Former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi can become a Minister without undergoing Senate Screening.

According to the Nigerian Constitution, if the Senate
does not confirm or reject Amaechi within twenty-one
working days of the receipt of nomination he
automatically becomes a Minister of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
See excerpt from Nigerian constitution below:
147. (1) There shall be such offices of Ministers of
the Government of the Federation as may be
established by the President.
(2) Any appointment to the office of Minister of the
Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination
of any person to such office is confirmed by the
Senate, be made by the President.
(3) Any appointment under subsection (2) of this
section by the President shall be in conformity with
the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:-
provided that in giving effect to the provisions
aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one
Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene
of such State.
(4) Where a member of the National Assembly or of
a House of Assembly is appointed as Minister of the
Government of the Federation, he shall be deemed to
have resigned his membership of the National
Assembly or of the House of Assembly on his taking
the oath of office as Minister.
(5) No person shall be appointed as a Minister of the
Government of the Federation unless he is qualified
for election as a member of the House of
Representatives.
(6) An appointment to any of the offices aforesaid
shall be deemed to have been made where no return
has been received from the Senate within twenty-one
working days of the receipt of nomination by the
Senate.

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ReF-Predictor to Boost Cash-less Economy, Promotes Mobile Money

Ayodele Samuel,Lagos
Towards achieving a cash-less society and Promoting Mobile money usage, ReF-Predictor, a football gaming site has promised Nigerians that its platform will drive a cash-less society and encourage mobile money usage.

ReF-Predictor, an online innovative football contest that allows to anticipate outcomes of football matches. It adopts a novel league ranking format that rewards top 500 players every week with guaranteed prizes and special awards.

It is a unique and highly social football community that brings the latest in the football world alongside the most exciting and competitive football predictive league contest.

Speaking at it official launch in Lagos recently, The Chief Executive officer, Meidjai Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dare Lawanson assures Nigerians of imbibing cash-lite with the platform.

He said, "ReF-Predictor is the easiest way to enjoy your football with cash-lite lifestyle even without a bank account.

"We help you leverage on the ever growing relationship between mobile network operators and banks in Nigeria; an estimated 170 million people, over 140 million phone lines and 75 million bank accounts.

"ReF-Predictor format is an indigenous research and development project that promotes Zero/ low risk, high reward gaming philosophy, numerous and guaranteed winnings, social and responsible gaming, leisure options, job and self employment opportunities, wealth creation and re-distribution, and mobile money adaptation.

"The platform primary objective is to address the religious, moral, social and cultural challenges associated with predictive gaming, that influence over 27 million everyday people in our society. ReF-Predictor will promote social and responsible gaming, a will become a culture phenomenon". Dare assures.

The main objective of this ReFPredictor community is to promote Zero/ low risk gaming philosophy, guaranteed rewards to numerous winners, social and responsible gaming, leisure options, self employment opportunities, wealth creation & re-distribution, and mobile money adaptation (CBN's cashless society).

ReFPredictor addresses the religious, moral, social and cultural challenges associated with predictive gaming, that influences over 27 million every day people in our society.

26 years after, Nigerians embracing Gas to power vehicles

Ayodele Samuel in Lagos writes on how motorists are begin to embrace uses of natural gas to power their vehicles, after it was launched in Nigeria in 1989

Although its awareness is very low in the country, thousands of Nigerian motorists have begin to embrace uses of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as fuel in their vehicles.

With the recent severe fuel sacristy in many part of the country, attention is now shifting to CNG as alternative to Premium Motors Spirit (PMS) otherwise called fuel.

CNG for vehicular use was introduced into Nigeria by NGC (Nigeria Gas Company) in 1989, with two small compressors and dispensers
installed in Warri and Lagos and 25 vehicles converted to run on natural gas.
The project was noted to be a
"success" with the only downside, being the unavailability of CNG refueling stations in the county.

Today, the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) Plc, an indigenous downstream petroleum and gas operator, noted that over 5,000 vehicles currently uses Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as fuel in Nigeria.

A commercial motor driver, plying Lagos/Ibadan expressway Ibrahim Kareem told newsmen that the conversion of his vehicle to CNG early 2015 had saved him money, describing CNG powered vehicles as economical, safer, flexible and eco-friendly.

"I converted my bus to gas early this year and I am happy to tell you that I saved up to N7,500 daily on my fuel consumption.

"Before now I spent N6,000 to travel to Ibadan from Lagos but now with just N3,750, I will travel to Ibadan and come back with ease," he said.

According to Sunday Adeyemi, "most of the commercial vehicles operating between Lagos and Ibadan had converted to CNG because of its availability and the economy of scale.

"Most of us here have converted our motors to CNG because of the installment payment created by the company.

"They are aware that we cannot run away once you got converted.

"What we would have used on petroleum is being used to balance our debt; by next month, I would have completed my debt," he said.

Adeyemi said that he used the availability of CNG in his vehicles during the petrol scarcity to make more money.

"When others did not get petroleum for transportation during the fuel scarcity, I was busy making money because gas was available and cheap," he said.

For Daniel Folorunsho, a civil servant who got introduced to CNG by his friend, said that CNG was Eco-friendly and management friendly.

"Before my friend introduced me to CNG, I serviced my car every three months but now, I service it once in six months because of its Eco-friendly nature.

"It is clean and there will be no smoke coming from your motor.

"The government should enlighten road users on the advantages of CNG because it is better than petrol and it is economical and safer.

"Even the subsidy government is paying on petroleum products will reduce if more emphasis is placed on CNG usage," he said.

Getting a vehicle converted from PMS to CNG at the Ibafor CNG refilling station cost an initial deposits of about N20,000 with the balance deducted through daily purchase of gas.

An official at the station said ``When you want to convert your motor to gas, you will pay as low as N20,000, then we will put you on installment payment anytime you come to fill your cylinder.

"This method makes it convenient for our customers to pay within some months depending on your usage.

``A cubic feet of gas cost N55, if you are on our debt list, you will be paying N80 per cubic feet which means that remaining N25 will be servicing your debt.

"This will continue until you complete the payment.

"Because of this payment method, we have over 5,000 vehicles running on CNG in the country," the official said.

NIPCO's Head of Public Affairs,Taofeek Lawal said that more than 4,000 vehicles had already converted to use CNG in Benin, Edo.

Lawal said that over 500 vehicles were also operating in Lagos on the environment friendly CNG.

According to him, the aim of the CNG refilling stations in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, was to provide alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol at a reduced cost and to boost national socio-economic growth.

He also said that aside the economic gains, CNG targeted reduction of unfriendly automobile emissions and exposure of Nigerians to the innovation of powering vehicles on gas.

NIPCO's spokesperson said that the company had about 10 CNG operating stations nationwide, while others were under construction.

``CNG sustainability in Nigeria and Lagos is sustainable considering Nigeria is one of the largest producers of Natural Gas.

``Ibafo CNG station, near Lagos, is a world class facility with about 12 dispensing pump for light and heavy duty trucks refilling facilities.

"It is also sustainable in that private sector is taking the lead, as government provides enabling environment for it to thrive,'' he said.

Lawal said that the conversion of vehicles to become CNG compatible cost between N200,000 and N300,000.

He said that the cost profile of CNG vehicular conversion came with a flexible repayment package and depended on the choice of kit.

He also identified poor awareness about the innovative CNG powered vehicles to the absence of policy on natural gas vehicles and lack of natural gas supply across Nigeria.

Lawal said that stagnation of CNG revolution in Nigeria was also due to the inability of NIPCO and the Nigerian Gas Company to float a Joint Venture (JV).

He said that the lack of gas infrastructure, pricing and government support was militating against CNG expansion in Lagos.

``Nigerians are well informed towards the CNG projects but it could improve.

``The best time for CNG popularisation is when government increase the price of PMS to further compel motorist to think of the cost benefits of powering vehicles with natural gas.

``N55 per standard cubic feet of gas is equivalent to one litre of petrol which currently sells at N87 with government subsidy.

``All the necessary approval from DPR has being obtained before commencement of operation,'' he said.

Lawal said that NIPCO had concluded arraignment to build CNG refilling stations in Lagos and environs.

First published in Peoples Daily, http://www.peoplesdailyng.com/26-years-after-nigerians-embracing-gas-to-power-vehicles/

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Evil neighbour sets 62 year-old man only son ablaze in Ajeromi

Nigerians, help get justice for the only son of Asuquo sprayed with petrol and lighted to his death by an enraged neighbour!
I really shed tears today as I listened to Matthew Asuquo passionately asking justice for his dead UNIUYO undergrad son.
Emmanuel was allegedly doused with fuel on Tuesday 11th August, 2015 by a neighbour - Jane Osasa - who had a brawl with his mum months earlier. The March 2015 fight left Mrs Asuquo the gorge (photo)
Same neighbour stabbed Mr Asuquo's niece last week on the 8th of August, 2015. The poor girl came visiting - simply to collect N4,000 for some exams from her uncle!
When Mr Asuquo couldn't take it anymore and reported the second stab case to the Area B police station, he was referred to the station close to his house - Ajeromi. The family stays at Ajegunle area, Lagos. Little did he know he was calling for more trouble!
That same night, Emmanuel was roasted alive...
The efforts of the police leaves nothing to be desired. I hold my comments for now.
This is imploring Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Lagos state Commissioner of Police to intervene.
The suspect, Jane Osasa still walk free and in fact told Mr Asuquo yesterday - few hours after Emmanuel gave up the ghost that "more trouble is to come"
I hear she has the backing of her uncle - one Chinedu aka Danger.
I could only look into Asuquo's eyes today and mutter amidst tears "Justice will be served you!"

I have Mr Asuquo's contacts should you be in any position to help this 62 year-old man get justice for his ONLY son!
You can't imagine the state of the mother.
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That nonsense about 'Abo-baku'

Ayodele Samuel in Lagos state

Have spoken with the Daily Times Reporter who wrote the story and its clear it was misinterpreted. The reporter only reported a trending info around palace quoting unconfirmed sources.

To me the alleged disappearance of the Abobaku of Oba Okunade Sijuwade is meant to be a comic relief.

Am disappointed that this Abobaku stuff, an ancient fiction, has painted our Yoruba tradition in black light.

For real, the Abobaku title has been abolished centuries ago in Yoruba land and the title has been converted to Obaluaye or Saarun- the traditional principal secretary to the King.

Its a shame and disgrace that many of Yoruba origin are fast spreading this myth of no existence. Am not from Ife but have read about the Yoruba race- the Ife never had in its history the title of 'Abobaku', Obaluaye (a simple google search will confirm this), in Ife it Saarun is the Traditional Chief Principal Secretary to the Ooni.

When Oba Aderemi Adesoji joined his ancestors in 1980, did his Abobaku also travel with him?
According to history, Oba Aderemi Adesoji used two Saarun and the last died 11 years after Oba Adesoji joined his ancestors. Therefore he was not buried along with him.
The Saarun are made to take certain oath that will ensure that they don't leak the dead Ooni's secret.
In present day Yoruba kingdom, can anyone point to those who owns the Abobaku title in his village?
I think this is a challenge to the custodians of Yoruba culture, the OPC's and Traditional groups- our people are fast forgetting its history in this digital age, a solution must be proffer-
Ours generation is fast becoming a lax and lazy generation. No commitment to history and research again. A lot of us don't know the distinction between sarcasm and real stuff; cannot differentiate fiction from reality and speculation from material evidence.

Ayodele Samuel is a Lagos based Journalist and Agro specialist
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Owanbe training: Raising Fashion specialists from the street

Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

Few days ago, I visited Owanbe Training Center owned and managed by my very good friend with high taste for quality and standard, Ola Abraham Emmanuel.
Owanbe Nigeria Limited top list of Fashion and Photography firm in town.
He started about 30months ago, after graduating from Prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism NIJ, and has since merge his journalistic and creative knowledge to the fashion industry.

Little wonder he sewn for immediate former President Goodluck Jonathan, some governors, corporate bodies and respected individuals.
His 30 months in the sector, has armed him with over than 30 years of knowledge and experience. 
'Africa' has we call him, had his good and bad times in growing his business empire. Today he has the best of modern fashion equipments at his factory and training center, in 2013 his company single-handedly organized africa's largest fashion. 
Africa has benefitted from the knowledge that comes from risk, adventure and creativity. He once went bankrupt but bounce back making good profits, his name was not on any bank debtors list.

This young man said he decided to give back to the society that made by organizing a 3 months intensive fashion training that will cover male and female designs, colour theory, illustrations, starting and setting up, marketing and financing. 

When he ran me through the course packaged in the three months training, I confessed it was too cheap for a N10,000. He told me it actually cost 75,000 and its a CSR promo to empower people.

'Africa' added that he will be bringing Business expert for training, according to him Lagos State coordinator of SMEDAN has agreed to take a session at this forthcoming training.

 He said the SMEDAN official will be  talking about starting a small scale and medium fashion enterprise in Nigeria and how you can access business funds from federal Government.

His target his to raise fashion expert and stylist from our army of unengaged and unemployed youths in the country.
 This total package can help you boast your income or start a new business in the nearest future. No doubt the World is looking towards our fashion industry and would soon became a major export for Nigeria.
The good thing is that there are morning, evening and weekend classes. Registration for this training ends on Friday (Aug.7) and induction for participants is on Monday (Aug.10), sponsor yourself or someone you want a brighter future for... Its a lifetime opportunity

Owanbe CEO  Emmanuel Ola-Abraham can be reached  on 08165314466 and  2BECC94C.‎

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Oil Spillage: the battle continues daily in Niger Delta

Nigeria Oil Rich, Niger Delta region communities  helplessly  battles oil spillage daily, Ayodele Samuel writes


 
Freeborn Roland lives in Ikarama community with his family, two of whom
are twins less than four months old.
Ikarama, an Ijaw-speaking community along the Taylor Creek in Okordia
Clan ,Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, of Nigeria oil rich Niger
Delta region
 
In 2011, Roland house was gut fire after an oil spill site near his
plank building was set ablaze, he lost some of his belongings, money and his
children suffered serious health complications, his fears remains as the spill
is coming back in 2013.
 
His new home is now surrounded by crude oil; with his family living helplessly
in danger of  its hazard.
 'see what these people (oil companies) have
done to my kids''he said while expressing concern of the impact of
the spillage on his family, especially his new born twins.
 
Ikarama community blessed with oil facilities which  include wellheads, manifold and pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company [NAOC] and Shell Petroleum Development Company [SPDC] , fishing, farming, hunting and weaving are some of the traditional means of livelihood of the people but spillage of crude oil remains a nightmare in the community.
 Oil spillage is a regular occurrence in oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region, sometimes very close to living homes like the Roland's residents.
This time its fresh crude oil spilling from Shell's Okordia/Rumuekpe
Trunk line of Ikarama community.
Although Roland's family is closest to the affected swamp, other
families also live in close proximity.
 Apart from the swamp, the gutter
around the environment is flooded with crude oil and flowing across to another
swampy communities with the help of heavy rains.
Apart from the crude oil spreading to cover farmlands, ponds, lakes and
even the Taylor Creek, Environmental Activists says oil companies often pay
youths to set fire to the area where the spill has occurred.
This can reduce the spread of the oil but has other detrimental effects
on the environment and residents.
 
Its spillage !
  
 "The first sign of the spill was when we
perceived the smell of fresh crude oil in the air, early Tuesday, 4th June,
2013. And, because of past experiences and strong current of the smell, we
[with her husband] tried to trace and we later discovered that the spill had
just occurred along the pipeline near us. Crude was just oozing out from the
ground and flowing into the swamp around,"Freeborn Roland wife,  Patience said.
 
 
"As you can see now, the
crude oil has spread all over the swamp. We that are living so close will
suffer the consequence again; you are aware how my children fell sick last
time. Even now they have not fully recovered. My twins are just about three
months of age and, you can imagine the risk of living within this immediate
environment highly impacted by crude oil again. We pray that this time around
they don't set fire on the impacted site and that Shell will mop up the crude
oil as soon as possible."
 
Angry Community blames Shell
 
Residents of Ikarama condemned officials of Shell Petroleum for their
poor and nonchalant response to oil spills in the Niger Delta.
 
Washington Odoyibo the Public Relations Officer of Ikarama Community
Development Committee is also angry at the spill but blamed  Shell and third party activities.
"I was annoyed after I
got to the spill site and saw that some persons must have tampered with the oil
pipeline. It was very obvious; some newly dug mud was around the spot that was
spewing crude oil. My anger stems from the fact that our community will not
benefit any positive outcome from such spills occasioned by third party
activity. "Again, our environment has suffered severely from the negative
impacts of countless spills we have experienced. I was in Yenagoa when I heard
of the spill on 4th June, 2013 and, I visited the site within hours of that
information. It is very unfortunate. The swamp that the crude oil flowed into
is in my family land and, this is about the 3rd or 4th time that swamp is being
impacted; wasted.
 
"We used to fish in that
swamp from time to time. But these oil spills would not allow us to use it
anymore. I just hope Shell will mobilize to site and contain the situation. But
again, Shell should be held accountable for negligence because SPDC was
informed on the 4th about this incident but the company delayed action until
Friday, 7th June, 2013. They came to clamp it on Friday but they couldn't
conclude and they only succeeded in doing so on Saturday, 8th June, 2013. Now,
due to the fact that Shell failed to act promptly, the crude oil has spread all
over the swamp. May be that is what Shell wants; those who sponsored the spill.
Coming to spread boom in the swamp after the crude has covered everywhere is
hypocritical of Shell."
 Asked the cause of spill, the
Odoyibo indicated sabotage. "Like I said
before, I do not have quarrels with the cause because it was obvious; my concern is Shell's response to the spill."
 
Right Groups demand actions
Amnesty International (AI) recently slam Shell over
claims that sabotage was responsible for oil spills in Nigeria, insisting that
the oil giant is to be blamed for the spills in Nigeria's oil rich Niger Delta
region.
Also Nigeria leading  Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the
Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) called on Shell to immediately mop up,
clean up and remediate the impacted community.
The group urged  relevant
agencies of  Nigeria government to step
in to ensure that the impacted environment is properly mopped up and cleaned.
While calling on Shell to look inwards to identify staff and contractors
that sponsor sabotage and bring an end to the series of spills in Ikarama and
environs, ERA/FoEN advised Community dwellers to resist
temptation to engage in acts of sabotage and save themselves and their
environment pollution.
 
No spill is acceptable- Shell
 
 "We work hard to reduce the number and volume of operational spills" Shell says on its official website.
A report on the spill obtained from Shell's website estimated the
volume of crude that spilled into the creeks 447 barrels. The company estimated
that 379 barrels of the spilled crude oil remained in the environment while 67
barrels had evaporated.
"Over the past five years,
from 2008 to 2012, just under a quarter of the oil that escaped from SPDC
facilities was due to operational causes such as human error or equipment
failure. In the case of operational spills the company negotiates compensation
with the landowner. It may also help by providing clean water and food, No
spill is acceptable and SPDC is working to improve its performance in this
area,"Shell said.