S.J News• [Sept 1, 2013]

S.J News• [Sept 1, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ MSME: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earmarks ₦220bn for development of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises. NSCDC: No fewer than 163 persons arrested, 60 convicted by Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps for oil theft, pipeline & power cables vandalisation -Pedro Ideba (NSCDC Commandant, Akwa Ibom). Jebba, Shiroro & Kainji: Flood imminent in Kogi, Kwara & Niger states -Mrs Serah Ochekpe (Minister of Water resources). Kogi Varsity Fees: Gov Idris Wada (Kogi) debunks state government's plan to increase tuition fees of tertiary institutions by over 500%. Demolition: Lagos State Government demolishes 4-storey building of 20 flats, 2 others marked for demolition @ Mushin, Lagos state. Syria: President Barack Obama (USA) to seek Congressional authorisation for military action in Syria; August 21st Chemical attacks, killing 1,429 people, carried out by Syrian Govt -US.

S.J News• [August 31, 2013]

S.J News• [August 31, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Anambra Primary Election: Federal High Court, Abuja halts suspension of Sen Andy Uba, Chris Uba, 3 others by National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party. Taraba Gov: National Assembly caucus of Taraba & Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) support State House of Assembly on its stand that Garba Umar remains acting governor. Census: National Census Tribunal sitting in Abuja nullifies 2006 census results in 14 Local Government Areas in Lagos state & orders recount; NPC put state's total population @ 9 million. Niger: State government to outlaw street begging; Bll transmitted to State House of Assembly to regulate street begging & rehabilitate beggars. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Candidates for Anambra gubernatorial election to pay ₦1m each for posters being pasted in all parts of state, besides cost incurred on use of billboards. Chemical Attack: Syria to be held accountable for using banned chemical weapons; Over 1,400 persons killed in Syrian attack -President Barack Obama (USA).

S.J News• [August 30, 2013]

S.J News• [August 30, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Taraba State: Gov Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) still recuperating; Letter sent to House not written by him -Taraba State House of Assembly. Ondo Governor: Supreme Court affirms Gov Olusegun Mimiko's (Ondo) victory; Dismisses appeals filed by Rotimi Akeredolu (ACN) & Olusola Oke (PDP). Crude Oil: Only 1 out of 77 oil blocks awarded between 2005 & 2007 are producing-Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). ₦50bn Scam: EFCC declares 3 aides of erstwhile Governor of Enugu state, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, wanted in vis-à-vis alleged theft of ₦50bn state fund. Anambra: Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) will not field a candidate in November 6, 2013 gubernatorial election -National Executive Committee (NEC). Economy: Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)in Nigeria contribute annual revenue of ₦200bn into growth of economy -Association of Fast Food and Confectioners of Nigeria (AFFCON). 5-year Action Plan: Africa Development Bank (AfDB) to fund $63m Support for Agricultural Research & Development for Strategic Crops (SARDSC) programme. Anambra Gov: National Working Committee of PDP suspends Sen Andy Uba, Chris uba (brother), 3 others from party for conducting parallel state congres. JAMB: French language to be included in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as from 2014 -Prof Ruqayyatu Rufa'I (Minister of Education).

S.J News• [August 29, 2013]

S.J News• [August 29, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Postgraduate: 11 Nigerians awarded Chevening scholarships funded by Government of the United Kingdom -Dr Andrew Pocock (British High Commissioner to Nigeria). Third Mainland Bridge: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves ₦290.7m contract for advanced integrity test on 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos state. Arik Air: 15-year-old stowaway that made it through airport security for a Lagos-bound flight from Edo state receives scholarship to study free to university level. Olokola LNG project: Chevron Nigeria Ltd withdraws from Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project -Deji Haastrup (GM, Policy, Government & Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria). Labour Party (LP): Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah (CEO, Capital Oil) picked as standard-bearer for November 16, 2013 gubernatorial election in Anambra state. Peace & Security: Federal Government launches National Action Plan on United Nations Security Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 for Nigeria -Zinab Maina (Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development). Privatisation: Federal Government pays severance benefits of over 70% Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers so far; To conclude payment before end of next week. Cabinet Dissolution: Gov Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) dissolves State Executive Council; Special Advisers also relieved of appointments. APC: Sen Chris Nigige to run for Anambra governorship seat under the auspices of All Progressive Congress; Submits nomination form in Abuja. Fenerbahce: Court of Arbitration for Sport upholds Fenerbahce's (Turkish club) 2-year ban from European competition over match-fixing scandal; Joseph Yobo & Emmanuel Emenike affected.

S.J News• [August 28, 2013]

S.J News• [August 28, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Aqua: Federal Government to ban importation of fish & other aquatic consumables soon -Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development). Pension Scam: EFCC arrests 17 fraudsters over theft of ₦1.7bn pensions fund for Oyo State primary schools retirees. Rivers: Fred Igwe (Commissioner for Sports, Rivers) shot on Sunday by unknown gunmen; Responding to treatment @ an undisclosed hospital. Osun: Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) inaugurates Osun state market Women board @st ate secretariat, Osogbo; Presents 31 buses to each Local Government market board. Power: Federal Government signs $500m deal with Xi’an Electric Company Ltd (Chinese firm) for expansion of Nigeria's transmission network. Ondo State: Supreme court fixes August 29, 2013 for delivery of judgment in appeal filed against Labour Party (LP) & incumbent governor, Olusegun Mimiko. Agric: Osun state government to sponsor 40 youths to Saxony-Anhalt, Germany for intensive agricultural training & food production technology.

S.J News• [August 27, 2013]

S.J News• [August 27, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Cabinet: President Jonathan sacks Inuwa Abdulkadir (Minister of Youth Development); Reason for sack not stated; To hand over to Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Taraba: Gov Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) writes letter to State House of Assembly on his readiness to resume duties as governor; Underwent 10-month treatment abroad due to plane crash in Yola, Adamawa state. APGA Primaries: Willie Obiano (Anambra North Senatorial Zone) emerged governorship candidate with 870 votes ahead of November 16th gubernatorial election. Legal: Judicial appointments becoming political; Shouldn't be based on favouritism; Job of the Bench requires experience -Okey Wali (NBA President). GDP: National Bureau of Statistics to review process in computation of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product; Reviewed 23 years ago -Dr Yemi kale (Statistician General of the Federation). Oil: Federal Government lost ₦365bn to oil theft in the month of July; Decline in revenue also attributed to pipeline leakages & repair works -Dr Yerima Ngama (Minister of State for Finance). Foreign Loans: Federal Government borrowed $1.6bn (about ₦240bn) for expansion of power transmission facilities in Nigeria -Prof Chinedu Nebo (Minister of Power).

S.J News• [August 26, 2013]

S.J News• [August 26, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ IFC: International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) to invest $6m in leading distributor of herbicides & insecticides in Nigeria, Saro AgroSciences Ltd. Anambra: PDP factions hold parallel congresses in 2 locations ahead of November 16 gubernatorial election; Senator Andy Uba & Nicholas Ukachukwu emerged winner from both factions. Taraba: Gov Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) arrives country through Nnamdi Azikiwe Int'l Airport, Abuja; Spent 10 months abroad for treatment of injuries sustained in plane crash. INEC: Insistence of 20 deregistered political parties to field candidates for all future elections in Nigeria is a threat to public order -Kayode Idowu (Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman). Power: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) in conjunction with UBA Bank Plc as co-arrangers and FCMB & Fidelity Bank as co-financiers provides ₦13bn debt financing facility for acquisition of Ughelli Power Plc. Health Workers' Strike: Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to hold meeting between union leaders, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu (Ministers of Health) & Emeka Wogu (Minister of Labour & Productivity) in Abuja by 2 pm 2day. Site: Syrian government agrees to allow UN investigate allegations of suspected chemical weapon attack near Damascus; Syrian forces killed more than 300 people on Wednesday -Activist; Syria blames terrorists. Microsoft: CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, to retire within the next 12 months; No successor named yet; Bill Gates (Microsoft Founder & Chairman) to be involved in hiring process.

S.J News• [August 25, 2013]

S.J News• [August 25, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Power: NERC plans to increase power supply in Nigeria to 9,000MW -Dr Sam Amadi (Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission). Bowen University New VC: Senate of Bowen University, Iwo approves appointment of Prof Matthew Akintunde Ojo as Vice Chancellor of Bowen Univerity. Edo: Mother of lawyer & civil rights activist, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), abducted on Friday evening @ Ehor stretch Benin-Auchi road in Edo state -Foluso Adebanjo (Commissioner of Police, Edo state). Enugu: International flights begun @ upgraded Akanu Ibiam International. Airport, Enugu; Boeing 737-800 Ethiopian Airline first to hit new tarmac of airport. Taraba: Gov Danbaba Danfulani Suntai (Taraba) expected to arrive Taraba state 2day after 10-month absence due to injuries suffered in October 25, 2012 plane crash @ Yola Airport. Electricity: Federal Government reshuffles supervisory board & management team of its electricity transmission company, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Kidnap: Mother of Kingsley Chindah (member of House of Reps; Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency) rescued from kidnappers; Kidnapped last week from her home in Elelewon, Port Harcourt. Undercarriage (Aircraft Tyre Hole): Teenager beats security @ Benin Airport to land safely @ Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos; Hides in tyre compartment of Lagos-bound Arik aircraft.

S.J News• [August 24, 2013]

S.J News• [August 24, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Jigawa: State government distributes 264,900 doses of Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) to 647 health facilities for treatment of malaria. Census: Gov Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) asks PresidentJonathan to sack Chairman of National Population Commission(NPC), Dr Festus Odimegwu, over his criticism of 2006 Census. PDP SW Zonal Congress: High Court, Ado-Ekiti denies granting order restraining PDP from holding its South-West zonal congress earlier slated for 2day in Ibadan, Oyo state. Oil Theft: Kwara state police command arrests 5 members of Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara state for allegedly siphoning petroleum products from a leaked NNPC pipeline. SURE-P: Subsidy Re-Investment & Empowerment Programme spends over ₦32bn on railway modernisation project by FG -Chike Okogwu (Convener, Railway Sub-committee, SURE-P). Immigration: Over 22, 000 illegal immigrants repatriated from Nigeria since commencement of exercise few months ago -Abba Moro (Minister of Interior).

S.J News• [August 23, 2013]

S.J News• [August 23, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013 Budget: FG releases ₦250bn to Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDA) for implementation of 3rd quarter Capital Projects; ₦400 & ₦200 released in 1st & 2nd quarters respectively. Illegal Orphanage: Lagos State Government rescues 25 children from alleged child trafficker in Egbeda, Lagos state; Children in govt custody; Suspected trafficker arrested. Rivers: Appointment of President of the Customary Court, Justice Peter N.C Agumagua, as acting Chief Judge of Rivers state is constitutional -Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt chapter. FG, State & LG: Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) shares ₦715.8bn among 3 tiers of government for July -Dr Yerima Ngama (Minister of State for Finance). Imo My Pride Project: Gov Rochas Okorocha (Imo) donates 32 security & patrol motorbikes with inbuilt communication gadget to Imo state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). LNG Project: International Oil Companies (IOC), Chevron & Shell divest from Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project located between Ogun & Ondo states. Operating System (OS): Microsoft to phase out Windows XP from market by April 8, 2014; To be replaced with Windows 8 & Office 365; To cease to provide backup support for Windows XP users.

S.J News• [August 22, 2013]

S.J News• [August 22, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ ₦87bn: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch urges Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to continue strike till Federal Government meets its demands. Delta: State Government spends ₦22.6bn on infrastructural development in public schools -Prof Patrick Muoboghare (Commissioner for Basic & Secondary Education). Ogun Gov: Campaign posters of Fola Adeola (fmr MD, Guaranty Trust Bank) flood Abeokuta, Ogun state. Joint Forces: All Progressives Congress (APC) unveils 7-point cardinal programme in Abuja; Targets 40,000MW of electricity within 4 to 8 years of leadership. DMB: Deposit Money Banks' (DMB) deposit @ Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased to ₦2.417tn as @ July 2013 -Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Taraba: Gov Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) expected back in Nigeria on Saturday -Hauwa (wife); Been abroad for medical treatment following injuries sustained in Octber, 2012 crash in Yola, Adamawa state. Roads: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves ₦123.73bn for rehabilitation of 5 roads -Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). National Assembly's ₦1tn in 8 Years: Mrs Oby Ezekwesili (fmr Vice President, World Bank) challenges federal lawmakers to public debate vis-à-vis budgetary allocation & remuneration.

S.J News• [August 21, 2013]

S.J News• [August 21, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Annual Reports: Banking sector recorded ₦17.97bn loss to fraudsters; 3,380 fraud cases in 2012 fiscal year -Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). MV Crow Oil Vessel: Navy parades 4 suspected pirates in Lagos for allegedly hijacking oil vessel @ Escravos on August 14; 12 others of the 16-man gang killed in Warri, Delta state. Buildings: High Court, Ikeja restrains Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA) from demolishing buildings in Shasha Ologunfe/Boundary in Akowonjo, Lagos state. Building Code: Federal Government to present new code 2moro as measure to avert incessant collapse of buildings in Nigeria -Amma Pepple (Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development). Joint Health Sector Unions: Health workers @ federal tertiary health institutions to commence indefinite strike 2moro; States & Local Govt health workers to join strike from next week Thursday. FG: President Jonathan approves appointments of Chairmen & members of governing boards of 42 federal government agencies & parastatals. 2014 FIFA World Cup: Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, invites 24 home-based & 18 overseas-based players to camp ahead of September's qualifying game against Malawi in Calabar.

S.J News• [August 20, 2013]

S.J News• [August 20, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Cost of Governance in Nigeria: Over N1tn spent on members of National Assembly in the last 8 years -Mrs Oby Ezekwesili (fmr Minister of Education). INEC: Progressive Peoples Alliance's (PPA) name change to All Progressive Peoples Alliance (APPA) rejected; Name/acronym similar to APGA & APA -Mrs A.C Ogakwu (Secretary, INEC). Solid Minerals Development: FG to generate 30% of nation's electricity from coal -President Jonathan. National Council on Privatisation: 20,304 out of 40,000 staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria paid severance benefits -Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). Single Term: President Jonathan did not sign single term deal with any individual or group -Ahmed Gulak (Special Adviser to President on Political Matters). CSR: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) donates ₦10bn as intervention fund to Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto for infrastructure, capacity & manpower development -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor). Ebonyi: Federal High Court, Port Harcourt restrains Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) from conducting September 28 Local Government elections. 18 to 75: Upper age limit for jurors in England & Wales to be raised from 70 to 75years -Ministry of Justice.

S.J News• [August 19, 2013]

S.J News• [August 19, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FG Projects: FG establishes mechanism to avert poor implementation or abandonment of Millennium Development Goals (MDG), projects -Dr Precious Gbeneol (SSAP on MDG). Varsities: President Jonathan approves ₦400bn for infrastructural development of Nigerian universities for transformation to international standard within the next 4 years. ₦5bn SURE-P Fund: Plateau State House of Assembly to probe whereabouts of missing ₦5bn from government’s account. North-East Summit: 6 Governors, 3 Ministers, Local Council Chairmen & National Assembly members from North-Eastern region to hold Revenue Generation Summit in Gombe state 2day. Aambra 2013: INEC to begin update of Voter's Register in Anambra state 2moro ahead of November 16 gubernatorial election -Prof Chukwuemeka Onukogu (INEC REC, Anambra). International Flight: President Jonathan’s approves direct flights between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia & Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu state; To start from August 24 -Ms Stella Oduah (Minister of Aviation).

S.J News• [August 18, 2013]

S.J News• [August 18, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Nuclear: Over 80% of imported radioactive sources used in oil & gas sector -Dr Emmanuel Egbogah (fmr Alternate Chairman, Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority). Brandished Mace: Rivers State Govt to appeal Port Harcourt High Court's judgement restraining Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State House of Assembly crisis. Anambra Gubernatorial Screening: All Progressive Grand Alliance appeal panel dismisses appeal filed by Prof Charles Soludo (fmr CBN Gov), 5 others. Yoruba Village: Yoruba Council of Elders plans to build Community Centre in London, UK -Bolaji Falase (President, YCE, UK). Electricity: International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support investments for addition of 1, 500MW of power generation to national grid. World Championships: Usain Bolt (Jamaican) wins 3rd consecutive world 200m title with 19.66s in Moscow; 7 world championship gold medals so far. Inquest: Scotland Yard assessing new information recently received about deaths of Princess Diana & Dodi Al Fayed in 1997.

S.J News• [August 17, 2013]

S.J News• [August 17, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Webometrics Ranking: Federal Polytechnic, Auchi ranked Best in Africa. Shoot Out: Navy arrests 5 pipeline vandals siphoning petroleum products from pipeline @ Majidun, Ikorodu; 126 petroleum laden jerry cans recovered. Screening: All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) disqualifies Prof Charles Soludo (fmr CBN Gov), 5 other aspirants for November 16 gubernatorial election in Anambra state. Political Parties: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registers Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) & Independent Democrats (ID). Aviation: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) orders relocation of petroleum tankers out of Lagos Airport within 48 hours. en route Jigawa: Inuwa Sule Udi (Deputy Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly) & chauffeur die in a auto crash along Kano-Ringim road; Vehicle involved in head-on collision with tanker -FRSC. Energy: FG appoints US-based Nigerian, Jessica Mathews, as Entrepreneurship Ambassador; Invented Energy Generating Football & Skipping Rope -Dr Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment).

S.J News• [August 16, 2013]

S.J News• [August 16, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Oil-exuding Land: Bakassi residents to pay tax under Cameroun sovereignty; Peninsula ceded by Nigeria in 2008; Nigerians to apply for residence permit or Camerounian citizenship. Vehicles: Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to impound vehicles with old number plates @ expiration of October 1 deadline. Niger Delta: Environmental losses due to illegal oil bunkering in Nigeria estimated @ $1tn -Kingsley Kuku (SA to President on Niger Delta & Chairman of Presidential Amnesty Programme). Operation Thunderstorm: Imposter parading self as Major serving in the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army nabbed in Edo state. LP: Labour party, Ogun state confirms membership of Gbenga Daniel (erstwhile Ogun Gov); Declared as Grand Patron. Kaduna: State Government shuts down 457 private schools out of 642 for operation without registration -Mohammed Usman (Commissioner for Education). INEC: Independent National Electoral Commission takes delivery of 20 million permanent voter cards for 2015 general elections -Gabriel Ada (REC, Akwa Ibom).

S.J News• [August 15, 2013]

S.J News• [August 15, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Naira: Central Bank of Nigeria to take delivery of new naira notes before end of September for circulation -Dr Tunde Lemo (Deputy Gov, Operations, CBN). Salary: Federal Government to spend about ₦1.7tn on salaries in 2013 -Yerima Ngama (Minister of State for Finance). APC Governors: Inaugural meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum held in Lafia, Nasarawa on Wednesday. Processing, Transportation, Storage & Destruction of Old Notes: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spent ₦250bn on Nigeria’s currency in 2012 -Tunde Lemo (Deputy Gov, Operations, CBN). 2016 Census: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves purchase of 40 utility vehicles for National Population Commission (NPC); To be bought from Nigerian firm, Innoson Auto Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, Anambra. Anambra Gov: 15 candidates cleared to contest August 24 Primary in Anambra state; 2 disqualified for lack for valid tax clearance -Mahmud Shinkafi (Chairman of PDP Gubernatorial Screening Appeal Panel).

S.J News• [August 14, 2013]

S.J News• [August 14, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Oil&Gas: NEITI absolves Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) over remittance of ₦4.423bn to Federation Account; Fund domiciled @ Petroleum Support Fund (PSF), CBN. Tax: Federal Government loses ₦80bn monthly to tax evasion -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). ₦66m Land Deal: fmr presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party, Ambrose Owuru, granted bail in the sum of ₦10m. Land Swap Forum: Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to organise Abuja Infrastructure Investment Business Forum (ABIFOM 2013) between September 16th & 17th, 2013. Supreme Court: Lagos State Government to appeal against Court of Appeal's judgment, which freed Maj Hamza al-Mustapha & Lateef Shofolahan, over death of Mrs Kudirat Abiola. ASUU Strike: Federal Government not having resources to meet ₦92bn financial demand by Academic Staff Union of Universities -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). 3-year Hiatus: Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners for resumption of peace talks; Israeli & Palestinian representatives to begin direct talks in Jerusalem.

S.J News• [August 13, 2013]

S.J News• [August 13, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Security: President Jonathan meets heads of security agencies behind close doors @ Presidential Villa, Abuja for over 2 hours. FOREX: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold $221.57m Foreign Exchange @ its 30th bi-monthly Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS). SGBN: EFCC interrogates erstwhile Kwara state governor, Sen Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central), over his alleged role in collapse of Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria. GTBank on Facebook: Guaranty Trust Bank upgrades social banking on Facebook for instant account opening & reception of account numbers -Segun Agbaje (MD, GTBank). Police Pension: Police sets up Pension Fund Administrator to cater for police retirees -Mohammed Abubakar (Inspector-General of Police). MSME: Central Bank of Nigeria to inaugurate ₦200bn Micro Small & Medium Enterprise Fund on Thursday -Lamido Sanusi (CBN, Gov). Mali: Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (68yrs; Prime Minister from 1994 to 2000) wins Mali presidential eleaction; Defeats rival, Soumaila Cisse (ex-Finance Minister), in 2nd round.

S.J News• [August 12, 2013]

S.J News• [August 12, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Abia: State Govt distributes free cocoa seedling to registered cocoa farmers in Abia state; Gov Theodore Orji (Abia) awarded with Best Agriculture Friendly Governor. External Reserve: Nigerian external reserve dropped to $46.98bn within the last 3 months due to fall in price of crude oil. Anambra PDP: INEC derecognises Ken Emeakayi as Anambra state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Ejike Ogbuebego is the authentic Chairman -INEC. Long Jump: Blessing Okagbare gets Nigeria's 1st medal @ IAAF World Championships in Moscow after leaping 6.99 metres to grab silver. NSE Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc not to be delisted from Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) -Olusegun Osunkeye (Company Chairman). 2015 Presidency: Presidential campaign posters of Gov Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) flood Yola, Adamawa state. World Championships: Usain Bolt regains 100m title with 9.77 seconds @ Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow; Justin Gatlin (US) finished in 9.85sec, Nesta Carter (Jamaica) in 9.95sec.

S.J News• [August 11, 2013]

S.J News• [August 11, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Crude Oil: Nigeria’s export, excluding condensates, to hit 1.94 million barrels per day in September; Export currently @ 1.84million barrels per day; 1.96 million bpd allocation given by OPEC. Flood: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) identifies 90 Local Government Areas likely to be affected by floods in 2013 -Manzo Ezekiel (NDLEA Press Officer). ZNC: Ogun State Govt to host 14th Edition of Zonal Network for Children (ZNC), meeting of Secretaries to the State Govt & Coordinating Authorities from 12th to Thursday, 15th August. From Above 4,000MW: Power generation drop to 2,628.6MW attributed to low gas supply to generation plants -Prof Chinedu Nebo (Minister of Power). Rivers: It's wrong for Nyesom Wike (Minister of State for Education) to aspire to succeed Gov Rotimi Amaechi in 2015 -Andrew Uche (House of Reps; Emohua/Ikwerre Fed Constituency). Global Training & Management Consulting Firm: Dale Carnegie Training to open new franchise in Nigeria; Operations to start from September. Forbes: Africa’s Queen of Talk, Mo Abudu, named as 1st woman on African continent to own a pan African TV channel.

S.J News• [August 10, 2013]

S.J News• [August 10, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Niger Delta: FG offers 36 Niger Delta youths scholarship for undergraduate studies in University of Alabama, US -Kingsley Kuku (SA to President on Niger Delta). OAU: Skye Bank donates ₦600m ultra modern Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. Fish Farms, Processing, Storage: Bayelsa State Govt, foreign partners to float ₦3.9bn aquaculture project in Bayelsa state -Dr Thomas Commander (Commissioner for Agriculture & Natural Resources). Anambra Gov: Anambra state PDP Chairman, Ken Emeakayi, declares ‘operation win to win’ in Anambra state ahead of 2014 gubernatorial election. GT Bank UK: Guaranty Trust Bank UK fined £525,000 for failure to prevent money laundering between May 2008 & July 2010. Rivers: Unknown gunmen invade fish farm @ Buguma, in Asari-Toru Local Council Area, Rivers state; Abduct 2 Nigerians & 4 Thailand citizens. Cabinet: Benin President, Boni Yayi, dismissed entire government on Friday. Zimbabwe: Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) files legal challenge to Robert Mugabe's (89yrs) victory in presidential elections; Mugabe won with 61% of vote.

S.J News• [August 9, 2013]

S.J News• [August 9, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PHCN: Federal Government to hand over Power Holding Company of Nigeria to private investors on September 21, if investors pay on schedule -Benjamin Dikki (DG, Bureau of Public Enterprises). US/Nigeria: US government invests $5m to strengthen Nigeria’s Private sector & encourage privatisation of energy sector -Jeffrey Hawkins (US Consul General). Software Development: FG launches Tinapa Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator (IDEA) Incubation Centre in Calabar, Cross Rivers state -Mrs Omobola Johnson (Minister of Communications Technology). Back From Brazil: NDLEA nabs 46-year-old Nigerian bricklayer @ Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, with 83 wraps of ingested cocaine weighing 2kg. Recess: Lagos State House of Assembly adjourns sitting to proceed on 6-week break, ending September 22, 2013. Nautical: Berthing of 83 cargo-laden ships @ Lagos ports imminent; 20 out of 83 ships carrying petroleum products -Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) data.

S.J News• [August 8, 2013]

S.J News• [August 8, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ $1bn Local Bond: International Finance Corporation (IFC) to launch 1st long-term local currency bond programme to support Nigeria's Capital Market. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) withdraws ₦1tn from banking system on Wednesday; Interbank lending rates rose to 19% from around 12% @ Tuesday’s close. WAEC: May/June 2013 WASSCE released; 1,671,268 candidates (920,416 males, 750, 852 females) sat for exam; 115, 041 results cancelled or withheld. Debt: 36 states & Federal Capital Territory (FCT) external debt hit $2.641bn as @ June 30, 2013 -Debt Management Office (DMO). Gubernatorial Election: PDP clears Sen Andy Uba, Iyom Josephine Anenih, 11 other aspirants ahead of August 24 Anambra state primary election. Population: National Population Commission (NPC) to spend ₦149bn on 2016 census for more accuracy, credibility & reliability -Eze Festus Odimegwu (NPC Chairman). US/Russia: President Barack Obama cancels September visit to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin due to lack of progress in bilateral relations.

S.J News• [August 7, 2013]

S.J News• [August 7, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Trunk Line: With the completion of Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) in the next few weeks, Nigeria's crude oil production to hit 2.50 million barrels per day (mbpd). PHCN: FG pays ₦118bn Severance Package to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers; Paid by Office Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). Brandished Mace: Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, pleads not guilty to 6-count charge before Port Harcourt High Court. Adamawa, Bauchi & Yobe: Emergency rule imposed on 3 northern states on May 14 helped to restore normalcy -Dr Reuben Abati (Presidential Spokesman). Curfew: Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, restores 24-hour curfew in Potiskum, Yobe state; Retains 10pm to 7am curfew imposed on Adamawa & Borno state. Kogi Indigenes: Gov Idris Wada (Kogi) grants ₦175, 416,000 scholarship to over 46,336 students in 109 institutions across Nigeria. Shell: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) faults Shell’s claims on $700m loss in its global earnings in 2nd quarter of 2013 due to operational challenges in Nigeria. Capital Market: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) inaugurates Committee of Chief Compliance Officers to halt financial crimes -Ms Arunma Otteh (Director-General, SEC).

S.J News• [August 6, 2013]

S.J News• [August 6, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ DPR Revenue: Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) generated ₦470.2bn in 1st half of 2013; Exceeded target by ₦86.6bn -House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Upstream). ASUU Strike: Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, appeals to Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call of the strike & embrace dialogue with FG. en-route London: NDLEA nabs 30-year-old career counselor @ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos with 2.120kg of methamphetamine during outward screening of passengers. Brandished Mace: High Court, Ahoda grants detained leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, bail in the sum of ₦5m. Nigeria/Canada: President Jonathan lauds improved Trade & Economic relations between Nigeria & Canada; Annual bilateral trade rises from about $600m 3 years ago to over $2bn. Infrastructure: Federal Government needs about $2.9tn for development of infrastructure in the next 30 years -Dr Shamsudeen Usman (Minister of National Planning). Red Seats: A Senator earns ₦12,766,320 annually -Revenue Mobilisation Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

S.J News• [August 5, 2013]

S.J News• [August 5, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Pension: Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) unveils 7-Point agenda for improvement of pensioners' lives -Abel Afolayan (President of NUP). 2015 Flagbearer: Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Ogun state disowns it's 2011gubernatorial candidate, Wale Okunniyi, over emergence of governorship campaign posters. Lumbering: Over ₦60bn lost in the past 15 years due to illegal felling of trees in Ogun state forest reserves by cocoa farmers; About ₦4bn still being lost monthly -Ayo Olubori (Commissioner for Forestry). Failed Conformity Test: Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) intercepts substandard goods worth ₦1bn over the week -Bede Obayi (Head of Monitoring, SON). US Embassy: US to extend closure of 21 embassies in North Africa & Middle East for up to 1 week due to possible militant threat -State Department in Washington. Iran: Hassan Rouhani (65yrs) took oath of office as Iranian president; Vows to reduce high tension between Iran & outside vis-à-vis nuclear program; Replaces Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

S.J News• [August 4, 2013]

S.J News• [August 4, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FCT: 6 Area Councils of Federal Capital Territory share ₦1.94bn from federation account in June -Olajumoke Akinjide (Minister of State for FCT). ₦137m Worth: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency seizes 12.455kg of cocaine @ Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos -Hamza Umar (NDLEA Airport commander). Imo: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) suspends Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, over alleged anti-party activities. ASUU: President Jonathan to inaugurate ₦100bn infrastructure projects in universities & tertiary institutions across Nigeria -Gov Gabriel Suswam (Benue). Northern Governors: Governors of Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, Niger & Sokoto state visit former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon in Kaduna state. Crown Poly: National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) withdraws accreditation of all programmes @ Crown Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state -Dr Masa’udu Kazaure (NBTE Executive Secretary). Lagos Cabinet: Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) swears in new Finance Commisioner, Ayo Gbeleyi. 7th Term in Office: Robert Mugabe (89yrs) re-elected as President of Zimbabwe with 61% vote; Been on seat since 1980 independence.

S.J News• [August 3, 2013]

S.J News• [August 3, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Pipeline Vandalism: $10.9bn loss in Nigeria attributed to pipeline vandalism between 2008 & 2011 -Abdullahi Gunda (Area Manager, PPMC Gombe state). Lagos: State House of Assembly confirms Ayodeji Gbeleyi as new Commissioner for Finance in Lagos state; Tokunbo Abiru (fmr Commissioner) resigns for appointment on board of First Bank Nigeria. ₦60m Scam: Hope Democratic Party (HDP) presidential candidate, Ambrose Owuru, arraigned @ Federal High Court, Port Harcourt by EFCC over charges of fraud, alteration, forgery of land documents. PDP: High Court, Abuja vacates order restraining Peoples Democratic Party from conducting special convention for election into its National Working Committee (NWC). Prison Decongestion: Acting Chief Judge of Adamawa, Justice Nathan Musa, releases 67 inmates to aid decongestion of prison. $17bn: Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd converted 92 bn cubic metres of Associated Gas to export 968 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) & 145 Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) product cargoes in 12 year.

S.J News• [August 2, 2013]

S.J News• [August 2, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Anambra: Prof Charles Soludo (fmr CBN Gov) joins APGA; Declares intention to run for November 16 gubernatorial election in Anambra state. CBN: Central Bank of Nigeria recovers over ₦9bn excess charges deducted from customers' accounts by banks -Olumuyiwa Ojoawo (CBN Controller). Primary School: Edo state government audit reveals massive falsification of Primary School Teachers' age in Edo state Public Schools -Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo). Cassava Production: Federal Government to release ₦10bn for cassava bread development fund -Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development). Post-UMTE: Yaba College of Technology to introduce Computer-Based Test (CBT) in 2013/2014 Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in September, 2013. Privatisation: ₦16bn approved for payment of retirees' entitlements & Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) pensioners -Federal Government. Lille: Vincent Enyeama (30yrs; Super Eagles Goalkeeper) declared 1st-choice goalkeeper @ Lille Metropole for 2013/2014 season by Rene Girard (Lille Manager). ex-Italian PM: Italy's highest court upholds Silvio Berlusconi's (76yrs; erstwhile Prime Minister) prison sentence for tax evasion.