S.J News• [Aug 31, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 31, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Paralympics (London 2012): Yakubu Adesokan (Nigeria; 33yrs) wins Gold medal in weightlifting category; Makes World Record by lifting 178kg. LUTH: Fire razes laboratory of AIDs Prevention Initiative Nigeria (APIN) @ Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi Araba, Lagos. James Ibori (fmr Delta Gov): Festus Keyamo (Lagos Lawyer). calls on FG for arrest of Andy Uba, Chibuike Achigbu for claiming $15m bribe, & Nuhu Ribadu (fmr EFCC Chairman). Pipeline: Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) faults $40m annual payment to some ex-militants for guarding Nigerian oil pipelines. Poachers: 2 persons sentenced to 4 & 3 years imprisonment for poaching @ Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi state -Salihu Ibrahim (Commissioner for Culture & Tourism). US/Nigeria: US Dept of Defence partners with Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence; Defence Reference Laboratory built in FCT to combat HIV/AIDS & other related diseases. Senegal: 100-seat Senate to be abolished to raise funds to tackle annual flooding; Annual savings of 8bn CFA francs; To be voted in lower house -President Macky Sall. Ghana: National Democratic Congress (NDC) endorses President John Mahama as candidate for December 7 presidential election following demise of John Evans Atta Mills on July 24.

S.J News• [Aug 30, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 30, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FEC Meeting: FG approves contracts for completion of dam projects; Gurara dam to gulp ₦37bn & Ilesha dam, ₦3.6bn; To be completed between 12 & 18 months. Nautical: Greek-operated oil tanker seized off Togo was tracked down on Wednesday off the coast of Nigeria under control of pirates -Golden Energy Management (ship’s operator) & Togolese authorities. YESSO: World Bank budgets $300m (₦4.8bn) for Youth Employment & Social Support Operation scheme in Nigeria. ₦5,000: House of Reps summons CBN over introduction of new note; Not sure how it will affect CBN's cashless policy -House Committee on Banking & Currency. Kano: Police arrests fraudster for swindling N800,000 out of victim; Called victim several times claiming to be 700-year-old spirit -Ibrahim Idris (Kano CP). Benue: PDP summons Dr Doyin Okupe (SSA on Public Affairs to President) over role in abandonment of contract; "Matter in court of public opinion” -Olisa Metuh (PDP National Publicity Secretary). Kogi Gov: Federal High Court, Abuja dismisses suit filed by Jilbrin Isah (PDP) against election of Gov Idris Wada (Kogi) in December 3, 2011. Aviation: No plan to sell Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna state; To reposition institution for better ranking amongst the best -Stella Oduah (Minister of Aviation). Visa Application: US lists Nigeria, Brazil & China as priority nations; Over 40,000 (75% tourism; 25% study & business) processed in Nigeria this year -Consular officer. FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Nigeria versus Mexico (quarter-final match) 2day in Tokyo, Japan by 8am.

S.J News• [Aug 29, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 29, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ ₦5,000: Introduction of new bank note won't cause inflation -Ugochukwu Okoroafor (Director of Corporate Communications, CBN); Seeks Economic theory that refutes. Privatisation of Firms: Prof Barth Nnaji resigns as Minister of Power. LAUTECH: Osun & Oyo state Govt appoint Bola Tinubu (ACN National Leader) as Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Bunkery: Police impound 11 fuel-laden trucks (33,000 litres each) in Osara, Adavi LG, Kogi state; 8 vandals arrested for siphoning fuel 4rm Osara/Lokoja NNPC pipeline. NACA: Increased education of women to reduce prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria; 60% of persons infected are women -Prof John Idoko (National Agency for the Control of AIDS). Sovereign Wealth Fund: FG constitutes board for Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority ;Mahey Rasheed (Board member, First Bank) named as Chairman; Uche Orji (fmr MD, JP Morgan) as MD/CEO. Importation: ₦270bn saved (dropped 4rm ₦300bn to ₦30bn) 4rm local production of cement within the last 3 years -Dr Joseph Odumodu (DG, Standard Organisation of Nigeria). Railway: FG signs over $1.5bn contract with CCECC (Chinese firm) for Lagos-Ibadan double track railway modernisation phase 1 project. GOP: Mitt Romney (65yrs; fmr Massachusetts Gov) selected as Republican presidential nominee with 2,061 votes @ national convention in Tampa, Florida; Paul Ryan (Wisconsin Congressman) as VP candidate.

S.J News• [Aug 28, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 28, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PDP: No anointed aspirants for 2015 general elections; Party devoted to critical reforms -Bamanga Tukur (PDP National Chairman). Cynthia Osokogu: Magistrate’s Court, Lagos remands 4 suspected killers (33, 23, 32 & 25yrs) of Maj-Gen Frank Osukogu's (retd) daughter in Ikoyi Prison pending advice of state’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Cheddar: My grandmum, Funmilayo Kuti, would've rejected her face on proposed ₦5000 note if alive; Kuti family not officially informed –Seun Kuti (Afro-beat musician). Senate v CBN: Committee on Banking, Insurance & other Financial Institutions directs CBN to suspend introduction of ₦5,000 notes until National Assembly's approval. Fuel Subsidy Scam: Lagos High Court grants bail to Oluwaseun Ogunbambo (suspect); Earlier denied due to history of unresolved criminal allegations & multiplicity of identity. Burial: Remains of Cynthia Osokogu (25yrs; PG student, Nasarawa State University, Keffi) to be interred September 7 @ Bebe, Ovia Agbor in Ika South LG, Delta state -Family. Bayelsa Monarch: Abductors of King Richard Seiba (70yrs) demand N30m ransom; Kidnapped around 2am on Saturday. Inland Basin Crude Oil: President Jonathan to inaugurate production of crude oil in Anambra state on Thursday.

S.J News• [Aug 27, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 27, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Presido: President Jonathan is not a glutton & drunkard; Fasts during Ramadan & Lent; Wine only served during int'l functions -Dr Reuben Abati (SA to president on Media). NIS: 11 Chinese sex workers arrested in Lagos being investigated by National HQ of Nigerian Immigration Service. Operation Pulo Shield: Lapto (Bakassi militant leader) declared wanted by JTF commander; JTF rescued 28 oil workers abducted by him in Bakassi LG, Cross River state. Lagos: Atlantic ocean surge linked to natural disaster; Human casualty was man-made; 9 bodies recovered thus far -National Emergency Management (NEMA). Repair Works: FG debunks rumour vis-à-vis collapse of 3rd Mainland bridge (Lagos Island-Mainland connector). Annual Oil Revenue: ₦7.2trn not missing; Crude oil sale @ $113 per barrel, Output of 2.5mbpd, ₦11.7trn made, ₦4.5trn annual budget; FG/coy sharing formula @ 60:40 -Dr Doyin Okupe (SSA to President on Public Affairs). Cynthia Osokogu: Killers of Maj-Gen Frank Osokogu's (retd) daughter not worthy to live among men -Gov Peter Obi (Chairman, South-East Governors Forum). Bakassi: FG not to reopen matter; Oil-rich peninsula ceded to cameroon by International Court of Justice's (ICJ) judgment -Mohammed Adoke (AGF & Minister of Justice). S.J wishes Engr Zula a splendid Bday.

S.J News• [Aug 26, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 26, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NSE: Nigerian Stock Exchange secures SEC's approval; To delist shares of 8 firms due to non-compliance with post-listing rules of Exchange. Erstwhile Director: Charles Nwosu (fmr CBN Director) shot dead while driving along New Market Layout in Owerri, Imo state. Nigerian/German Energy Partnership: Kaduna state Govt signs MoU with Helios Energy Ltd (German firm) for generation of 30MW of solar power. Federation Account: N57bn allocation for Local Govt 4rm June 2011 to June 2012 unaccounted -Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). Operation Pulo Shield: Joint Task Force in Niger Delta invites Youth at Risk (British training institute) for a 3-day training for JTF personnel. Malaria: FG signs $225m grant with Global Fund for eradication of malaria in Nigeria -Prof Onyebuchi (Minister of Health). Anti-Corruption: ICPC in conjunction with UNDP’s Virtual School, Geneva trains 100 Corruption Risk Assesssors (CRA). Moon Walk: 1st man to walk on moon, Neil Armstrong (US astronaut), died on Saturday @ 82yrs following complications resulting 4rm cardiovascular procedures.

S.J News• [Aug 25, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 25, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Privatisation: FG concludes arrangements for privatisation of Gereku, Kainji, Sapele, Shiroro & Ughelli power plants; Financial bidding to hold September 25, 2012. ESUT: Cyprian Onyeji (VC, Enugu State University of Technology) regains freedom; Abducted August 15. NDLEA: Man ingests 88 wraps of cocaine (1.550kg); Nabbed @ Murtala Muhammed Int’l Airport, Lagos during inward screening of passengers on flight 4rm Sao Paulo, Brazil. Insurance: National Insurance Commission of Nigeria (NAICOM) & National Insurance Commission of Ghana (NIC) sign MoU for consolidation of cross-border supervision. Fuel Subsidy Scam: High Court, Ikeja refuses application by Mahmud Tukur (PDP National Chairman's son), Alex Ochonogor, Abdullahi Alao (Arisekola Alao's son) to travel for Hajj. Post-Prison: United Kingdom adopts ultra-modern Ikot Ekpene Prisons in Akwa Ibom as Model Reformation Centre in Africa -Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom). Norwegian Murder Trial: Anders Behring Breivik (33yrs) declared sane by Oslo court after 10 weeks of trial; Killed 69 persons in gun attack & 8 in bomb attack; To be jailed for 21 years in isolation @ Ila prison

S.J News• [Aug 24, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 24, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Naira: CBN to launch N5,000 (Margaret Ekpo, Hajia Gambo Sawaba & Funmi Kuti's faces) banknote; N50, N100, N200, N500 & N1,000 to be redesigned; 50K, N1, N2, N5, N10, N20 to be coined. Subsidy Payment: FG, NUPENG, NLC, Oil Marketers reach agreement; NUPENG calls off strike; Directs Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) to commence lifting of petroleum products to FCT. Crude Oil: Sokoto state to make presentation to FG for exploitation of deposits recently discovered in commercial quantity -Gov Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto). NCC/NBC: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves merger of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) & National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Plateau North: INEC reschedules September 15 Senatorial by-election; To hold October 6; Seat vacant following demise of Sen Gyang Dantong. Kidnap: Employees of Sea Trucks Group (Netherlands), Indonesian, Iranian, Malaysian & Thai, abducted by pirates off the Nigerian coast on August 4, 2012 have been released. Rice & Cassava: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) signs agreement with FG for increased production; $74.5m credit facility for farmers with 40years repayment period. Fuel Subsidy Claims: Some indicted oil marketers begin refund of petroleum subsidy funds -National Economic Council (NEC). S.J wishes Engr Enny Eclectic a splendid Bday.

S.J News• [Aug 23, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 23, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Accountability: President Jonathan signs Performance Contract Agreement with 42 ministers. PHCN Strike: FG/Labour talks over PHCN severance pay postponed till next week Tuesday; PHCN employees demand 25% (N443bn) for pension before privatization. Benue v Okupe: Benue State Govt drags Dr Doyin Okupe (SSA to President on Public Affairs) before EFCC for recovery of state's N635.7m for unexecuted contract. Subsidy Payment: FG indicts 4 more oil markers; 25 oil marketers now under investigation. Imo: Federal High Court, Abuja grants 27 Local Govt Council Chairmen, sacked by Gov Rochas Okorocha (Imo), leave to apply for judicial review of Governor's action; September 11 fixed for hearing. Nigeria Civil War: About 50,000 unexploded explosive remnants during war scattered across 12 states of South-East, South-South & North-Central; 3 of such found in Enugu -Defence Ministry. 77 BMT Buses: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) to launch Bus Mass Transit Scheme (BMT); 27 luxury Ashok Leyland buses, 30 Toyota & 20 Nissan 18-seater buses. Pipelines: Mujahhid Dokubo- Asari (ex-Niger Delta militant) earns $9m (N1.42bn) annually for securing NNPC pipeline -The Wall Street Journal. Ethiopia: Hailemariam Desalegne (Deputy Prime Minister; 47yrs) sworn-in as Ag Prime Minister following demise of Meles Zenawi (Prime Minister).

S.J News• [Aug 22, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 22, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FG/NUPENG: FG to hold talks with National Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas workers over subsidy payments 2day. Assesment Model: President Jonathan to sign performance contracts with Ministers, public officials @ FEC meeting 2day; Ministers to do same to subordinates. Bomb Factory: 2 bomb factories discovered @ Okehi & Okene LG; 2 rocket launchers, 4 AK47 rifles, 2 military type AK47, 696 rounds of ammunitions, 20 magazines recovered. Police: Mohammed Abubakar (Inspector-General of Police) orders redeployment of 18 Commissioners of Police with immediate effect. Kogi: 2 suspected suicide bombers intercepted & arrested with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in bus on Jamata Bridge, Lokoja/Okene/Abuja road. Disputes Resolution: Lagos state Govt sets up International Arbitration Centre @ Okunde, Lagos state due to public demand -Ade Ipaye (Commissioner for Justice). En route New Delhi: NDLEA arrests 26-yr-old man in Lagos for possession of 8.5kg of methamphetamine concealed inside metal pipes; Street worth of N27m. tête-à-tête: President Jonathan to leave for Senegal 2day for a 2-day official visit to Dakar; To be back on Thursday -Reuben Abati (SA to President on Media). Football: Emmanuel Adebayor (Togolese) completes £5m move to Tottenham Hotspur 4rm Manchester City; 17 Premier League goals scored last season for former.

S.J News• [Aug 21, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 21, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NBA: Nigerian Bar Association, Kaduna sacks Joseph Daudu (outgoing President) as honorary Bar Leader over alleged non-payment of N10m dues; Replaced with Yunus Ustaz (SAN). Petroleum Subsidy: Nigeria Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) appeals to FG for payment of 2012 arrears for national peace & industrial harmony. National Honours: ex-convicts to be stripped of National Honours; Erstwhile bank CEOs to face the music. Flooding: Federal Ministry of Environment predicts torrential rainfall in 23 states between now & August 27. Nigerian Stock Exchange: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) appoints United Bank of Africa (UBA) & Stanbic IBTC as securities lending agents for equities & bond transactions. Food: Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture), gives 5-point commitment for improvement of nutrition & minimisation of hunger 4rm now till 2015. Edo Jail Break: Inmates @ Oko Minimum Prison, Benin escaped through burrow in prison wall, not via bomb blast -Olayinka Balogun (Edo CP). Ethiopia: Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi (aged 57), dies in hospital after weeks of illness; Hailemariam Desalegn (Deputy Prime Minister) takes charge.

S.J News• [Aug 20, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 20, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ South East: Niger Bridge Head/Upper Iweka road in Onitsha, Anambra state to be named after Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu -Gov Peter Obi (Anambra). Kuramo Beach: Ocean surge @ Lagos beach on Saturday; 3 more bodies recovered; Recovered bodies now 4; 12 others still missing; Rescue mission underway. Power: FG inaugurates unit GT 18 of Ughelli power plant in Delta state; Now generates 360MW; Generates additional 130MW to existing 430MW in national grid. Jail Break: Gunmen attack Oko Minimum Prison in Benin, Edo state; No fewer than 12 inmates escaped. Urbanisation Law: Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) orders stepping down of implementation; Law enables state Govt to take over lands for economic & industrial prosperity. Sudan Crash: Civilian aircraft enroute South Kordofan came down in Nuba Mountains; Ghazi al-Sadiq (Minister of Guidance and Religious Endowments), 31 others die in crash. Murder: Wife of Bo Xilai (Chinese politician), Gu Kailai (53yrs), given suspended death sentence for murder of Neil Heywood (British businessman); Zhang Xiaojun (Gu's aide) jailed for 9 years.

S.J News• [Aug 19, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 19, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FG/NUPENG Dialogue: Emeka Wogu (Minister of Labour & Productivity) appeals to Nigeria Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers to call off ongoing strike in FCT. Clifford Orji: Demise of alleged cannibal after 12 years of imprisonment @ Kirikiri maximum prison; Autopsy underway -Noel Ailewon (Deputy Comptroller of prison). Train: Passengers hanging or sitting on train risk trial for attempted suicide & imprisonment; 23 defaulters presently on trial -Nigeria Railway Corporation. Kuramo Beach: Ocean surge @ Kuramo Beach, Lagos around 2am on Saturday; 15 persons missing; 1 dead. Edo: Arik Airline aircraft with over 50 passengers hovers for about 15mins, aborts landing @ Benin Airport destination & flew back to Lagos. 76 Oil Wells: Akwa Ibom ready to dialogue with Cross River state on disputed oil wells despite conferment of ownership to former by Supreme court -Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom).

S.J News• [Aug 18, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 18, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 3rd Mainland Bridge: Closure of bridge 4rm 11am to 2pm on Monday, August 20 -Kayode Opeifa (Commissioner for Transportation); Repair works began July 8; To end Nov 6. Jos: Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explodes @ Rikkos Police Post in Jos, Plateau state on Friday; 1 person injured. Fuel Subsidy: Ministry of Finance publishes names of 21 firms under investigation based on report of Presidential Committee on Fuel Subsidy Payments. NUC: National Universities Commission restores operational licence of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra; Suspended for running unauthorised courses. Environmental Law: Lagos state Govt commissions special mobile court for prompt trials of violators of law -Tunji Bello (Commissioner for Environment). Kwara: No rift between Sen Bukola Saraki (fmr Kwara Gov) & I; Rumours propagated by opposition -Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara). Boeing: Ethiopian Airlines purchases Africa's 1st 787 Dreamliner; Ten purchased. Syria: Lakhdar Brahimi (Algerian diplomat) appointed to replace Kofi Annan as special UN & Arab League envoy to Syria -Eduardo Del Buey (Spokesman, UN Sec-Gen). S.J wishes Oluseyi Ayinde a splendid Bday.

S.J News• [Aug 17, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 17, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Capital Projects: FG releases N300bn for 3rd quarter of 2012; N704bn released thus far -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). ESUT VC: Abductors of Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Technology, Prof Cyprian Onyeji, demand N200m ransom; Kidnapped on Wednesday. Ekiti: Robbers attack police station then bank in Ido Osi LG, Ekiti state; Flee with undisclosed amount of money. Severance Pay: 25% demand by PHCN workers not feasible; N443bn required (Additional N299bn to N144bn budgeted) -Prof Barth Nnaji (Minister of Power). Fuel Scarcity: Diezani Alison-Madueke (Minister of Petroleum) allays fear; Reserve to last 40 to 45 days; Queues in FCT due to FG/marketers disagreement over subsidy payments. Kano: 2012 Durbar celebration (procession of traditional leaders riding lavishly decorated horses to greet emir) cancelled due to Ado Bayero's (Emir of Kano; 82yrs) health. Ondo Gov (SAN v OSSAA): Ondo High Court orders Rotimi Akeredolu (ACN Gov candidate) to pay N4.3m to court's registrar for campaign billboards in Ondo state. Diesel: EFCC seizes MT Ocean Treasure (illegal oil bunkering vessel) carrying 300 tonnes of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Service Delivery: President Jonathan to sign performance pact with Ministers on August 22, 2012. SURE-P: FG spends N105bn for Subsidy Reinvestment & Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in 7 months as palliative measures for fuel subsidy removal. S.J wishes Oghene Cathier a splendid Bday.

S.J News• [Aug 16, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 16, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Obudu Dam: Federal Executive Council approves N1.65bn contract for rehabilitation of Obudu Dam in Cross River state -Stella Ochepe (Minister of Water Resources). PHCN: FG/Labour talks over settlement of electricity workers stalled due to absence of key Govt officials (Minister of Power, BPE) & presence of soldiers @ PHCN offices. Symbols & Songs Law 2012: Gov Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) signs bill into law; Bayelsa to have Coat of Arms & Anthem. ESUT: Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Prof Cyprian Onyeji, abducted by unknown gunmen on Wednesday @ school’s entrance gate. Treasury Bills: CBN to issue N70.65bn ($445.18m) in treasury bills; N30.6bn in 91-day bills & N40bn in 182-day bills; 3 to 6-month maturity; To be issued @ regular bi-monthly debt auction next week. Precautionary Measure: 91-yr-old Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip , back in hospital over recurrent bladder infection. RVP: Manchester United agrees £24m deal to sign 29-yr-old Robin van Persie (Arsenal striker) on a 4-year contract; Current deal to expire June 2013. Waverider (X-51A): Unmanned experimental hypersonic aircraft, designed to fly 6 times speed of sound (New York-to-London in less than 1 hour), breaks apart over Pacific Ocean seconds into military test flight due to a faulty control fin - U.S Air Force. S.J wishes Opeyemi a splendid Bday

S.J News• [Aug 15, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 15, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NBA: Declared secession by people of Ogoniland (Rivers state) and Autonomous flag & anthem by Bayelsa state unconstitutional & illegal -Joseph Daudu (Outgoing NBA President). Cheddar: N190bn used for currency management in last fiscal year due to poor handling of Naira -CBN. LASTMA: 35-year-old female banker arraigned before Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos on a 1-count charge of reckless driving in Ajah, not manslaughter. Not Jigga: Rockefeller Foundation to partner with FG in Agriculture Transformation Agenda for reduction in food import bill -Dr Judith Rodin (President); About N630bn spent by FG in 2011-CBN. Self-destruct: 2 suspected suicide bombers blown up along Ali Akilu road, Kaduna while transporting Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to unknown destination. Police: Presidential Committee on reorganisation of Nigeria Police calls for scrapping of Ministry of Police Affairs; Reject calls for State police. High-end Medical Services: FG inaugurates 20-man committee on Private Healthcare Infrastructure; To be headed by Tony Elumelu (Chairman, Heirs Holdings Ltd).

S.J News• [Aug 14, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 14, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Presidential Aide: ACN asks for sack of Dr Doyin Okupe (SSA on Public Affairs), his hand over to EFCC & Presidential apology for appointment of person with alleged criminal past. Eid-el-Fitri: FG declares Monday & Tuesday as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitri -Abba Moro (Minister of Interior). Delta: State Govt claims N2.25bn ($15m) allegedly offered as bribe 4rm James Ibori (fmr Delta Gov) to Nuhu Ribadu (fmr EFCC Chairman) in 2007; Money in CBN custody. Jos: Prayers not allowed in controversial Rukuba road prayer ground in Jos to avert recurrent bloodshed; Negotiation ongoing for provision of alternative site -Police. Abode: FG to build 1million affordable houses annually to reduce 17million housing deficit -Ms Amal Pepple (Minister of Lands, Housing & Urban Development). Non-Performance: FG terminates $146m (N23bn) 4-star hotel project near MMIA terminal; Begun in 2005; Site to be re-modelled as multi-storey car park -Akin Olukunle (FAAN Spokesman). Anti-Money Laundering: CBN orders banks, financial institutions to register with EFCC's Department of Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML). Debt: Domestic debt profile rose 4rm N5.966trn ($37.71bn) @ end of 1st quarter to N6.153trn ($38.89bn) @ end of 2nd quarter; Increment of N187bn (3%) -Debt Management Office (DMO).

S.J News• [Aug 13, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 13, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ INEC: Issuance of chip-based permanent voter cards to begin before end of 2012 -Prof Attahiru Jega (INEC Chairman). Shootout: Joint Task Force kills no fewer than 20 suspected Boko Haram members during raid in Maiduguri hideout; 1 soldier killed. London 2012: Medal drought for Nigeria in 2012 London Olympic; N2.3bn released by FG; 51athletes participated. Crude Oil Term Contract: Femi Falana (Human rights lawyer) threatens to sue Andrew Yakubu (GMD, NNPC) if information requested by Oil & Gas Publications Ltd isn't disclosed. FG Projects: Over N1trn needed for completion of 168 ongoing projects; Ministry’s annual budgetary allocations of N140bn insufficient -Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). UBA: Mrs Rose Ada Okwechime (MD Abbey Building Society) & Mrs Owanari Duke appointed to board of United Bank for Africa (UBA). 2012 Olympic: United States defeats Spain to win men’s basketball gold @ Olympic; US 107-100 Spain. Egyptian Advisers: President Mohamed Mursi sends Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi (Defense Minister) & Lt Gen Sami Anan (Chief of Staff) into retirement.

S.J News• [Aug 12, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 12, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Electricity: Shiroro Dam not shut down; Shiroro hydro station generated 550MW out of 600MW capacity -Prof Barth Nnaji (Minister of Power). Kano: Joint Task Force discovers bomb factory in Tundun Bayero; 3 suspects arrested; 8 AK47 & 1 SMG magazine, 1SMG rifle, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) recovered. Ondo Gov: PDP flags-off campaign for Olusola Oke (PDP candidate) @ Democracy Park, Akure; Election to hold October 20. Okada: 6-hour protest by commercial motorcyclist in Ilorin, Kwara state; Banned by state Govt 4rm plying major routes. Crude Oil Discovery: University of Ilorin to establish N100m geological research centre in Aran-Orin, Irepodun LG Kwara state. Imo State House of Assembly: PDP wins seat in Oguta constituency; Polls 15,338 votes; APGA 3,401; ACN 2,520. Federal Road: Lagos & Ogun state Govt join forces for rehabilitation of Ikorodu–Sagamu, Akute-Ojodu/ Berger & Epe–Ijebu Ode highway. London 2012: Jamaica set new world record in 4x100m relay final @ Olympic with 36.84s; US silver; Canada's disqualification gives Trinidad & Tobago bronze. US Presidential Election: Mitt Romney (Republican candidate) introduces Paul Ryan (42yrs; Wisconsin Congressman) as running mate. S.J wishes Engr Sesan Kolawole a splendid Bday.

S.J News• [Aug 11, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 11, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Natonwide Strike: FG to meet NLC Wednesday next week; Govt given 1 week ultimatum for withdrawal of army 4rm PHCN installation & conclusion of negotiations. Borno: Joint Task Force (JTF) recovers 9 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), Four AK-47 rifles in Maiduguri. Agric: FG to increase milled rice production in Nigeria to 6.4million tonnes per year within next 3 years -Dr Akinwunmi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture). Hit-and-Run: Female banker kills 33-yr-old LASTMA official while driving against traffic on Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos state. Osun: Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) appoints Prof Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate) as Chairman, Board of Trustees of Centre for Black Culture & International Understanding, Osogbo. Dana Crash: Prof David Oke (CMD LASUTH) apologies to journalists over assault on Benedict Nwakala (Photo Journalist) during handling over of corpse. NDLEA: 30-year-old student nabbed with 107.4kg of cannabis sativa, 28 other students in possession of additional 61.66kg of narcotic drugs in -FCT NDLEA. WAEC (May/June 2012): 1,695,878 registered candidates; 91.10% results fully released; 649,156 candidates(38.81%) obtain credit in 5 subjects (Maths & English inclusive); Dr Iyi Uwadiae appointed as new registrar.

S.J News• [Aug 10, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 10, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NLC v FG: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issues 1-week ultimatum to FG for withdrawal soldiers 4rm PHCN installations & commencement of negotiations. US/Nigeria: Hilary Clinton (US Secretary of State) meets with President & Govt officials as part of whistle-stop tour of 11 african countries. Power: PHCN staff shuts down Shiroro Dam in Minna, Niger state over FG's non-payment of retirement benefits. Ondo PDP: High Court, Akure nullifies Local Govt & State congresses; Elected members restrained 4rm parading selves as excos; Olusola Oke as candidate in October 20 Gov election. Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS): Release of N34bn approved by FG to offset backlog of accrued pension of FG retirees -Emeka Onuora (National Pension Commission). Foreign Convicts: UK to refurbish prisons in Lagos ahead of deportation to serve sentences @ home; 900 Jamaican inmates in british jails, Poland 750, Ireland 737, Nigeria 594. London 2012: Usain Bolt (25yrs; Jamaica) seals Olympic sprint double; Retains 200m title with 19.32 seconds; Yohan Blake (Jamica) silver, Warren Weir (Jamica) bronze.

S.J News• [Aug 9, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 9, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013 Budget: FG approves 2013 fiscal strategy framework; Projected revenue @ N3.891trn; Projected expenditure @ N4.929trn; @ $75 per barrel, 2.48million barrels per day. Ghana: President Jonathan to depart for Accra, Ghana 2day for late President John Atta Mills' burial; Passed away July 24, 2012 -Dr Reuben Abati (SA to president on media). Kogi: Ring leader, 3 accomplices, traditional rulers nabbed over attack @ Deeper Life Bible Church, Okehi LG, Kogi state; 20 worshippers killed -Mohammed Katsina (Kogi CP). N855m Scam: EFCC arraigns 3 officials of defunct Bank PHB (Keystone), Nulec Industries Ltd before Lagos High Court, Ikeja on 2 counts of conspiracy & fraud. Sokoto: Botched attack @ PDP secretariat by 2 suspected bombers, as Police defuses Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) concealed in polythene bag. Dana Airline: Lagos Govt to commence release of remains of victims of June 3rd crash 2day @ LASUTH -Akingbolahan Adeniran (SSA to Gov on Legal Matters). Bauchi: 2 policemen shot dead by unknown gunmen in Gubi village, along Ningi/ Kano road -Muhammad Ladan (Bauchi CP). China: Murder Trial of Bo Xilai's (Chinese Politician) wife, Gu Kailai (53yrs), begins in Hefei, China; Accused, alongside Zhang Xiaojun (aide), of poisoning Neil Heywood (British businessman) in November 2011. S.J wishes Chibuike Ufere a splendid Bday.

S.J News• [Aug 8, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 8, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ APGA: High Court, Abuja restrains Sadiq Massalla & Dr Ifedi Okwenna 4rm parading selves as Acting National Chairman & Secretary respectively & convoking committee meetings. Kogi: Unknown gunmen attack Okene Central mosque, Kogi state during Tasfir prayer; 2 soldiers, 2 gunmen killed. Quick Response Group: Nigerian Army graduates 439 counter-terrorism soldiers 4rm Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Insurgency (CTCOIN) Centre of Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna state. Curfew: Gov Idris Wada (Kogi) imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew in Okene, Kogi state; Mohammed Abubakar (IG of police) orders 24-hour surveillance in worship centres. Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund): FG earmarks N95.653bn intervention funds for universities, polytechnics & colleges of education -Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i (Minister of Education). Ondo Gov: Due process followed in selection of Rotimi Akeredolu (fmr NBA president) as ACN Gov candidiate for October 20 election -Bisi Akande (ACN National Chairman). Budget: Harmonised budget to be presented by Federal, State & Local Govts in 2013, in accordance with provisions of IPSAS -Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC). Electricity: Power Supply in Nigeria peaks @ all-time high; 4,237MW generated excludes national spinning reserves -Prof Barth Nnaji (Minister of Power).

S.J News• [Aug 7, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 7, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Agric: Annual expenditure of N635bn for importation of wheat into Nigeria; Cassava flour for bread to halt wasteful spending -Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture). Boko Haram: Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari advocates dissolution of Jonathan's administration for convocation of Sovereign National Conference (SNC). Kogi: Unknown gunmen attack Deeper Life Bible Church, Okehi LG, Kogi state; No fewer than 16 persons killed. Crash Inquiry: Black Box (Flight Recorder) on Dana air plane destroyed due to post-crash inferno -Emmanuel Dialla (Dir of Engineering, AIB); 153 persons killed on June 3, crash. Keke Maigida: Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) launches 250 tricycles in Ilorin; Commercial motorcycles (Okada) banned on major routes in metropolis. Naija-Brazil: FG to partner West African Constructora Queiro Galvao (Brazilian firm) on agriculture, housing, infrastructure & transportation -Dr Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment). Crude Oil: FG to boost production by 1million bpd & total reserve to about 40bn barrels by 2020; Presently produces 2.5million bpd with total reserve of about 36bn barrels -Diezani Allison-Madueke (Minister of Petroleum).

S.J News• [Aug 6, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 6, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Ondo Gov: Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP) adopts Gov Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo; LP candidate) as flag bearer in October 20th Gov election in Ondo state. Borno: Kadiri Kaza’a (fmr Commissioner for Environment), Mohammed Lawan (Immigration officer) shot dead @ their residences by unknown gunmen. Swiss: $500m (N80bn) late Gen Sani Abacha loot returned to Nigeria thus far -Andreas Baum (outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria). Yobe: JTF intercepts explosive-laden CRV jeep @ checkpoint; Suicide bomber detonates vehicle along Gashua road, Damaturu killing 6 soldiers & 2 civilians. Kuramo Beach: Lagos beach reopened; Shut down on July 5, 2012 for purging of illegal occupants & demolition of illegal structures. Cardiac Arrest: Nigerian player, Henry Chinonso Ihelewere (21yrs), dies during friendly match in Romania between CS Delta Tulcea (his club) & FC Balotesti 15mins after coming on as 2nd-half substitute. ACN v SSS: ACN calls on FG & National Assembly to probe State Security Service's claims on arrest of suspected killers of Gov Adams Oshiomhole's aide, Olaitan Oyerinde. Olympic (100m): Usain Bolt (Jamaica) retains gold medal with 9.63s record time @ London 2012; Yohan Blake (9.75s; Jamaica); Justin Gatlin (9.79s; USA).

S.J News• [Aug 5, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 5, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Reconciliation Tour: Bamanga Tukur (PDP National Chairman) to quash beef between members in 6 geo-political zones after Ramadan. Nautical (Oil Ship): Pirates attack ship in the waters off Niger Delta region in Nigeria; 2 Nigerian Naval guards killed; 4 expatriates abducted -Commodore Kabir Aliyu (Navy Spokesman). Bomb Factory: Nigerian Army discovers Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory along Abuja road, Rigasa, Kaduna state -Col Sani Usman (Asst dir, Army Public Relations, 1 Div Kaduna). NESREA: Contrary to reports, National Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency debunks shutting down 52 base stations. Transportation: N22.4bn paid by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for Abuja Mono-light Rail Project. 4th Catholic Archbishop of Lagos: Most Rev Adewale Martins installed as Catholic Arch Bishop of Metropolitan Church of Lagos; Cardinal Okogie (Predecessor) attains bishopric retirement age of 75. Flooding: Above-normal rainfall imminent in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Cross River, Delta, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Ogun states -Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). NPC: Nigeria's population currently stands @ 167 million; Growth rate @ 2.3% per annum -Jamin Zubema (DG, National Population Commission). Yemen: Suspected suicide bomber strikes village in southern province of Abyan; No fewer than 25 persons killed.

S.J News• [Aug 4, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 4, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Road Traffic Law (Lagos): Movement of trailers restricted to between 6am & 9pm; Motorcycles & tricycles banned 4rm operating on major bridges. Yobe: Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa (Emir of Fika) escapes suicide attack after Friday prayer @ Potiskum Central Mosque; Assailant killed. Ogun PDP: State High Court, Ilaro nullifies election of 8 PDP councillors of Ireti Oniyide-led faction; Orders OGSIEC to accept Bayo Dayo-led faction as duly elected candidates. Lagos: State Govt bans National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) 4rm operating @ parks & bus stops -Kayode Opeifa (Commissioner for Transportation). 20th Set: Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) inducts 166 medical doctors @ Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun state. Lagos NURTW: Najeem Usman Yasin ((NURTW president) endorses & confirms Tajudeen Agbede as NURTW Chairman. Anambra: Abductors of Igwe Robert Eze (Traditional ruler of Ukpo, Njikoka council area) demand $100m ransom. Foreign Debt: Lagos ($518m), Kaduna ($197m), Cross River ($109m), Ogun ($96m) & Oyo state ($79m) top list of external debts incurred -Debt Management Office (DMO).

S.J News• [Aug 3, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 3, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Senate: Implementation level of 2012 budget stands @ 56%; 2013 Appropriation Bill to be presented in September -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). O God of Creation: Federal Executive Council adopts 2nd stanza of National Anthem as official prayer @ public functions -Hadiza Mailafia (Minister of Environment). NNPC: Crude oil output increases 4rm 2.4million bpd to 2.7million bpd; Peaks @ all-time high –Engr Andrew Yakubu (GMD, NNPC). Road Traffic: Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) signs Road Traffic Bill into law; Eating & drinking while driving prohibited; Pregnant women & children aged below 12 banned 4rm using Okada. NDLEA: Suspected drug trafficker nabbed @ Muritala Mohammed Int’l Airport, Lagos with 210g of cocaine inserted in anus. Reserved Grains: Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) orders release & sale of buffer stock grains 4rm strategic food reserve; To be sold @ 50% subsidy. Agriculture: FG to increase cocoa production to about 500 metric tonnes by 2015 through growth enhancement support scheme -Ministry of Agriculture & Rural development. Syria: Kofi Annan resigns as UN-League of Arab States Joint Special Envoy; Tenure to end 31, August 2012 - Ban Ki-moon (UN Secretary-General). Olympics: USA breaks record with highest scoring basketball game in history with 156 points; 156-73 win over Nigeria.

S.J News• [Aug 2, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 2, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2012 Budget: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance) to appear before Senate on Thursday over implementation of budget -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information). Pension Fraud: Abubakar Atiku Kigo (fmr Permanent Secretary, office of Head of Service of Federation ) debunks recovery of N2bn in his home by EFCC. Edo: State Security Service (SSS) parades 6 suspects for allegedly murdering Gov Adams Oshiomhole's (Edo) aide, Olaitan Oyerinde (Principal Private Secretary to Gov). 28th Plenary Meeting: Police Service Commission (PSC) approves promotion of Philemon Leha (Asst IG of Police) to Deputy IG of Police (DIG); 8 CPs promoted to AIGs. Imo: Aide to Ben Uwajimogu (Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly), Emmanuel Adoba, murdered @ his Okuku village, Owerri West LG, Imo state residence. Pension Scam: Oyo state Govt uncovers N2.6bn pension scam in Local Govt Pension Board; 8 persons detained by police; 2 absconded -Lasisi Ayankojo (Board Chairman). Building: 3-storey building collapses @ Anikantamo Street, off Adeniji Adele road, Lagos state. ex-Bank MD: Properties of Erastus Akingbola (fmr MD, Intercontinental Bank) would be sold if he fails to refund N164bn allegedly stolen -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Gov). Pay-As-You-Go Scheme: Lagos state Govt disburses N2.8bn to 464 retirees under the old pension scheme.

S.J News• [Aug 1, 2012]

S.J News• [Aug 1, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Subsidy Payment: EFCC withdraws criminal charges filed against Integrated Resources, Pinnacle Oil & Gas Ltd, 2 other persons @ Lagos High Court, Igbosere. UNIOSUN: Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) reconstitutes council for University of Osun (UNIOSUN); Prof G.A Olawoyin to chair 7-member council; Prof Ganiyu Olatunde appointed as Ag VC. Bank v ex-MD: High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, London orders Erastus Akingbola (fmr MD, Intercontinental Bank) to pay £654m for unwholesome practices. VP: Police arrests 2 suspected gunmen on hospital beds over attack @ residence of VP Namadi Sambo in Tundun-Wada, Zaria, Kaduna state on Monday. Appropriation Act: 2012 budget implemented up to 21.5% -Senate; Dr Ngozi Okonjo-lweala (Minister of Finance) absent @ interactive session; Meeting rescheduled for Thursday. Interim Order: Enugu High Court refuses to vacate order against Victor Umeh (APGA National Chairman); Restrained 4rm convoking National, State & Local Govt excecutive committee meeting. NDC Graduation: Military not a threat to Nigerian democracy due to officers’ training & exposure to tenets of democracy through curriculum -IBB (fmr military president). Operation Restore Order: JTF in Borno state intercepts 8 rocket launchers, 10 rocket chargers @ Daban Masara, Monguno LG; 2 suspects killed in shootout. Olympics (Team USA): Michael Phelps (27yrs) breaks Olympic record; Wins 19th Olympic medal with 4x200m freestyle relay; 15 Golds to his name.