investigation for alleged corruption.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had on December 30, 2016, in a statement, announced the seizure. He noted that the new strategies deployed by the current administration in its war against corruption were achieving results.
Meanwhile, lawmakers kicked against the donation of building and furniture to EFCC by an unnamed state governor, saying such donations could hamper the independence of the commission.
Senator Dino Melaye, specifically, expressed dissatisfaction with a situation where governors would make donations to the EFCC, saying that such development could frustrate the activities of the anti-graft agency.
The lawmakers also demanded a review of a contract for the construction of the EFCC office building, awarded to Julius Berger, which had been raised from N18.8bn to N26bn.
Melaye wondered why a contract awarded at N18.8bn could be increased to N26bn and the EFCC would later request for additional N2bn for power plant and sewage.
He also asked how could be a 10-storeyed building be without a plan for sewage and power plant when the contract was awarded.
The Chairman of the committee, Chukwuka Utazi, said the signing of the contract was against the advice of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Thursday, 2 March 2017
C’River seeks reduction in number of political parties
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, on Wednesday, sought a reduction in the number of the existing political parties in the country.
Esu said this in Calabar during the public hearing of the South-South states by the Presidential Committee on Electoral Reforms led by Senator Ken Nnamani.
The public hearing, which had inputs from political stakeholders in states across the South-South region, was dominated by stakeholders from the host state, Cross River.
The deputy governor, who stood in for Governor Ben Ayade, wondered why only a few parties made impacts during elections despite the availability of many parties in the country.
He said, “Why do we have a long list of political parties, whereas when elections are held you only have two or three political parties making impacts?”
Esu, however, listed the areas to be amended in the ongoing electoral reforms to include a reduction in the number of political parties, stiff penalties for politicians defecting from one party to another and an amendment of the electronic voting system, among others.
“There is also the issue of defection. To me, that is electoral fraud. You cannot win an election on one platform and choose to defect to another platform,” he said.
Etu also said that Nigeria was better in terms of democratic developments when compared with Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and other Third World nations where their leaders had remained in office for too long.
He said that under the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria, no president could cling on to power for more than the stipulated number of years.
He lambasted the presidents of Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, among others, for clinging to power for too long, saying that the phenomenon was a blot on the countries’ democratic development.
He said, “If we look at Nigeria, we would say we have done well compared with other Third World nations. We are not like Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and others, where we have leaders that will cling to power. What kind of countries are those?”
Various stakeholders, including the representatives of political parties and election monitors called for stiffer penalties for electoral offenders.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, who represented the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, said the committee was inaugurated to address the grey areas in the electoral process.
He said, “We have seen conflicting judgments by appellate courts on electoral matters. This committee is meant to sort out such areas.”
Esu said this in Calabar during the public hearing of the South-South states by the Presidential Committee on Electoral Reforms led by Senator Ken Nnamani.
The public hearing, which had inputs from political stakeholders in states across the South-South region, was dominated by stakeholders from the host state, Cross River.
The deputy governor, who stood in for Governor Ben Ayade, wondered why only a few parties made impacts during elections despite the availability of many parties in the country.
He said, “Why do we have a long list of political parties, whereas when elections are held you only have two or three political parties making impacts?”
Esu, however, listed the areas to be amended in the ongoing electoral reforms to include a reduction in the number of political parties, stiff penalties for politicians defecting from one party to another and an amendment of the electronic voting system, among others.
“There is also the issue of defection. To me, that is electoral fraud. You cannot win an election on one platform and choose to defect to another platform,” he said.
Etu also said that Nigeria was better in terms of democratic developments when compared with Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and other Third World nations where their leaders had remained in office for too long.
He said that under the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria, no president could cling on to power for more than the stipulated number of years.
He lambasted the presidents of Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, among others, for clinging to power for too long, saying that the phenomenon was a blot on the countries’ democratic development.
He said, “If we look at Nigeria, we would say we have done well compared with other Third World nations. We are not like Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and others, where we have leaders that will cling to power. What kind of countries are those?”
Various stakeholders, including the representatives of political parties and election monitors called for stiffer penalties for electoral offenders.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, who represented the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, said the committee was inaugurated to address the grey areas in the electoral process.
He said, “We have seen conflicting judgments by appellate courts on electoral matters. This committee is meant to sort out such areas.”
19 stocks depreciate, market sheds N50bn
The equities market on Wednesday went down again by N50bn after 19 stocks closed in the red.
At the close of trading on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the NSE market capitalisation dropped to N8.715tn from N8.765tn, while the All-Share Index closed at 25,183.10 basis points from 25,329.06 basis points.
A total of 228.023 million shares valued at N2.39bn were traded in 2,958 deals.
The equities market declined further, shedding 0.58 per cent at the close of the day’s trading to settle the year-to-date returns at -6.29 per cent. The volume and value of transactions declined by 48.70 per cent and 34.47 per cent, respectively. There were eight gainers in all.
Vitafoam Nigeria Plc was the best-performing stock after advancing by 4.65 per cent to close at N1.80. The ticker was closely followed by the NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, NEM Insurance Company Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, which advanced by 4.46 per cent, 3.09 per cent, 2.47 per cent, and 2.04 per cent, accordingly.
On the other hand, Cadbury Nigeria Plc shares dropped by 8.77 per cent, recording the highest decline, to close at N7.80. The losers’ train was followed by Guinness Nigeria Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc, which dropped by 4.96 per cent, 4.88 per cent, 4.76 per cent and 4.43 per cent, respectively.
All the NSE sector indices recorded declines, save for the NSE oil/gas and NSE insurance indices which advanced by 1.01 per cent and 0.01 per cent, respectively. The NSE banking and NSE food/beverage indices recorded the largest declines, after paring by 1.18 per cent, 1.27 per cent, respectively.
Commenting on the outcome of the market, analysts at Meristem Securities Limited said, “We note that the few earnings results released have not stimulated positive investor sentiments in the market, as a few companies which have declared disbursements with attractive dividend yields have witnessed share price declines.
“We, however, advise dividend-inclined investors to take position in fundamentally justified counters with attractive expected dividend yields, while we caution that there might be no attendant capital appreciation.”
Meanwhile, at the close of Wednesday’s trading session, the open buy-back and overnight rates recorded respective declines of 1.00 per cent and 1.33 per cent, to settle the average money market rate at 12.09 per cent.
In the Treasury bills space, bullish activities were recorded as the average yield declined by 1.33 per cent to settle at 14.50 per cent at the close of trading. The one-month, three-month and six-month instruments logged declines of 1.81 per cent, 1.58 per cent and 0.61 per cent, respectively.
There were slightly bullish sentiments in the Treasury bonds space, as the average bond yield declined by 0.25 per cent to settle at 16.36 per cent. Yield declines were recorded on all instruments save for the May-2018, June-2019, March-2024 and July-2034 bonds, which advanced slightly by 0.07 per cent, 0.04 per cent, 0.04 per cent and 0.03 per cent, respectively.
The naira traded flat at the parallel foreign exchange market, closing the day at N455/dollar. However, at the interbank forex market, the currency appreciated marginally by 0.08 per cent, to close at N305.25/dollar.
At the close of trading on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the NSE market capitalisation dropped to N8.715tn from N8.765tn, while the All-Share Index closed at 25,183.10 basis points from 25,329.06 basis points.
A total of 228.023 million shares valued at N2.39bn were traded in 2,958 deals.
The equities market declined further, shedding 0.58 per cent at the close of the day’s trading to settle the year-to-date returns at -6.29 per cent. The volume and value of transactions declined by 48.70 per cent and 34.47 per cent, respectively. There were eight gainers in all.
Vitafoam Nigeria Plc was the best-performing stock after advancing by 4.65 per cent to close at N1.80. The ticker was closely followed by the NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, NEM Insurance Company Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, which advanced by 4.46 per cent, 3.09 per cent, 2.47 per cent, and 2.04 per cent, accordingly.
On the other hand, Cadbury Nigeria Plc shares dropped by 8.77 per cent, recording the highest decline, to close at N7.80. The losers’ train was followed by Guinness Nigeria Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc, which dropped by 4.96 per cent, 4.88 per cent, 4.76 per cent and 4.43 per cent, respectively.
All the NSE sector indices recorded declines, save for the NSE oil/gas and NSE insurance indices which advanced by 1.01 per cent and 0.01 per cent, respectively. The NSE banking and NSE food/beverage indices recorded the largest declines, after paring by 1.18 per cent, 1.27 per cent, respectively.
Commenting on the outcome of the market, analysts at Meristem Securities Limited said, “We note that the few earnings results released have not stimulated positive investor sentiments in the market, as a few companies which have declared disbursements with attractive dividend yields have witnessed share price declines.
“We, however, advise dividend-inclined investors to take position in fundamentally justified counters with attractive expected dividend yields, while we caution that there might be no attendant capital appreciation.”
Meanwhile, at the close of Wednesday’s trading session, the open buy-back and overnight rates recorded respective declines of 1.00 per cent and 1.33 per cent, to settle the average money market rate at 12.09 per cent.
In the Treasury bills space, bullish activities were recorded as the average yield declined by 1.33 per cent to settle at 14.50 per cent at the close of trading. The one-month, three-month and six-month instruments logged declines of 1.81 per cent, 1.58 per cent and 0.61 per cent, respectively.
There were slightly bullish sentiments in the Treasury bonds space, as the average bond yield declined by 0.25 per cent to settle at 16.36 per cent. Yield declines were recorded on all instruments save for the May-2018, June-2019, March-2024 and July-2034 bonds, which advanced slightly by 0.07 per cent, 0.04 per cent, 0.04 per cent and 0.03 per cent, respectively.
The naira traded flat at the parallel foreign exchange market, closing the day at N455/dollar. However, at the interbank forex market, the currency appreciated marginally by 0.08 per cent, to close at N305.25/dollar.
Drama as Senate screens 82-year-old ambassadorial nominee
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday, screened an 82-year-old non-career ambassadorial nominee, Justice Sylvanus Nsofor (retd.), who refused to recite the National Anthem when he was asked to do so.
The refusal by the nominee to recite the anthem had shocked members of the committee.
The nominee is one of the 46 on the ‘reviewed list’ for whom President Muhammadu Buhari was seeking legislative approval for their appointment.
The nominee was asked series of questions, which he responded to.
The lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (APC Lagos East), specifically, asked Nsofor to recite the anthem.
The nominee, however, decline to recite it, asking the lawmakers why he should do so.
Nsofor, after engaging the lawmakers in arguments, was eventually asked to take a bow and leave the venue.
Nsofor was born on March 17, 1935, in Oguta, Imo State.
He was a Judge of the High Court of Nigeria, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Lecturer in Law at the Holborn College of Law in London.
The refusal by the nominee to recite the anthem had shocked members of the committee.
The nominee is one of the 46 on the ‘reviewed list’ for whom President Muhammadu Buhari was seeking legislative approval for their appointment.
The nominee was asked series of questions, which he responded to.
The lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (APC Lagos East), specifically, asked Nsofor to recite the anthem.
The nominee, however, decline to recite it, asking the lawmakers why he should do so.
Nsofor, after engaging the lawmakers in arguments, was eventually asked to take a bow and leave the venue.
Nsofor was born on March 17, 1935, in Oguta, Imo State.
He was a Judge of the High Court of Nigeria, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Lecturer in Law at the Holborn College of Law in London.
Senate confirms Onnoghen, South gets CJN after 30 years
The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, making him the first person from the southern part of the country to occupy the office in the last 30 years.
Onnoghen is from Cross River State.
The last CJN from the South was Justice Ayo Irikefe, who occupied the office in 1987.
Onnoghen was screened by Committee of the Whole of the Senate.
The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had written to the Senate, asking for legislative approval for the appointment of the new CJN.
In the letter dated February 7, 2017, with reference number SH/AG. PRESIDENT/SEN/02/0, Osinbajo sought legislative confirmation for the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court as the CJN.
The letter read, “Following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, I hereby notify you of the appointment of the Honourable Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen (CFR) as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“The Senate President is requested to kindly present the said appointment of the Honourable Justice Onnoghen for confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Based on the recommendation by the National Judicial Council on October 13, 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari had inaugurated Onnoghen, being the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, as the acting CJN on November 10, 2016.
After the recommendation by the NJC, the President was expected, by constitutional provisions, to forward the appointment to the Senate for confirmation.
After Senate’s confirmation, the President is expected to swear in Onnoghen as the substantive CJN.
The first three-month tenure of Justice Onnoghen in acting capacity had expired on February 10, 2017, three days after Osinbajo transmitted his appointment to the Senate for confirmation.
At the screening, which lasted over one hour, Onnoghen addressed several issues raised by the lawmakers about Nigeria’s judiciary.
Leading the debate, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, raised the issue of the time frame within which political matters were dealt with by the courts.
He said, “My lord, I am sure you are aware that prior to 2010, election matters took four to five years to conclude; sometimes beyond the lifespan of the tenure of the incumbent. But after, we amended the constitution, giving a time frame to deal with that.”
In his submission, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru, recalled some major cases Onnoghen presided upon, alluding to the fact that judgments delivered by the CJN might have led to the delay in his nomination and appointment.
He said, “In the case of (Muhammadu) Buhari against the Independent National Electoral Commission and others, 2008, AC/51/2008, in which you delivered a dissenting judgment alongside your brothers (judges), wherein you nullified the 2007 election on the grounds of substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. You equally handed down the profound decision in (Rotimi) Amaechi Vs INEC reported in 2008 by Nigerian Weekly Law Report, Pages 10 to 80.
“Equally, in the case of (Bukola) Saraki against the Federal Republic of Nigeria delivered on February 5, 2016, you delivered the lead judgment there. That scenario, put against the recent arrest of some judicial officers for alleged involvement in corrupt practice, and following the delay in your nomination by the executive, there is a general feeling that the judiciary under your watch, if eventually your nomination passes through the distinguished Senate, may not exhibit the exceptional and uncommon courage, which you have exhibited in those cases.”
Onnoghen, in his response, said his appointment was subject to confirmation by the Senate as the nomination had already been done by the National Judicial Council.
He also said, “The fear of me not exhibiting the uncommon courage that had earlier been exhibited; I assure you that I remain whom I have been on the bench right from the beginning and I intend to end that way by the special grace of God.”
The Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, also said there were some recent cases of corruption charges against some officials in the judiciary.
“You have about four years to be the CJN; I want you to tell us how you intend to, within this period, reform the judiciary and bring back the confidence of the public because some people would feel our judicial system is under a heavy question mark of integrity, but we need to do something to regain the confidence of the public.”
In his response, Onnoghen said there had been a “tremendous” improvement in the judiciary.
He explained that Wednesday had been set aside for a special panel, apart from the regular panel of the Supreme Court, to deal with pre-election matters.
Onnoghen said, “Already, as I came on board, for instance, I have passed different circulars to all the heads of the Nigerian judiciary in the country to send me details of pending matters on corruption, matters on terrorism and high profile criminal matters.
Onnoghen is from Cross River State.
The last CJN from the South was Justice Ayo Irikefe, who occupied the office in 1987.
Onnoghen was screened by Committee of the Whole of the Senate.
The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had written to the Senate, asking for legislative approval for the appointment of the new CJN.
In the letter dated February 7, 2017, with reference number SH/AG. PRESIDENT/SEN/02/0, Osinbajo sought legislative confirmation for the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court as the CJN.
The letter read, “Following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, I hereby notify you of the appointment of the Honourable Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen (CFR) as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“The Senate President is requested to kindly present the said appointment of the Honourable Justice Onnoghen for confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Based on the recommendation by the National Judicial Council on October 13, 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari had inaugurated Onnoghen, being the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, as the acting CJN on November 10, 2016.
After the recommendation by the NJC, the President was expected, by constitutional provisions, to forward the appointment to the Senate for confirmation.
After Senate’s confirmation, the President is expected to swear in Onnoghen as the substantive CJN.
The first three-month tenure of Justice Onnoghen in acting capacity had expired on February 10, 2017, three days after Osinbajo transmitted his appointment to the Senate for confirmation.
At the screening, which lasted over one hour, Onnoghen addressed several issues raised by the lawmakers about Nigeria’s judiciary.
Leading the debate, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, raised the issue of the time frame within which political matters were dealt with by the courts.
He said, “My lord, I am sure you are aware that prior to 2010, election matters took four to five years to conclude; sometimes beyond the lifespan of the tenure of the incumbent. But after, we amended the constitution, giving a time frame to deal with that.”
In his submission, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru, recalled some major cases Onnoghen presided upon, alluding to the fact that judgments delivered by the CJN might have led to the delay in his nomination and appointment.
He said, “In the case of (Muhammadu) Buhari against the Independent National Electoral Commission and others, 2008, AC/51/2008, in which you delivered a dissenting judgment alongside your brothers (judges), wherein you nullified the 2007 election on the grounds of substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. You equally handed down the profound decision in (Rotimi) Amaechi Vs INEC reported in 2008 by Nigerian Weekly Law Report, Pages 10 to 80.
“Equally, in the case of (Bukola) Saraki against the Federal Republic of Nigeria delivered on February 5, 2016, you delivered the lead judgment there. That scenario, put against the recent arrest of some judicial officers for alleged involvement in corrupt practice, and following the delay in your nomination by the executive, there is a general feeling that the judiciary under your watch, if eventually your nomination passes through the distinguished Senate, may not exhibit the exceptional and uncommon courage, which you have exhibited in those cases.”
Onnoghen, in his response, said his appointment was subject to confirmation by the Senate as the nomination had already been done by the National Judicial Council.
He also said, “The fear of me not exhibiting the uncommon courage that had earlier been exhibited; I assure you that I remain whom I have been on the bench right from the beginning and I intend to end that way by the special grace of God.”
The Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, also said there were some recent cases of corruption charges against some officials in the judiciary.
“You have about four years to be the CJN; I want you to tell us how you intend to, within this period, reform the judiciary and bring back the confidence of the public because some people would feel our judicial system is under a heavy question mark of integrity, but we need to do something to regain the confidence of the public.”
In his response, Onnoghen said there had been a “tremendous” improvement in the judiciary.
He explained that Wednesday had been set aside for a special panel, apart from the regular panel of the Supreme Court, to deal with pre-election matters.
Onnoghen said, “Already, as I came on board, for instance, I have passed different circulars to all the heads of the Nigerian judiciary in the country to send me details of pending matters on corruption, matters on terrorism and high profile criminal matters.
Court dismisses terrorism, five other charges against Kanu, others
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday struck out six out of the 11 charges instituted against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and three other persons.
The accused persons charged along with Kanu were the National Coordinator of IPOB, Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe; an IPOB member, Benjamin Madubugwu; and a former Field Maintenance Engineer on secondment to the MTN, David Nwawuisi.
Three of the defendants Kanu, Onwudiwe and Nwawuisi, had filed separate notices of preliminary objection challenging the validity of various counts in which their names were jointly or separately mentioned as accused persons.
Ruling on the preliminary objection on Wednesday, Justice Binta Nyako partly agreed with the applications by striking out six out of the 11 counts.
The judge said the struck-out charges did not call for trial due to the failure of some of them to disclose vital elements of the alleged offences.
She ruled that the proof of evidence also failed to disclose any prima facie case against the defendants with regard to some of the other counts.
The accused persons were on November 8, 2016 re-arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako on amended 11 counts, comprising terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods.
But ruling on the applications by Kanu and two other accused persons on Wednesday, Nyako said some of the counts “cannot stand.”
She struck out charges contained in counts 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11 which related to the management of unlawful organisation, intention to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices planned to be used against some Nigerian security agents and alleged improper importation of a radio transmitter.
The judge ruled that the allegation in Count 3 relating to the “managing of unlawful society punishable under section 63 of the Criminal Code Act” could not be substantiated by the proof of evidence.
The judge ruled that the proof of evidence failed to show that IPOB was indeed an unlawful organisation.
She said the prosecution failed to show that the organisation had been proscribed or that it was not registered either in Nigeria or London in the United Kingdom.
She also said the alleged, “improper importation of goods contrary to section 47(1) (a) (i) of the Customs and Excise Management Act” levelled against Kanu in Count 5 did not disclose the elements of the alleged offence bordering on the importation of a Radio Transmitter known as TRAM 50L.
The judge also ruled that the allegation in Count 7 accusing Madubugwu of “managing an unlawful society punishable under Section 63 of the Criminal Code Act” by accepting and keeping a container housing the radio transmitter which he allegedly knew was to be used for Radio Biafra, also did not disclose any element of the alleged crime.
According to the judge, Count 9, which accused Onwudiwe and Nwawuisi of “conspiracy to commit treasonable felony contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act” also does not disclose the elements of the alleged crime.
Justice Nyako held that the count failed to disclose which of the acts of installation of the transmitter on the MTN mast site at Ogui Road, near St. Michael Church, Enugu State, and the agreement on the payment of N150,000 was the act that constituted the offence of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony.
“The charge has not disclosed what the offence is. This does not call for any trial,” the judge ruled.
She also struck out Count 10, which accused Nwawuisi, then a Field Maintenance Engineer with the NTN in Enugu State, of “management of unlawful society punishable under section 63 of the Criminal Code Act.”
The prosecution had accused Nwawuisi of the offence for allegedly permitting the installation of Radio Biafra transmitter on the MTN mast for the purpose of propagating the objective of IPOB after being paid the sum of N150,000 by Onwudiwe.
The judge said the count could not stand because the proof that the IPOB was an unlawful society was not provided.
The judge also struck out Count 11, which accused Onwudiwe of “knowingly committing an act preparatory to an act of terrorism” by allegedly “carrying out research for the purpose of identifying and gathering of improvised explosive device-making materials to be used against the Nigerian security operatives carrying out their lawful duties.”
The prosecution alleged in the count that Onwudiwe had by the act, committed an offence of “terrorism contrary to section 2(1)(a) of Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2011 as amended in 2013.”
But the judge agreed with the defence that since the offence only had to do with an intention to commit a particular act, it was the magistrate court that had the jurisdiction to entertain such a charge.
The judge however sustained Counts 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8.
Count 1 has to do with “conspiracy to commit treasonble felony contrary to section 516 of the Criminal Code act” by conspiring among themselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra “for states in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into Republic of Biafra.”
Count 2 has to do with an allegation of treasonable felony which Kanu allegedly committed by broadcasting in London between 2014 and 2015 for the secession of Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.
The court also sustained Count 4, which accused Kanu of “publication of defamatory matter contrary to section 375 of the Criminal Code Act” by referring to the then Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as “a pedophile, a terrorist, an idiot and an embodiment of evil” in a broadcast on Radio Biafra on April 28, 2015.
The judge also sustained Count 6 which accused Kanu of “improper importation of goods contrary to section 47(2)(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act” by allegedly concealing a radio transmitter in a container of used household items and declaring the transmitter as part of the used household items.
Count 8, which accused Madubugwu of being in possession of one Emerald Magnum Pump Action Gun with serial number TS 870 – 113 – 0046 and one Delta Magnum Pump Action Gun with serial number 501 as well as 41 cartridges/ammunition without lawful authority or licence, was also sustained.
Madubugwu was reportedly caught with the firearms in his house in Ubulusuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State in October 2015.
With the agreement of the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and other defence lawyers, the five surviving charges were read to the accused persons after the ruling on Wednesday.
They all pleaded not guilty to the five charges.
The defence lawyers also indicated their intention to file fresh bail applications.
The accused persons charged along with Kanu were the National Coordinator of IPOB, Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe; an IPOB member, Benjamin Madubugwu; and a former Field Maintenance Engineer on secondment to the MTN, David Nwawuisi.
Three of the defendants Kanu, Onwudiwe and Nwawuisi, had filed separate notices of preliminary objection challenging the validity of various counts in which their names were jointly or separately mentioned as accused persons.
Ruling on the preliminary objection on Wednesday, Justice Binta Nyako partly agreed with the applications by striking out six out of the 11 counts.
The judge said the struck-out charges did not call for trial due to the failure of some of them to disclose vital elements of the alleged offences.
She ruled that the proof of evidence also failed to disclose any prima facie case against the defendants with regard to some of the other counts.
The accused persons were on November 8, 2016 re-arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako on amended 11 counts, comprising terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods.
But ruling on the applications by Kanu and two other accused persons on Wednesday, Nyako said some of the counts “cannot stand.”
She struck out charges contained in counts 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11 which related to the management of unlawful organisation, intention to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices planned to be used against some Nigerian security agents and alleged improper importation of a radio transmitter.
The judge ruled that the allegation in Count 3 relating to the “managing of unlawful society punishable under section 63 of the Criminal Code Act” could not be substantiated by the proof of evidence.
The judge ruled that the proof of evidence failed to show that IPOB was indeed an unlawful organisation.
She said the prosecution failed to show that the organisation had been proscribed or that it was not registered either in Nigeria or London in the United Kingdom.
She also said the alleged, “improper importation of goods contrary to section 47(1) (a) (i) of the Customs and Excise Management Act” levelled against Kanu in Count 5 did not disclose the elements of the alleged offence bordering on the importation of a Radio Transmitter known as TRAM 50L.
The judge also ruled that the allegation in Count 7 accusing Madubugwu of “managing an unlawful society punishable under Section 63 of the Criminal Code Act” by accepting and keeping a container housing the radio transmitter which he allegedly knew was to be used for Radio Biafra, also did not disclose any element of the alleged crime.
According to the judge, Count 9, which accused Onwudiwe and Nwawuisi of “conspiracy to commit treasonable felony contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act” also does not disclose the elements of the alleged crime.
Justice Nyako held that the count failed to disclose which of the acts of installation of the transmitter on the MTN mast site at Ogui Road, near St. Michael Church, Enugu State, and the agreement on the payment of N150,000 was the act that constituted the offence of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony.
“The charge has not disclosed what the offence is. This does not call for any trial,” the judge ruled.
She also struck out Count 10, which accused Nwawuisi, then a Field Maintenance Engineer with the NTN in Enugu State, of “management of unlawful society punishable under section 63 of the Criminal Code Act.”
The prosecution had accused Nwawuisi of the offence for allegedly permitting the installation of Radio Biafra transmitter on the MTN mast for the purpose of propagating the objective of IPOB after being paid the sum of N150,000 by Onwudiwe.
The judge said the count could not stand because the proof that the IPOB was an unlawful society was not provided.
The judge also struck out Count 11, which accused Onwudiwe of “knowingly committing an act preparatory to an act of terrorism” by allegedly “carrying out research for the purpose of identifying and gathering of improvised explosive device-making materials to be used against the Nigerian security operatives carrying out their lawful duties.”
The prosecution alleged in the count that Onwudiwe had by the act, committed an offence of “terrorism contrary to section 2(1)(a) of Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2011 as amended in 2013.”
But the judge agreed with the defence that since the offence only had to do with an intention to commit a particular act, it was the magistrate court that had the jurisdiction to entertain such a charge.
The judge however sustained Counts 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8.
Count 1 has to do with “conspiracy to commit treasonble felony contrary to section 516 of the Criminal Code act” by conspiring among themselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra “for states in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into Republic of Biafra.”
Count 2 has to do with an allegation of treasonable felony which Kanu allegedly committed by broadcasting in London between 2014 and 2015 for the secession of Republic of Biafra from Nigeria.
The court also sustained Count 4, which accused Kanu of “publication of defamatory matter contrary to section 375 of the Criminal Code Act” by referring to the then Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as “a pedophile, a terrorist, an idiot and an embodiment of evil” in a broadcast on Radio Biafra on April 28, 2015.
The judge also sustained Count 6 which accused Kanu of “improper importation of goods contrary to section 47(2)(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act” by allegedly concealing a radio transmitter in a container of used household items and declaring the transmitter as part of the used household items.
Count 8, which accused Madubugwu of being in possession of one Emerald Magnum Pump Action Gun with serial number TS 870 – 113 – 0046 and one Delta Magnum Pump Action Gun with serial number 501 as well as 41 cartridges/ammunition without lawful authority or licence, was also sustained.
Madubugwu was reportedly caught with the firearms in his house in Ubulusuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State in October 2015.
With the agreement of the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and other defence lawyers, the five surviving charges were read to the accused persons after the ruling on Wednesday.
They all pleaded not guilty to the five charges.
The defence lawyers also indicated their intention to file fresh bail applications.
Xenophobic attacks: Militants threaten MTN, others as Obasanjo berates S’African leaders
The militant groups, who were reacting to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and their business premises in South Africa, gave one month ultimatum to South Africans living in Nigeria to leave the country and relocate elsewhere.
The threat from the militants groups – Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Volunteers and Niger Delta Strike Force – is contained in a copy of a letter, addressed to the Office of the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, located at 71 Usuma Street, Off Gana Street, Abuja.
Signatories to the letter are ‘General’ John Duku (Niger Delta Watchdogs); ‘General’ Ekpo Ekpo (Niger Delta Volunteer); and ‘General’ Hart Bradford (Niger Delta Strike Force).
According to the letter titled ‘Attack and killings of Nigerians living in South Africa’, the militants expressed anger that the South African Police were shielding criminals and joining them (criminals) to kill Nigerians.
Apart from MTN, DSTV and Shoprite, some of the South African companies in Nigeria listed for attack by the militants are Eskom Nigeria, South African Breweries (SAB Miller), Umgeni Water, Refresh Product, LTA Construction and Protea Hotels.
Others, according to the letter, are Critical Rescue International, Global Outdoor Semces, PEP Retail Stores, Woolworths Holdings Limited, Truworths International Limited, Clover Industries, Oracle, Power Giant and Airtime.
The militants added, “Arising from the joint meeting of the Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Volunteers and Niger Delta Strike Force, held today (Wednesday) in Port Harcourt, we condemn the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
“We want to state that the recent attacks (on Nigerians in South Africa) will mark the end of this nonsense because we will not fold our arms and allow this to continue. We, therefore, call on the Nigerian Government to immediately close down all the businesses owned by South Africans in Nigeria.
“Failure to close down these companies within one month, we shall mobilise in full force and commence massive attacks on the above-mentioned South African-owned investments in Nigeria. We shall also make sure that all MTN masts and offices are brought down to naught.
“We shall strike any property and persons from South Africa within our reach; we will bring down Multichoice (DSTV), Shoprite and others. We will not fold our arms and watch you (South Africans) slaughter our people like chickens for no just cause.
“We are fully prepared; our professional fighters are already strategising, South Africans must be crushed in Nigeria; our people must be free from these wicked agents.”
The militant groups pointed out that the one month ultimatum was enough for South Africans to relocate and leave Nigeria, even as they warned Nigerians against patronising South Africans business concerns on the expiration of the ultimatum to avoid casualties.
Accusing the South African Government of plotting to kill Nigerians within its territory by all means, the Niger Delta agitators cautioned that they would not allow such a plan to be executed.
“How can you explain a situation where the police clobbered defenceless Nigerian citizens to death without any provocation?” the militants asked.
They observed that the South African Government and her citizens possessed the highest number of business operations in Nigeria by a foreign country and making huge profits and living in a peaceful environment with nobody attacking them.
“But our people in South Africa have been unjustly subjected to torture, killings, looting of their belongings as well as burning down of their business premises/apartments,” they added.
Obasanjo berates S’African leaders, youths
Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned attacks by South African youths on Nigerians and other African nationals in the former apartheid enclave, blaming the development on the insincerity of the government and the leaders of the country.
He said this on Wednesday in Abeokuta while receiving the management of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, led by its chairman, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja (retd.).
The former President, who received the delegation at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, said the current development in South Africa betrayed the contributions of Nigeria to the struggle for the emancipation of the country during the apartheid era.
Obasanjo, who blamed the exodus of Nigerians and other African nationals in search for greener pastures, however, called on African heads of government to ensure good governance for the overall development of the continent and its teeming population.
He blamed South African youths for their immaturity, while hitting their leaders more for allowing fellow Africans to rise against themselves.
He stated, “Youths can be so immature; they may not understand what Africa stands for; what our continental organisations stand for. But if the youth do not understand what happened, what happen to the leadership?
“I will blame the youth of the country for the attacks but I will blame the leaders more in any country that allows xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans for whatever reason.
“Having said that, it is also the responsibility of everyone of us in our different countries to prepare our countries so that our youths, who think that there is an Eldorado somewhere outside their countries, will be made to know that there is no greener pastures anywhere.
“The greener pastures is here in your country. I feel disheartened to know that many of our youths perish while crossing the Sahara desert or the Mediterranean.”
Ekweremadu heads Senate delegation to South Africa
Also, on Wednesday, the Senate named members of its delegation to South Africa to investigate the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the country.
Senate President Bukola Saraki made the announcement at plenary on Wednesday.
Members of the delegation are the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan; and the Chief Whip, Senator Sola Adeyeye.
Others are Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Shehu Sani; Senator Stella Oduah, Senator Magnus Abe and Senator Shaba Lafiaji.
Nigeria won’t recall envoy in S’Africa, says FG
Also, the Federal Government has ruled out the possibility of recalling its High Commissioner to South Africa in protest against the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the former apartheid enclave.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olusola Enikanolaye, stated this in Abuja while responding to callers on ‘Tuesday night’ in an interactive programme on Nigerian Television Authority on xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africanikanolaye said Nigeria had two representatives in South Africa – an Acting High Commissioner and a deputy – who he said had been doing a great job attending to the situation accordingly.
He said, “We are in touch with our representative in South Africa, Amb. Martins Kuban, the Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, and Amb. Okeke, the deputy, in Johannesburg.
“Really we do not think we need to recall our envoys in South Africa because they are doing a great job; they are regularly in touch with the community leaders. They have dedicated telephone lines to Nigerians in South Africa to report any occurrence. They are doing a great job and in our view, there is no need to recall them home.”Enikanolaye added that Nigeria was working round the clock to ensure that the issue was diplomatically addressed, saying the ministry had had a series of meetings with the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria.
Wednesday, 1 March 2017
Investments in gas, LNG declining – NLNG MD
The Managing Director of the Nigerian LNG Limited, Mr. Tony Attah, has said investments in gas and the Liquefied Natural Gas are declining, and the proposed amendment to the NLNG Act poses further threat.
Attah spoke at the 2017 Nigeria Oil and Gas Strategic Conference and International Exhibition in Abuja entitled: ‘Nigeria’s Gas Sector – The Catalyst for Economic and Industrial Growth’ according to a statement from the company on Wednesday.
He said hopes for economic and industrial growth would be dashed if inhibitors such as the removal of legislative frameworks like the Nigeria LNG Limited Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances Act, were permitted in the Nigerian gas industry.
Attah said, “It is time for gas. We need deliberate decisions and policies to decouple oil from gas and attract investment. We need to do that now. Investments in the gas and the LNG industry are declining.
“It is already difficult as things stand; to find foreign direct investment and growth in the gas industry has been cautious after the recent downbeat global crude oil price. In addition to this, Nigeria is ranked 167 of 189 countries in the ease of doing business index.”
He noted that experts had maintained that there was a strong likelihood of increased gas demand, saying, “However, if we continue with the self-inflicted barriers in our gas industry, we might miss the opportunity to make this country a major player in the global energy mix.”
The NLNG MD stressed the need for the country to be creative with incentives that would attract investments and preserve the sanctity of contracts and agreements.
He said, “Take Nigeria LNG, for instance, only recently, the House of Representatives began moves to amend the NLNG Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances Act, a key enabler responsible for the success of the company. The NLNG is a successful Nigerian company, with an asset base of $11bn as well as the fourth largest LNG plant in the world.
According to Attah, the company has generated $90bn in revenues as of 2015, paid $5.7bn in taxes as well as committed more than $200m to corporate social responsibility projects, especially in the areas of capacity building and infrastructure development.
He said, “The amendment will result in immediate loss of investor confidence. This is especially pertinent in view of the imminent requirement of over $1bn investment every year in the upstream for the next few years in order to guarantee steady gas supply just to ensure that the NLNG’s Trains 1 – 6 can be kept full over the contracted life of the plant.
Attah spoke at the 2017 Nigeria Oil and Gas Strategic Conference and International Exhibition in Abuja entitled: ‘Nigeria’s Gas Sector – The Catalyst for Economic and Industrial Growth’ according to a statement from the company on Wednesday.
He said hopes for economic and industrial growth would be dashed if inhibitors such as the removal of legislative frameworks like the Nigeria LNG Limited Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances Act, were permitted in the Nigerian gas industry.
Attah said, “It is time for gas. We need deliberate decisions and policies to decouple oil from gas and attract investment. We need to do that now. Investments in the gas and the LNG industry are declining.
“It is already difficult as things stand; to find foreign direct investment and growth in the gas industry has been cautious after the recent downbeat global crude oil price. In addition to this, Nigeria is ranked 167 of 189 countries in the ease of doing business index.”
He noted that experts had maintained that there was a strong likelihood of increased gas demand, saying, “However, if we continue with the self-inflicted barriers in our gas industry, we might miss the opportunity to make this country a major player in the global energy mix.”
The NLNG MD stressed the need for the country to be creative with incentives that would attract investments and preserve the sanctity of contracts and agreements.
He said, “Take Nigeria LNG, for instance, only recently, the House of Representatives began moves to amend the NLNG Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances Act, a key enabler responsible for the success of the company. The NLNG is a successful Nigerian company, with an asset base of $11bn as well as the fourth largest LNG plant in the world.
According to Attah, the company has generated $90bn in revenues as of 2015, paid $5.7bn in taxes as well as committed more than $200m to corporate social responsibility projects, especially in the areas of capacity building and infrastructure development.
He said, “The amendment will result in immediate loss of investor confidence. This is especially pertinent in view of the imminent requirement of over $1bn investment every year in the upstream for the next few years in order to guarantee steady gas supply just to ensure that the NLNG’s Trains 1 – 6 can be kept full over the contracted life of the plant.
IBEDC restores electricity to 52 communities
The communities, according to a statement from the IBEDC, are Abebi, Ilo Awela, Anglican, Navy Quarters, Toll Gate, Osi Quarters, Amadia, Gbenga Daniel estate, Afobaje and Olosun communities and environs.
It said the power transformer with three 11 KV outgoing feeders in Homan, Township and Tower developed a fault on October 5, 2016, resulting in total blackout in the communities.
The company said repairs began with the replacement of the faulty transformer through the importation of a new transformer and the installation of new 11KV indoor panels, and power was finally restored to the communities on Sunday.
Speaking on the new development, the Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Ade Ayileka, said that the company was committed to fulfilling its promise of rehabilitating the network infrastructure and providing good customer service to its customers.
He said, “Customers should rest assured that we are working assiduously to upgrade our facilities and improve our network. This is just the beginning of more great things to come this year from the IBEDC as we have taken delivery of over N1bn worth of network upgrade equipment. In addition, the company will soon take delivery of a new batch of transformers.”
He said well-to-do Nigerians should begin to invest in power supply equipment, adding, “This will not only solve our immediate needs on time, but will ease forex requirement for sourcing power equipment abroad.”
According to Ayileka, a period of nearly six months is required to source and receive a 15 MVA, 33/11KV transformer.
He urged the customers on the new transformer to always endeavour to pay their bills and vend promptly to enable the company to have more funds to invest in the network.
He said, “To further complement the IBEDC’s efforts, we appeal to our customers on the need to protect the various power installations such as substations, transformers, poles and lines within our communities in order to avoid vandalism, energy theft and other illegal activities.
“We also encourage our customers and the general public to be vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour. The resource and manpower used to replace damaged installations could be better used to upgrade and expand more of our network.”
Rohr dumps China pros, opts for new stars
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr on Wednesday omitted China-based trio Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo and Brown Ideye from his call-ups for this month’s friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso.
The Super Eagles face Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinalists Senegal’s Teranga Lions on March 23 before taking on Burkina Faso’s Etalons, who came third in the Gabon tournament, four days later. Both matches will be played in London.
Rohr had promised to invite the players, who joined the China exodus for megabucks, but the German sensationally omitted them from his 25-man squad for the friendlies.
Mikel, who is the captain of the national team, joined Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda for a reported £140,000-a-week deal in January after being frozen out of Chelsea’s first team by the Blues’ Italian manager Antonio Conte.
Ighalo joined the gold rush in China when he dumped Premier League strugglers Watford for Changchun Yatai for a reported £180,000 per week wage. And Ideye completed the Nigerian player exodus to the Far East after he ditched Greek champions Olympiakos to team up with Mikel at Tianjin TEDA on Tuesday.
However, reports claimed that Mikel pleaded with Rohr to leave him out of the encounters to enable him to settle down at his new home.
But Rohr has kept faith with Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, as well as Premier League forwards Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Isaac Success for the fixtures.
Germany-based defender Leon Balogun, Belgium-based defender William Troost-Ekong, Leicester City new boy Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu and Moses Simon made the list.
In-form Hannover 96 midfielder Noah-Joel Bazee, 20, who has hit the back of the net once for his German Bundesliga side this term, topped the list of new young players invited by Rohr.
Portugal-based defender Chidozie Awaziem, 20, ADO Den Haag’s rising star Tyronne Ebuehi, 21, and Wolfsburg forward Victor Osimhen, 19, are other young players listed for the encounters.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Ikeme (Wolves); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United); Ikechukwu Ezenwa ( IfeanyiUbah)
Defenders: Balogun (Mainz 05); Troost-Ekong (Gent); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor); Uche Agbo (Granada); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (Zeljeznicar, Bosnia); Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag); Echiejile (Gijon); Kingsley Madu (Zulte Waregem); Chidozie Awaziem ( Porto)
Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor); Ndidi (Leicester); Etebo (Feirense, Portugal); Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva)
Forwards: Musa (Leicester); Iheanacho (Man City); Simon (Gent); Moses (Chelsea); Iwobi (Arsenal); Success (Watford); Bazee (Hannover 96); Osimhen (Wolfsburg)
Top 10 Superfoods for Weight Loss
If you dislike dieting, like most of us, and do not have time to go to the gym every other day, a few selected food choices could help move your scale in the right direction and would hardly have to break sweat.
Certain foods can help you slim down or help you maintain a healthy weight while simultaneously packing your body with nutrients that aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing heart disease, and controlling type 2 diabetes.
These superfoods help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism to burn fat and by curbing cravings for fatty foods. In addition, these will keep your energy level high.
In addition to including these superfoods in your diet, make sure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water and do physical activities daily.
superfoods for weight loss
Here are the top 10 superfoods for weight loss.
1. Green Tea
Green tea has many health benefits rather than coffee or other beverages. It helps in maintaining the body weight to its perfection by burning body fat, which results in reduced waist circumference and weight loss, as pointed out by a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that burns calories throughout the whole day.
A 2014 study at Pennsylvania State University reports that EGCG in green tea slows down weight gain by restricting fat absorption and increasing the body’s ability to burn fat. It even keeps your body hydrated, which can help reduce your appetite.
For optimum health benefits and to manage weight, drink two cups of freshly brewed tea or concentrated green tea everyday.
2. Blueberries
Blueberry, a powerful figure friendly superfood, should also be included in your diet. These small berries contain powerful antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals.
They also contain ample amounts of soluble fiber and water that produce a feeling of fullness so that you will stay satisfied for a longer duration between meals while improving digestion.
The manganese in it metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In addition, blueberries are free from fat, cholesterol, or sodium.
A 2009 University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries help in eliminating belly fat. The polyphenols in blueberries reduce belly fat and even reduce the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
Try to eat about a cup of blueberries every day. You can eat them as a healthy snack or include them in fruit salad, smoothie, or yogurt.
3. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are great for losing weight fast, thanks to their healthy fat and fiber content.
Dietary fiber is an important weight-loss nutrient, and flaxseed has high fiber content. A 2012 study published in the Appetite journal concludes that a drink containing 2.5 g of flaxseed fiber helps to suppress appetite.
This makes you feel full in a short time, and this feeling (satiety) lasts longer.
Flaxseeds contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) that help in weight loss. A 2013 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that including a sufficient amount of omega-3s in diet helps prevent obesity.
A 2015 study published in the Nutrition journal suggests that flaxseed when added to a weight loss diet helps reduce inflammation markers such as CRP and TNF-a.
Flaxseed can even improve the lipid and metabolic profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In your diet, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed. You can sprinkle it in your smoothies, juice, yogurt, cereals, salads, or soups. However, when adding flaxseed to your diet, be sure to drink enough water throughout the day.
4. Almonds
Almond is another rich superfood that helps you slim down. Fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fat contents of almonds help in losing weight. The fiber in almonds make you feel full and nourished so that you avoid unhealthy foods.
According to a 2013 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate 1.5 ounces of almonds daily for a period of 4 weeks did not gain significant weight.
The vitamin B and zinc in almonds also help stop sugar cravings.
Eat a handful of dry roasted or soaked almonds, in place of your regular snack. As almonds contain calories, try not to eat more than 1 ounce, or 23 almonds. You can also drink unsweetened almond milk to lose weight.
5. Grapefruit
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food reports that eating half of a fresh grapefruit before meals can result in significant weight loss.
Its fat-burning ability comes from its fat-burning enzymes. Even insulin resistance can be improved with fresh grapefruit. Insulin is a fat-storage hormone that can affect your weight.
In 2014, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley found positive effect of grapefruit juice in curbing weight gain in a high-fat diet.
The study was done on 2 groups of mice. One group was fed a high-fat diet and grapefruit juice. The other group was also fed a high-fat diet but with plain water instead of grapefruit juice.
The researchers found that mice who were fed grapefruit juice gained 18 percent less weight compared the the other group.
As a grapefruit contains 90% water, it can fill you up; so you eat less. It is even packed with immune-boosting vitamins and antioxidants, and is also low in calories.
Try eating half a grapefruit before breakfast and the other half before lunch to enhance your body’s fat-burning performance.
Note: Grapefruit may not be suitable for people on certain medications such as statins and antihistamines.
6. Oatmeal
An oatmeal breakfast is great for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy body.
Oatmeal contains beta glucan, a kind of soluble fiber that helps reduce abnormal levels of fat in the blood. It induces greater feelings of fullness and a reduction in hunger.
A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that oatmeal provides more fiber than other ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.
Another study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition in the same year reports that regular intake of oats can help reduce body weight and waist-to hip ratio.
Eat oatmeal for breakfast. Cook it with skim milk and add healthy toppings such as almonds or berries to keep the calorie content loOranges
orange
Orange is an incredible superfood for weight loss. High fiber and vitamin C contents of the fruit promote weight loss.
A 2005 study published in the journal of the American College of Nutrition notes that people who eat more vitamin C–rich foods have lower body mass index as compared with those who consume less vitamin C. Vitamin C also promotes the production of carnitine in the body, which reduces fat.
Also, the fiber content of orange makes people less likely to gain weight.
A 2009 study published in the Nutrition journal reports that high-fiber foods take longer to chew and slow down the emptying of your stomach. This means fiber keeps you full for longer duration.
This low-calorie fat-free fruit is also a good source of nutrients required for a healthy body. Start your day with an orange and also drink a glass of fresh orange juice daily. However, avoid packaged orange juice as it contains sweeteners and preservatives.
8. Salmon
salmon
Cold-water fish like salmon also boosts your body’s metabolism and helps burn fat faster.
Salmon is packed with good fats, which are conducive to weight loss. Also, the good quality protein in salmon also supports weight loss.
Protein requires more energy from the body to process, thus providing the fat-burning benefits. In addition, lean sources of protein like salmon help you feel full for longer.
A 2011 study published in the journal Metabolism analyzed the differential effects of various fish proteins in altering body weight, adiposity, inflammatory status, and insulin sensitivity in high fat–fed rats and found salmon to be the most effective one.
Salmon also contains vitamin D, which is deficient in many people.
Try to eat two or three servings of salmon per week. You can try grilled or baked salmon dishesAvocados
avocado
Although avocados are high in fat, they are an excellent addition to any weight loss program. The monounsaturated fats in avocados help satisfy hunger and make you feel.
Plus, avocados are rich in L-carnitine, an amino acid used in metabolizing fat.
They also have good amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, which are effective for weight loss.
A 2014 study published in the Nutrition journal reports adding one-half of a fresh avocado to a lunch made overweight people feel more satisfied by 26% and reduced their desire to eat following a meal by 40% over a 3-hour period, and by 28% over a 5-hour period.
A 2013 study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition highlights the composition and potential health effects of ‘Hass avocados’, the most common commercial avocado cultivars in the world.
The study notes that the consumption of avocados with salads helps in weight management, ideal cardiovascular health, and blood glucose control.
Eat half an avocado every day. The rich texture and flavor of avocado make it a perfect addition to any dip and spread, or when chopped into salads. However, do not overindulge in this rich, creamy fruit.
10. Dark Chocolate
dark chocolate
Many chocolates contribute to weight gain. But dark chocolate can actually help you lose weight. Dark chocolate with a high quantity of cocoa is rich in antioxidants that help you slim down. It even revives your metabolism to burn more fat.
A 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research highlights the possible implication of dark chocolate in the modulation of obesity and body weight.
Dark chocolate reduces the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, thus reducing the digestion and absorption of fats and carbohydrates, and increasing satiety.
Earlier, a 2010 study published in the journal Regulatory Peptides reported that people who either ate or smelled the chocolate that consisted of 85 percent of cocoa showed a drastic reduction in ghrelin and satiated appetites. The hormone ghrelin is produced in the body to increase your appetite.
In addition, the magnesium content of dark chocolate keeps body pain at bay, which makes exercising far more appealing.
It can even help lower blood pressure, increase blood circulation, and prevent arteriosclerosis, all side effects of obesity.
However, dark chocolate is a calorie dense food. Hence, you need to enjoy it in moderation. If you are trying to lose weight, eat an ounce of dark chocolate three times a week, with the composition of cocoa between 70 and 85%.
Certain foods can help you slim down or help you maintain a healthy weight while simultaneously packing your body with nutrients that aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing heart disease, and controlling type 2 diabetes.
These superfoods help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism to burn fat and by curbing cravings for fatty foods. In addition, these will keep your energy level high.
In addition to including these superfoods in your diet, make sure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water and do physical activities daily.
superfoods for weight loss
Here are the top 10 superfoods for weight loss.
1. Green Tea
Green tea has many health benefits rather than coffee or other beverages. It helps in maintaining the body weight to its perfection by burning body fat, which results in reduced waist circumference and weight loss, as pointed out by a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that burns calories throughout the whole day.
A 2014 study at Pennsylvania State University reports that EGCG in green tea slows down weight gain by restricting fat absorption and increasing the body’s ability to burn fat. It even keeps your body hydrated, which can help reduce your appetite.
For optimum health benefits and to manage weight, drink two cups of freshly brewed tea or concentrated green tea everyday.
2. Blueberries
Blueberry, a powerful figure friendly superfood, should also be included in your diet. These small berries contain powerful antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals.
They also contain ample amounts of soluble fiber and water that produce a feeling of fullness so that you will stay satisfied for a longer duration between meals while improving digestion.
The manganese in it metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In addition, blueberries are free from fat, cholesterol, or sodium.
A 2009 University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries help in eliminating belly fat. The polyphenols in blueberries reduce belly fat and even reduce the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
Try to eat about a cup of blueberries every day. You can eat them as a healthy snack or include them in fruit salad, smoothie, or yogurt.
3. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are great for losing weight fast, thanks to their healthy fat and fiber content.
Dietary fiber is an important weight-loss nutrient, and flaxseed has high fiber content. A 2012 study published in the Appetite journal concludes that a drink containing 2.5 g of flaxseed fiber helps to suppress appetite.
This makes you feel full in a short time, and this feeling (satiety) lasts longer.
Flaxseeds contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) that help in weight loss. A 2013 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that including a sufficient amount of omega-3s in diet helps prevent obesity.
A 2015 study published in the Nutrition journal suggests that flaxseed when added to a weight loss diet helps reduce inflammation markers such as CRP and TNF-a.
Flaxseed can even improve the lipid and metabolic profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In your diet, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed. You can sprinkle it in your smoothies, juice, yogurt, cereals, salads, or soups. However, when adding flaxseed to your diet, be sure to drink enough water throughout the day.
4. Almonds
Almond is another rich superfood that helps you slim down. Fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fat contents of almonds help in losing weight. The fiber in almonds make you feel full and nourished so that you avoid unhealthy foods.
According to a 2013 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate 1.5 ounces of almonds daily for a period of 4 weeks did not gain significant weight.
The vitamin B and zinc in almonds also help stop sugar cravings.
Eat a handful of dry roasted or soaked almonds, in place of your regular snack. As almonds contain calories, try not to eat more than 1 ounce, or 23 almonds. You can also drink unsweetened almond milk to lose weight.
5. Grapefruit
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food reports that eating half of a fresh grapefruit before meals can result in significant weight loss.
Its fat-burning ability comes from its fat-burning enzymes. Even insulin resistance can be improved with fresh grapefruit. Insulin is a fat-storage hormone that can affect your weight.
In 2014, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley found positive effect of grapefruit juice in curbing weight gain in a high-fat diet.
The study was done on 2 groups of mice. One group was fed a high-fat diet and grapefruit juice. The other group was also fed a high-fat diet but with plain water instead of grapefruit juice.
The researchers found that mice who were fed grapefruit juice gained 18 percent less weight compared the the other group.
As a grapefruit contains 90% water, it can fill you up; so you eat less. It is even packed with immune-boosting vitamins and antioxidants, and is also low in calories.
Try eating half a grapefruit before breakfast and the other half before lunch to enhance your body’s fat-burning performance.
Note: Grapefruit may not be suitable for people on certain medications such as statins and antihistamines.
6. Oatmeal
An oatmeal breakfast is great for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy body.
Oatmeal contains beta glucan, a kind of soluble fiber that helps reduce abnormal levels of fat in the blood. It induces greater feelings of fullness and a reduction in hunger.
A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that oatmeal provides more fiber than other ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.
Another study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition in the same year reports that regular intake of oats can help reduce body weight and waist-to hip ratio.
Eat oatmeal for breakfast. Cook it with skim milk and add healthy toppings such as almonds or berries to keep the calorie content loOranges
orange
Orange is an incredible superfood for weight loss. High fiber and vitamin C contents of the fruit promote weight loss.
A 2005 study published in the journal of the American College of Nutrition notes that people who eat more vitamin C–rich foods have lower body mass index as compared with those who consume less vitamin C. Vitamin C also promotes the production of carnitine in the body, which reduces fat.
Also, the fiber content of orange makes people less likely to gain weight.
A 2009 study published in the Nutrition journal reports that high-fiber foods take longer to chew and slow down the emptying of your stomach. This means fiber keeps you full for longer duration.
This low-calorie fat-free fruit is also a good source of nutrients required for a healthy body. Start your day with an orange and also drink a glass of fresh orange juice daily. However, avoid packaged orange juice as it contains sweeteners and preservatives.
8. Salmon
salmon
Cold-water fish like salmon also boosts your body’s metabolism and helps burn fat faster.
Salmon is packed with good fats, which are conducive to weight loss. Also, the good quality protein in salmon also supports weight loss.
Protein requires more energy from the body to process, thus providing the fat-burning benefits. In addition, lean sources of protein like salmon help you feel full for longer.
A 2011 study published in the journal Metabolism analyzed the differential effects of various fish proteins in altering body weight, adiposity, inflammatory status, and insulin sensitivity in high fat–fed rats and found salmon to be the most effective one.
Salmon also contains vitamin D, which is deficient in many people.
Try to eat two or three servings of salmon per week. You can try grilled or baked salmon dishesAvocados
avocado
Although avocados are high in fat, they are an excellent addition to any weight loss program. The monounsaturated fats in avocados help satisfy hunger and make you feel.
Plus, avocados are rich in L-carnitine, an amino acid used in metabolizing fat.
They also have good amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, which are effective for weight loss.
A 2014 study published in the Nutrition journal reports adding one-half of a fresh avocado to a lunch made overweight people feel more satisfied by 26% and reduced their desire to eat following a meal by 40% over a 3-hour period, and by 28% over a 5-hour period.
A 2013 study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition highlights the composition and potential health effects of ‘Hass avocados’, the most common commercial avocado cultivars in the world.
The study notes that the consumption of avocados with salads helps in weight management, ideal cardiovascular health, and blood glucose control.
Eat half an avocado every day. The rich texture and flavor of avocado make it a perfect addition to any dip and spread, or when chopped into salads. However, do not overindulge in this rich, creamy fruit.
10. Dark Chocolate
dark chocolate
Many chocolates contribute to weight gain. But dark chocolate can actually help you lose weight. Dark chocolate with a high quantity of cocoa is rich in antioxidants that help you slim down. It even revives your metabolism to burn more fat.
A 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research highlights the possible implication of dark chocolate in the modulation of obesity and body weight.
Dark chocolate reduces the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, thus reducing the digestion and absorption of fats and carbohydrates, and increasing satiety.
Earlier, a 2010 study published in the journal Regulatory Peptides reported that people who either ate or smelled the chocolate that consisted of 85 percent of cocoa showed a drastic reduction in ghrelin and satiated appetites. The hormone ghrelin is produced in the body to increase your appetite.
In addition, the magnesium content of dark chocolate keeps body pain at bay, which makes exercising far more appealing.
It can even help lower blood pressure, increase blood circulation, and prevent arteriosclerosis, all side effects of obesity.
However, dark chocolate is a calorie dense food. Hence, you need to enjoy it in moderation. If you are trying to lose weight, eat an ounce of dark chocolate three times a week, with the composition of cocoa between 70 and 85%.
Home remedies for tooth decay and cavities
Tooth decay and cavities are among the world’s most common oral health problems. These problems are most often seen in children, teenagers and older adults. However, anyone can get cavities.
Dental cavities, also referred to as caries, are holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. Decay usually occurs due to a bacterial infection that causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues in the teeth.
Certain factors can increase the risk of getting cavities, including foods that cling to your teeth for a long time, frequent snacking or sipping, poor oral hygiene, not getting enough fluoride, dry mouth, worn fillings or dental devices. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can also contribute to serious dental problems due to repeated purging.
The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on the type and the severity of the problem. Some common symptoms include toothache, tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking, visible holes or pits in the infected tooth, and black, brown or white stains on the tooth’s surface.
If cavities aren’t treated, they can lead to severe toothache, infection and even tooth loss. Some of the treatments for tooth decay and cavities are fillings, crowns and root canals.
The first step toward preventing cavities and stopping existing cavities from becoming worse is to take good care of your teeth. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Floss once a day and also clean your tongue daily.
There are also some natural remedies that can help provide relief and maintain good oral health. Also, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
tooth decay and cavities 1
Here are the top 10 home remedies for tooth decay and cavities.
1. Clove
Clove is one of the most important ingredients for treating any kind of dental issue, including cavities. Due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties, clove can help alleviate pain and prevent the cavity from spreading.
tooth decay home remedy
Dilute 2 to 3 drops of clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon of sesame seed oil. Put a few drops of this solution on a cotton ball and dab the solution on the affected tooth. Repeat every night before going to bed.
Another option is to gently chew a whole clove to extract its oil. Then keep the clove under your tongue for several minutes.
Note: Do not use clove oil in excess or too frequently as it best used for temporary relief.
2. Salt
Salt can also be used to treat cavities due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can reduce inflammation, ease pain, draw out any infection and prevent growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish a mouthful of this solution around in your mouth for 1 minute, concentrating on the affected tooth. Follow this treatment 3 times a day until your symptoms subside.
Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a little mustard oil or lemon juice to make a paste. Massage the gums gently with this paste for a few minutes, then gargle with warm water. Repeat twice daily for a few days to kill bacteria.
3. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an age-old practice that can reduce cavities as well as bleeding gums and bad breath. It helps clean the mouth of harmful bacteria that are responsible for different types of dental problems.
Put 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth.
Gently swish it around for about 20 minutes.
Spit it out. Avoid gargling or swallowing the oil.
Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Use salt water for added antimicrobial benefits.
Brush your teeth as usual.
Do this daily in the morning, on an empty stomach.
This can also be done with sunflower or coconut oil.
4. Garlic
Being rich in antibacterial as well as antibiotic properties, garlic is often recommended for tooth decay and cavities. It can also provide respite from pain and promote healthier gums and teeth.
Prepare a paste from 3 to 4 crushed garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of rock salt. Apply it on the infected tooth. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with a mouthwash. Do this twice daily for a few weeks to reduce cavities.
You can also rub garlic oil on the affected tooth to get quick relief from pain due to a cavity.
Eating raw garlic regularly can also provide effective results.
5. Licorice
According to a study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Natural Products, licorice root may help keep teeth healthy. There are two effective antibacterial compounds in dried licorice root – licoricidin and licorisoflavan A – that can prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Plus, this herb can also reduce plaque.
Use dried licorice root powder to brush your teeth on a regular basis.
You can also use a soft stick of licorice like a toothbrush to brush your teeth daily.
6. Turmeric
In Ayurveda, turmeric is often used to provide respite from cavity pain. It has antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the gums healthy and prevent tooth decay due to bacterial infection.
Apply some turmeric powder on the affected teeth. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse well with warm water.
Another option is to mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little mustard oil and use it to massage your teeth and gums. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then spit it out.
Repeat either of these remedies once or twice daily for at least a few days.
Dangote Ends Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Cement
Having ramped up cement output from its factories within Nigeria to nearly 30 million tonnes per annum, the Dangote Group tuesday announced that it had officially ended the nation dependence on imported cement.
The company also hinted that it exported 400,000 tonnes of the product to other nations in 2016.
In its 2016 full year audited results presented on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos yesterday, Dangote Cement sold 8.6 million metric tonnes of cement outside Nigeria, which is 54 per cent more than what was sold in 2015.
Analysts said the export is significant, given that the nation used to be a net importer of cement.
As at 2011, Nigeria was one of the world’s largest importers of cement, buying 5.1 million metric tonnes of foreign cement at huge expense to the country’s balance of trade.
The company’s Pan-African cement plants continued to perform well, contributing significantly to its turnover and profitability.
While presenting the results, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Onne van der Weijde, assured the investors of better returns on their investment in the Dangote Cement.
According to him, “The new year has started well and we expect much higher profitability in Nigeria in 2017, even though we may not see the volume growth we achieved in 2016. I am confident that we will deliver an even stronger performance in 2017 as we increase market share and extend our reach across Africa.”
The economic challenges notwithstanding, Weijde revealed that Dangote Cement achieved sales and revenue growth of 25 per cent and consolidated its position as Africa’s leading producer of cement.
While sales from Nigerian operations increased by 13.8 per cent to nearly 15.1 million metric tons at a growth rate far higher than the country’s GDP, which fell in 2016, its total revenue leaped by 25.1 per cent to 615.1 billion
To the delight of the investors, Dangote Cement earnings per share increased by 4.5 per cent to 11.34 and the dividend payout to the shareholders also increased significantly by 6.3 per cent to N8.5 kobo per share.
Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with nearly 46 million metric tons’ capacity across Africa.
It is a fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer with production capacity of 29.25Mta in Nigeria; Obajana plant in Kogi State is the largest in Africa with 13.25Mta of capacity across four lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta and Gboko plant in Benue State has 4Mta.
The company has also concluded arrangements to build new factories in Ogun State (3-6Mta) and Edo State (6.0Mta). Through its recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into a net exporter of cement serving neighbouring countries.
In addition, the company has invested several billion dollars to build manufacturing plants and import/grinding terminals across Africa. Its operations are in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (1.0Mta import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.7Mta import), South Africa (3.3Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).
The company also hinted that it exported 400,000 tonnes of the product to other nations in 2016.
In its 2016 full year audited results presented on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos yesterday, Dangote Cement sold 8.6 million metric tonnes of cement outside Nigeria, which is 54 per cent more than what was sold in 2015.
Analysts said the export is significant, given that the nation used to be a net importer of cement.
As at 2011, Nigeria was one of the world’s largest importers of cement, buying 5.1 million metric tonnes of foreign cement at huge expense to the country’s balance of trade.
The company’s Pan-African cement plants continued to perform well, contributing significantly to its turnover and profitability.
While presenting the results, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Onne van der Weijde, assured the investors of better returns on their investment in the Dangote Cement.
According to him, “The new year has started well and we expect much higher profitability in Nigeria in 2017, even though we may not see the volume growth we achieved in 2016. I am confident that we will deliver an even stronger performance in 2017 as we increase market share and extend our reach across Africa.”
The economic challenges notwithstanding, Weijde revealed that Dangote Cement achieved sales and revenue growth of 25 per cent and consolidated its position as Africa’s leading producer of cement.
While sales from Nigerian operations increased by 13.8 per cent to nearly 15.1 million metric tons at a growth rate far higher than the country’s GDP, which fell in 2016, its total revenue leaped by 25.1 per cent to 615.1 billion
To the delight of the investors, Dangote Cement earnings per share increased by 4.5 per cent to 11.34 and the dividend payout to the shareholders also increased significantly by 6.3 per cent to N8.5 kobo per share.
Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with nearly 46 million metric tons’ capacity across Africa.
It is a fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer with production capacity of 29.25Mta in Nigeria; Obajana plant in Kogi State is the largest in Africa with 13.25Mta of capacity across four lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta and Gboko plant in Benue State has 4Mta.
The company has also concluded arrangements to build new factories in Ogun State (3-6Mta) and Edo State (6.0Mta). Through its recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into a net exporter of cement serving neighbouring countries.
In addition, the company has invested several billion dollars to build manufacturing plants and import/grinding terminals across Africa. Its operations are in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (1.0Mta import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.7Mta import), South Africa (3.3Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).
As New Devt Bank Takes off, Finance Ministry, CBN Parley on Intervention for SMEs
Adeosun also stated that the DBN is being positioned to galvanise the SMEs sector for the overall development of the nation’s economy.
According to her, the present administration is aware of the role of SMEs in national economy, hence the resolve to position the DBN as a catalyst for the development of the SMEs.
The minister, who spoke during a Board/Management/Development partners’ retreat of the DBN in Abuja, last Monday, also assured the board that the federal government is ready to provide support for the new development financial institution.
The DBN had convened its development partners and incoming management team and Board of Directors for an inaugural strategy retreat, in order to ready itself for immediate operation upon the issuance of its licence by the CBN.
A statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Mr. Festus Akanbi, said she decried the present situation where SMEs account for 45 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but just 10 per cent of bank credit.
She pointed out that currently, Nigeria’s financing of MSMEs lagged significantly behind other countries, including Brazil (63 per cent), Ghana (36 per cent), China (30 per cent), Kenya (24 per cent), and South Africa (21 per cent).
However, the minister who disclosed that the operating licence for DBN was expected imminently also believed that through the activities of the DBN, some of the problems currently discouraging the growth of the SMEs sector would be effectively tackled.
She stated that DBN would lend to microfinance banks, which will in turn develop specific products for specific markets at a lower interest rate than currently available to SMEs.
The DBN is a wholesale financial institution, which aims to increase access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through eligible financial intermediaries (“participating financial institutions”).
It will have access to US$1.3 billon (N396.5 billion), which will be provided by the World Bank, KfW (German Development Bank), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Agence Française de Development (French Development Agency).
I Will Not Run against Buhari, Says Tinubu
In a statement filled with vitriol over a this news report published tuesday on his preparations for a run for the presidency, the former Lagos State governor denied it, stating that he was not preparing to contest for the presidency in the 2019 elections.
He said the story was aimed at placing him at odds with Buhari, adding that it was baseless.
A statement by his media office said: “First, Tinubu is not gearing up for a presidential run. So there will not be any doubt about this core matter, we shall state Tinubu’s position clearly and unequivocally.
“As long as that patriotic and committed man named Muhammadu Buhari holds and seeks to hold the mantle as our president, then Tinubu stands behind him in unwavering support and confidence.
“Tinubu remains faithful to the mission of progressive reform and change that President Buhari, he and the All Progressives Congress (APC) members have started.
“Tinubu was instrumental in the formation and success of the APC. His toil and efforts helped establish this government. He is not one to tear down something he laboured so dutifully to build.”
The statement said the report misrepresented the mild banter Tinubu had with journalists at the inauguration of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“When asked about future political office, Tinubu said he could not discount that possibility if the nation called upon him for such service, provided, he emphasised, that all political conditions were appropriate; particularly the office in question would have to be vacant, even if it’s local government area chairmanship.
“In our political lexicon, this means the office is not held by a member of the APC in good standing. We all know this.
“Moreover, if you really listen to his words, Tinubu did not mention any office or any timeframe. The conditions he mentioned may not become ripe for years to come and they might not pertain to the presidency.
“In effect, all he said was the position that any political figure would hold.
“As a politician, he cannot preclude the possibility of running for office in the future because no man knows what the future will hold,” the statement added.
The statement signed by Tinubu’s media aide, Mr. Tunde Rahman, stressed that his principal has not held any planning meetings for any such presidential campaign and is not contemplating any such meetings.
“He has no present list of possible running mates because he has no present intention of running,” it noted.
It also described as false that Tinubu ever contemplated leaving the APC to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PCP), saying: “Asiwaju is acknowledged to be the intellectual father and the driving force behind the APC. It makes no sense that he would abandon the party that he worked hard to build in order to enter the dilapidated building the PDP has become.
“Asiwaju worked for over 16 years to break the PDP yoke on the nation. After breaking that yoke, it is not in his nature to voluntarily place it back on our necks.
“Anyone who has followed his career, even his staunchest critics, knows Asiwaju for his partisan consistency. He is not a party hopper.
“He is loyal and sticks with the party to which he belongs. After fighting for so many years to elevate his party to the position of national leadership, he would not give that away in order to join with those who blame him for their currently bleak political circumstance.”
The statement added that any attempt to put Tinubu at odds with the president would fail, saying he supports and stands behind Buhari.
“He wishes the president well and that he returns soon. Whether the president is here or away, he has the full loyalty of Asiwaju Tinubu.
“President Buhari can rest assured on this point: Asiwaju Tinubu will never contest against him nor will he support anyone who does,” it said.
Hearing on Suit by Aderinokun’s Daughter against GTBank, Others Fixed for March 24
A Federal High Court in Lagos tuesday adjourned till March 24, 2017, hearing in the suit filed by Miss Oluwatise Aderinokun, the eight-year-old and last child of the late founder and former Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTB), Olutayo Aderinokun, against the bank and six others over alleged manipulation of her late father’s shares.
Others respondents in the ensuing legal battle are GTBank’s Registrar, Datamax Registrar Limited, Kanali Investments Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited, Caribod Investment Limited, Mr. Babatunwa Aderinokun, and Investment One Financial Services Limited.
At the resumed hearing of the suit tuesday, the seventh defendant, Investment One Financial Services Limited, one of the vehicles used by late Aderinokun, to acquire shares in GTBank, informed the court that it had filed an affidavit of facts before to assist the court in the judicious determination of the plaintiff’s suit.
In the particulars of the affidavit of facts deposed to by one Mike Okoh, he averred that contrary to the averment of the sixth defendant, Mr. Babatunwa Aderinokun, that the third to fifth defendants companies, namely: Kanali Investment Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited and Cariboo Investment Limited were incorporated as asset holding companies and vehicles through which late Aderinokun acquired invested and held his asset while planning his Estates during his lifetime.
The deponent averred further that other shareholders and board of directors of the above mentioned companies constituting the first wife of the deceased, Mrs. Olufunlola Aderinokun, and the children of late Olutayo Aderinokun were fully aware of the deceased assets protecting strategy via corporate vehicles.
He further stated that none of them paid for the shares neither do they participated in the management of the companies during his lifetime but only him ran the affairs of the companies.
The deponent averred further that the incomes from the assets of the companies were enjoyed by late Aderinokun mixed with his personal incomes, as he used his personal incomes to purchase assets in the various companies, as his assets are intertwined with the corporate assets of the companies during his lifetime. He acquired his assets and GTBank’s shares in the name of the three companies, which by his Will, indicated that his GTBank’s shares held in the names of three companies be distributed equally by his children.
The issues regarding the distribution of his GTBank’s shares have been the subject of various discussions between the executors of his estates.
However, Olumide Aju, lawyer representing Babatunwa Aderinokun, urged the court to strike out the affidavit of fact as it cannot be placed within the realm of any law.
In the ensuing legal battle, Oluwatise Aderinokun who is suing GTBank and other respondents through her mother, Mrs. Salamotu Aderinokun, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1723/2015, is urging the court to declare that the recognition of three limited liability companies Kanali Investments Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited and Cariboo Investment Limited (the proxies), as being entitled to the rights accruing to the shares issued by GTBank, held in the proxies’ names and in the name of her late father, Olutayo Aderinokun, is wrong and breach of the implied contract between the defendants and her late father.
The plaintiff who is a minor, is also urging the court for an enquiry into what volume of her late father’s shares issued by GTBank were held in his name and the names the three companies, Kanali Investments Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited and Cariboo Investment Limited (being shares/Properties held in trust of the beneficiaries of her late father’s estate), as at the time of his death on June 14, 2011. And an account of the exact dividends due to the joint executors/trustees of her late father’s estate, being dividend accruals on the shares held in her late father’s names through the companies,
The plaintiff is also seeking a court declaration that the recognition of the proxies by the defendants, as being beneficially entitle to the rights of her late father’s shares (issued by GTBank), held in the names of the proxies, was done in dishonest assistance of the breach of trust of her late father’s Will by the said proxy companies.
She also want the court to make an Order of Specific Performance of the implied contract between her late father, Olutayo Aderinokun, and GTBank, and Datamax Registrar Limited, whereby the said defendants are to accord late Olutayo Aderinokun all the rights and, or beneficial interest in the shares purchased by her late father, and issues by GTBank in the name of his corporate vehicles used as the proxies.
An order of perpetual injunction restraining GTBank and other defendants in the suit from cknowledging/recognising the proxies as being the beneficial owners of the rights accruing to the shares held in their names in GTBank, and paying any sum declared as dividends accruing to her late father’s shares held in his name, and the names of the said proxy companies on the instructions of the directors on record.
The plaintiff, in her statement of claim filed before the court by her lawyer, Osaro Eghobamien (SAN) of Perchstone and Graeys, averred that upon the death of her father, he gave legacies and directive to his two wives and four children and her late father also appointed GTBank Asset Management Limited (now Investment One Financial Services Limited), and Mr. Babatunwa Aderinokun as joint Executors and Trustees, both whom were granted Probate on February 16, 2012.
She also averred that during the lifetime of her father, he had a peculiar manner of acquiring his assets, using the Proxies, among other corporate structures, rather than holding these assets directly in his own name, and that payments that were made for asset acquisition, or funds received in respect of the Proxy companies, were either paid from or into his personal accounts.
Others respondents in the ensuing legal battle are GTBank’s Registrar, Datamax Registrar Limited, Kanali Investments Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited, Caribod Investment Limited, Mr. Babatunwa Aderinokun, and Investment One Financial Services Limited.
At the resumed hearing of the suit tuesday, the seventh defendant, Investment One Financial Services Limited, one of the vehicles used by late Aderinokun, to acquire shares in GTBank, informed the court that it had filed an affidavit of facts before to assist the court in the judicious determination of the plaintiff’s suit.
In the particulars of the affidavit of facts deposed to by one Mike Okoh, he averred that contrary to the averment of the sixth defendant, Mr. Babatunwa Aderinokun, that the third to fifth defendants companies, namely: Kanali Investment Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited and Cariboo Investment Limited were incorporated as asset holding companies and vehicles through which late Aderinokun acquired invested and held his asset while planning his Estates during his lifetime.
The deponent averred further that other shareholders and board of directors of the above mentioned companies constituting the first wife of the deceased, Mrs. Olufunlola Aderinokun, and the children of late Olutayo Aderinokun were fully aware of the deceased assets protecting strategy via corporate vehicles.
He further stated that none of them paid for the shares neither do they participated in the management of the companies during his lifetime but only him ran the affairs of the companies.
The deponent averred further that the incomes from the assets of the companies were enjoyed by late Aderinokun mixed with his personal incomes, as he used his personal incomes to purchase assets in the various companies, as his assets are intertwined with the corporate assets of the companies during his lifetime. He acquired his assets and GTBank’s shares in the name of the three companies, which by his Will, indicated that his GTBank’s shares held in the names of three companies be distributed equally by his children.
The issues regarding the distribution of his GTBank’s shares have been the subject of various discussions between the executors of his estates.
However, Olumide Aju, lawyer representing Babatunwa Aderinokun, urged the court to strike out the affidavit of fact as it cannot be placed within the realm of any law.
In the ensuing legal battle, Oluwatise Aderinokun who is suing GTBank and other respondents through her mother, Mrs. Salamotu Aderinokun, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1723/2015, is urging the court to declare that the recognition of three limited liability companies Kanali Investments Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited and Cariboo Investment Limited (the proxies), as being entitled to the rights accruing to the shares issued by GTBank, held in the proxies’ names and in the name of her late father, Olutayo Aderinokun, is wrong and breach of the implied contract between the defendants and her late father.
The plaintiff who is a minor, is also urging the court for an enquiry into what volume of her late father’s shares issued by GTBank were held in his name and the names the three companies, Kanali Investments Limited, Day Waterman Company Limited and Cariboo Investment Limited (being shares/Properties held in trust of the beneficiaries of her late father’s estate), as at the time of his death on June 14, 2011. And an account of the exact dividends due to the joint executors/trustees of her late father’s estate, being dividend accruals on the shares held in her late father’s names through the companies,
The plaintiff is also seeking a court declaration that the recognition of the proxies by the defendants, as being beneficially entitle to the rights of her late father’s shares (issued by GTBank), held in the names of the proxies, was done in dishonest assistance of the breach of trust of her late father’s Will by the said proxy companies.
She also want the court to make an Order of Specific Performance of the implied contract between her late father, Olutayo Aderinokun, and GTBank, and Datamax Registrar Limited, whereby the said defendants are to accord late Olutayo Aderinokun all the rights and, or beneficial interest in the shares purchased by her late father, and issues by GTBank in the name of his corporate vehicles used as the proxies.
An order of perpetual injunction restraining GTBank and other defendants in the suit from cknowledging/recognising the proxies as being the beneficial owners of the rights accruing to the shares held in their names in GTBank, and paying any sum declared as dividends accruing to her late father’s shares held in his name, and the names of the said proxy companies on the instructions of the directors on record.
The plaintiff, in her statement of claim filed before the court by her lawyer, Osaro Eghobamien (SAN) of Perchstone and Graeys, averred that upon the death of her father, he gave legacies and directive to his two wives and four children and her late father also appointed GTBank Asset Management Limited (now Investment One Financial Services Limited), and Mr. Babatunwa Aderinokun as joint Executors and Trustees, both whom were granted Probate on February 16, 2012.
She also averred that during the lifetime of her father, he had a peculiar manner of acquiring his assets, using the Proxies, among other corporate structures, rather than holding these assets directly in his own name, and that payments that were made for asset acquisition, or funds received in respect of the Proxy companies, were either paid from or into his personal accounts.
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