Ministerial List: I Am Disappointed With The List, Says Balarabe Musa

Former Kaduna state governor, Balarabe Musa, has expressed his disappointment over the ministerial list President Buhari sent to the senate for screening. According to Musa, the names on the list are the same old names “Why did it take the President four months to come up with these names? I believe this is the question that many informed Nigerians should ask. These are the same old names, ordinary Nigerians who the President knows and he must have even met them several times. So, what is particular about them that he wasted so much time in appointing them ministers. But there are about two or three who I can say are distinguished among them like, Audu Ogbeh who I have known for a very long time. We were together during the Second Republic. He was a minister while I was governor then. Audu Ogbeh has an outstanding public record that everybody knows.”he told journalists

Ministerial List: I Am Disappointed With The List, Says Balarabe Musa

Former Kaduna state governor, Balarabe Musa, has expressed his disappointment over the ministerial list President Buhari sent to the senate for screening. According to Musa, the names on the list are the same old names “Why did it take the President four months to come up with these names? I believe this is the question that many informed Nigerians should ask. These are the same old names, ordinary Nigerians who the President knows and he must have even met them several times. So, what is particular about them that he wasted so much time in appointing them ministers. But there are about two or three who I can say are distinguished among them like, Audu Ogbeh who I have known for a very long time. We were together during the Second Republic. He was a minister while I was governor then. Audu Ogbeh has an outstanding public record that everybody knows.”he told journalists

Lagos Seals Up Popular Kanu Nwankwo Hotel

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has sealed a hotel owned by ex-Super Eagles player, Kanu Nwankwo, the Hardley Apartments, located on Victoria Island in the state.

They said, "After today, the enforcement unit will go round. Anybody that breaks the seal has violated the Lagos State law. We will then involve the Ministry of Justice."

Kanu's hotel was among other hotels, churches and mosques sealed across the state on Monday over alleged air and noise pollution. No fewer than 30 facilities were shut in many areas across Lagos.

LASEPA said the owners of the facilities had been contacted several times in the last one year, adding that they refused to fully complied with instructions.

At the Hardley Apartments, it was noticed that the generators powering the hotel had large exhaust pipes facing the road.

The Director of Enforcement, Kayode Bello, ordered that one of the generators be tested, and it was discovered that it gave off thick gaseous emissions.

Bello said, "Even the sound is going to be more than 45 decibels at night. We want you to comply ─ that is the reason we are here. We have been on this for more than a year."

The doors and gates of Kanu's hotel were subsequently chained, and plastered with the LASEPA seal.

LASEPA General Manager, Rasheed Shabi said the owner of the places sealed would sign an undertaking that they would comply with instructions meant to clean up the environment.

52 Year Old Mum Under Fire For Breastfeeding Her 7 Yr Old in Public (Photo)

So it's almost surprising that women like Maha Al Musa are still making headlines. You would kind of think we'd all have gotten over it by now.

But no. Today's issue of Woman's Day magazine features an interview with Maha that has spawned fresh stories of breathless shock.

In the story, her daughter Aminah tells the magazine, "Sometimes it tastes like candy canes. It tastes like a lot of different things."

Because the fact of the matter is that in today's society, extended breastfeeding is unusual - and Maha Al Musa isn't your ordinary mother.

Aside from being 52 years old and having her third child when she turned 46, Maha Al Musa is a belly dancing guru - a doula - a 'human rights activist' and probably what she is best known for - a breastfeeding mother.

Possibly right now you are wondering more about the belly dancing than the breastfeeding. Well that's because the unusual part of this hasn't been made clear just yet.

Maha Al Musa is an advocate of extended breastfeeding, which she likes to call 'continual breastfeeding'.

She says she has no plans to stop and as long as her daughter wishes to continue then she will too.

Even if her daughter wants to still breastfeed at the age of 10.

Senate Screens Newly Appointed Service Chiefs Today

The service chiefs are being screened behind closed doors in a session which began at 11:25am today, August 4, 2015.

The Nigerian Senate is currently screening the country's newly-appointed service chiefs , it will be recalled that the chiefs were appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13.

They are Major General Abayomi Olonishakin, Chief of Defence Staff; Major General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice-Marshal Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff; and Air Vice Marshall Monday Morgan as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

DJ Cuppy Spotted With Dangote And Femi Otedola (Photos)

Femi Otedola's Stunning daughter DJ Cuppy kicked off her Africa tour, sponsored by GT Bank and the Dangote Foundation, over the weekend. The first part of her Africa tour was hosted in Victoria Island, Lagos.
See more photos after the cut:

She was spotted on the red carpet with her dad and billionaire Aliko Dangote. DJ Cuppy is the first daughter of billionaire oil magnate Femi Otedola, and her show which held at Federal Palace hotel was attended by several big shots in the country including Dele Momodu and Donald Duke.

Mr Ibu Spotted Chilling at AY's Lekki Mansion (Photos)

Mr Ibu is currently at AY Makun's Lekki home. The elated host took some selfies. Captioning his post, AY wrote:
"When a funnier man pays u a visit.... U can't help but be the one doing all d laughing. It was nice to have u in my crib."
See more photos after the cut:

South African First Lady Involved in a Plot to Poison Husband, President Jacob Zuma

South African First lady Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma has reportedly admitted to knowing about a plot to poison the president.

The City Press reports it has well-placed sources indicating she will soon be charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Ntuli-Zuma was apparently banned from the Nkandla homestead earlier this year following claims of a plot to poison Zuma.

It's understood a docket has been opened with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) with sources saying Ntuli-Zuma has made a statement to investigators.

The City Press is reporting that while sources in the NPA say top bosses are aware of the matter, spokesperson Vuyo Mfaku has denied this.

An investigation is now underway to find out whether NPA staff leaked information about the probe.

Ntuli-Zuma was first suspected when the president became ill in June 2014.

Zuma was told that he had been poisoned by more than one doctor during his trip to the US in August last year.

Kim Kardashian Flashes Cleavagge & Shows Off Baby Bump In New Orleans - PHOTOS!

Kim Kardashian flashed her cleavage and showed off her baby bump as she stepped out with friends in New Orleans.

The reality star has been glowing more than usual since she announced her pregnancy to the world. Very few women look this gorgeous during pregnancy but Kim is definitely an exception .

It appears that she had a lovely time with her friends.

Dencia Reveals She Never Graduated from College on Instagram

Dencia today is a successful business entrepreneur but before that, she went to college but didn't graduate. According to her, this happened because she didn't need graduation 'cos at the end of the day, unless you are studying medicine, law or a licensed profession, your degree is almost worthless (as was in her case).

Read the story she told on her Instagram page and let's hear if you agree with her.

Moroccan Man Dies while being Smuggled to Spain in a Suitcase

I guess he was thinking what worked for the eight-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast will work for him. Sad.

A 27-year-old Moroccan man died from suffocation while trying to illegally enter Spain hidden inside a suitcase that was in the trunk of a car on a ferry crossing.

The man's older brother, aged 34 who appears to have tried to help smuggle him in, boarded the ferry linking Melilla, a Spanish territory in North Africa, and Almeria with a car on Sunday. However, during the crossing he noticed that his brother was not breathing and alerted the ferry's staff. Crew members as well as emergency services workers in the port of Almeria tried in vain to resuscitate the man.

The older man, a Moroccan with a French passport, has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Thousands of migrants from Morocco try to enter the European Union illegally via Spain each year.

On Sunday, Morocco's interior ministry said four migrants from sub-Saharan Africa drowned while trying to swim around a fence from the mainland to the second enclave, Ceuta. Three others were rescued by the Moroccan navy.

A security scanner picture of the 8 year old boy curled up in the suitcase above serves as a shocking reminder of the lengths migrants take to try to seek a better life in Europe.

Singer Femi kuti & Son Visit Grandparents Grave Side [See Photo]

Femi Kuti, son of Afro beat legend, Fela Kuti, took his son, Made Kuti, visiting at his grandparents grave side at Abeokuta.

Femi Kuti, son of Afro beat legend, Fela Kuti, took his son, Made Kuti, visiting at his grandparents grave side at Abeokuta.

The graves belonged to Funmilayo andIsreal Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, being Femi's grandparents, they are Made'sgreat grandparents, Its quite interesting to know two generations of the Kuti family went visiting to pay their respects.

 

Actress Tonto Dikeh Says She Will Never Have A One Night Stand With D’banj

Popular Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh is the latest Nigerian celebrity to be on 'The Truth' by Olisa Adibua.

In the 21 minute long interview Tonto Dikeh spoke about her music ambitions, acting, the controversy with the luxury shopper and her relationship status.

'Poko Lee' confirmed she is in a relationship but she is not dating Jerry Swank, her stylist. When the discussion moved to D'banj, Tonto Dikeh categorically said she has never had s*x with her DB Records boss. "Why would I do that?" asked the 'High' singer.

"Never and it would never happen" replied Tonto on the possibility of having a one night stand with Banga Lee. Tonto Dikeh says she has marriage in her future plans also. "Definitely. It something that everybody looks up to and I pray that it is something that will come through.

In the interview Olisa asked Tonto Dikeh what does she do for money since she hasn't acted within the last two, three years. The actress who didn't want to divulge her source of income vaguely replied that she into 'contracts'.

Additionally she says she has no problem if her future daughters want to get tattoos.

"I have a lot of tattoos, I have more than 10. What is good? Tattoo is something that I love and I do not like it when people criticize because you are seeing differently from what I do. It's my body, it's something that I love, it's an expression of my heart, it's the expression of my pain, it actually represent something to me.

I don't know what you do behind close doors, but this is my own close doors. You can't see them because they are decently hidden but at the end of the day, they are my tattoos and I am proud of them and I'm gonna show my children and it is their decision if they want to or if they do not want to."

Chadians, Ghanaians, Others Storm Nigeria For Dollars

Currency speculators from Chad, Ghana, Benin Republic and other neighbouring countries yesterday trooped to Nigeria in a scramble for cheaper dollars.

The speculators, The Nation learnt, took advantage of the early morning drop in dollar rates — at N202 to the dollar in Abuja and N210 in Lagos — to make brisk purchases.

But the greenback recovered late afternoon to close at N208 and N222 in Abuja and Lagos.

Banks have been rejecting dollar deposits across the counter, but inflows from foreign accounts are allowed.

They lenders said they are unable to transfer excess liquidity to their correspondent banks overseas which are restricting importers from using domiciliary accounts.

The CBN said it would continue to curtail the acceptance of foreign currency cash deposits, much the same way as customers in other countries cannot just walk into banks and make foreign currency cash deposits without proper documentation.

"We wish to assure all citizens seeking foreign currencies for legitimate personal and/or business interests that there remains ample opportunity to do so within the law.

The CBN's Foreign Exchange Rules have many windows for accessing foreign exchange for legitimate business as well as for personal commitments including payment of medical bills, school fees, mortgages, demand notes and other bills," the CBN said.

The naira rate represents a sharp rise from N240 a week ago, as commercial banks continue to reject cash deposits in dollars, traders said.

On the official interbank market provided by the CBN, the naira traded at the pegged rate of N197 to dollar.

Association of Bureau de Change of Nigeria (ABCON) President Aminu Gwadabe told The Nation that the rejection of dollar deposits was still ongoing and was marginally changing the status of the local currency.

"Banks are rejecting dollar deposits. They are not able to transfer excess liquidity to their correspondent banks abroad which is restricting importers from using domiciliary accounts," he said.

Gwadabe, who confirmed the temporary gain made by the naira in the morning, said: "By yesterday's morning, many people who had stockpiled dollars rushed to sell and there were equally willing buyers in the market.

But later in the afternoon, the rush subsided. We noticed that majority of the buyers were from neigbouring countries of Ghana, Chad and Benin Republic who wanted to take advantage of the low dollar rate."

He said the Bureau de Change segment of the market was in disarray over the CBN directive that they sell dollars to small-scale users as long as this is to meet genuine needs, and documentation to the CBN, including the customer's Bank Verification Number (BVN) is provided.

Gwadabe said the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) portal required by the BDCs to implement the BVN directive was not available, but the CBN insists that the portal must be used.

He said a gradual appreciation of the currency would require building confidence in the financial system and price of crude oil in the international market. "This is what is going to drive the exchange rate now and beyond.

We cannot isolate what is happening in the global economy like the issue of diversification of energy sources," Gwadabe said.

Source: TheNation

Photos: Checkout Akon’s Private Jet

Yep, the singer has a private jet. Akon is said to be worth over $300m…who knew? He was in Nigeria over the weekend and that is the private jet he came in. He left yesterday.

See more photos below:-

You Can't Judge Buhari's 4 Years Tenure In Two Months - Oyegun

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said that the party is least concerned about the toga of "too slow" tagged on the new government it heads after two months in office.

Odigie-Oyegun, who stated this at a reception held in Kafur to honour Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State at the weekend, pointed out that the party had to concentrate on laying a solid foundation for proper take-off.

"We are not disturbed, anybody who makes a judgment of four years period in two months, something is obviously wrong. There is three years, ten months, just hold your judgment", he said

The APC chair noted that the best service must be given to Nigerians, stressing that within two months, the country had earned and enjoyed great respect internationally more than what the party's predecessors had got in its entire years.
On the lingering leadership crisis in the National Assembly, Oyegun said it was not unexpected as members did not adhere to party instructions and injunctions, warning that the APC cannot afford indiscipline in its rank.

"We're really disappointed with what happened. We're upset. But that is now behind us. What is for us now is the President's programmes and progress", he said.

Aisha Buhari Advocates Breastfeeding At Work Places

The wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, has called on employers in Nigeria to create an enabling environment for mothers to breastfeed their babies while at work.

Speaking at the commemoration of 2015 World ‎Breastfeeding Week themed; "Breastfeeding and work: Let's make it work", Ms. Buhari said through the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Zainab Baguda who represented her at the event.

2face Idibia Reveals His Best Nigerian Artiste

Innocent Ujah Idibia known as 2face has revealed his best artiste in Nigeria.

The pop star and African queen crooner, who is regarded as a legend in the industry took to his Twitter handle to announce the artiste that he admired the most in the country.

"Wande Coal is my best Nigerian artist right now. That boy good die, " he posted on Twitter.

2Face is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa. He is also one of the most bankable artists in Africa.

He has received one MTV Europe Music Award, one World Music Award, five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), four Channel O Music Video Awards and one BET award for his musical work, four MTV Africa Music Awards, one MOBO award, one KORA award, and numerous additional nominations.

Wande Coal, like most great musicians started singing in the teenage choir at his church. He got his break in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a dancer.

He got signed to Mo'hits records in 2006 and featured on D'banj's Rundown/Funk you up album on singles such as "Loke", "tonosibe" and "why me".

He released his debut album 'Mushin to Mo'Hits which was widely received across Nigeria, UK and the USA.

Wande Coal has also recorded tracks with other Nigerian artists including ikechukwu, Naeto C, Dr SID, D'Prince, Wizkid and many more.

In 2012, Wande Coal, Dr SID and D'Prince signed on to Don Jazzy's new Record Label Mavin Records with the addition of Tiwa Savage from 323 entertainment acting as the first lady of mavin records.

Wande Coal left Mavin Records in 2013. In October 2013, he released a single called "Baby Face"

President Buhari Orders Reduction Of Recurrent Expenditure In 2016

In a statement released yesterday by Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari yesterday ordered the National Planning Commission to go back to the drawing board and produce the framework for the 2016 national budget that will reduce recurrent expenditure and prioritize developmental projects.

Shehu said the President gave the order after receiving a briefing from the Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Bassey Akpanyung, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the President told Akpanyung and the directors of the NPC that capital projects must now be given priority because Nigeria cannot achieve real development without adequate investment in capital and infrastructural projects.

"In carrying out its role in surveillance of the economy, review and appraisal of policies, the commission should devise a plan for a realignment of the budget so that capital projects can be really prioritised," the President directed.

The executive secretary of the NPC had informed the President that Nigeria's planning system was beset by many challenges.

These challenges, he said, included the non-alignment of national plans with the annual budget and inadequate capacity in the departments of planning, research and statistics in the various government ministries.

He said the commission was in the process of developing a medium term plan.

"Of course, we sought the President's support for the articulation and finalisation of that document because his pronouncement on it will assist us in rapidly doing so.

"Planning, like I said, will make it effective from 2016 to 2019.

"So, we should be working very seriously to pick out the elements that will form the document.

"The core areas: security, the areas of diversification, the area of restabilising the polity, the micro economic situations that are going to be addressed.

"Of course, we can't forget the issues of unemployment and agric in the real sectors. These are the areas that will drive and ensure that the employment situation is improved upon and that will reduce the poverty level," he added.

Source: Vanguard

US Ready To Sell Military Hardware To Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari's journey to the United States has continued to yield fruits as it emerged, yesterday, in Abuja, that the US may soon relax or completely lift its restriction on military assistance to Nigeria.

The US had placed embargo on arms sales to Nigeria under the 'Leahy Law' following allegations of human rights abuses by the Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism.
US congressman, Darell Issah, who led a delegation of the Judicial Committee, made the disclosure after a meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Olonishakin, and Service Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force and Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Agholor.

Issah said the new direction was due to the policy of the Nigerian Military Establishment regarding its operations in the ongoing war against terrorism in the country.
"There were a number of things that were discussed at the meeting but basically the need for additional technical support including overhead surveillance. This was discussed because it is important in the fight against Boko Haram.
"This is because of the trust in the new regime which has began the process of ensuring that the military's professionalism in the battle field is made in a way that we all can be confident that the rule of law is followed.
"Following this development, we have began the process of lifting restriction under the Leahy Law but the vast majority of the support U.S. provides will be given regardless of the restrictions."

Issah said the U.S. would not only provide military support but other forms of support that would not only boost the military's capabilities but would also create the environment to rebuild devastated communities.
"We are looking forward to working with the President and the military to rebuild the confidence of the people of Nigeria in the professionalism of the military.

"To make the military something that the people will rely on as the nation tries to clear insurgents and protect the civilians; that is important to the new president of Nigeria, our president and it is also important to the congress.

"But we are looking forward to a great difference in the relationship, a proactive relationship and one in which we can provide a greater level of support," Issah said.
Speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Ismaila Aliyu, said the visit was a sign of the renewed confidence in Nigeria's military on the global scene.
According to him, Nigeria now enjoyed a greater level of confidence and trust in the international community. This, he said, would impact positively on the nation's efforts in repositioning its economy.

"The U.S. believes in Nigeria, they have trust and confidence in Nigeria, that is why they are here.
"On the issue of human rights, the U.S. is pleased with what we have been doing in recent times to address the gaps that may have existed in the past.

"This visit is a follow up to Mr President's visit to the U.S., we have said it and will continue to state that the visit was of great benefit to Nigeria, it has rekindled confidence in the relations between the two countries," he said.