December 25, 2018
We’ll dedicate Y2019 budget to complete ongoing projects – Ambode (Vanguard)
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday evening said the Y2019 budget of the State would be dedicated towards the completion of ongoing infrastructural projects, creation of more jobs, supporting businesses to thrive, as well as strengthening the security architecture of the State.
Speaking separately at the Christmas Eve Dance of Yoruba Tennis Club and Island Club, two foremost social clubs in the country, Governor Ambode said while it was gratifying that a lot of provisions had been made for capital projects in the 2019 federal budget, the State Government would also concentrate on scaling up infrastructure, among other programmes to enhance growth and development. Read more
Firm plans to recycle plastics on Lagos waterways (Guardian)
In order to preserve the coastal line, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) has concluded joint arrangements aimed at recycling plastics and municipal wastes along waterways in Lagos State and its environs. Nigerian Bottling Company/Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries, Seven Up, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Guinness Nigeria are also ready to involve in cleaning up exercise as part their civil responsibilities.
Vice Chairman of FBRA, Adekunle Olusuyi, told The Guardian in Abuja that they are looking at the entire packaging lifecycle, starting from bottles and cans to how they could be recycled and re-purposed in the city. He said they want to intensify awareness on separation of waste and environmental pollution, especially on post- consumer polyethylene terephthalate, PET bottles to other useful products. Read more
Christmas: ADP felicitates with Lagosians (Vanguard)
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has called on Lagosians and Nigerians in general to use the period of Christmas to reflect on our common goals and shared destiny.
In a statement issued on Christmas day by the ADP Lagos Spokesman, Prince Adelaja Adeoye, the party said; “We urge all citizens to imbibe the spirit of peace, unity and love for one another; virtues that Jesus Christ exhibited throughout his stay on earth.
It is with these virtues and more that we can move our country forward. “Jesus Christ is the perfect example of sacrifice and that’s why he laid down his life for the sake of mankind. Read more
MTN settles CCI rift with CBN, pays N19 billion (Guardian)
South African telecommunications firm, MTN, has reached an agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to resolve the dispute over illegal transfer of $8.1 billion out of Nigeria, its major market. MTN Group, which announced this via its Twitter handle, disclosed that it made a N19 billion ($53m) payment and is “engaging with banks regarding the agreement.”
The company, also in a statement issued to shareholders on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) yesterday, said MTN Nigeria held various engagements to find an equitable resolution to the matter. Following the settlement, MTN’s stock rose by two per cent on the JSE. Its shares had been down by 16 per cent since news of the demand broke. The matter has lingered since August. Read more
Buhari reacts to Aisha’s cabal comment (Guardian)
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said his wife Aisha Buhari’s allegation that his government has been hijacked was baseless and described it as “her business.”
Buhari insisted there was no cabal running his government and asked his critics to name one decision taken by the cabal.
“That’s her business,” Buhari said during an interview with the Hausa service of Voice of America.
“What they are saying is different from what is happening,”
“They should come out and say those things they feel was staged managed by the cabal. What the cabal force to me to do. They should mention just one thing,” he added.
A video clip of the interview was shared on Twitter by a Saleh Shehu Ashaka, a Nigerian journalist with Voice of America. Read more
CBN Reverses Directive on $8.1bn MTN Refund (ThisDay)
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said it had reversed its sanction on MTN Nigeria Limited, imposing a refund of $8.1billion the telecom company had remitted abroad in violation of foreign exchange remittances law of the country.
The MTN also confirmed this development in a statement yesterday.
The CBN had in August, directed MTN Nigeria to reverse repatriations valued at $8.1 billion done on its behalf by four commercial banks between 2007 and 2015 on the basis of Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs), which were alleged to have been irregularly issued to MTN Nigeria. Read more
Buhari, Atiku others urge love, goodwill at Christmas (Guardian)
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday tasked Nigerians especially Christians to be guided by the principles of love as they celebrate Christmas.He gave the admonition yesterday in a message to mark this year’s Christian anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. In a signed statement, Buhari told celebrants that as they “exchange gifts, pray and visit loved ones,” they should also remember “many others who cannot be with their families at this time.”
According to him, “Our brave Armed Forces, and other security men and women who make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, the aged, the sick, physically challenged persons, all deserve our goodwill in this season of love and sharing.”He said: “Together, we can show generosity to our neighbours and demonstrate the diversity that makes Nigeria unique – a land with a beautiful climate and vegetation, beaming with an energetic and creative youth population.” Read more
NAPTIP cautions parents against becoming victims of human traffickers at yuletide (Guardian)
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has cautioned parents and guardians against falling for better life in foreign countries to lure their wards out of the country.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, explained that human traffickers who have amassed illicit wealth use the yuletide period to display them as a symbol of success staying abroad to attract unsuspecting victims.
The Director General made the remark while reacting to the news of the conviction of a human trafficker by a State High Court sitting in Enugu. Read more
EFCC Applies for Interim Forfeiture of $2.8m Intercepted at Enugu Airport (ThisDay)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Enugu for temporary forfeiture of the $2.8 million intercepted at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, last Thursday.
A vacation judge at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, is expected to hear and decide the motion as well as the attached affidavit of urgency.
The agency also said it would be seeking an order to keep the two workers of Bankers’ Warehouse, who were arrested with the money in extended custody, adding that they were already providing the necessary information. Read more
Christmas: Present govt has failed Nigerians, says Saraki (Punch)
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has decried the level of insecurity and poverty in the country saying that the All Progressives Congress has failed Nigerians.
He described the untold hardship which he claimed the APC has subjected Nigerians to as unprecedented.
Saraki who spoke on Christmas day on a joint live radio programme in Ilorin, Kwara State empathised with Nigerians, especially, the people of Kwara over the sufferings and hardships they were going through particularly at this festive period.” Read more
Akwa Ibom finally grants Buhari access to use stadium for campaign (Guardian)
Akwa Ibom State Government said it has granted Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari access to use its Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Uyo for a rally.
The State Government had earlier denied Buhari access to the stadium for his campaign slated for next Friday, 28 December.
Buhari is expected to kick off his reelection campaign in the South-south state. Read more
Muslims celebrate Christmas at pastor’s house in Kaduna (Punch)
More than 500 Muslims stormed Pastor Yohanna Buru’s residence in Kaduna State to join him and other Christians celebrating Christmas as a way of fostering religious harmony in the state.
The Muslim faithful, including youths, Imams, women, NGOs and traditional title holders, were drawn from various states in the North and neighbouring countries.
The visit was aimed at strengthening peace, unity and religious tolerance in Kaduna state and the country at large. Read more
Be wary of Boko Haram propaganda, Buratai admonishes troops (Vanguard)
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged troops prosecuting the counter terrorism operation in the North-East to be wary of Boko Haram’s increasing misinformation propaganda.
In a Christmas and New Year Message to the troops on Tuesday, Buratai said that it was evident that the terrorists had been defeated.
“Thus, they have now resorted to employing propaganda in order to demoralise you by spreading false messages of strength and invincibility. Read more
Minimum Wage: Clergy Advocates Slash In Political Office Holders’ Remuneration (Independent)
Rev. Isaac Gbadero, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Sabongari, Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday advocated a slash in political office holders’ remuneration to comfortably accommodate the N30,000 minimum wage demanded by organised labour.
He made the call in a message to the Christian faithful in commemoration of the 2018 Christmas, shortly after Christmas Church Service in Zaria.
Gbadero said the appeal became extremely critical in view of the importance of workers not only to national growth and development but also to sustainable democracy. Read more
Nyame, colleagues excited as 300 Kuje Prison inmates get Xmas haircut (Vanguard)
Rev. Jolly Nyame, former Taraba governor, on Tuesday joined his excited colleagues to celebrate stylish Christmas haircuts offered to 300 inmates of Kuje Prison, FCT.
The free haircut was offered by the National Association of Barbers and Salon Employers of Nigeria (NABSEN), during a Christmas visit to the Prison.
The outreach was undertaken in collaboration with Fades and Bangs Global, an Abuja-based international barbing outfit, and Maria Luna, the Deputy Ambassador of Venezuela.
The inmates also received blankets, beverages, among other items. Read more
Britain bans sale of puppies, kittens by pet shops (Punch)
Britain is forbidding puppies and kittens from being sold by pet shops in a bid to crack down on animal exploitation and abuse.
The government said it will roll out the legislation next year after holding public consultations that showed 95-per cent support for the ban.
“This will mean that anyone looking to buy or adopt a puppy or kitten under six months must either deal directly with the breeder or with an animal re-homing centre,” the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said on Sunday as part of its Christmas animal welfare push. Read more
Pope assails greed, as millions celebrate Christmas (Vanguard)
Pope Francis has urged people to lead less materialistic lives as millions across the world celebrate Christmas on Tuesday, while US President Donald Trump put his festive foot in it by asking a child if he believed in Santa Claus.
Thousands attended mass on Monday night at the Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Francis, the head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, offered his Christmas homily.
“An insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive,” the 82-year-old pope said. Read more
Things to get excited about in 2019 football (BBC)
As 2018 comes to an end, everyone will reflect on an eventful year during which England won a World Cup penalty shootout, Liverpool lost one of the most incident-packed Champions League finals ever, and Manchester City won the title in record-breaking style.
Manchester City and Liverpool drew 0-0 at Anfield in October – but how will their January meeting go?
Manchester City’s sky-blue ribbons were already being tied to the Premier League trophy this time last year as Pep Guardiola’s side established a 14-point lead after only 18 games. The race to the tape was a formality.
This is shaping up as the most exciting season in years as Liverpool match, and indeed lead, City while Spurs and Chelsea, albeit in a more understated manner, make claims of their own. Read more
Nuno prepared for Boxing Day test with Fulham (Wolves)
Wolves will be looking at getting back to winning ways tomorrow when they travel to west London to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face a Boxing Day clash with the side at the bottom of the Premier League table, but the head coach believes Fulham will prove a tough test, despite their league position.
“From our point of view it will be the same, the approach will be exactly the same, so the game will tell us whether it will be harder or not.
“For sure, it’s going to be tough, because Fulham, we played them last season, they are the situations that they have, as the season goes by all the teams start fighting for their lives, so that changes the reality of the games. But it’s going to be tough, very tough.” Read more
Liverpool boss says Chelsea & Arsenal still in title race (BBC)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says “nobody should feel safe” in the Premier League title race and insists Chelsea and Arsenal remain in the hunt.
Klopp’s side will reach the halfway point of the season on 26 December at the top of the table after establishing a four-point lead.
Chelsea and Arsenal, who are fourth and fifth respectively, are 11 points behind the Reds with 20 games to play. Read more