VP Osinbajo Arrives New Guinea For 8th Summit Of African, Caribbean And Pacific Group Of States

Vie President Yemi Osinbajo arrived Papau ‎New Guinea yesterday evening for the 8th summit of African, Carribean and Pacific Group of States. He was received by Papau New Guinea's Minister for Public Service, Puka Temu and acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Australia, Cecilia Yahaya. See more pictures below...

FG Appeals To Nigerians To Buy Made-In-Nigeria Products

Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, has appealed to Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products. The Minister made the appeal while speaking at a News Agency of Nigeria NAN forum in Abuja yesterday May 30th.
“We already have made in Nigeria cars. We want to champion the idea of Nigerians looking inward and thinking Nigeria promoting made in Nigeria products to encourage our own local manufacturers. It is very important.
That is the only way that we can ever become a producer nation. We cannot continue to be a consumer nation alone; it wouldn’t help us. We must help our own local producers. We must all start thinking of how we can do so. It shouldn’t be only the automobiles; it should be on all products.”‎he said

Somali Military Court Sentences Masterminds Of Daallo Airline Bomb Attack, Including Airport Security Chief

Somalia’s military court in Mogadishu on Monday, May 30 pronounced sentence on Daallo Airline suicide attack suspects. Abdiwali Mohmoud Mo’ow who was the security chief of aviation agency at Adan Aden International Airport  was given life in jail sentence.


Arays Hashi Abdi a businessman who is said to be the main mastermind of the attack received the sentences in absentia.

Abshir Mohmmed Malin and Safiyo Abdullahi Hassan- the security scan operators sentenced to four years in military jail.

Liban Mohammad Yalahow, Omar Muhaydadin Hassuin, Mohammad and  Abdi Ilmi have been slapped with a sentence of one year in military jail.

Bashir Abdullahi Afrah, Ali Nor Salad And Adan Dahir Salad Shiekhow sentenced to 6 months in military Jail. Five others were acquitted after they were found not guilty.


On February 2, laptop bomber identified as Abdullahi Abdisalam Borleh, an elderly Somali national attacked Daallo Airlines Flight 3159.

The suspected suicide bomber detonated on board the Somalia-owned Daallo Airlines plane in mid-air, as it took off from Aden Adde International airport in Mogadishu.

The explosion failed to down the commercial jet, but it left a gaping hole in the fuselage. The force of the blast sucked the alleged bomber out of the plane’s cabin. His body fell to the ground near the district of Bal’ad, about 20 miles from the capital, where it was recovered by authorities.

The pilot of the Airbus A321 was forced to make an emergency landing just minutes after takeoff. The security footage released days later showed two men – one wearing a bright orange airport security vest (said to be Abdiweli, who is now sentenced to life in jail)– handing over what looks like a laptop case to a passenger waiting to board. Investigators said the laptop-like bag contained the bomb that was detonated on board the Djibouti-bound flight.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for a purported bomb attack on a passenger plane, saying it was targeted at Western officials and Turkish NATO forces.
Al Shabab said the operation was "retribution for the crimes committed by the coalition of Western crusaders and their intelligence agencies against the Muslims of Somalia"

Source: Somali News/Terror Monitor, Live From Mogadishu

'You'Re Just Jealous That I'm Still No.1' - Cristiano Ronaldo Tells Haters

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at his critics saying only jealousy could be the reason for hating on his success, after he won the UEFA Champions League title on Saturday, making him the first Portuguese in history to do so, once with Manchester United and then twice with Real Madrid.


Real Madrid paraded the trophy in front of 80,000 supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening but Ronaldo's being criticized in some quarters after he had a largely anonymous 120 minutes during the final against Atletico, but scored the last decisive penalty after Diego Godin missed his.

Ronaldo said his home nation, Portugal, would feel proud and happy of his club success as he is ‘the only Portuguese to win the Champions League three times’ but also said only the jealous ones won't be happy over his success.
‘Only the jealous don’t feel that (happiness),’  ‘But I don’t care about that. I always keep the people who love me. So this Champions League is for them, the guys who support me all the time, my fans in Portugal and around the world.’
‘This season I was the No 1 in the team, again, for most minutes. I have more than 4,000. That means a lot to me. It means I am still good, I still feel good physically, mentally. I was the top scorer in this competition again (with 16 goals).
‘If you ask me if I feel tired now, of course, I have a lot of minutes in the legs. But I am still there, I am always there. I showed the team I am there for the good moments and bad moments. This is what makes me feel proud.
‘My performance (in the final) is maybe not the best one but who played unbelievable? No one. So it’s tough, it’s the end of the season, you don’t have power in the legs that you have in the beginning of the season, but I did my best. I ran and we won. That is the most important. To win my third Champions League is unbelievable.’

Asked if he still has personal goals, he replied:
‘It is what it is, six years when I’m scoring more than 50 goals, but I am asking more. I am always in the top level. I just want to maintain. I still feel fresh and I want to carry on like that. I love to play for Real Madrid. I want to carry on.’
‘As you see in the pitch everybody was tired and felt cramp in the legs. And it was very hot.
‘The penalties are always a lottery, you never know what is going to happen. But we showed we are the more experienced team.’ Ronaldo missed from the spot when Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties in 2008 but had no doubts about stepping up again.
‘To be honest I was confident I would score,’ he said. ‘I saw (Zinedine) Zidane before the penalties and told him to put me as the last taker because I feel I am going to score the winning goal. This is what happened.’

Man Allegedly Brutalized By Policemen In Adamawa State Has Been Unconscious For Two Weeks

The man identified as Kabiru Ahmed was allegedly brutalized by policemen of Doubeli police station, in Jimeta. According to Mustapha who shared the photos today, he has been unconscious for two weeks now at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola. Read his full post below...

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"POLICE BRUTALITY AGAIN!! WE MUST FIGHT AGAINST IT.
A couple of years I wrote here on how police brutalised our friend named Mallum from Song LG, Mallum died as a result of the manhandling by the police at Galbose hospital here in Jimeta. From the time he was brutalised he had not said a word to anyone till he gave up. May Allah forgive Mallum.
All guys from Song knows him he lived at the house of late Abdulsalam Song, at that time we tried our best to bring the culprits to book I even went to Jos and met Barr Solomon Dalung, the present minister of youths, he assisted a big deal, he even came to Yola, though eventually the guardian of late Mallum asked us to abandon the case, we really appreciate the effort of Dalung and some spirited individuals, we also need the assistance of people who hates brutality including the Hon minister too to bring the recent perpetrators of brutality to book.

The recent brutality was perpetrated by policemen from Doubeli police station here in Jimeta. The event happened on the 16th of this month(May).A guy named Kabiru Ahmed a graduate of crime management from state polytechnic Yola was brutalised that day around 10am, from that day up to now the guy is unconscious. According to eyewitness report the guy was sitting with some other young men in front of their house at Zaranda street here in Jimeta, just of a sudden police appeared in mufti and rounded them, Kabiru inquire to know their identity which didn't go down well with the officers . From there they picked him and rough handled him to the point of unconsciousness, they then used his phone to trace his family at about 1am , failing to get any they took him to specialist hospital unconscious, while at the specialist hospital NLC went on strike, the police the hospital referred him to federal medical centre,Yola (FMC), the police then moved him there still unconscious. As iam writing this the guy is still unconscious at the accident and emergency centre of the hospital. It's touching as I went to FMC today around 5pm seeing him in that condition, he is been fed through his nose using some small rubber pipes, what a pity.For those of us living in Yola pls visit the guy at FMC and see the result of wickedness from people who are supposed to protect us.I urged all well meaning individuals to come and join hands with us to the culprits to book through legal means, and let us not take the law into our hands but let's not relent until justice is done . Kabiru is unconscious for two weeks, Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.

We shouldn't see this case as a case of just Kabiru and his family, tomorrow it maybe you or your brother.Where injustice become the order of the day silence is a CRIME!!!"

Charly Boy Writes An Open Letter To President Buhari On Behalf Of All 'Frustrated, Abandoned And Voiceless Youths'

Nigerian singer/songwriter, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa aka Charly Boy, shared this open letter to the President, asking him to make sure his change agenda touches the lives of the youths whose future has been stolen away by fantastically corrupt leaders.
My Dear Presido,
You know how hard and for how long you have fought for this your job, now that you have it, we cant wait to see how our lives will change! People already don begin dey throw stones, but me know say many things spoil, one year no fit balance anything.

How far? You see say this matter no dey as easy as you think am, but I know say many of your yarns before you enter, Na political, rhetorical acrobatic, jingoism. Na him make I talk say I go ride my bike reach China if one dollar equal to one Naira. I know that was part of your sound bite during your campaign. Nothing spoil, na Una way.

Now, work don set. I know you understand why our expectations are high, so you can't blame us too much, because we have been lied to, over and over again by most of our insincere leaders. By faith or design, you have become a symbol of renaissance for a nation that has been battered by mismanagement and unprecedented corruption.
Kai! Odiegwu!

Weather or not you live up to that billing, time would tell.
Many Naijas were sold on your Change Campaign, tired of the usual statuesque and many more just wanted a better life for themselves and their loved ones. All eyes are on you, I trust you know that by now. Let your actions and words demonstrate to us possibilities, hope again for the youths of this country and a channeling back to those core values which we hold sacred. Anything less will be same of the same. Shey you get? Make I no organise boys come shout for your head o.

I would want to believe that you have come to heal and fix the rot.
It will never be easy because of the wolves and sharks amongst us who benefit big time from the corruption, the poverty, the confusion and hopelessness they inflict on Nigerians.
All I ask of you, is to pay attention to the youths of this country whose future has been stolen by the fantastically corrupt leaders.
Oga me, e don set oooooo.

Best Regards.
Charles Emeka Oputa. ( CEO )
PRESIDENT

All Frustrated, Abandoned and Voiceless Youths.

Kano Government To Register 100,000 Youths For Rice Production – Gov. Ganduje

                                                                       Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State

Kano State Government on Sunday, promised to register no fewer than 100,000 youths to participate in rice production in this year’s farming season.

The Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, made the promise while addressing a Town Hall Meeting in Kano.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting was organised by the state government to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day.

He said that the state government had commenced registration of interested youths with a view to giving them the necessary support before the commencement of farming activities in full swing.

According to him, the state government has concluded arrangements to support the youths with fertilizer, improved seeds and other necessary agricultural input.

He said the initiative was in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to diversify the economy.

The governor assured farmers in the state that the state Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO) would supply them with adequate fertilizer this planting season.

According to him, the company has since commenced blending of the fertilizer in commercial quality.

Ganduje told the people that Kebbi government recently ordered 240 trucks of fertilizer from the company, which had already been delivered.

He called on farmers in the state to take advantage of the availability of the commodity to boost food production in the state and the country at large.

Ganduje also urged the unemployed, particularly the youth, to embrace farming to enhance their socio-economic status and boost production.

Democracy Day: Let's Keep Hope Alive, Atiku Abubakar Urges Nigerians

Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress Atiku Abubakar says democracy, despite its limitations and challenges, remains the best form of government anywhere in the world.
In his message to mark Nigeria's Democracy Day, the former Vice President explains that the freedom of choice is one of the most important ingredients of the democratic system.


According to him, the freedom to choose your leaders makes democracy fashionable, adding that any system that subverts the will of the people destroys the progress of the society.
The Turaki Adamawa says as an active participant in the democratic struggle in Nigeria and an ardent proponent of the rule of law, rather than the rule of man, he recognises the sacrifices of gallant Nigerians whose struggles brought us to the current stage.

According to him, as Nigerians celebrate democracy day, the memory of late Shehu Yar'Adua and MKO Abiola would resonate across the country, adding that the sacrifices of countless others who paid the supreme price for opposing dictatorship would also not be forgotten.
The former Vice President says no sane society would choose despotism over democracy because, under dictatorship, dissent is met with death or torture.

 On the current challenges facing the ordinary Nigerians, the former Vice President says no democratically elected government would intentionally hurt the voters that put it into office.
He explains that the APC administration remains committed to the welfare of Nigerians, and that the current challenges are temporary.

According to him, the 2016 budget is specifically targeted to address the basic needs of the ordinary Nigerians, explaining that the implementation of the budget would bring succour to Nigerians.
He therefore urges Nigerians not to lose hope because of the current temporary challenges that they are going through.

LUTH Doctor Hacked To Death In Ogun State Shortly After Being Kidnapped

Dr Thomas Adekoya-Cole was gruesomely murdered this morning in his hometown near Itele, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State shortly after he was abducted from his home.

The 60-year-old consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who until his death worked with Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, was said to have been killed by suspected sympathisers of a native doctor.

According to PM News, the native doctor was reported to have been killed by ‘area boys’ in Ijebu Ode, Saturday night during a ceremony. Sympathisers of the native doctor then arrived at the doctor's home later that night and abducted him.

He was later found with machete wounds and rushed to Amazing Grace Hospital in Ijebu-Ode where he passed away despite attempt to save him.

Source: PM News

Borno Residents Commend President Buhari’s Political Will To End Boko Haram

Some residents of Borno on Sunday expressed their satisfaction over President Muhammadu Buhari‘s ample political will to end all forms of arms insurgency in the country.

A cross section of the residents who listened to the President’s Democracy Day nationwide broadcast, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that they have noticed improvement in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency.

Muhammad Babagana, a resident, said indeed one year of Buhari’s government has recorded remarkable improvement in security and fight against corruption.

“The President has also performed well in a bid to regaining our national image in the eyes of the world. Yes, the ordinary Nigerian is yet to notice true change as promised by the government, but this was born out of the massive looting and corruption by the former administration. But even at that this government should focus on polices that would cure hardship and suffering of ordinary Nigerians with immediate effect,’’ said Babagana.

Another resident, Mr Asiwaju Abiodun, said “More grease to the elbow of Mr President, though the economic hardship is alarming and the patriotic and intellectual Nigerians understand the numerous factors that caused it. Yet we are ready to endure, work and pray along with you to reposition our great country into a better nation. Be as it may, in God we trust.”

Bunu Grema, said: “Well, a year is now gone and the clock reset. I would want to assume that the PMB-led APC government have laid a foundation that best fits their goals and mandate and that in the next several months we shall see uncanny fruits of achievements.”

However, Aruwa Isa, said: “I concur with His Excellency’s position and views, and would also make bold to say it takes doggedness and determination to get things right for one to rightly move the state ship forward from the wreck it was left for in May 2015. I can categorically tell you that we now sleep with eyes closed, unlike what we experienced some few years back. If you remember vividly there was a time in this country when we could not go to our churches, mosques, plazas, viewing centres, and we were constantly warned of going to crowded places, yes it was that bad. Our soldiers were been killed and slaughtered like chicken on a daily basis in the hands of Boko Haram, No thanks to GEJ and Dasuki who diverted monies budgeted for arms. Now Nigeria may not have turned to safe haven under Buhari, but we can now have a sigh of relief as our gallant security agencies are now rejuvenated and ready to take on any group or individual that will want to disrupt our collective peace in the country.

Brace Up Or Have Your Scholarships Withdrawn – Gov. Shettima To Borno Medical Students Abroad

                                                                     Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State

Borno State Government on Saturday warned 10 out of its 60 female indigent students studying medicine in Khartoum, Sudan, to brace up or have their scholarships withdrawn.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students are studying medicine under a scholarships programme introduced by the governor.

A statement issued in Maiduguri by Malam Isa Gusau, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, quoted the Chief Executive as issuing the warning when he visited the students in Khartoum, Sudan.

“Even though he was impressed with the performance of 70 per cent of the students, Shettima has given what he called final chance to 10 out of 60 female students currently studying medicine in two private Universities in Khartoum, Sudan, urging them to buckle up or face sanctions.

The students involved have been performing below average in their academics.

The governor’s visit to the institutions where 60 female students from state are studying medicine is the first since the programme began in 2014 during his first term in office.

Shettima was highly impressed with the performance of 50 of the students, particularly three of them, Rebecca Ndahi from Hawul Local Government Area, Aisha Hala from Jere LGA and Fatima Kabiru from Shani LGA, who had the best academic records at the medical school of the National University, Khartoum,” said Gusau in the statement.

The spokesperson said Shettima also held a meeting with all Nigerian students at the Elrazi University, Sudan, with a call on them to take their studies seriously.

“The governor decided to meet all the students, regardless of their states of origin and extend some gestures to them because of the manner they all received him,” added Gusau.

Russia To Establish Nuclear Centre In Nigeria – Envoy

                                                   Ambassador Nikolay Udovichenko

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Nikolay Udovichenko, on Saturday announced that the Nigerian and Russian Governments plan to sign an agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional
scientific research nuclear centre in Nigeria.

Udovichenko, who disclosed this in Lagos at this year’s Alumni Congress of the Soyuznik Alumni Association in Nigeria, said that the Nigerian and Russian governments had been negotiating for the centre’s establishment.

The theme of the congress was “Harnessing The Potentials of the Nigerian Graduates of Higher Institutions of former USSR States”.

“Bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Russia is blessed with huge potential in every avenue Nuclear energy development is another area with good prospects for our two countries’ cooperation. This June, we expect to sign a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional scientific centre in Nigeria,” he said.

The Envoy also said that his government was working at reactivating its Trade Representation in Nigeria, to further promote trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Udovichenko, who said that thousands of Nigerians had over the years benefited from quality education in Russia, also announced his government’s plan to sustain the scholarship programme for more
Nigerians.

The Envoy said that it was imperative for such Nigerians to use their knowledge for the development of their country, as well as strengthening ties with the Russians.

President of Soyuznik and Chairman of the ceremony, Otunba Henry Ajomale, said that the association was made up of academicians, medical doctors, engineers, diplomats, political administrators and heads of professional organizations trained by the Russian government.

Ajomale expressed the gratitude of the beneficiaries to the countries that formed the former Soviet Union for bequeathing a lasting legacy, with which they could contribute to the development of Nigeria.

“We should not forget to celebrate our common heritage as beneficiaries of a unique programme by the former Soviet Government that gave us the opportunity to become what we are today,” he said.

The Soyunik Alumni Association of Nigeria, is the association of Nigerian graduates trained by the the Former Soviet Union and Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS).

Lady Who Carried A Placard "I'm Looking For A Job" In Lekki Meets VP Yemi Osinbajo

last week, a lady was spotted in Lekki, carrying a placard I'm looking for job.


The  lady is a Computer Science Graduate, she meet with the Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo.
She was hosted at VP Osinbajo's residence on Friday.

Presidency Lists President Buhari’s Achievements After First Year In Office

The presidency has released a list detailing all the achievements of President Buhari in the last one year. He marks one year in office tomorrow May 29th. The list as published by the News Agency of Nigeria contains the following:


SECURITY:

• The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.
• As at February 2016, the total number of persons rescued by the Nigerian troops during the ongoing operations in the North East came to 11,595
• Since December 2015, the well-motivated and rejuvenated Nigerian Military have regained all Nigerian territories previously under Boko Haram control.
• Prioritized regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism, through the operations of the 8,500 strong Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, currently headed by a Nigeria military general.
• Nigeria has provided $21million USD to the Task Force since June 2015 and is committed to an additional $79 million USD, bringing the total of Nigeria’s commitment to the Task Force to 100 million USD.
• Cohesive international support in the fight against terrorism and assistance to victims and communities affected by terrorism, following President Buhari’s meeting with G7 leaders and other world powers.
• In May 2016, Nigeria hosted a Regional Security Summit to boost military operations against Boko Haram and forge a global support for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and rebuilding of the North East.
• In June 2015, the United States announced a 5-million-dollar support for the fight against the terrorists in the sub-region.
• In April 2016, during the visit to Ms Samantha Power, the U.S Ambassador to the UN to Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, the U.S Government further announced an additional $40 million USD for humanitarian assistance in the sub-region
• Recruitment of additional 10,000 persons into the Nigeria Police Force is ongoing. The recruitment will address the manpower gap which currently exists in the Nigeria Police
• Overhaul of the dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian military which resulted in optimal result and degradation of the Boko Haram elements.
• Was able to bring back our hitherto military allies; which saw the United States and UK governments commit their resources to the fight against the insurgents after previously backing out of negotiations with the previous administration. The Israeli government has also indicated interest in the fight against insurgency.
• Introduction of the motor cycle battalion (This is so that the Nigerian Army can travel to remote areas that were not accessible to cars/trucks)
• Realigned our partnership with regional allies by embarking on foreign visits which resulted in bilateral and multilateral agreements to tackle insecurity back home.
• No more roadblocks and curfews, which normally impeded free flow of movement.
• Continuous monitoring of activities in the region of war through the use of satellite images and geographical information system is helping in fighting insurgency and strategizing against the enemy.
• The trips to our neighbouring countries showed the resolve of the President to push Boko Haram elements out of existence by going for the jugular of the group, cutting their arms, food supply routes. Support has thus been mobilized through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
• Another major stride is the Trans National Organized Crime (TNOC) where the president got partnership with regional allies in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
• As part of the reconfigured military partnership, the United States donated 24 mine-resistant armoured vehicles (MRAP) which had protected the Nigerian troops from the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices. Today we have less causalities.
• Reached out to the G7 countries and achieved the following: intelligence sharing; technical military training; arms deals/donations
• Overhauling of NIMASA. A reversed policy of the past administration where national infrastructural assets were given to militia leaders to protect as against established bodies like the Nigerian Navy was stopped.
• The President Buhari government has drafted the army to partner with other security agencies in ensuring the security of our national infrastructure and this is already yielding the desired results.
• A major ring of pipeline vandals in Lagos state were captured recently in a joint operation by security forces led by the army.
• The government has renewed its fight against oil bunkering
• The Nigerian Navy has recorded tremendous success lately in apprehending vessels used by oil thieves. This operation has improved security on our water ways and it has also helped improve the revenue of government.
• Deployment of sophisticated weapons to ensure vandalism is contained by setting up a pipeline security force in stamping out the menace.
• Effective Management of the Separatist Biafran Movement
• Improving the technical capacity of Nigerian Police Force. We now have a forensic lab and GSM tracking device. We now have a more IT integrated Police force.
• Restructuring of Nigerian Immigration to stop cross border crimes.
• NSCDC has become more proactive in the prevention of pipeline vandalization, with arrest of several pipeline vandals.
• Joint operations involving various security outfits in curbing the menace of the herdsmen in the country has been set up.
• The use of surveys and updated mappings across the country as strategies for preventing threats among ethnic groups in Nigeria.

CORRUPTION

• Right from the moment he won the Presidential Election in 2015, the impression of the President as a ‘‘no nonsense and incorruptible leader’’ sent a signal to looters of public funds, with many of them returning funds that had been stolen under the previous administration.
• To create a frame work for prosecuting the war against corruption and institutionalize probity, President Buhari set up an Advisory Committee on War Against Corruption.
• The anti-corruption battle is gaining ground with several high profile cases already in the courts. The administration is being guided by the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption cases.
• President Buhari enlisted the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF, security agencies, Western countries and other friendly nations to locate and repatriate stolen assets.
• At a London summit on anti-corruption, President Buhari announced that Nigeria will begin the full implementation of the principles of the OPEN contracting data standards.
• In the first quarter of 2016, President Buhari embarked on trips to the Middle East to sensitize the governments on the need to repatriate stolen assets and hand over the looters for trial in Nigeria. In January, Nigeria and UAE signed Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters.
• In March 2016, the Federal Government and the Swiss Government signed a Letter of Intent On the Restitution of Illegally-Acquired Assets forfeited in Switzerland. Under the agreement, Switzerland will repatriate $ 321 million USD illicitly acquired by the Gen. Sani Abacha family.
• In March 2016, the Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 announced the recovery of over N7 billion from indicted companies and individuals.

ECONOMY

• Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. Between June 2015 and April 2016, the Federal Government TSA collection clocked N3trillion.
• To further instill fiscal discipline, President Buhari directed the closure of all multiple accounts in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, thereby plugging loopholes for leakages with new technology.

• The opaque accounting structure of the NNPC has been reconstructed to be more transparent with the closure of more than 40 accounts. As a corporate entity, NNPC is now accountable and more transparent in operations, publishing its monthly financial reports.
• The President also resolved the lingering shadowy oil swap deals that had cost the country billions of dollars and left it at the mercy of a few rich Nigerians.
• To alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in September 2015, President Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to disburse N689.5 billion as bailout to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries.
• To stimulate the economy and reduce poverty, in April, 2016, President Buhari approved deferment in the payment of the bailout as states were still reeling under the burden of the fall in commodity prices.
• Records of more than 34,000 ghost workers draining the nation’s resources were expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29 billion monthly.
• In 2015, President Buhari ruled out the appointment of a government delegation for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. By this decision, the government saved about one million U.S dollars and N30m of local expenses
• Enforcement of the Bank Verification Number: Also the BVN has ensured that the menace of “ghost workers” are being identified and dealt with, while looters with multiple accounts can no longer hide their loot undetected.
• Social Protection: Groundwork for social intervention/palliatives for the poor is being put in place as data is being collated by the economic planning office of the VP in conjunction with the World Bank.
• Reorganization/restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a focused, accountable and transparent institution with autonomous Units (Upstream; Downstream, Gas & Power; Refineries; Ventures and lean Group Headquarters)
• Reduction of operational deficits in NNPC by over 50% as at March 2016 as a result of Increased Transparency and Commercial focus
• Conduct of NNPC outstanding Annual Audits from 2011 to 2014, and the publication of Monthly Financial and Operations Reports to ensure transparency
• Introduction of third party financing in order to eliminate direct funding of cash calls by the Federal Government
• Renegotiation of existing service contracts under Joint Venture and Production sharing contracts (PSC) Operations by about 30% leading to operational efficiency improvements and cost reductions
• Elimination of the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) through the introduction of the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme with reputable off-shore refineries thereby yielding annual savings of US$1 billion
• Resuscitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries presently producing about 7 million litres of products per/day
• Repair of products pipe lines and the resuscitation of supply of products from Atlas Cove-Mosimi- Ibadan- Ilorin after a six year lull
• Repairs of Escravos/ Warri and Bonny/Port Harcourt crude oil pipe lines
• Introduction of a Price Modulation framework for downstream petroleum product pricing to encourage responsiveness to market dynamics
• Guided deregulation of the downstream sector to allow market forces determine product price and eliminate subsidy payments
• Introduction of the initiative on refinery co-location to increase domestic refining capacity and minimize the drain on scarce foreign exchange for product importation
• Commenced policy reforms for gas monetization, flare out and infrastructure development, to fast track power supply and economic diversification.

POWER

• Under President Buhari, the Federal Government agreed to a 50 million Euro (about N11.15 billion) loan agreement with French government for capacity-building and upgrade of power training facilities in Nigeria.
• Nigeria signed a $237 million agreement with World Bank to improve power.
• Chinese solar power manufacturers agreed with the Federal Government to set up solar panel manufacturing business in Nigeria.
• President Buhari has signed an agreement with the Chinese government to improve Nigeria’s power infrastructure

ENVIRONMENT

• Presidential approval for the Implementation of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report 2010 for the clean-up of Ogoniland with regards to oil pollution and inclusion of stakeholders in the process of implementation.
• Continuation of the implementation of the Great Green Wall project to fight and contain desertification in Northern Nigeria initiated by past administration.

JUDICIARY

• Since assumption of office, President Buhari has maintained a clear stance on the rule of law and respect for separation of powers.
• The President has focused on the strengthening of institutions with key appointment of professionals.
• Appointment of 30 new Federal High Court Justices

NATIONAL IMAGE

• On assumption of office, the President undertook some foreign trips both within and outside Africa to re-establish Nigeria’s position in the global arena and solicit support for Nigeria and Africa.
• President Buhari has continually pushed the agenda for enhancing Nigeria’s global image by always demonstrating Nigeria’s credentials in the 2015 general elections, which saw the country scoring high on peaceful transition.
• President Buhari strongly supported the emergence of a Nigerian, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the Africa Development Bank. (NAN)

Kano Sate Governor Sacks His SSG, Makes New Appointments

Kano state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has sacked the Secretary to the State Government, Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi and replaced him with Usman Alhaji Usman. The sack of the former SSG was made known in a radio announcement by head of the state's civil service, Auwalu Mohammed Naiya, this morning.
Naiya also announced that the governor approved the appointment of Ibrahim Mohammed Kankarofi as his new principal private Secretary while the Director General media and communication to the governor, Halilu Dantiye, was posted as Permanent Secretary and replaced by Salihu Tanko Yakasai.
Although the reason for the adjustments was not stated, it is believed that the removal of the former Secretary to the State Government was because he is a close ally and confidant of the former Governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso.