S.J News• [June 18, 2013]

S.J News• [June 18, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ H20 Drilling, not Crude: Nigerians to seek government's approval before sinking boreholes; Continuous drilling could affect ground water supply in the future now -Sarah Ochekpe (Minister of Water Resource). Osun CJ: Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) swears in Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo (acting Chief Judge) as Chief Judge of Osun state. PDP Brouhaha: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rescinds decision suspending Gov Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Silent on Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). Fuel Subsidy: Federal Government pays ₦192.5bn to 19 oil marketers after verification of claims -Federal Ministry of Finance. Health: $4.5 bn needed for quality health services to Nigerians; $3bn needed @ national level -International Finance Corporation (IFC). PDP: Presidential committee on PDP crises submits report; Demands immediate resignation of Bamanga Tukur (PDP National Chairman), National Working Committee (NWC). Lagos: Residents to expect unprecedented heavy rainfall based on African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development's alerts; Torrential rainfall from about 50 mm within 24 hours.

S.J News• [June 17, 2013]

S.J News• [June 17, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NRC: Federal Government to upgrade no fewer than 19 rail tracks to standard gauge lines -Abubakar Baraje (Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigeria Railway Corporation). Legal: 12 newly appointed judges of the National Industrial Court (NIC) not qualified for post -Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). PAC House of Rep's Public Accounts Committee orders Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest 1,652 Express Bank’s customers over debt of ₦12.293bn. MAKIA: Security operatives @ Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport detained, freed Ukrainian cargo plane carrying military weapons on Sunday. Erosion: Federal Government receives World Bank’s $500m commitment to tackle erosion menace in Agulu & Nanka communities, Anambra state. CPI: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) releases Consumer Price Index for May; Nigeria's inflation rate @ 9% -Dr Yemi Kale (Statistician- General of the Federation).

S.J News• [June 16, 2013]

S.J News• [June 16, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ World Population: Number of persons on planet earth to increase from 7.2 billion to 8.1 billion by 2025 & 9.6 billion by 2050 -United Nations’ (UN) forecast. GE: General Electric's groundbreaking for its $250m manufacturing & assembly plant to hold on Tuesday in Calabar, Cross River state; Plant to be completed in the next 3 years. ₦747.2m Scam: Zamfara House of Assembly uncovers alleged financial irregularities @ Zamfara state Universal Basic Education Board (ZUBEB). Kogi: United Nations (UN) to render technical support to Kogi state for flood disaster -Ms Valerie Amos (UN Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency Relief Coordinator). Health: Ogun State Govt to begin 2013 Maternal, Newborn & Child Health Week (MNCHW) on Monday; To run from Monday 17 to Friday 21 -Dr Kafayat Lawal (Director, Primary Health Care, Ogun). Iran: Hassan Rouhani wins Iran presidential election with just over 50% of votes to avoid run-off; To succeed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Iran President).

S.J News• [June 15, 2013]

S.J News• [June 15, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Millennium Development Goals: Nigeria, 37 other countries meet MDG's hunger eradication target ahead of 2015 -Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of UN. ACN: No fewer than 23 state governors behind ACN, CPC & ANPP merger process to be registered as All Progressives Congress -Lai Mohammed (National Publicity Secretary). Town Planning: 36 filling stations sealed in Abeokuta & Ota, Ogun state over failure to adhere to town planning laws -Oladele Osifade (SSA to Gov on Physical Planning). GES: FG, State Govt flag off Growth Enhancement Support in Jigawa state; Fertilisers given to farmers @ Ringim Local Council area -Dr Akinwumi Adeshina (Minister of Agriculture). PDP: Court of Appeal, Lagos dismisses case filed by Olagunsoye Oyinlola (fmr National Secretary) & Bode Mustapha against Peoples Democratic Party. State of Emergency: Nigerian Army reviews curfew imposed on Adamawa state; 7pm to 6am curfew now from 8pm to 5am daily with effect from Thursday, 14th of June. PS: Federal Government redeploys Abdulazeez Musa (Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources). Cost of Living: Africa's most expensive cities; Luanda (1st; expenditure score of 131.8), Abuja (2nd; 107.4), Lagos (3rd; 100.8), Addis Ababa (4th; 60.8) -Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

S.J News• [June 14, 2013]

S.J News• [June 14, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Ogun: State Govt loses about ₦250m monthly to fake haulage being issued by touts & other illegal activities -Bimbo Ashiru (Commissioner for Commerce & Industry). NHIS: FG orders Ministry of Health to begin immediate free treatment of diabetic children in government owned hospital; Requires monthly contribution of ₦150 -Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu (Minister of Health). Civil Service: Commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) recently banned from operating in Benin to be employed by state government -Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo). Yobe: Restriction now from 9pm to 6am daily; Still 6pm to 6am daily in other parts of state -Abdullahi Bego (SA to Gov on Media & Information). Queue for PMS: Private Jet parked @ Igando area, Lagos state filling station; No touchdown witness to ascertain owner. President: Goodluck Jonathan is the most unjustifiably maligned leader in Nigeria's history -Dr Doyin Okupe (SSA to President on Public Affairs). Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDA): ₦58bn unremitted revenue of Federal Government traced to various bank accounts; Accounts to be frozen if unpaid by Monday -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance).

S.J News• [June 13, 2013]

S.J News• [June 13, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Cashless Policy: Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) Cashless Policy to take off in Abia, Anambra, Kano, Ogun & Rivers state soon -Bankers Committee. MFB: Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) sets up ₦16bn special fund to augment deficit in premium paid by operating Microfinance Banks. Okada: Commercial motorcyclists protest in Benin city, Edo state over ban on activities by state government; Banned in 3 Local Govt areas of Benin. Electricity: Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to distribute free pre-paid metres to debt-free consumers -Chris Akamnonu (CEO, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company). Arise O Compatriots: National Anthem composer, Pa Benedict Elide Odiase (fmr Deputy Commissioner of Police), passes; Aged 79 years; Anthem composed in May 1978. ₦100 to ₦200: University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom shuts down following students' protest over insufficient lecture venues & increase in transportation fare from campus town to permanent site.

S.J News• [June 12, 2013]

S.J News• [June 12, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Mining: Importation of equipment for mining of mineral deposits in Nigeria now duty free; To boost exploitation of mineral resources -Musa Sada (Minister of Mines & Steel Development). Naija/Dutch: Federal Govt & Netherlands to set up Dutch agro-industrial park in Nigeria for job creation, wealth generation & economic growth -Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment. $1.69m Scam: High Court, Ikeja remands suspected swindler, Fred Ajudua, in prison custody till June 24 for allegedly defrauding 2 foreigners; Absconded from trial since 2005. APC: ACN, CPC & ANPP join forces as All Progressives Congress & submits request for party registration to INEC -Tom Ikimi (Spokesman, APC Merger). Ikpoba Okha, Oredo & Egor LG: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) bans use of commercial motorcycle (Okada) in 3 Local Govt Areas of Benin City, Edo state; Effective from next Monday. CNL's OML: Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) to sell its 40% stake in 2 Nigerian shallow water oil blocks; Oil Mining Leases 83 & 85 -Deji Haastrup (CNL, spokesman); Holds an estimated 200 million barrels of oil.

S.J News• [June 11, 2013]

S.J News• [June 11, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Electricity: FG inaugurates 13-member technical panel to probe causes & proffer solutions vis-à-vis incessant power failure in parts of Nigeria; Fatai Olapade as Chairman of panel. Port Security: Following US 90-day ultimatum, FG gives Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) others 45 days ultimatum for consolidation. MKO: Oyo state Govt declares Wednesday, June 1, 2013 as public holiday to commemorate 20th anniversary of June 12, 1993 presidential election -Dr Festus Adedayo (SA to Gov on Media). Ghost Workers: FG saves ₦18bn through introduction of Intergrated Payroll & Personnel Information System (IPPIS) -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). Tax: Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative uncovers $9.8bn (₦1.54tn) unremitted taxes by oil companies into federation account -Ledum Mitee (NEITI Chairman). Money Laundering (₦673m): Federal High Court, Lagos fixes June 24, 2013 for re-arraignment of Adeyemi Ikuforiji (Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly). NIS: Federal Government appoints David Paradan as new Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service; CGI to be decorated on Tuesday by Abba Moro (Minister of Interior).

S.J News• [June 10, 2013]

S.J News• [June 10, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Ports Security: US Govt issues 90-day ultimatum to Nigeria or face stoppage of sail of vessels to Nigeria. 2015: Political party shall commence campaign 90 days before polling day & end 24 hours prior to that day; INEC to penalise erring political parties -INEC. Consolidated Medical Salary Scale: Ekiti doctors issue 21-day ultimatum to State Govt for payment of Special Allowances in all 16 councils or face industrial action. ₦700m Scam: Federal High Court, Umuahia grants forfeiture order to EFCC for seizure of 44 houses owned by 8 persons who defrauded Union Bank of Nigeria. Oil Mining Leases (Bayelsa): Chevron to auction stake in OML 83 (Anyala field) & OML 85 (Madu field) offshore Nigeria; Reserves of about 250 million barrels of oil & 14.1 billion cubic metres of gas. Mosimi-Ibadan: NNPC resumes fuel supply operation to Ibadan, Oyo state & environs after repair works on damaged line. MKO Abiola: Ogun State Govt declares June 12 public holiday for commemoration of 20th anniversary of June 12, 1993 presidential election. APC: All Progressive Congress sets up 9-member interim Management Committee for registration of party within 30 days -Ibrahim Shekarau (erstwhile Kano governor). King of Clay: Rafael Nadal (Spain; 27yrs) wins 8th French Open title; Defeats David Ferrer (Spain) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

S.J News• [June 9, 2013]

S.J News• [June 9, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Power: Federal Government inaugurates 3 committees to superintend over joint sale transactions of 10 Niger Delta Power Holding Companies' (NDPHC) power plants. Electricity: Epileptic power supply in many parts of the country due to bad weather condition -Prof Chinedu Nebo (Minister of Power). Safe City, Safe State: Bayelsa state Govt pays ₦1.7bn (initial deposit of 3%) to Wawin Technology, (Chinese firm) for installation of CCTV cameras. Dial 112: National Emergency Call Centre in Awka, Anambra begins full operations as Southern zone centre for emergency calls; Northern zones to be @ Minna, Niger state. Debt Management Office: Total external debt stock of 36 states & FCT @$2.38m; Lagos ($611.25m; 25.64%), Kaduna ($215.68m; 9.05%), Cross River ($113.03m; 4.74%) in 2012 -Abraham Nwankwo (DG, DMO). Anti-apartheid Icon: Erstwhile South African President, Nelson Mandela (94yrs) in serious but stable condition @ Pretoria hospital with recurring lung infection -Presidential spokesman.

S.J News• [June 8, 2013]

S.J News• [June 8, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Debt: Nigeria's external debt @ $6.67bn (about ₦1.035tn); $10.1072bn & $8.0429bn spent to service debt in 2005 & 2006 respectively before relief -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). Monarch: Magistrate Court, Ikeja remands Adeoriyomi Obateru (Oba of Egbin), 7 others in Kirikiri Maximum prisons over alleged murder of Inspector. ex-Naval Chief: Supreme Court sentences Felix Olanrewaju Odunlami (erstwhile Naval Chief) to life imprisonment over murder of commercial motorcycle rider in 2005. Peacekeeping: Police to deploy 140 personnel to Mali on June 10, 2013 in support of ECOWAS & Africa Union-led peace initiative -Mohammed Abubakar (IG of Police). Lack of Funds: Super Eagles rejects $5,000 (₦800,000) bonus offered by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for defeating Harambee Stars of Kenya; Bonus reduced from $10,000 (₦1.6m). Aircraft-Grounding Spree: Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) grounds Gov Adams Oshiomhole's (Edo) chartered helicopter for conveyance to burial ceremony of Sen Ben Obi's (SA to President on Political Matters) wife in Awka. MDG: Nigeria on course to attain Millennium Development Goals (MDG) before December, 2015 expiry -Alhassan Doguwa (Chairman, House Committee on MDG).

S.J News• [June 7, 2013]

S.J News• [June 7, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Tax: Federal Inland Revenue Service's tax collection hit ₦1.5tn @ end of April, 2013; FG's target of ₦5.7tn to be exceeded by end of 2013 -FIRS. Electricity: No fewer than 120 million Nigerians currently without electricity supply; Power outage due to systems collapse -Prof Chinedu Nebo (Minister of Power). NGF Crisis: Nigeria Bar Association calls for dissolution of Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) -Okey Wali ((NBA President). Niger Delta: 338km East-West highway dual carriageway to be completed by December, 2014; Costs ₦347bn -Godsday Orubebe (Minister of Niger Delta Affairs). SURE-P: President Jonathan appoints Martin Luther Agwai (fmr Chief of Defence Staff) as new Deputy Chairman of Subsidy Reinvestment & Empowerment Programme following demise of Maj-Gen Mamman Kontagora. US: President Barack Obama names Susan Rice (US ambassador to the United Nations) as his new White House National Security Adviser; To replace Tom Donilon in July.

S.J News• [June 6, 2013]

S.J News• [June 6, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP): World Bank invests $56m (₦8.9bn) in agricultural research system for improvement of food production in Nigeria. Refinery: Energia, 4 other indigenous oil companies to build crude oil refinery plant in Nigeria with initial capacity of between 10,000 & 15,000 barrels per day (bpd) -Felix Valentine (MD, Energia). Presidential Tussle: Gov Rochas Okorocha (Imo) to contest 2015 presidential election -Prince Eze Madumere (Imo Deputy Gov). Senate: Federal Capital Territory's (FCT) ₦259.65bn budget for 2013 fiscal year passed; ₦4bn appropriated for African First Ladies' Peace Mission House project not approved. Fuel Subsidy: Federal Government yet to pay ₦971.138bn subsidy to oil marketers -Reginald Stanley (Executive Secretary, PPPRA). PDP: National Working Committee (NWC) suspends Gov Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Ignored invitations & lawful directives -NWC.

S.J News• [June 5, 2013]

S.J News• [June 5, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Delta: Peoples Democratic (PDP) in Burutu Local Council, Delta state suspends Godsday Orubebe (Minister of Niger Delta Affairs) alongside 9 others over alleged misconduct. Wheat: Federal Government to stop importation of wheat into Nigeria to create markets for farmers producing grains; ₦431bn to be saved 4rm importation of wheat -Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development). Tourism: Sally Mbanefo appointed as Director-General of National Tourism Development Corporation; Succeeds Segun Runsewe -Edem Duke ( Minister of Culture & Tourism). Money Safe in the Blue & White: First Bank to shut down operations nationwide on Thursday & reopen Monday for upgrade of core banking application from Finacle 7 to Finacle 10. New Revenue Formula: States & Local Govt councils with bad terrains to get more money from Federation Account -Revenue Mobilisation Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Impeachment: Bill to ease impeachment process of President & Vice-president scales 2nd reading in House of Representatives; Legislature to solely initiate & execute impeachment proceedings.

S.J News• [June 4, 2013]

S.J News• [June 4, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Bill Gates Foundation: Cross River state wins $1m prize for polio Immunisation in Africa -Peter Ojie (Commissioner for Local Government Affairs). Accidents: Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) floats Emergency Intervention Center in Kano state for prompt response to distress calls. Terrorism: US places $7m (N1.1bn) on Abubakar Shekau's (Boko Haram leader) head. Opulence: Aliko Dangote (Chairman, Dangote Group) now 25th richest man in the world; Named Africa’s 1st $2bn man. Roads: Federal Government spent ₦126bn on 32 completed roads; ₦850bn to be spent on road projects in Northern Nigeria -Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). RMAFC: New revenue sharing formula to roll out in December, 2013 -Elias Mbam (Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation & Fiscal Commission). Dana 153: Remembrance service of 153 victims of Dana air crash in Lagos; President Jonathan unveils memorial cenotaph in honour of 153. 4 Sugar Factories: Aliko Dangote (Chairman, Dangote Group) unveils plans to build ₦180bn sugar factories in Sokoto & Kebbi state in 4 years; Annual production of 1million tonnes of sugar.

S.J News• [June 3, 2013]

S.J News• [June 3, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Abuja: Federal Capital Territory (FCT) new transport policy takes effect 2day; High capacity buses to replace mini buses -Bala Mohammed (FCT Minister). Polytechnic Ibadan: 2012/2013 graduates not mobilised for NYSC due to issues between school & National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); All graduates to be mobilised for batch C in November 2013. Hammer: Queen Obisesan sets new national record of 63.79m in Women’s Hammer event @ 4th leg of SolidWorks/AFN Golden League Meet in Sports Complex, University of Ilorin, Kwara state. Hospitality: AES Luxury Apartments, Abuja begins operation as 1st 6-star hotel in Nigeria -Edem Duke (Minister of Culture & Tourism and National Orientation). Lagos: State government begins registration of Lagos residents 2day for efficient planning & allocation of resources -Ms Yinka Fashola (GM, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency). Cashless Policy: Maximum ceiling for 3rd party cheques now ₦150,000; Cheque above ₦150,000, originating from a 3rd party, must be lodged into beneficiary's account -Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Power: FG to sell 80% stake in each of the 10 independent power generation plants built by Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC); Road show in Lagos, Hong Kong, US & UK to attract investors.

S.J News• [June 2, 2013]

S.J News• [June 2, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Pipeline Vandalisation: Nigeria loses $6.1bn (₦965bn) annually to theft of oil -Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Satellite Town: Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) approves Brazilian consortium's request to build model satellite city in Abuja -Bala Mohammed (FCT Minister). Lekki-Ikoyi Toll Bridge: Lagos State House of Assembly summons Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure and SA to governor on Public Private Partnership (PPP) over proposed concession & tolling on new Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge. Ikorodu-Sagamu Road: Federal Government to terminate Ikorodu-Sagamu expressway reconstruction contract; Contract awarded since 2009 & still below 10% -Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). Security: Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps shuts down 20 private security companies in the past 5 days over illegal operation in Lagos state -Clement Adesuyi (NSCDC Commandant, Lagos). Exhale Just Carbon Dioxide: Niger state Govt forwards bill to State Ministry of Justice for vetting vis-à-vis banning of smoking in public & workplaces -Ibrahim Sule (Commissioner for Health, Niger State).

S.J News• [June 1, 2013]

S.J News• [June 1, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Rivers: Gov Rotimi Amaechi's travails unconnected to ₦500m he allegedly donated to Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo; ACN) for 2nd term campaigns -Kassim Afegbua (SA Media to Gov Adams Oshiomhole). Judiciary: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) swears-in 3 High Court judges in Abeokuta, Ogun state. Senate: Supreme Court affirms election of Margery Okadigbo as Peoples Democratic Party Senator representing Anambra North. Nollywood: Court of Appeal, Lagos overturns High Court's ruling; ₦25m damages awarded to actor, Babatunde Omidina (aka Baba Suwe), quashed. Electricity: Federal Government signs $30bn MoU with HQMC Korea Company Ltd -Prof Chinedu Nebo (Minister of Power). Gubernatorial Tussle: Supreme Court strikes out appeal filed by Segun Oni (erstwhile Ekiti Gov; PDP) against Gov Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti; ACN). Subsidy: ₦232bn questionable out of ₦1tn audited; ₦14bn recovered; Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) reduces number of oil importers to 32 -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Finance Minister).