Lagos police excesses  The attention of the Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Police must be drawn to the roadblock being mounted by its men on Eric Moore Road /Abebe (NBL) Road junction, Lagos. Their activities have become embarrassing to the Nigeria Police, thereby thwarting the re-branding efforts of the Inspector General of Police, as they make irrelevant... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Politicians and emergency rule With the prevailing insecurity in the nation and the declaration of emergency by President Goodluck Jonathan, I think we should be glad that a bold step is being taken at last. One wonders at the utterances of some politicians. They instigated Boko Haram by their greed and ineptitude and not poverty as they want us... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

ACN’s emergency rule stance It is unfortunate that our political leaders are systematically destroying the future of our country Nigeria due to their selfishness. I have a question for all the Action Congress of Nigeria leaders; if truly they have the interest of this country at heart, what would they have done differently and what solution did they proffer... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Non-viable states The crises facing the nation after its political independence are as a result of the imbalance created by the past visionless leaders who have governed it. Most of them are ethnically biased in the interpretation of federalism. Most of the states created are not viable in terms of socio-economic activities and that is the reason... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Appeal to Gov. Akpabio  It is incredible that in a state like Akwa Ibom that is receiving applause from within and outside Nigeria, a community like Ikot Udofia in Nsit Atai L.G Area, is not in the state government scheme of being availed the dividends of democracy. Ikot Udofia does not have motorable roads (besides pathways constructed by colonial... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Doctors/lab scientists rift Recently, the Medical Scientists Association of Nigeria protested against the appointment of medical doctors as head of laboratory services and Chief Medical Directors of government-owned tertiary hospitals. According to the association, their profession is being treated as inferior to that of medical doctors. I must say here that I have never seen a qualified doctor... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Nigeria’s poor image Image is a reflection of reality. The image of our country is very poor. The reason is not far-fetched. It is because of poor governance over the years. The overall result is very high corruption in all areas of our life leading to insecurity in all ramifications such as militancy, Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping and... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Pardon for Boko Haram terrorists? To some people on the high horse, life means nothing when things are still going their way. Not until they lose a soul dear to their heart would they for once think and act congruently along the line of unmitigated logic. The Nigerian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has been... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Mutually assured destruction  One is genuinely alarmed at the drumbeats of war sounding across Nigeria. The cacophony of voices issuing threats on calamity that will befall us if President  Goodluck Jonathan is allowed or disallowed to run for the 2015 presidential election is frightening. One could be forgiven for believing that 2015 is the doomsday for Nigeria. The... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Before we finally lose the North… (2) Concluded from Wednesday  A lot of the responses to the problem of limited economic opportunities merely scratch the surface. The missing link has been poor planning, politicisation of programmes in the north, the lack of openness and citizens’ participation. Promoting transparency, openness and predictability in government youth employment and empowerment programmes can improve the benefits... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Does a woman’s clothing seduce rapists? Rape has become a major crime in our country today. Hardly does a day go by without one hideous report of rape or other abuse of women grabbing the headlines. Of major concern is the rising incident of paedophiles preying on minors. These are men old enough to be parents to their victims. The cases... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

JTB moves to develop tax administrators’ capacity The Acting Chairman, Joint Tax Board, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, on Wednesday urged tax administrators in the country to develop their capacity to be able to cope with the dynamic nature of the taxation. Mashi, who stated this in a keynote address delivered at the leadership capacity building programme for chairmen of states’ Boards of Internal... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

FirstRand eyes Keystone, Mainstreet, dumps Enterprise Bank The Managing Director and Chief Executive, FirstRand Bank, Mr. Sizwe Nxasana, has said the bank is no longer interested in Enterprise Bank Limited. Reuters quoted the Nxasana as however saying that it was still interested in Keystone Bank Limited and Mainstreet Bank Limited. FirstRand, South Africa’s second-largest bank by value, had earlier said it was... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Forbes names Okonjo-Iweala among 100 most powerful women The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been ranked number 83 in Forbes’ 100 world most powerful women. According to the list released on Wednesday, President of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda (47), Okonjo-Iweala (83) and Mrs. Helen Johnson-Sirleaf  (87) were the only Africans on the list. German Chancellor, Mrs. Angela Merkel, was the first... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Zimbabwe Stock Exchange plans IPO Zimbabwe’s Stock Exchange, whose main industrial index has jumped by 38 per cent this year, plans to sell shares through an initial public offering by the end of 2013, according to the country’s Securities Exchange Commission. The market value of shares listed on the bourse may nearly double to $10bn from the current $5.4bn over... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Index rises by 0.6% as 37 stocks appreciate The increase in equity trading activities recorded on Monday continued on Wednesday with major indices closing positive. At the close of trading on Wednesday, the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s All-Share Index rose by 0.6 per cent or 213.28 basis points from 37,046.63 points on Tuesday to 37,259.91 points. Similarly, the market capitalisation of the listed equities... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Ghana raises benchmark rate to 16% The Bank of Ghana unexpectedly raised its benchmark interest rate by one percentage point to stabilize a weakening currency as inflation reached a three-year high, Bloomberg News reported. The policy rate was lifted to 16 per cent, Governor Kofi Wampah told reporters in Accra, on Wednesday.  Five out of six economists surveyed by Bloomberg predicted... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Shareholders endorse Skye Bank’s plan to raise N50bn Shareholders of Skye Bank Plc have endorsed the plan by the bank to raise additional capital of up to N50bn. A statement by the bank explained that the shareholders gave the approval on Wednesday during the bank’s seventh Annual General Meeting in Lagos. They also approved the bank’s plan to raise the money from the... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Lagos goes for vanity tax “Tax collectors and sinners” appear multiple times in the Synoptic gospels. Underlying the construction of that phrase is an attitude that suggests that the iniquities of a tax collector do not make him easily “subsume-able” under the umbrella label of “sinners.” In Bible times, a Jewish tax collector is no ordinary sinner; his moral transgressions... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Dangote to invest $600m in sugar production The investment drive of the Kwara State Government has yielded dividends as the President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has pledged to invest over $600m in the production of sugar in the state as well as Kebbi and Sokoto states. Dangote, who stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy call on the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

2015: Oyo’s gradual descent into do-or-die politics In this piece, AKINWALE   ABOLUWADE writes that with barely two years to the 2015 general elections, party politics in Oyo State is degenerating into violence, as political parties battle for the soul of the state. The election year, 2015, is barely two years away but for political parties in Oyo State; the period appears too...  Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Politics | 0 Comments

Bank CEOs apologise to Reps for non-appearance Nine bank chief executive officers who failed to honour the invitation of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on May 12, complied with the summon on Wednesday with apologies in Abuja. The bank chiefs, the News Agency of Nigeria reported, told the committee members that they were truly sorry for failing to honour the... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Electricity: World Bank to assist Nigeria generate 2,000MW The World Bank has said it will help Nigeria to generate additional 2,000 megawatts of electricity in the next two years through support to independent power producers. The Country Director for Nigeria, World Bank, Ms. Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent on the sideline of the ongoing country performance reviews. Marie-Nelly... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Capital market recovers 94.3% of 2008 losses If the figures obtained at the close of Wednesday’s equity trading is anything to go by, then the capital market is well on the way to hitting the pre-meltdown peak of 2008. Investigations by our correspondent showed that the market had recovered about 94.3 per cent of the losses incurred at the begi Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

…gets FG approval despite stakeholders’ objection The Federal Government on Wednesday approved the revised 2013 National Civil Aviation Policy despite serious objections by stakeholders in the sector. The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, disclosed the approval to journalists at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja. He spoke alon Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Aviation policy: 20 private jets leave Nigeria About 20 private jets registered abroad but flying in Nigeria may have left the country barely one month after the Federal Government unveiled a new policy barring foreign-owned aircraft from staying in the country beyond 15 days, aviation industry sources have disclosed. The 20 private jets, it was gathered, w Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

PIB won’t benefit Nigerians without local content — Nwapa The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, an engineer, has said that developing local content will ensure that Nigerians benefit from the multi-billion dollar investments expected to flow into the country after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill. Failure to sufficiently domicile the service and manufacturing ends of the...&# Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

World’s biggest wave farm approved in Western Isles NEW YORK: Ministers have approved plans for the world’s largest commercial wave farm, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported on Wednesday. Full consent has been given for a 40MW farm off the north-west coast of Lewis – enough to power nearly 30,000 homes. Wave energy firm Aquamarine Power said it would begin installing its Oyster devices... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Lagos to inaugurate 10.4MW power plant in August The Lagos State Government says it has built a 10.4megawatts Alausa Independent Power Plant to replace the 14 MW diesel generators used within the state secretariat. The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofiq Tijani, said the IPP would be inaugurated in August, this year. He stated this on Tuesday at a press... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Oil price: Brent continues to slide Brent futures dropped further below $104 per barrel on Wednesday, as data showing a surprise jump in United States gasoline stockpiles and worries that peak summer demand in the world’s top oil consumer may falter dragged down prices, upstreamonline.com reported on Wednesday. But losses were capped ahead of minutes from a US Federal Reserve m Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

US LNG export review process faces scrutiny The United States government’s review process for liquefied natural gas export proposals needs to be re-evaluated, the head of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee said on Tuesday, according to a report. US Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, a skeptic of unlimited gas exports and chairman of the committee, noted the landscape... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

No cause for alarm over IOCs’ divestments –NNPC Despite the fact that a number of International Oil Companies operating in Nigeria has divested parts of their assets, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has said there is no cause for alarm. The  Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, who spoke at the West African Development Luncheon at the just concluded... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Builders sign up for Chapleton of Elsick project LONDON: Developers behinds plans for a major new town development in Aberdeenshire have signed deals with three housebuilders for the first phase of the project, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported on Wednesday. The Chapelton of Elsick project, 10 miles south of Aberdeen, has a long-term target of 8,000 homes. The planned site is a 2,000-acre... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Fashola commends Mutiu on Lagos tourney Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has commended ex- Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju for his ingenuity, deep thinking and plan for the Lagos International Football Tournament, assuring him of government’s partnership and support for the soccer initiative. The competition is scheduled for July 25 to 28 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. It will feature... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Garcia sorry after ‘stupid’ Woods fried chicken jibe Sergio Garcia said “sorry” 11 times and used the word “apology” on five occasions as he spoke of his regret at causing a furore by making a “fried chicken” jibe at world number one Tiger Woods. Spaniard Garcia told reporters that his comment, made at the European Tour Player of the Year awards on Tuesday,... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Diogu helped me into D’Tigers – Aminu New Orleans Hornets forward Al-Farouq Aminu has revealed how compatriot Ike Diogu helped him out in getting a call-up to D’Tigers ahead of Nigeria’s campaign at last year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela. Aminu impressed with his versatility, averaging 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in the competition. Along with Diogu, he was... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Forget Olympic disappointment, Elegbeleye tells Nigerians Newly-appointed Director General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has assured that efforts would be made to know what went wrong for Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympics. Elegbeleye gave the assurance when he officially took over the mantle of leadership at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The DG, who said his... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

No panic over withdrawals –Keshi Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said there is no cause for alarm despite the late withdrawals of some key players in the Super Eagles. As at Wednesday, some of the invited players were yet to join the team at their Germany camp, prompting followers of the team to cast doubts over the ability of the... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Fuludu backs N150,000 players’ minimum wage Ex-international, Edema Fuludu, has said the N150,000 proposed minimum salary for players in the Nigeria Professional Football League is feasible only if the necessary structure was put in place. Fuludu, who made the remark in Lagos on Wednesday, stressed that the League Management Company should make the proposal compulsory. The LMC recently proposed making N150,000...  Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

SONigeria needs sponsors for games Special Olympics Nigeria has yet to fix the date for its Regional Games slated for Enugu due to non-availability of sponsors, SONigeria National Director, Folasade Bolumole, has said. She was optimistic, however, that the body would get some sponsors before July, the proposed month for the regional games in Enugu SONigeria is a non-profit organisation... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

MITVBase concert re-unites Snoop, D’Banj The first ever MTV Africa All Stars concert held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, People’s Park, Durban South Africa has been described as “one to remember for music lovers.” With top African DJ’s, DJ Caise and DJ Cleo, also on ground, the concert featured top African acts that include 2Face, Dbanj, Fally Ipupa, Flavour, Zakes... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Back from Dubai with Legend goodies Promoters of the Legend Real Deal Promo face a tough time convincing a winner that they are not fraudsters    Luck and a sip at a bottle of Legend Extra Stout has changed the fortune of Solomon Okoroike, a native of Owerri, Imo State. Okoroike had, on May 10, emerged one of the winners of... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Achebe’s body finally kisses his country’s soil The arrival of the body of the foremost writer, the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, on Tuesday, is a lesson in the reunion that death at times brings, AKEEM LASISI writes    The body of legendary writer, Prof. Chinua Achebe, kissed the earth of his fatherland in Abuja on Tuesday, when it was brought down from... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Christ Crusaders plan big for anniversary Gospel-juju star, Yinka Ayefele, is billed to perform at the Christ Crusader’s Deliverance Ministry, Akute-Odo, Ogun State on Sunday, when the church  will hold its 15th anniversary. According to the founder and General Overseer, Pastor Festus Adewole, the progress the church has recorded since it started with just about three people ‘under a canopy’ inspired... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Lagos City Orchestra excites MUSON with ‘The Messiah’ The MUSON Centre had an exciting evening recently when the Lagos City Chorale and Orchestra held its 25th anniversary performance there. With some members of the MUSON Choir also on stage with it, the award-winning group celebrated the silver Jubilee with the presentation of what many regard as the world’s most popular and imperishable oratorio,... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

COSON stars dance for God Pastor Chris Okotie’s church, Household of God, Lagos, hosted an unusual number of musicians on Sunday when the Copyright Society of Nigeria held a service there to mark the beginning of its ‘COSON Week’. On hand to thrill guests were Panam Percy Paul, Princess Anne Iyang, Dizzy K. Falola, Asu Ekiye, BOUQUI, Segun Obe and... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

I am not dating Deputy Speaker –Isabela Winner of the 2012 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Isabela Ayuk, has said that she has no romantic relationship with the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. She was, on Tuesday, quoted on Linda Ikeji Blog as saying that a rumour being peddled in this regard was false. She says, “As an MBGN... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Barrister’s associates go to court The status of ‘Barrister’ Last Message’, his purported album released after his death, is now a subject of litigation, AKEEM LASISI writes    Although fuji creator, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, left behind a large family, his house has not witnessed the kind of dispute that usually trails the death of a polygamist of his calibre. Many... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Jang calls for re-evaluation of accountancy practice Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang has called for a re-examination of the practice of accountancy to check the growing cases of corruption in the country. Jang spoke in Jos on Tuesday at the second session of the mandatory continuing professional development programme organised by the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria. The governor, who was... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

First Bank upgrades IT infrastructure First Bank of Nigeria Limited has said it is currently upgrading its IT infrastructure to enhance service delivery and provide specialised financial solutions to all customer segments. A statement by the bank on Tuesday quoted the Head of Marketing, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, as saying that the bank’s upgrade to Finacle 10 banking platform would simplify... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

FIRS projects 12% increase in tax revenue The Federal Inland Revenue Service has said it plans to generate a total of N5.6tn from taxes this year. The Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Kabir Mashi, said at a stakeholders’ workshop to review the redesigned tax return forms in Lagos on Monday that the set target would be an increase of 12 per cent... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Dollar resumes rise against yen The dollar rose against the yen on Tuesday after a Japanese minister clarified remarks about the yen’s drop, but many awaited the Federal Reserve chief’s testimony before adding to bets on a stronger United States currency, Reuters reported. Speculation the Fed will trim its bond purchases sooner than expected has mounted given signs of an... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Analysts predict inflation’ll remain below 9% in 2013 Financial analysts have said inflation rate will remain in single digit throughout 2013, pointing out that forecast projects the rate to be below nine per cent for the remaining period of the year. Analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, in a report made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, said, “Our revised average inflation rate... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Jonathan orders MDAs to complete abandoned projects The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, on Tuesday said President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to resuscitate and complete abandoned projects that were economically viable. Ochekpe, who stated this while inaugurating the Erusu/Arigidi Dam project in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State, added... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Ogun introduces cash-less policy in hospitals In an effort to ensure financial transparency in the health sector, the Ogun State Government has introduced the cash-less policy in all hospitals owned by it. The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Ajibola Chokor, revealed this at a sensitisation meeting with the stakeholders on the need for the policy in Abeokuta... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

World Bank reviews $5.4bn investments in Nigeria The World Bank on Tuesday began a review of its investments and activities worth $5.4bn in Nigeria. The investments are in 26 projects and involve 200 entities across the country. Speaking at the beginning of the review in Minna, Niger State, the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Ms. Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, said the bank had... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Help us, Amosun  This is to draw the attention of Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, to the deplorable state of Agbado-Abule-Ijoko-Sango Road. The mass of people living along this route are currently going through hell to access other parts of the state and the nearby Lagos as the road gets messier by the day especially when it rains.... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

State of Oshodi roads  I want to commend the Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, Muse Bolaji Ariyo, for his contribution towards the repair of some roads in Mafoluku, Oshodi area of the council. However, I am imploring the chairman to check the activities of the contractors so as to fasttrack their work. For instance, the Oshodi Road project... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

LASU regrets What else can those who were not born with silver spoons in their tiny mouths do again to acquire education in this country called Nigeria? How can someone spend seven years at the Lagos State University School of Part Time Studies for a programme of five years and yet no result to show for it?... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

Ibafo cries for help I want to use this medium to remind the Ogun State Government about the situation of things in Ibafo. It is rather unfortunate that the residents of Ibafo cannot feel the presence of the government at all .It is just like an Island on its own. The state of Ibafo reminds me of the literary... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

FG to tackle unemployment with graduate entrepreneurship scheme As part of proactive measures    aimed  at  tackling graduate unemployment across the country, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has inaugurated the University Entrepreneurship Development Programme to promote self-employment among the youth, right from institutions of Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Etisalat signs $1.2bn deal with Zenith, FBN, others Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, trading under the name of Etisalat Nigeria, has signed a $1.2bn medium-term syndicated loan facility agreement with Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and 10 other banks. The company plans to use the proceeds to refinance existing commercial medium-term debt of $650m and continue... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Power projects: FG to access $500m AfDB loan The Federal Government on Tuesday said it had activated a $500m African Development Bank loan to boost power infrastructure in the country. It said the loan would serve as an intervention fund in the power sector and would be released in tranches of $100m. Speaking during the inauguration of a technical monitoring com Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Investment in oil, gas free zones now N900bn The existing Oil and Gas Free Trade Zones have attracted over 150 companies into the country and N900bn ($6bn) worth of investments, the  Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority has said. The Managing Director, OGFTZA, Onne, Mr. Victor Alabo, who spoke on behalf of the government during the 4th annual Free Trade Zone conference... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Number portability: Telecoms subscribers complain of poor services A month into the Mobile Number Portability scheme introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecoms subscribers in the country are still complaining of poor quality services from their respective networks. Various complaints, including dropped calls and network failure, among others, have continued to emerge from subscribers in the country contrary to expectations that the MNP... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

‘New Enugu airport terminal’ll be ready next year’ Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, has said the new Enugu International Airport Terminal will be completed by December 2014. She said the project, which would include a terminal for perishables, would cost about N13.3bn. Oduah said this in Enugu at the foundation laying of the new terminal, which President Goo Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Honda showcases 9th generation Civic The Honda Place Nigeria has unveiled the ninth-generation Honda Civic in Lagos. It was recently face-lifted to incorporate upscale features such as sleek, energetic and aerodynamic design. Head of sales and marketing, Mr. Deepak Daryanani said the previous-generation Honda Civic had a revolutionary look, but added that Honda had chosen evolution for the latest model.... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

NLC decries poor safety standards in workplaces The Vice-President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Issa Aremu, has called on employers of labour in Nigeria to adhere to health and safety standards in their workplaces. In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, he decried what he observed as the lack of commitment to Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

E-Recruitment can solve selection challenges – Dragnet MD The Managing Director, Dragnet Solutions, Mr. Rober Ikazoboh, has said lack of standards and the poor adoption of technology were part of the causes of recruitment challenges in the public sector. A statement by the screening and computer-based tests solutions firm said Ikazoboh, made the call in Lagos. He explained that the quality of the... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Ibeto begins payment of Nigercem workers’ retirement benefits Ibeto Cement Company has announced the commencement of payment of the outstanding retirement benefits for former employees of the Nigerian Cement Company Plc. The company said in a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday the was sequel to its emergence as the core investor and majority shareholder in Nigercem Plc.  It said, “The... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Mercedes-Benz’s new E-Class sets benchmark in luxury The E-Class is easily the most important car from the stable of Mercedes-Benz, going by the considerable attention and mention it enjoys from the manufacturer, reviewers and lovers of luxury vehicles As an outstanding model, it generates the largest profit and spans the most derivatives: saloon, estate, cabriolet and coupé, notes the Telegraph, in its... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

IGate sacks CEO over undisclosed relationship Information Technology  outsourcing company iGate Corporation said it had sacked its chief executive, Phaneesh Murthy, for not disclosing a relationship with a subordinate after investigating one of the industry’s best-known executives for sexual harassment, Reuters reported on Tuesday. Murthy had led several initiatives to improve the performance of the Fremont, California-based company, including charging clients... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Business | 0 Comments

Government is unfair to chess players –Adu USA-based Nigerian chess player, International Master Oladapo Adu, who captained Nigeria’s gold medal winning team at the 2012 Chess Olympiad,  in this interview with ’TANA AIYEJINA, says he is unhappy over government’s refusal to honour the team    Can you shed light on the project you are working on at the moment? I am working... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Eagles future hangs on World Cup ticket — Oboabona Super Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona has said the future of most of the players hangs on qualification for next year’s World Cup. Nigeria lead their qualifying group for Brazil 2014, but they are hard pressed by second-placed Malawi and would need to win their next two games away in Kenya and Namibia early in June... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Nigeria take on Libya in Africa beach soccer All eight teams participating at the African qualifiers that are taking place in El Jadida in Morocco from May 22 to 26 have the same goal: to reach the final match and grab one of two tickets for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup later this year in Tahiti. The tournament draw, which happened the... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Mikel opts out of Mexico friendly Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, is likely to stay away from Nigeria’s friendly game against Mexico on May 31. An official of the Nigeria Football Federation told Supersport.com that Mikel had asked to be excused from the tune-up match in order to rest and take care of personal issues. The official said on Tuesday,... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Durant makes $1m tornado pledge Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is pledging $1m for tornado relief through his family foundation. The American Red Cross announced on Tuesday that the gift from The Durant Family Foundation is meant to match other donations and be an incentive for more people to give. Red Cross’ regional CEO Janienne Bella said the organization... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Onyali hopeful on Elegbeleye’s developmental programmes Olympic  silver  medallist, Mary Onyali, has urged the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye to ensure that he transforms Nigerian sports through quality grass-root programmes. The former Africa 100m and 200m champion said she was convinced that the DG would not disappoint on the developmental expectations of  building through grass-roo Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Agbim: Wolves give Rangers payment ultimatum Warri Wolves have given Rangers two weeks to pay up Chigozie Agbim’s transfer fee or they would be forced to recall the goalkeeper. Both clubs agree the international shot stopper could leave for N8m. Media officer of the Wolves Etu Moses in a statement described as sad that “since the agreed date of May 15... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Heineken stars on the ‘Road to Wembley Final’ The last leg of the ‘Road to the Final’ is set for five Nigerian fans that will get the opportunity to watch the final match of the UEFA Champions League live at the Wembley Stadium. The lap begins on Thursday when they depart Lagos to London to enjoy the Heineken Champions League final experience. The... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

MISTON 2013: 16 teams confirm participation The picture for Mimiko International Soccer Tournament – MISTON 2013 – is getting clearer as the kick off date draws closer. The 16 teams expected to feature in the competition have confirmed their entries, the Local Organizing Committee told The PUNCH on Monday. The detail released by the Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee, Mr. Wahab... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

YSFON commends MTN Football scholar Secretary of the Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria Harrison Iyonoma has commended the efforts of MTN Football Scholar in discovering educated footballers in the country. While speaking at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State during the ongoing trials for the MTN Football Scholar Academy, the football administrator  gave kudos to MTN for... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Lagos to stage inter-clubs tourney The Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Enitan Oshodi, says the state is fully set to stage the Inter-Clubs Competitions in June. The competitions, which will be organised by the 36 sports associations, are facilitated by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development and The Grassroots Sports Development Office.  “June will be a busy month... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Lesh tennis clinic to hold May 27 The Lesh Tennis Coaching Clinic will hold on May 27, organisers of the event have said. Chief Coach of Lesh Tennis Club, Segun Lesi, said beside learning the game, kids would be treated to a carnival-like atmosphere laced with music, dancing and spelling competitions. Lesi said, “We chose Children’s Day for this year’s event because... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Confederations Cup: Eagles can go all the way –Erico Former Super Eagles assistant coach, Joe Erico, is tipping Nigeria to be among the last four teams at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, and possibly make it to the final of the event in June. Nigeria are in the same group with world champions, Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti, while former world champions and hosts,...  Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

GTBank/Ogun Principals Cup: Alamura, Remo High School clash in final Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado-Odo will today slug it out with Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu in the final match of the maiden edition of the GTBank-sponsored Ogun State Principals Cup. The battle is for the ultimate prize – N1m – courtesy of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. In the first semi-final match, Alamuwa Grammar School dismissed... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Taekwondo team get visas, leave for Germany The Nigeria taekwondo team will depart for Germany of Wednesday for a training tour of the country after obtaining visas to travel from the German Embassy. The embassy had initially denied the team visas, but it later rescinded its decision of Tuesday and issued the eight-man team their travel documents. The international training tour is... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Jonathan showers cash on Eaglets, athletes President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday showered cash rewards on members of the National Under-17 football team, the Golden Eaglets and the Under-18 African Youth Athletic champions for their recent outstanding performances. While the Eaglets finished second in the just-concluded African U-17 Championship in Morocco, the athl Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch Sports | 0 Comments

Bookseller jailed three months for selling pirated copies of el-Rufai’s book  A Federal High Court  in Lagos  on Wednesday, sentenced a bookseller, Chibueze Akamu, to three months imprisonment, for selling pirated copies of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai’s recently published book, ‘The Accidental Public Servant’. In the book, El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, gave an account of his... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

We’ve arrested killers of the late Kwara CP – Police The Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, on Wednesday said the suspected killers of Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chinwike Asadu, have been arrested. Asadu was murdered about three months ago at his Amorji-Nike residence in Enugu State. Making the disclosure to journalists in Enugu during his official working visit to the state, Abubakar... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments

First Bank divests from First Registrars – official Mr Bayo Olugbemi, the Managing Director, First Registrars Ltd., on Wednesday said that First Bank of Nigeria had divested from the company.  Olugbemi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the divestment was perfected under a management buyout.  He told NAN that the details of the divestment would be made public at... [Read... Social Score: 0 Source: The Punch News | 0 Comments