S.J News• [May 1, 2013]

S.J News• [May 1, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Redline Light Rail Project: Lagos light rail project from Marina through Iddo to Agbado to gulp about $2.5bn (₦400bn). Borno: Defence Headquarters (DHQ) & National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) submits preliminary reports on killings in Baga, Borno state. Terrorism: USA to assist Nigeria in offering modern technology for fortification of security @ nation’s borders to curb terrorism. Fuel Subsidy: Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrests Chairman of Capital Oil & Gas, Ifeanyi Ubah. Special Funds: FG misappropriated ₦1.04tn from Special Fund accounts out of ₦1.5tn released to account between 2002 & June 2012 -Senate Probe. Fake Mace Smuggled: Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Otelemaba Amachree, alleges plot by 5 members of the House to impeach Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). Immortalisation: Gov Kayode Fayemi names Civic Centre (under construction) after late Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka (fmr Deputy Gov, Ekiti); Atikankan-Baptist Church road in Ado- Ekiti now Funmilayo Olayinka Drive. GSM, CDMA & Fixed Wired/Wireless Operators: Connected telephone lines in Nigeria now 159.9 million; About 116.6 million active -Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

S.J News• [April 30, 2013]

S.J News• [April 30, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2nd Terms: Senate Committee on Review of Constitution recommends single 6 year tenure for office of President, Vice President, Governors & Deputies. Erosion: FG negotiating for ₦62bn ($400m) special fund from World Bank to tackle erosion in South Eastern part of Nigeria -President Jonathan. MTN (44% of the Market): Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) orders MTN to raise on-net (MTN-to-MTN) tariff; Presently costs 3 times lower than off-net (MTN-to-Other Networks) calls. Qualified Nigerian Ship Owners: Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency to release amount accrued to Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF) -Ziakede Akpobolokemi (DG, NIMASA). Is Stealing Pension Better?: Osogbo High Court sentences 31-yr-old man to 45-year imprisonment for stealing Gov Rauf Aregbesola's (Osun) Phone (₦50,000 worth) on November 27, 2010 during his inauguration. Lagos Speaker: Members of Lagos State House of Assembly passes vote of confidence on embattled Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji. Exchange of Baton (33 Years on Throne): Dutch Queen Beatrix (75yrs) to abdicate in favour of son, Prince Willem-Alexander (46yrs); Son to be 1st king since Willem III, who passed in 1890.

S.J News• [April 29, 2013]

S.J News• [April 29, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ World Bank: Foreign remittance to Nigeria in 2012 hit $21bn; India $69bn, China $60bn, Philippines $24bn, Mexico $23bn & Egypt @ $21bn. Health: Federal Capital Territory Administration equips 12 hospitals in FCT with state of the art equipment for hypertension treatment -Bala Mohammed (FCT Minister). Agric: FG to introduce Graduate Irrigation Farmers Scheme to tackle food insecurity & unemployment in Nigeria -Sarah Ochekpe (Minister of Water Resources). Abuja Project: ₦1.3tn spent on FCT infrastructure since creation in 1976 -Bala Mohammed (FCT Minister). OBJ Goes Hard (OBJ v Jonathan): Probe me, not my Ministers -Olusegun Obasanjo (fmr president); Faults FG's pipeline protection contract. Death by Hanging: Court of Appeal, Lagos to hear appeal filed by Maj Hamzat Al-Mustapha (fmr CSO to Sani Abacha) & Lateef Shofolahan (MKO's aide) on Monday. AU Health Ministers: Nigeria elected to chair Bureau for the African Union (AU) Conference of Ministers of Health; Biennial conference for review & assessment member states.

S.J News• [April 28, 2013]

S.J News• [April 28, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ CoD: Nigeria elected to assume presidency of Community of Democracies for the period 2015-2017. Aviation: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) certifies 7 private security companies for nation’s airports -Joyce Daniel Nkemakolam (Acting DG, NCAA). Airforce Recruitment: Nigerian Air Force parades dismissed soldier @ 81 Air Maritime Group, Nigerian Air Force, Benin, Edo state over alleged recruitment scam. Lagos: ₦2bn may be needed for evacuation of wrecked ships in coastlines -Adesegun Oniru (Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development). ARC: Board of African Risk Capacity announces appointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance) as 1st chair of its governing council. PDP: Bamanga Tukur (National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party) sacks all 14 political aides, including son, for reorganisation of party. Sect: Joint Task Force (JTF) kills top Boko Haram commander, Mohammed Chad, in Maiduguri, Borno state -Lt Col Sagir Musa. Taraba State House of Assembly: Newly-elected Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa, denies being sponsored to impeach Istifanus Gbana (predecessor), Deputy & principal officers of the House.

S.J News• [April 27, 2013]

S.J News• [April 27, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ MSTF: President Jonathan endorses establishment of Multi-Stakeholder Trust Fund for development of Niger Delta region. Abduction: $3.15m (about ₦500m) ransom paid by French & Cameroonian negotiators for release of a family of 7 French hostages -Report. Capital Market: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) suspends Vision Trust & Investment Ltd from all capital market activities over sale of shares without mandate. Unclear Reasons: Gov Rotimi Amaechi's (Rivers) aircraft grounded for about 2 hours on Friday @ Akure Airport, Ondo state. ₦32bn Pension Fraud: National Judicial Council (NJC) suspends Justice Abubakar Mahmud Talba of FCT High Court over verdict; John Yakubu Yusuf granted ₦750,000 fine in place of 2-year jail term upon confession. China Bound: Nigeria Customs Service nabs Nigerian woman with $355,685 @ Murtala Muhammed Int'l Airport, Lagos. SEC: Aims Asset Management Ltd suspended for non-refund of ₦300,000 deposited by investor under portfolio investment agreement for a tenor of 3 years. Power: Nigerians to enjoy uninterrupted power supply with @ least 10,000MW from December 2014 -President Jonathan.

S.J News• [April 26, 2013]

S.J News• [April 26, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Border: House of Reps okays construction of perimeter fence with sensors & cameras to check illegal influx of foreigners into Nigeria. Ebonyi: About 96,000 residents across 13 LGA affected annually by malaria -Dr Sunday Nwangele (Commissioner for Health). 2011 Post-election Violence (1st phase) : President Jonathan approves release of ₦5.75bn as compensation for victims in 9 out of 14 states -Dr Reuben Abati (SA to President on Media & Publicity). Operation Pulo Shield: Joint Military Task Force (JTF) destroys 7 operational camps of kidnappers & pirates camps in Bayelsa state. Kidnap: Kehinde Bamigbetan's (Chairman, Ejigbo LCDA) abductors elusive because they fled to Ghana -Umar Manko (Commissioner of Police, Lagos). Lead Poison: FG spends ₦900m for reconstruction of villages affected in Zamfara state -Gov Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari (Zamfara). NEC: National Economic Council approves FG & State Govt's plan to borrow $9bn from international organisations. MDG: FG releases Conditional Grants to 148 LGA to up investment @ grassroot level -Precious Gbeneol (SSA to President on Millennium Development Goals).

S.J News• [April 25, 2013]

S.J News• [April 25, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Roads: ₦921.4bn needed for completion of nation’s highways; Only 65,000km of 200,000km of road networks paved with bitumen -Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). EFCC v Speaker: Federal High Court, Lagos adjourns Adeyemi Ikuforiji's (Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly) case sine die due to Judges's retirement by May. Oil & Gas: Nigerian Navy inaugurates website (www.cot.navy.mil.ng) on theft of crude oil & pipeline vandalism. JAMB: 1,735,720 candidates to sit for 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Saturday -Prof Dibu Ojerinde (JAMB, Registrar). Ogun: Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Ogun state workers to embark on strike over failure of state Govt to pay ₦2bn salary arrears. Unseen Chauffeurs: Bill on tinted vehicles passes 2nd reading on floor of Senate; Committees to report back in 2 weeks.

S.J News• [April 24, 2013]

S.J News• [April 24, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ North West Forum: Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) & Gov Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Kaduna) object passage of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). ₦4.5bn Pension Scam: EFCC files fresh charges before Federal High Court, Abuja against 40 suspects. Ondo Gov: Election Petition Tribunal reserves judgment on petition filed by Olusola Oke (PDP Candidate) & Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (ACN candidate); Gov Olusegun Mimiko (LP) still on the throne. Jos: Police foils planned attack; Intercepts arms, Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) in Jos, Plateau state -Chris Olakpe (Commissioner of Police). Ogun: State Magistrate Court, Sagamu sentences 40-year-old man to 6 months imprisonment without option for fine over production & possession of 20 fake numbe plates. Bayelsa: People of Nembe, Bayelsa demand $1bn compensation from Shell & Agip oil companies; Request made known in petition sent to United Nations (UN). Telecoms: MTN seals $3bn medium-term loan agreement with consortium of banks for expansion & upgrading of network; Tenure of repayment now 7 years. UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich annihilates Barcelona 4-0, with Messi in it, in 1st leg of semi-final match @ Allianz Arena.

S.J News• [April 23, 2013]

S.J News• [April 23, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Affordable Houses: World Bank sets aside $300m mortgage financing infrastructure for Nigerians. LG Polls: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) swears in 14 Local Govt Chairmen; Don’t be like PDP absentee LGA Chairmen -Gov. Gross Misconduct: Taraba State House of Assembly impeaches Istifanus Gbana (Speaker), Abel Diah (Deputy Speaker), principal officers. Presidential Election: Gov Babangida Aliyu (Niger) dissociates self from campaign posters of Gov Sule Lamido (Jigawa) & Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) in Minna, Niger state. Legal Metrology Web Portal Launched: ₦755bn lost monthly due to inaccurate weights & measurement scales -Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment). Appointees: President Jonathan approves appointment of Chairmen, members of Governing Councils for 67 Federal Parastatals & Agencies. Power: National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to add 4,200MW to national grid by December -James Olotu (MD, NDHPC).

S.J News• [April 22, 2013]

S.J News• [April 22, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Subsidy (₦1.5m): Magistrate Court, Lagos quashes charge against Anthony Iheanacho (MD, Integrated Oil & Gas Ltd). Pen & Pad: May 23, 2013 fixed for interment of renowned author, Prof Chinua Achebe -South-East Governors Forum. Agriculture: FG through CBN earmarks ₦450bn for small-scale farmers; Construction of ₦4.1bn Strategic Grains Reserve in Bulasa, Kebbi state to be completed by June, 2013. Naira: CBN ceases to print polymer notes due to quick fading; 2nd generation of lower denomination notes to be produced from mid-2013 -Tunde Lemo (Deputy Gov, CBN). Not Uncle Ben's: About ₦365bn spent annually on importation of 2.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of milled rice; Nigeria is largest importer of rice in the world -FG. MNP: Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to be launched in Lagos 2day; Subscribers to switch network & still retain mobile phone numbers -NCC.

S.J News• [April 21, 2013]

S.J News• [April 21, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ APC v PDP: All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto very poor imitation & bland parody of PDP's manifesto -Olisa Metuh (PDP National Publicity Secretary). Flood Disaster: Anambra to distribute ₦1bn to farmers affected to cushion loss suffered from disaster -Gov Peter Obi. Subsidy: Global subsidies hit$2tn; Most subsidies misdirected to benefit the rich -Ms Christine Largarde (MD, International Monetary Fund). Power Holding Company of Nigeria: Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to receive $2.6bn (₦410bn) balance from 14 bidders for 15 PHCN successor companies in 2013. Housing: 25% (250,000) of annual 1 million houses promised by FG to be ready by end of 2013 -Ezekiel Nya-Etok (Vice Chairman, National Housing & Urban Development policies Review Committee). China Quake: 6.6 magnitude quake hits rural Sichuan, China -US Geological Survey (USGS); No fewer than 160 persons killed & 5,700 injured; At least 710 aftershocks.

S.J News• [April 20, 2013]

S.J News• [April 20, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ UN-Habitat Partnership: FG & Ondo state Govt to contribute ₦800m ($5m) to United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Not ₦97 per Litre: Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) shuts down 3 petrol stations in Kaduna; discovers 11 illegally built ones in Kaduna & Zamfara states. Diesel Fraud: Supreme Court upholds dismissal of Rasaki Abiola Ekunola (fmr Asst Director, Building Engineering Services Dept, CBN); Dismissed in February 2000. SEC: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) lifts suspension on Ecobank; Arian Capital Management (Ecobank client) used capital from another company as collateral for margin loan from Ecobank. Refinery: Joint Task Force (JTF) discovers illegal refineries in Okene LG, Kogi state; 7 suspects arrested -Lt Col Gabriel Olufemi (JTF Commander). French Tourists: Boko Haram releases French family of 7 abducted in Cameroon; No ransom paid -François Hollande (French President).

S.J News• [April 19, 2013]

S.J News• [April 19, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Joint Forces: Action Congress of Nigeria's (ACN) National Convention held in Lagos yday; Party okays fusion into Alliance for Progressive Change (APC). ASUP: Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics to commence 7-day warning strike from Monday, April 22, following FG's failure to address union's grievances. Agric: Osun state Govt invests ₦339.4m in poultry farming & ₦253m in fish farmin -Wale Adedoyin (Commissioner for Agriculture). Geometric/NIPP Power Station: Abia state Govt commissions 1.4km Geometric access road @ Osisioma LG to fast track power project -Gov Theodore Orji (Abia). EDSIEC: High Court, Benin city orders Edo State Independent Electoral Commission to refund nomination fees to candidates; ₦100,000 for Chairmanship & ₦50,000 for Councillorship. Exams: Senate Committee on Education quizzes Nyesom Wike (Minister of State for Education); FG yet to decide on abolishment of JAMB & NECO. NIS: Nigeria Immigration Service nabs 17 illegal aliens dwelling in uncompleted buildings in Barnawa, Kaduna state; Deported to Niger Republic. AA: Taiwo Otegbeye (Oyo State Commissioner for Information) emerges National Leader of Action Alliance Party; Sen Tunde Anifowose-Kelani as National Chairman. Guaranty Trust Bank: Board of Directors appoints Egbert Imomoh as GTBank Chairman following retirement of Oluwole Oduyemi (70 years). Power (Up & Down Like Wall Street): National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) to add 4,200MW to National grid by end of 2013 -Niger Delta Power Holding Company).

S.J News• [April 18, 2013]

S.J News• [April 18, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Roads: Lagos state Govt demands ₦51bn refund from FG for repairs on federal roads; Refund needed for embarkment of new projects -Dr Obafemi Hamzat (Commissioner for Works). Ogun: State Govt to relocate traders @ Kara cattle market, Isheri to a more befitting place on Monday. Kano: Mob kills suspected bomber after setting off improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Ado Bayero's (Emir of Kano) palace on Wednesday night. MEDA: Cross River state Govt earmarks ₦400m for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through its development agency, Microfinance & Enterprise Development Agency. Road Closure: President Jonathan to visit Lagos 2day en route to Ibafo, Ogun state; Visit aimed @ scuttling ACN National Convention @ Onikan Stadium, Lagos -ACN. Cabinet Shake up: Gov Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo; ACN) sacks all political appointees nominated by Rashidi Ladoja (erstwhile Oyo Gov). Crude Oil Theft & Vandalism: Nigeria lost ₦191bn ($1.23bn) in first quarter of 2013; Production fluctuated between 2.1 million & 2.3 million bpd; 2.48mbpd projected -NNPC.

S.J News• [April 17, 2013]

S.J News• [April 17, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FG Portal: FG launches online portal (www.services.gov.ng) as means to deploy ICT to drive transparency in governance -Mrs Omobola Johnson (Minister of Communications Technology). UNIDO: United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to spend another $200m on industrial sector of Nigeria & other African countries over the next 6 years. Kidnap: Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Kehinde Oladapo Bamigbetan, abducted; kidnappers demand $1m ransom. Rivers PDP Exco: Abuja High Court removes pro-Amaechi exco; New Rivers state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executive committee sworn-in; Felix Obuah as Chairman. Where the Bribees @?: United States Department of Justice fines Parker Drilling Services $11.76m for allegedly bribing Nigerian Govt officials from January to May 2004. PDP: Peoples Democratic Party sets up 5-man Peace & Reconciliation Committee in each South-Western states of Nigerian. Pipe Testing: Multinational Technologies Ltd (MTL) secures 3-year contract from Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for Non Destructive Testing (NDT) services. Yobe Projects: Gov Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) approves ₦5.1bn for execution of developmental projects @ Local government level. Refinery: Aliko Dangote (Africa’s richest man) to build $8bn Nigerian oil refinery by late 2016; 400,000 barrels per day capacity; Nigeria's capacity currently @ 445,000bpd.

S.J News• [April 16, 2013]

S.J News• [April 16, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ $1bn Gas Pipeline: West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to recommence operation April 30, 2013; Shutdown due to loss of pressure around Lome 6 months ago. My Pikin Syrup: Federal High Court, Lagos fixes April 17, 2013 to hear case filed by NAFDAC against Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd (BPCL). NUJ: Nigeria Union of Journalists to cripple operations of media houses from 2moro over nonpayment of salaries to members -Mohammed Garba (NUJ President). Army: Gov Peter Obi (Anambra) presents ₦100m cheque to Nigeria Army for reconstruction of internal roads @ Onitsha military cantonment. Telecoms: NCC unveils 5-year (2013-2017) Strategic Master Plan (SMP) for improvement of investments in Nigeria’s $25bn telecommunications sector. ₦107m Fictitious Contracts: Absence of prosecution counsel stalls trial of Vincent Ogbulafor (erstwhile PDP National Chairman); Adjourned till May 13.

S.J News• [April 15, 2013]

S.J News• [April 15, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NCS Revenue: Federal Govt sets ₦1.4tn target for Nigeria Customs Service for 2013. ACN: Action Congress of Nigeria's national convention slated for April 18 in Lagos state. RAMP: Abia state Govt sets up Rural Access Mobility Projects to facilitate rehabilitation of roads in Abia state -Dr Eze Chikamnayo (Commissioner of Information). Missing ₦2.1bn: EFCC arrests, quizzes erstwhile Managing Director of Nigerian Security Printing & Minting Company (NSPMC), Ehi Okomoyon. Kaduna: Andrew Yakubu's (GMD, NNPC) younger brother, Yohanna Yakubu (47yrs), slain yesterday by suspected armed robbers in Idon village, Kachia LG, Kaduna. ₦29bn Projects: University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) & Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) to be completed in 2013 -FG. Housing: FG to provide no fewer than 500,000 units of houses across country by 2016 -Ms Ama Pepple (Minister of Lands & Housing). Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS): Zenith Bank emerges Most Customer-Focused Bank in Nigeria -KPMG.

S.J News• [April 14, 2013]

S.J News• [April 14, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NEMA: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to found National Emergency Information Centre (NEIC) for timely response to media enquiries on disasters. Housing: ₦64.55bn required to pay outstanding applicants for Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Scheme. FAAC: Federation Accounts and Allocation Committee share ₦518.389bn to 3 tiers of Govt for March; FG ₦273.49bn, States ₦138.718bn, Local ₦106.946bn; Excess Crude Account (ECA) now $7bn. Marginal Fields: Owners of marginal fields & oil blocks risk forfeiture if not fully operational by March 2015. Anti-substance Abuse: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor) advocates drug test for all elective & appointed political office seekers in Nigeria. Camou: Akwa Ibom Govt approves ₦289m for renovation of dilapidated buildings @ 6 Infantry Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ibagwa -Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom). Oil Drilling: Ogoni indigenes demand $30bn (₦4.7tn) from Federal Government & Shell Petroleum Development Company for resumption of activities.

S.J News• [April 13, 2013]

S.J News• [April 13, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Presidential Committee: FG constitutes Committee on Resettlement of Nigerians affected by International Court of Justice Judgment (ICJ) in Lake Chad area of Borno state. Contraband: Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) impounds 7,552 cartons of imported frozen poultry products worth over ₦77.8m in Owerri, Imo state. NSE: Nigerian Stock Exchange introduces Industrial Index into Daily Official List; Measures performance of top 10 performing stocks in industrial sub-sector of the equities market -Oscar Onyema (CEO, NSE). Insurgency: Gov Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) imposes dusk to dawn curfew (between 6pm & 7am) across state due to increasing spate of attacks. IMSTMA: Gov Rochas Okorocha (Imo) suspends 290 Imo State Traffic Management Authority workers due to direct complaints to governor. Lagos Budget: 61% budget performance recorded in 1st quarter of 2013 -Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); ₦499.605bn budget (₦229.729bn recurrent & ₦269.876bn capital expenditure).

S.J News• [April 12, 2013]

S.J News• [April 12, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NAF: Nigerian Air Force acquires Boeing 737-500 aircraft for troops -Air Marshal Alex Badeh (Chief of Air Staff). CBN: Consumer Protection Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria recovers ₦6bn banks' overcharges; Sum returned to customers -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor). Joint Forces: All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) sets up 23-member National Convention committee for merger plans -Dr Ogbonnaya Onu (National Chairmaan, ANPP). Health: Federal Government expends ₦480bn annually on management & treatment of malaria in Nigeria -President Jonathan. en route South Africa: NDLEA nabs man @ MMIA, Lagos in attempt to smuggle 40.255kg of methamphetamine hidden inside melon. Ogun: State House of Assembly approves Gov Ibikunle Amosun's request to obtain ₦15bn internal loan & ₦1.6bn counterpart funding loan from 2 banks. 2013 Elections: Yobe state government approves ₦192.5m for State Independent Electoral Commission for production of ballot papers, others. ₦47.1bn Theft: Lagos High Court, Ikeja denies Erastus Akingbola's (fmr Intercontinent bank MD) request to travel abroad for medical treatment. Telecoms: Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to begin April 22; Mobile subscribes to switch networks & still retain mobile telephone numbers.

S.J News• [April 11, 2013]

S.J News• [April 11, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ From 4,517 MW to 3,443MW: Drop in nation's power generation attributed to routine maintenance activities -Prof Chinedu Nebo (Minister of Power). NFF: Nigeria Football Federation slashes players & coaches pay by 50%, pulls team out of 2014 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in South Africa due to financial difficulty. Amnesty: Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) National Leader, Mohammadu Buhari, backs FG's planned amnesty for Boko Haram sect. Police Pension Funds: EFCC re-arraigns Atiku Abubakar Kigo (suspended Permanent Secretary), 6 others over alleged theft of ₦46bn. Money Laundering: Withdrawal of Chief Prosecutor stalls trial of Adeyemi Ikuforiji (Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly) & Oyebode Atoyebi (PA). INEC: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves printing of 33.5 million additional voters cards @ ₦2.117bn for elections in the next 10 years -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information).

S.J News• [April 10, 2013]

S.J News• [April 10, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF): Tony Anenih (Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees) urges Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) not to defect from PDP. No Moot Court: National Open University of Nigeria not accredited to run Law degree programme; Admission to Law School on completion not feasible -Council of Legal Education. Ambushed Boat: Police in Bayelsa state recovers 10 bodies of slain policemen; Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claims responsibility for killing. Ogun: State Govt signs MoU with China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to build Light Rail Mass Transit in Ogun state. Pension Fund: Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) calls off planned industrial action slated for April 10, 2013 as FG meets demands of NLC & National Union of Pensioners. South West Zonal Congress: Court of Appeal, Abuja to hear appeal filed by sacked PDP national officers 2day challenging their removal by Federal High Court, Abuja.

S.J News• [April 9, 2013]

S.J News• [April 9, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Health: Global Fund to raise $15bn to combat AIDS, Malaria & Tuberculosis. APGA Convention: Maxi Okwu elected as new National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Polled 790 votes. Bunkering: Joint Nigerian Army & Navy team uncovers over 23 illegal oil bunkering sites in Anambra state & equipment worth about ₦500m -Maj-Gen Adebayo Olaniyi (GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army). APGA: Court of Appeal, Enugu state reinstates ousted National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Umeh, despite emergence of new National Chairman. Ambushed Boat: Mohammed Abubakar (Inspector-General of Police) orders manhunt for slayers of 12 policemen murdered in Bayelsa state. Ogun State Appointees (2007-2010): Erstwhile Local Govt Chairmen, appointees protest against non-payment of ₦2.3bn severance allowances, entitlements. Kenya: President Jonathan leaves Abuja for Nairobi to attend inauguration of Kenya’s 4th President, Uhuru Kenyatta; expected back on Tuesday.

S.J News• [April 8, 2013]

S.J News• [April 8, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Education: Senate Committee on Education opposes FG's planned scrapping of JAMB & NECO. Kwara: State Govt awards ₦2bn contract for construction of roads & ₦357m for purchase of medical equipment for 5 general hospitals. Ambushed Boat: Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claims responsibility for killing of 15 policemen in Azuzama, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa state. APGA: All Progressives Grand Alliance congress held @ Women Development Center, Awka, Anambra state under INEC. BRT: Ongoing Mile 12- Ikorodu town BRT extension project to gulp ₦30bn; To be completed in 2014 -Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). Treasury Bills: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) withdrew ₦512.68bn from circulation last week through its Open Market Operations (OMO). Land Registration: Federal Govt to introduce new land registration system in Nigeria -Prof Peter Adeniyi (Chairman, Presidential Committee on Land Reform). Sugar: Nigeria targets 1.7 million tonnes of sugar production; About 1.5m tonnes ccurrently consumed annually; Excess production for export -Dr Latif Busari (Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council).

S.J News• [April 7, 2013]

S.J News• [April 7, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Streamlining: Federal Govt's decision to scrap NECO & JAMB will lead to thousands of job loss in Nigeria -Farouk Akanbi (NLC Chairman, Kwara). Kogi: Over ₦ 178m spent by State Govt on post-flood dry season rice farms across 21 Local Govt Councils -Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Jankara Market: Tribunal of Inquiry into December 26, 2012 fire & explosion incidents @ Ojo-Giwa & Okoya, Lagos Island to begin April 8, 2013. Pension: Pension fund managers paid ₦1.2bn to retirees since its inception; Average of ₦12m paid monthly to retirees under its portfolio -AIICO Pension Managers. Electronic Wallet Programme: Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development's Growth Enhancement Support scheme helped government save over $192m in 2012. Nelson Mandela: Erstwhile South African president (94yrs) discharged from hospital on Saturday; Admitted on March 27 for recurring lung infection & pneumonia.

S.J News• [April 6, 2013]

S.J News• [April 6, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Sea Level Rise, Rainfall Patterns: FG inaugurates inter-ministerial Committee on National Framework for Application of Climate Services; Headed by Dr Shamsudeen Usman (Minister of National Planning). Pharmaceutical Development Fund: FG releases ₦200bn for assistance of local pharmaceutical industries to attain World Health Organisation pre-qualification -Dr Paul Orhii (DG, NAFDAC). University of Benin: Effiong William Bob (fmr Senator, Akwa-Ibom East) appointed as pro-chancellor & Chairman Governing Council. Contributory Pension & Bond: Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) of Trade Union issues 21-day ultimatum to Ogun state Govt over nonpayment of about ₦13.6bn. AfDB: African Development Bank approves ₦47bn ($300m) budget support loan for improvement in agriculture, infrastructure, power & transport network in Nigeria. Osun: State Govt relocates plank sellers from along Alekuwodo to new 18 hectares central plank market along Iwo-Osogbo road; To accommodate 1,500 stalls -Arc Muyiwa Ige (Commissioner for Lands). Lekki Port: Over $200bn to be generated, about 163,000 jobs to be created on completion of port by 2016 -Haresh Aswani (MD, Lekki Port, Lagos Free Trade Zone Enterprise).

S.J News• [April 5, 2013]

S.J News• [April 5, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ H2O: World Bank to expend $120m for urban water supply in Nigeria -Benson Ajisegiri (Coordinator, National Urban Water Sector Reform Project). Public Officials (Indicted, not Prosecuted): Nigeria Labour Congress' (NLC) nationwide strike slated for April 10, 2013 over mismanagement of pension funds. NIMC: National Identity Management Commission earmarks equipment for national identity enrolment in 36 states & FCT; Registration begun in 7 states. Insurgency: President Jonathan sets up committee on feasibility & modalities to be adopted to grant pardon to Boko Haram members; Report to be submitted in 2 weeks. NEMA: National Emergency Management Agency resettles displaced persons in Bauchi state; Provides relief items. Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP): European Union plans ₦9.23bn (€45m) development programme for Niger Delta region in Nigeria -Dr David MacRae (EU Ambassador to Nigeria).

S.J News• [April 4, 2013]

S.J News• [April 4, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Open Heart Surgery: Surgery now carried out @ University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) teaching hospital, Enugu; Suspended about a decade ago due to relocation of UNTH; To cost ₦500,000. APC: Tony Momoh (National Chairman, Congress for Progressive Change) inaugurates 33-member convention committee for endorsement of merger. Militancy: Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) threatens to resume hostilities in Niger Delta due to conviction of Henry Okah in South Africa. NCP: Atedo Peterside (Chairman, Technical Committee of National Council on Privatisation) inaugurates transition committees for 15 PHCN successor companies. Streamlining Public Sector: FG approves scrapping of National Examinations Council (NECO) & National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP). Telecoms: Inactive telephone lines in Nigeria now 40,069,640 (26,886,533 GSM; 11,150,505 CDMA & 2,032,602 Fixed Wired/Wireless lines) -Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

S.J News• [April 3, 2013]

S.J News• [April 3, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2015 General Elections: Federal Executive Council (FEC) to award contract for printing of 33.5 million Permanent Voters’ Cards today. National Theatre: FG to convert 37-year-old theatre in Iganmu, Lagos state to 5-star hotel; 2-week quit notice given to FG agencies @ facility -Edem Duke (Minister of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation). Minimum Wage: Osun state chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) & Trade Union Congress (TUC) suspend 4-day warning strike. NEXT Newspaper: National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Lagos orders Timbuktu Media Ltd to pay unpaid wages of 6 former staff on or before April 6, 2013. en route Dubai: Nigerian Customs Service nabs man with undeclared $540,000 @ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos Airport. Stephen Oronsaye-led Presidential Committee on Rationalisation & Restructuring of FG Parastatals, Commissions & Agencies: FG to scrap NECO, NAPEP & JAMB. AMCON: Significant portion of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria's ₦1.7tn refinancing debt to be paid before end of 2013 -Mustapha Chike-Obi (MD, AMCON).

S.J News• [April 2, 2013]

S.J News• [April 2, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Oil & Gas: FG to withdraw marginal fields (idle fields) awarded in 2003 by next year if underdeveloped -Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). Our 1st in Africa: FG to establish Nigerian Culture & Information Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa by end of 2013; Brazil & China centres opened in 2008 & 2012 respectively. Kogi Flood: Victims of 2012 flood disaster in Kogi state reject ₦3,000 offered as compensation by Kogi state government. Oil Spill: Artisan Fishermen of Nigeria (ARFAN), Niger Delta demand ₦4.32bn compensation from Shell for 5 states impacted. JAMB: 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to hold April 27 across country; To be conducted as Computer Based Test (CBT) & Paper Pencil Test (PPT). Eni (NAOC): Italian oil firm shuts down operations in Bayelsa state to prevent further damages; Attributes frequent spills to oil theft by vandals.