REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND

How to become a Christian?

If you've made the decision to turn to God, you can pray this:

Jesus, I know that I have sinned against You and this separates me from You. I am sorry and I want to turn away from my sinful ways and turn to You. Please forgive me. I believe that You died for me and my sins, that You rose from the dead, and are alive and hear my prayers. I'm asking You to become my Savior and the Lord of my life from this day forward. Amen.

YES! I Became a Christ-Follower today!!!

Let us know if you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior today!

Meaning Behind the Prayer
1. Admit your a sinner.
- Basically acknowledge your not perfect, you've made mistakes, and probably a lot of bad decisions
2. Ask God for forgiveness.
- Ask and it will be given to you. Jesus died on the cross so that you would be saved from eternal hell. - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord" - Romans 3:19
3. Believe that Jesus died for you and He is the only way.
- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
4. Go tell someone!
- "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord " and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." - Romans 10: 9-10.

MEDICAID CANCER FOUNDATION AWARENESS WALK AND FUND RAISING CONCERT DINNER

Medicaid Cancer Foundation awareness walk & fund-raising concert dinner

Medicaid Cancer Foundation, a 6 year old body that advocates, screens, and treats cancer patients in Nigeria is set to wind up its month long activities in October. Every year the foundation does more than create awareness by offering its screening services to the people of the FCT and its environs and also raising funds to treat indigent cancer patients. 

All through the month of October, they offer free Cancer screenings daily. Also they are organizing a 1million man walk and concert to raise awareness and educate Nigerians about cancer care and prevention.

Both events are holding on the 31st of October. A world-class concert is headlined by multiple award winning artist Olamide and anchored by stellar Master of Ceremonies Dare Art Alade and Nollywood Super Star Actress Kate Henshaw. 

Also endorsing the Medicaid cancer foundation’s initiatives are the First Lady of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Hajiya Aisha Mohammadu Buhari, and a host on notable personalities and celebrities who will all be participating in the walk and fundraiser.

All proceeds raised from the sale of memorabilia, tickets, closed pledges would be donated in its entirety toward treatment and care of cancer patients.

This entire project is the Brainchild of Dr. Zainab S. Bagudu, Her Excellency , the First Lady of Kebbi State , a Pediatric Consultant and CEO of MedicAid Radio-Diagnostic Center Abuja. She is also the founder of the Medicaid cancer foundation.

Since its inception in 2009 the Medicaid Cancer foundation has conducted thousands of free cancer screenings and interventions throughout Abuja, Maiduguri, Zamfara, and most recently conducted a cancer screening exercise for over 2000 women in Kebbi state free. 

Also worthy of mention, her excellency through the Medicaid Cancer foundation has conducted free CT Scans on 230 cancer patients till date and raised funds to facilitate treatment and support for cancer patients across the country. 

It is to this end that Medicaid Cancer foundation appeals to the people of Abuja and Nigeria as a whole to support the fight against cancer by coming out enmass this weekend to participate in the 1 million Man Walk and White concert billed for the 31^st of October. LETS KICK CANCER TOGETHER!

GOVERNOR OBIANO CALLS ON FG TO SAVE ONISHA-ENUGU EXPRESSWAY

Governor Obiano calls on FG to save the Onitsha-Enugu expressway from erosion

Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has called on the federal government to save the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway from caving into gully erosion that has affected parts of the newly constructed flyover along New Parts market, Nkpor, Idemili North council area.

The Governor made the call, yesterday, October 29, while inspecting the havoc being wreaked by the erosion on the road.

He disclosed that he has contacted the President after inspecting the site recently, mandated IDC construction firm to mobilize to site and start palliative work, to save the road.

He stated that the federal government owes the state an outstanding twenty-five billion naira spent on the reconstruction of federal roads in the state, a reason why it must get permission from the federal government before embarking on palliative work on the site.

The Governor made it clear that the state alone cannot undertake the erosion project which will run into billions of naira, and advised the citizenry to bear with the state while it pressurizes the federal government to come to its aid.

Source: ABS RadioTv

TYGA AND JENNER JET INTO LA LOOKING

Tyga and Kylie Jenner jet into LA looking quite stylish (photos)

The couple who have been in New York since Tuesday jetted into LA yesterday evening. Kylie looked quite stylish in a crop top and ripped jeans while Tyga changed his outfit at the airport before landing in LAX. More photos after the cut...

KARRUECHE PUT HER BUTT ON DISPLAY

Karrueche puts her butt on display in her sexy Halloween costume

Chris Brown's ex gf, Karrueche Tran attended her Halloween party on Thursday evening in a blue Lil' Kim-inspired costume. Tran hosted a seasonal bash at The Argyle in Los Angeles, and put her little bum on display. More photos after the cut...

CCT TO ARRIAGN GODSDAY ORUBEBE OVER ALLEGED FALSE ASSET DECLARATION,N70M BRIBE

CCT to arraign Godsday Orubebe over alleged false asset declaration, N70m bribe

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe will be arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) November 9, over alleged false declaration of assets and acceptance of about N70million bribe. The four-count charge against him was filed on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) by Peter Danladi of the CCB and summons was served on the ex- minister yesterday, Oct. 29.

CHINA ENDS CONTROVERSIAL ONE CHILD POLICY,COUPLE CAN NOW HAVE TWO

China ends controversial one child policy...couples can now have 2

China have announced the end of its hugely controversial one-child policy today, with official state media confirming that all couples will now be allowed to have two children.

A communique was issued by the ruling Communist Party following a four-day meeting in Beijing to chart the country's plans for the next five years. Despite being the world's second largest economy after the US, there have been growing concerns over China's ageing population since the one child policy was introduced in 1980. 

The radical family planning policy was adopted to reduce the country's high birth rate. The policy restricted most couples to only a single offspring, and for years authorities argued that it was a key contributor to China's economic boom.

But after years of strict, sometimes brutal enforcement by a dedicated government commission, China's population - the world's largest - is now ageing rapidly, gender imbalances are severe, and its workforce is shrinking.

MAJEK FASHEK URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO REHABILITATE MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS

Majek Fashek urges the government to rehabilitate mental health patients

According to Reggae icon, Majek Fashek, who is battling drug alcohol abuse & just came out rehab, 'mental health is very important in the lives of people and a nation.' Speaking at the 46th Annual General Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) in Lagos, themed 'Mental Health as a Driver for Positive Change', he said, 

“Mental health is not a yardstick to look down upon people. There is need to create a system to manage or rehabilitate people who are not mentally balanced and as well create more awareness on mental health challenges and appropriate management. Government should look into how to rehabilitate mental health patients as most of them have great potentials and talents.'

SAMUEL ETO STATEMENT ON BOKO HARAM

Read footballer Samuel Eto'o's 'strong' statement on Boko Haram

Former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o is using his fame for a good cause as he has now given a strong statement against the deadly terrorists called Boko Haram ravaging the Northern part of Nigeria. The former Barcelona and Chelsea star has set up the Yellow Whistleblower FC foundation to raise funds and awareness to help people fleeing Nigeria and Cameroon amid the increasing amount of attacks from Boko Haram militants.

Eto’o, says it's time the world stepped up its response to this menace called Boko Haram. The 34-year-old urged leaders and the media to react as they did to the terror attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine offices in Paris in January.



“It is important for us to talk about it — if we don’t do it, who will? We all tried to offer our support (after Charlie Hebdo). We saw African head of states coming to Paris to offer their support to France." He said in an interview with CNN.

“Why, when it comes to Africa — when it comes to our continent — don’t we do anything? Maybe because the media are not doing what they should do.

“When it comes to Charlie Hebdo, we talk about it. The media were right: It was important to talk about that. However when it comes to Boko Haram, we need to wait for the most horrific things to happen for the media to say a word." said the four-time African player of the year.

“After that, everybody stops talking about it. It is like nothing ever happened.

“I think journalists should have denounced this situation. We saw what happened in France. We were very sad about this. We were asking ourselves, ‘How can this happen? How can they succeed? How can these people take away lives of happy people who had families and friends?'”

“I was affected, like many of my African brothers, by Boko Haram. We haven’t been affected by such horrors in a very long time,” he said. “We are seeing these atrocities and we seem powerless.

“We need to cope with this situation. We need to denounce it and find solutions at our level while our armed forces do their own job on the ground.”

Eto’o said one of the most effective ways to defeat Boko Haram and its ideology would be through education, which he called “the most formidable weapon.”

“We need to create schools and give the possibility to these children to learn and understand,” explained Eto’o, whose illustrious career has taken him to Italy, Spain, Russia, England and Turkey, winning three European Champions League titles. He was reportedly one of the the world’s highest-paid players at Anzhi Makhachkala.

“Some of these children affected by the situation are young and are easily manipulable, and they are manipulated. These children are used and join this terrorist organization.”

Eto’o, who now plays for Turkish club Antalyaspor, said: “We wanted to show the right way to our young brothers, but the ignorance that we have in Africa leads to our own brothers shooting at us.

“When you are African, and you are sometimes better (at something) than Europeans or Americans, you’re not considered African.

“It’s frustrating but you can’t be mad. I refuse to be ignorant. The only message that I want to give is that I want people to have easy access to education.”

PHOTOS;CONTAINER FALLS ALONG OSHODI ROAD,LAGOS

Photos: Cotainer falls along Oshodi road, causes traffic gridlock

A container fell on Oshodi road this afternoon and this has caused a major traffic gridlock in that part of Lagos. Motorist are now being advised use alternative routes. More photos after the cut...

POLICE UNCOVER TRAFFIC ROBBER'S

Police Uncover Traffic Robbers’ Headquarters, Move in to Mop Up Suspects

The Nigeria Police

...Lagos police inject 20 traffic monitors

Chiemelie Ezeobi

A clearer picture has begun to emerge on the recent influx of traffic robbers, who have seemingly held Lagos hostage with their nefarious activities, inflicting pain and robbing motorists blind.

THISDAY gathered that these robbers have a headquarters from which they operate and are deployed each time to major roads to rob.

Hiding under the guise of being roadside hawkers, these traffic robbers have in recent times caused grievous damages to cars belonging to motorists stuck in traffic.

Areas like Ijora, Mile 2, Costain, Third Mainland Bridge, Mushin, Obalende, CMS, have been constantly riddled with these traffic robbers, who sometimes smash the windscreens of motorists and make away with their valuables.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who, made this disclosure, about the den of traffic robbers, at the command headquarters in Ikeja, said they ferreted the information from arrested traffic robbers.

At the last count, the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command had arrested over 20 of such traffic robbers, from different parts of the state.

Owoseni said the suspects while being interrogated had divulged not just modus operandi, but also their headquarters, from where they were deployed to rob motorists in traffic.

As part of measures to also counter the antics of the robbers, the CP also said the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has plans to inject a police helicopter permanently to Lagos.

He said, "Note that some of those guys (traffic robbers) have moved from the traditional areas. They only cash in on the opportunity of a breakdown of vehicle and since these criminals are mobile, they just do a stint.

"It's a challenge for us in nabbing them because you can hardly predict when you will have a breakdown and traffic will build up immediately.

"But that is not to say that it's insurmountable because some of them that has been arrested have given us useful information.

"They have a headquarters from where they are distributed out and that is why have also resorted to  working under the disguise of selling pure water and gala."

"You will agree with me that there many patrol vehicles everywhere. Once there is traffic, there are policemen moving up and down.

"They are often in motorcycles moving up and down but because of the indisciplined nature of Nigerians, as most of the people that drive never go to any driving school, they wouldn't allow them (the police) to move in between vehicles.

"The policemen are called traffic monitors and last week we injected about 20 of them. You find out that rather than go and make a U-turn, they drive against traffic so they can monitor but Nigerians don't understand that.

"Even if you make a distress call to the police, because the road is blocked, it's a problem getting to that areas. There are other measures we are taking that I can't say out so it won't jeopardise our operations."

While urging motorists to always obey road signs to avoid traffic build up, Owoseni said the command on its part would continue to emplacement security measures to protect the citizenry.

6 SYMPTOMS OF CHEAST CANCER

6 Symptoms Of chest Cancer Women Should Stop Overlooking

Thousands of women are diagnosed with chest cancer each year. For women, only lung cancer has a higher death rate than chest cancer. While this type of cancer can be deadly, there are warning signs that can help you catch it early.

It isn’t exactly known why chest cancer develops, but there are somefactors that seem to increase your chances of developing chest cancer. Your age (and gender) increase your risk; While men can be diagnosed with chest cancer, it is one hundred times mores common in women. The highest rate of invasive chest cancer are found in women 55 and older.
There also seems to be a higher risk if your close blood relatives had or have chest cancer. Also, the risk of chest cancer increases with higher amounts of alcohol use and obesity after menopause.
Knowing the risks and the symptoms of chest cancer can significantly increase your chances of catching the illness early. Luckily, there are some things you can look for. While finding a lump in your chest is a common symptom, there are others signs to look for.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
1. chest sizes
If the size of one chest enlarges significantly in a short amount of time, this could be a warning sign of chest cancer. Breasts are normally different sizes, but noticing a drastic increase in size or an abnormal change in shape could be something to be concerned about.
2. Swelling
Even if there is no lump present, swelling on your chest (even in a small area) is not a good sign. Swelling can also accompany fever-like symptoms; if this is the case, your breasts will feel warm, may become inflamed, become red or purple and will swell. Immediately inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
3. Abnormal nipples
Other than chest milk, any other discharge is not normal. Decreased nipple sensitivity is also something to be aware of. Additionally, if your nipple retracts (pulls inward,) or is discolored, be sure to call your doctor.
4. Redness or itchiness
Having a bumpy “orange peel” texture on your chest or nipple area could very well be a symptom of chest cancer. If you experience severe itching on your chest and dermatologist visits (and creams) don’t soothe your symptoms, call your doctor.
5. Noticing a lump
There are benign lumps that form in the chest that may not be cancerous. However, if you notice a mass (that you haven’t noticed before, or that feels harder than the surrounding lumps) schedule a chest examination. Be sure to notice any sort of abnormal mass near your armpit; though it is not in your chest, it could still be chest cancer.
6. chest Pain
This can be caused by a variety of other things that aren’t cancer. Fluctuating hormones, some fertility treatments, stress and wearing a bra that doesn’t fit right can all cause chest pain. If your pain isn’t caused by this list or accompanies other symptoms, contact your doctor.
Some women feel pain in their back or chest instead of their chest. If this pain does not go away with physical therapy or stretching, inform your doctor.
Not all of these symptoms are symptoms of chest cancer. If you get other treatments (like a cream or antibiotic) for these symptoms, but you do not notice a difference within a few days, be sure to call your doctor and be assertive about tests for chest cancer.
Mammograms have significantly increased the detection rate for chest cancer. Regularly schedule these appointments if you are above the age of 40, or if you have a family history of chest cancer. However, there are things a mammogram cannot detect. Having dense breasts make cancer harder to detect even with a mammogram and helps the cancer cells spread more rapidly. Talk to your doctor for additional tests if you fit this description.
Be diligent with your own chest examinations and be aware of what chest cancer symptoms look and feel like. If you are at all concerned, make an appointment with your doctor.

Ambode, commissioners to hold economic retreat

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode

Samson Folarin

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the newly appointed commissioners of the state have convened a four-day retreat on economic policies for the state.

A statement on Wednesday by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the retreat, which was the first in the administration, would provide a platform to improve on service delivery.

It said the retreat would focus on security, job creation and infrastructural development.

The statement read, “The retreat, which will hold between Wednesday, October 28 and Saturday, October 31, will provide a veritable platform for the executive council members to brainstorm on government policies, procedures and programmes and evolve better means of serving Lagosians.

“The retreat will focus on three key issues of security, job creation, as well as infrastructural development, which are the economic drivers of the administration.

“It will also concretise plans to turn Lagos to a ‘smart city’ where emphasis will be on creating alternative modes of transportation.”

The statement added that the cabinet was ready to build on the foundation laid by the state governor in the last four months, by executing policies that would keep Lagos ahead.

The Lagos State Executive Council, under the chairmanship of the governor, is the highest policy making organ of the state government, comprising the deputy governor, secretary to the state government, head of service, chief of staff, commissioners and special advisers.

The statement added that the retreat would also be attended by the body of permanent secretaries and some select head of agencies.

CIVIL SERVANTS DETERMINE GOVT'S SUCCESS

Civil servants determine govt’s success – HoS

The outgoing Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Folashade Jaji, says the success or failure of any government is determined mainly by the civil servants.

Jaji said this at a ceremony held in her honour to mark her retirement, according to a statement on Tuesday.

She explained that her early exposure to policy development and decision making process was quite significant as it contributed in no small way to her career development in the service, adding that sound knowledge and determination are major determinants of one’s career success or failure.

Jaji, who is the 18th HoS, said public service remained the engine room for good governance as it is the major channel of assisting political office holders to achieve their objectives of effective and qualitative governance.

Also speaking, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said recent reforms witnessed by the Lagos State Public Service were aimed at repositioning it to meet the needs of a teeming population of an emerging megacity and strengthening it to compete with its foreign counterparts.

Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said an efficient public service was necessary for good governance

He promised that his administration would continue to welcome initiatives and lofty reforms that would promote rapid socio-economic development through a proactive public service.

While commending the retiring HoS for bringing a lot of innovations and developments to the service, the governor said the people and government of Lagos State would continue to remember her tenure for the successful completion of the various service reforms initiated by her predecessors

Governor Ambode specifically commended the retiree for the publication of a new public service rule guide book and the seamless transition from the general administration practice to the administration and human resources management, adding that with these two major reforms, the Lagos State Public Service had been professionally repositioned and aligned with the best global practice anywhere in the world.

While acknowledging the greater role public servants had to perform in achieving good governance, the governor noted that the state public service was a repository of knowledge for good governance.

DJ SPINALL-MY STORY

The unstoppable DJ Spinall releases his debut album titled “My Story”, the well crafted studio project features the likes of 2Face Idibia, Wande Coal, Mafikizolo, Ice Prince, Tekno & others.Checkout “The Way” featuring south african kwaito music duo Mafikizolo and chocolate city rapper Ice Prince, produced by Drey beatz.

DOWNLOAD AUDIO

SENATE QUERIES N63.5bn ABUJA AIRPORT CONTRACT

Senate queries N63.5bn Abuja airport contract The Senate on Wednesday rejected a prayer seeking the probe of public officers involved in the alleged inflation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Second Runway contract to the tune of N63.5bn. But the upper chamber queried the upward review of the contract, describing it as an attempt to ‘steal and rape’ Nigerians of the country’s common patrimony, even as it agreed that the construction of second runway was a matter of urgency. The Senate, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure that due process and diligence were followed in the award of a fresh contract. The federal lawmakers made the resolutions while deliberating on a motion by Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West. The motion was titled, “The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Second Runway- Contract.” An additional prayer specifically demanding severe punishment for those behind the inflation of the contract, moved by Senator Joshua Dariye (PDP, Plateau South), was unanimously rejected by the upper chamber. The Senate called on the Federal Government to drastically reduce what it termed as the unrealistic cost of the project and to monitor the contract award process. Melaye had noted that the contract for the construction of the Abuja Airport Second Runway was cancelled by the last administration after allegations of over inflation of contracts was established. He also said that the contract was awarded by the Federal Executive Council at the cost of N64bn after ratification by the Bureau for Public Procurement. He said the need for the construction of a second runway was because existing one was bad and inadequate. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his remark, urged the government to put in motion necessary machinery to construct a better runway at the Abuja International Airport just as he said every process in awarding the contract must follow due process.

COURT ADJOURNS DASUKI'S TRIAL,PROSECUTION WITNESSES NOW EIGHT

Court adjourns Dasuki’s trial, prosecution witnesses now eight A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the trial of the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), charged with alleged money laundering and illegal possession of firearms, till November 2. Findings by our correspondent however showed that with the amendment of the original one count of illegal possession of firearms to accommodate additional four counts of money laundering, the number of witnesses proposed by the prosecution had increased from five to eight. Justice Adeniyi Ademola had adjourned till Wednesday (yesterday) his ruling on an application by the prosecution to present its witnesses masked and to use their pseudonyms to address them during the proceedings. The judge heard the argument on the application shortly after the Federal Government re-arraigned Dasuki on the amended five counts on Monday. But the court did not sit on Wednesday as Justice Ademola and some other judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja were said to be attending a conference. The prosecution’s list of witnesses obtained by our correspondent showed that the proposed witnesses were mainly operatives of the Department of State Services, who were involved in the search of the ex-NSA’s houses in Abuja and Sokoto. Firearms and money in dollar and naira denominations, totalling N84.6m were said to have been recovered by the operatives. The five witnesses earlier proposed and retained on the prosecution’s fresh list are the leader of the search team at Dasuki’s houses, Dahiru Dodo; the investigating officers on the case, Musa Duniyo; Ali Gurara, Samuel Ogbu, and Franklyn Usman. The three additional names in the fresh list are Jamilu Hamusu, M.M. Sani and M. Habib. The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Mohammad Diri, who signed the list of witnesses, stated that there could be more “witnesses as the prosecution may deem fit”.

OSUN,KWARA SPEAKER CALL FOR LEGISLATIVE AUTONOMY

Osun, Kwara speakers call for legislative autonomy Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam; and his Kwara State counterpart, Amadu Alli, have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amendment of the law seeking autonomy for state Houses of Assembly. The two said the law was the only way the legislature at the state level could perform their legislative duties effectively and without fear or favour. They spoke on Wednesday at the end of a three-day summit for members of Kwara assembly in Ede, Osun State. Salaam said leaving the legislative arm of government at the mercy of the executive negated the principles of separations of powers and had always hindered lawmaking businesses at various state assemblies. “It is important for us to be independent for us to be able to perform our duties effectively, or else, all these efforts will be just theoretical,” he said, describing separation of power as the cornerstone of democratic system. He said the amendment being sought would protect the rights and liberty of the citizens. Also, Alli said the legislature could not function efficiently without being autonomous, saying it was a contradiction for a supposedly independent arm of government to be clamouring for autonomy. He said autonomy would prevent the tyranny of any arm of government as the legislature would be fully disposed to deliver on its mandate. “Autonomy will prevent justice from becoming arbitrary and capricious; without autonomy, there will be apprehension, even abuse cannot be ruled out,” the Kwara speaker said.

DONT ABUSE JUDGES,CJN CAUTION POLITICIAN

Don’t abuse judges, CJN cautions politicians The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Wednesday, expressed concern about attack unleashed on judges by politicians following the judgments delivered by some election petitions tribunals in the country. Justice Mohammed, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Ahuraka Isah, said politicians should report perceived misconduct by judges to the National Judicial Council instead of abusing them. The CJN, who doubles as the Chairman of the NJC, said “proactive, decisive and just investigation and sanction” would be taken once such complaints are submitted. Calling on governors to be more sensitive to the plight of judges, the CJN said it was not enough to attack judges over corruption and bribery allegations and look away when “thugs enter courts to beat judges, tear court processes and bomb the courts to prevent the delivery of some judgments.” The statement read in part, “The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Mahmud Mohammed has admonished politicians, most especially heads of governments, to refrain from disparaging the integrity and reputation of the judiciary. “This is against the backdrop of reactions to the outcomes of some governorship, National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal matters in the country, where some politically exposed persons, state governors and even lawyers to some litigants, averred that these verdicts were influenced by money and political pressure. “His lordship insists that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility especially amongst public officials, particularly the state governors who are equally the chief security officers of their respective states. “He said it is not just enough to say the judiciary is corrupt or that that judge was bribed to deliver a judgment; at the same time look the other way while thugs enter courts to beat judges, tear court processes and bomb the courts to prevent the delivery of some judgments. “His lordship noted that corruption is a common denominator experienced by all sections of government and as such, each head of government should look inward to devise strategies that will clear the Augean stables of corruption. “The Hon CJN urged state governors and public office holders to be sincere in the fight against corruption, noting that action speaks louder than words.” Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission have asked the CJN to intervene in ensuring prompt release of the certified true copies of judgments of the election petitions tribunal to enable interested parties to prosecute their appeal. The PDP’s letter, signed by one of its counsel, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), was dated October 28, 2015. The Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja had in its judgment delivered on Saturday sacked Governor Nyesom Wike on the grounds that his election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. The state/national assembly election petitions tribunals had also sacked 20 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the PDP on the grounds of irregularities said to have characterised their election. Obla in his letter specifically sought the CJN’s intervention in the release of the CTC of judgments Mr. Wali Belief Azeru vs. Michael Okechukwu Chinda and Dr. Oto Gwung Dressman vs. INEC and others.

DONT BUY SHARE WITHOUT THESE FACTOR

Don’t buy shares without considering these factors Chris was offered an opportunity to be a part owner of a cyber café with his uncle, who decided it was time to retire and move back to his village. The purchase price was agreed between both parties and Chris had also taken stock of the assets that he will soon be taking over. However, Chris wasn’t still done with his due diligence. Even though he knew the business had been in existence for years and appeared profitably, he still felt he needed much more. Investing in shares should basically follow the same approach. Beyond just relying on fundamental and technical analysis, a lot more due diligence must be carried out before you decide to invest in shares. These are examples; CEO and management team: Warren Buffet was once quoted as saying he invests in companies that can be run by a stupid person because one day, a stupid person will run that company. The operations of any company are carried out by a management team led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. A CEO is one of the most important criteria any investor must consider before investing. You should make efforts to know who is running the business, their vision, antecedents and charisma before deciding to invest. It’s the same thing you would do if you were to vote for a president; so why not do the same for a company you hope to be a part owner of. Most failed business or bad investments have often been a result of bad leadership. A great company is always represented by a great leader. Board of directors: The board of directors of any company is bestowed with the responsibility of overseeing the business activities of the company on behalf of its shareholders. This basically puts the directors squarely at the helm of affairs in any company. A weak board is a sign that the management of the company can basically get away with anything it wants, which more often than not is not in the best interest of shareholders. An irresponsible board of directors can be inimical to your investments in many ways, which is why you must make efforts to identify who the members of the board are. You should also search online for news related to their activities and pronouncements in the past. These are clues to how they have managed the business and indication of how they will continue to manage the business. Competition: Before investing in a company, you must ascertain where it stand against their competitors. Is the business in a highly competitive environment? What is the barrier to entry and how strong is the company’s brand? These are all important factors you must consider before giving your stockbroker your money. For example, Companies in highly competitive industries are mostly susceptible to low margins and low profitability. Therefore, if you invest in a company that gets easily outdone by competition, the company loses market share and then profit declines, leading to a diminution of your investments. Companies in industries that have a high barrier to entry may often appear to be uncompetitive and good for investment. However, that on its own does not determine viability. Such industries may also be so capital-intensive that it will take years for the companies to break-even, making it unattractive for others to join. Whatever the case is, companies that constantly beat competition year after year and possess superior products are better investments than others who aren’t. Brand integrity: You must also identify the brand power of the company and its image among its consumers. Businesses that are easily recognisable and known to all find it easier to sell products. Companies with strong brand power can also effectively control price, which is a very important factor in maintaining market share and guaranteeing growth. A company that can increase the price of its products or services without much fear of losing its customers to the competition is likely an attractive buy for most value investors. Regulatory environment: Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria twice increased the cash reserve requirement of bank’s public sector deposits. This sent shock waves down the spines of the banking sector, leading the banking index to plunge 18 per cent year to date in 2014. These are examples of regulatory pronouncements that can affect industries. It is therefore important for you as an investor to understand the regulatory idiosyncrasies affecting an industry/company before making that investment decision. Information such as the law guiding the industry as well as its regulatory framework, the official in charge and penalties for breaches are examples of what you must have knowledge of. Taxes and incentives: The difference between the profitability of two companies can often be how efficient their tax structure is. For example, Dangote Cement has posted over N400bn in profits in the past three years, but has not paid any corporate tax because it is a designated pioneer company. While this may not be an automatic advantage, it is still a strong indicator of where and when to invest. Incentives that minimise tax, duties and levies, create extra cash flow which companies can put to better use to maximise shareholder value. Other factors to consider are ownership structure, employee welfare and manpower development, technology, micro and macro-economic activity and political stability.

BIG STOMACH,BIG BOTTOM

Big stomachs, big bottoms The royal wobbliness Laden with fat and water Around the midriff Obscuring the vision A sorry sight for sure But even more so A risk for stroke And heart attack to boot If care is not taken A sorry state for sure You know about stroke Or should know by now Poorly treated in Lagos, Abuja and Kano too! A sorry nation for sure Do what you can Rid the tyres around you Get up and burn the fat Through dance exercise, Walk and run A wobbly sight for sure If 40 or more Then you need this An excuse not necessary For truly life begins at 40 So start living now And live long for sure! I am stroke: Know me! A stroke is a “brain attack” and can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle power are lost. Common stroke symptoms include sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg; sudden confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble walking or seeing; loss of balance; and sudden, severe headache. The ability to recognise these symptoms and seek medical attention immediately is critical to surviving a stroke and minimising long-term disability. Stroke affects people of all ages, but several underlying factors that put individuals at higher risk include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, obesity, tobacco use and physical inactivity. Understanding the risks involved with certain lifestyle choices and making healthier choices can often help reduce a person’s risk of stroke. Life style changes There are issues surrounding obesity and sedentary life styles you need to be aware of. Large lumps of fat around the middle, bottom and stomach areas can predispose to strokes and heart attacks. An increase in weight makes it harder for the heart to pump blood round the body and the stress can cause hypertension. Hypertension is the major cause of strokes in Nigeria. Therefore, a little bit of exercise can go a long way to preventing strokes for you and the family? Many people say, ‘it’s not my portion’, but they eat other people’s portions. Then, when stroke strikes, it becomes other people’s problem. The solution is easy. You need to lose the fat through exercise, walking or running too. Your friends may laugh at you and wonder why you are out walking. But, you know you want to live long: without paralysis, unable to speak and being fed through a tube. You do not want to be a burden on the family and a drain on the resources of the nation! World Stroke Day World Stroke Day is a time to raise awareness for the devastating impact, causes, and symptoms of stroke. Nigerians need to understand that stroke is treatable and preventable, as long as we arm them with the proper diagnostic tools and health information. Everyone must know the root causes of stroke such as high blood pressure and diabetes. High blood pressure or hypertension is the biggest underlying cause of stroke in Nigeria. Many people do not know they have high blood pressure because they have not checked. We need to change this. Others who have been diagnosed, stop taking medications for various reasons. Some because their pastor said they were cured at the last retreat! World Stroke Day in Abuja Therefore, please join us in recognising October 29 as World Stroke Day in order to continue to educate Nigerians about stroke symptoms, prevention, and treatment. This year, the Federal Ministry of Health actively supports the event. It is also part of the Nigeria Medical Association Physicians’ week. There will be a dance exercise programme during the event and more information on stroke for all. If you could, please pop into Transcorp Hilton on the day and be part of our success story this year. To sponsor or attend the events, please call Florence on 08189999902. Join us to fight stroke.

FG SHOP FOR N40bn TO COMPLETE AJAOKUTA RAIL

FG shops for N40bn to complete Ajaokuta rail Eighteen years after construction work commenced on the 276-kilometre standard gauge rail line linking Warri in Delta State to Ajaokuta, Kogi State, the project has not been delivered to the Federal Government. The project, otherwise called the central railway line, was initially planned to be delivered in five years, but it was gathered on Sunday that the government would need about N40bn to fully get the line ready. This indication emerged just as railway workers have written President Muhammadu Buhari opposing the plan by the government to privatise the nation’s railway services. The rail line from Warri, passing through Itakpe, Ajaokuta, Agbor and Ore, with six stations along the route, was conceived to carry steel products and raw materials from the Delta Steel Company, Aladja, but was later abandoned after about 254 kilometres had been done due to lack of funds. The project was reactivated in 2009 with the Federal Government agreeing to pay N33bn for the design and completion of the remaining 22 kilometres. The contract was awarded to Team Nigeria and Julius Berger, and was meant to be delivered in March 2013. The contract sum also covered the sidings of the Ajaokuta-Warri rail line up to Delta Steel Aladja, and construction of six stations with the rehabilitation of the completed portion of the line. No money was made available for the execution of the project even though about N45bn was budgeted for the Nigerian Railway Corporation for capital projects that year. Curiously, the following year, the then Minister of Transport, Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf, had said after the review of the project that the contract had been revalued at N36bn. The former minister, who had taken a ride on the completed section of the rail line, had said, “I’m satisfied and impressed today that with this four-hour train ride from Warri to Ajaokuta, we are sure to commence passenger services early next year.” But that did not materialise. The immediate past Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, had also in January this year promised that the project would be completed before the end of the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration. But the government failed to fulfil the promise after it lost the 2015 presidential election to the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress. The Senator Musa Adede-led Transport Committee at the recently held National Conference had recommended the completion of the abandoned rail project before the terminal date of the Jonathan administration. It could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report the total cost of the entire project. Calls put through to the Managing Director of the NRC, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuwade, on Sunday were not answered. The Assistant Director, Public Relations, NRC, Mr. Abdulmaroof Akinwoye, said the project was under the Federal Ministry of Transport, adding that he could not comment on it. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers has written to the Presidency to oppose the planned privatisation of the NRC. In the letter, which was signed by its President, Mr. Raphael Okoro, the union urged the government to rescind its decision to privatise the railway sector, insisting that the decision would be counterproductive. The union said the government should continue to fund the railway and allow credible professionals to manage the industry as currently being done in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Spain. Privatisation, it said, would lead to corruption and joblessness, adding that politicians would sell the railway property to themselves and make the train services out of the reach of ordinary Nigerians. The Federal Government had recently directed the Bureau of Public Enterprises to commence the privatisation of the NRC and other railway facilities across the country. The National Council on Privatisation gave the directive to the BPE and the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility after its council meeting in Abuja. It said the decision to reform the railway was borne out of the government’s desire to avoid its collapse and eventual shutdown. A new railway bill, which is one of the eight reform bills recently approved by the NCP and the Federal Executive Council, is currently before the National Assembly for passage into law.

PRIVATE SECTOR TO DRIVE N2tn BROADBAND INVESTMENT

Private sector to drive N2tn broadband investment The private sector will drive the projected N2tn investment target needed to grow the country’s broadband sector in the next five years, the Nigerian Communications Commission has said. KPMG, which consulted for the commission on the National Broadband Project, made the investment projection in 2014. Speaking to our correspondent on the development, the NCC’s Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ms. Josephine Amuwa, said government had ceased to be part of the broadband investment growth, and had allowed the private sector to drive it. “If KPMG says we need an annual investment of $2bn (N400bn) over the next five years to build a national next-generation broadband network, that is a report, which is good for the industry anyway. But as you know, Nigeria is private sector-driven and government has taken out its hands from doing what private sector should do,” she said. “So, with the KPMG estimated investment said to be needed over the next five years, we don’t believe it is the government that is going to provide the money for any investment. The private sector players will drive the investment. “What we only do as government and regulator is to continue providing and sustaining improved and friendly regulatory regime for their investment to offer them better returns and value to the final consumers,” Amuwa added. According to her, there is a need for existing operators to continue to invest in the market, especially in building better broadband infrastructure. “They cannot afford not to invest by folding their arms, otherwise, other new players will come in and invest in those areas and move ahead of them,” the NCC director said. She said the N400bn annual investment that KPMG was referring to was not just one person. “It is the totality of the investment that would be needed and it is going to be driven solely by the private sector.” She also said that KPMG was not a permanent consultant to the regulators, saying that every project done by the NCC was carried out in line with the Public Procurement Act. “I think I need to clarify certain things here. KPMG is not our permanent consultant. “They consult for us when we need them for certain projects, so, it is not like they are with us as permanent consultants. There is the Public Procurement Act, so we cannot have a permanent consultant. If there is a project, we advise and if they meet the terms of references, we appoint them,” Amuwa added.”

ZENIT BANK GROW PROFIT AFTER TAX BY 16.9%

Zenith Bank grows profit after tax by 16.9% Zenith Bank Plc made a profit after tax of N83.087bn in the nine months to September 30, 2015. The figure is 16.95 per cent higher than the N71bn PAT it made in the same period of 2014. The group’s financial statements for the period showed that its profit before tax rose by 19.85 per cent from N86.818bn to N104.052bn in the review period. This followed a 23.06 per cent year-on-year growth in earnings for the period. The group’s earnings rose from N273.738bn to N336.843bn. According to analysts, the positive performance recorded by the bank is likely to lead to higher consensus estimates. In the third quarter, the group said it earned N107.771bn and made N31.851bn and 29.907bn as PBT and PAT, respectively. Commenting on Zenith Bank’s performance in the third quarter, analysts at FBN Capital Research said of the results showed that Q3 PBT grew by 10 per cent year-on-year. They noted, however, that PAT growth was just 4.4 per cent year-on-year, slower than the 10 per cent on the PBT line, because the other comprehensive income was down significantly (-62 per cent y/y). Explaining further, they said, “Although profit before provisions (and opex) of N76bn grew by almost 12 per cent y/y – thanks largely to a faster growing non-interest income (16 per cent y/y) compared with funding income (nine per cent y/y), this was matched by opex growth (12 per cent y/y). “To a lesser extent, a 31 per cent y/y rise in loan loss provisions also contributed (the magnitude of the provisions was not significant, however).” Compared with the analyst’s estimates, PBT was slightly behind, by 6.5 per cent. However, PAT beat the estimate by 13 per cent, thanks to a combination of lower-than-expected taxes (-62 per cent) and the OCI (they had forecasted zero on this line). “Returning to the PBT, the slight weakness relative to our forecast was driven by funding income, similar to what we saw for the q/q trends. Non-interest income, loan loss provisions and opex all surprised positively,” they said. According to them the full-year consensus PBT for Zenith Bank at N132bn is pessimistic. “On the back of the Q3 results, we would expect consensus forecasts to move up slightly, towards the mid-N130bn range,” they analysts said. “Our estimates are under review. We rate Zenith shares outperform.” Zenith Bank had reported a 24 per cent rise in profit before tax – from N58bn to N72bn – in the first half of the year while profit after tax rose to N53bn from N47bn in the first half of 2014. The bank also grew its gross earnings by 24 per cent from N184.4bn to N229.08bn. Based on the result, the bank had paid an interim dividend of 25 kobo per share, the first in its history.