Weststar returns with FIAT Tipo

 
Italian auto, Fiat, is back to the Nigerian auto market with the new Fiat Tipo, courtesy of Weststar Associates Limited, Authorised General Distributors of Mercedes-Benz products and FIAT in Nigeria.
FIAT, is known for their passion to manufacture cars that represent a progressive automotive future.
This, Weststar said the decision to bring back FIAT to Nigeria followed many months of planning, research and business meetings after listening to its customers.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony last Thursday in Lagos, Mirko Plath, CEO/Managing Director, Weststar Associates said Nigerians want a car they can express themselves in which is what the FIAT Tipo is about.
“Today we have started an evolutionary journey by taking one more step in our business, we have listened to our customers and we have, after many months of planning, research and business meetings, finally completed this extraordinary task to make a dream come true especially in the Nigerian market, by bringing FIAT back home, a product that thoroughly satisfies and excites despite the present economic circumstances and the challenging times,” Plath said.
“The Fiat brand slogan, driven by passion, inspired us to deliver more for less,” he said.
In October 2014, FCA was listed on the New York and Milan stock exchange thus declaring the merger between Chrysler Group and FIAT automobile companies. FIAT’s alliance with Chrysler® Group now provides a more competitive advantage with higher access to new technologies and advanced engineering solutions.
FIAT cars are known for its versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions. These winning features are found on the new Tipo, a practical, functional model which in perfect FIAT tradition ensures the best equipment-to-price ratio, this being the real value of any industrial product.
The name- Tipo sported on the badge is a celebrated designation that Fiat has been used many times during it’s over one century of history. The Tipo is one of the models to carry the coveted name of which nearly two million were made from 1988 to 1995 and which was first awarded “Car of the Year” in 1989.
Plath believes that despite the challenging economy which has resulted in the drop of imported new cars in the country, the new FIAT Tipo will attract good sales because according to him, the premium brand will give Nigerians the opportunity to themselves while on steering.
“All cars are good, but you need a car that you will express yourself in, which is what the FIAT Tipo represents.
“The brand boast of standard features that include entertainment, which is not in any other cars,” Plath said.
on his part, Stravros Diamantidas, General Manager, Weststar, Abuja branch, said the car will put their competitors on the edge.
“Every taste of the Fiat Tipo covered, either as a family car or casual car. The u-shape tail design gives it a muscle while driving,” Stravros said.
The new FIAT Tipo was definitely born to be a sedan. Its features are enhanced by Italian design, inside and out, which makes the car unique in its segment.
The FIAT Tipo is 4.54 meters long, 1.79 meters wide and 1.49 meters high. The 2.64-meter wheelbase emphasizes its excellent internal comfort.
It has a rigid, lightweight body chassis. This results in lower weight, first-class handling dynamics and impressive strength in the event of an impact.
Under the hood is a1.6V E.torQ Petrol (gasoline) engine with109hp that yields an economical fuel consumption of 15.9km/l.
It also comes with a five-speed transmission and a Front-wheel drive. Thus, the weight of the engine and transmission is directly over the driven wheels to reduce weight and production cost, improve fuel economy and deliver better traction. The Tipo comes with McPherson independent suspension up front and interconnected wheels with lateral dynamic control at the rear.
Thus, the suspension system is lightweight, efficient and reliable while the Frequency Dependent shock absorbers filter out stresses more effectively to reduce body roll when cornering.
Equipped with some of the most advanced safety systems, the Fiat Tipo offers simplicity and peace f mind to its passengers. Some key safety features include six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Holder, anti-lock brakes (ABS) complete with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), fog light with cornering function and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) among others.

I inherited over 20 uncompleted roads from Saraki- Gov Ahmed

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said that no contractor handling any ongoing government project in the state has any reason to abandon site as funds have been made available to them.

Ahmed, who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin, said that the state government had put in place a funding arrangement from the Kwara Infrastructure Development Fund that had guaranteed ‘‘auto- run ’’ of all ongoing projects, saying, ‘‘On no account should any contractor leave site now’’.
 
The governor said that his administration had also completed no fewer than 20 road projects it inherited from his predecessor and also constructed more.He disclosed that all the ongoing projects feeding from the state’s I-FK fund have ‘‘been designed and destined for completion’’, adding that with the arrangement, no contractor had any justification not to be on site.
 
Ahmed said that the funding mechanism was designed to ensure quarterly release of funds to contractors as no contractor had been starved of funds.
 
‘‘It’s an auto-run, we have a steady amount that we give to contractors on quarterly basis .So, on no account should any contractor leave site now,” he said .
  
Ahmed, however, debunked rumour making the rounds that some companies had left the state because of multiple taxation, explaining that his administration had not introduced new taxes that would warrant such relocation.
 
The governor said that his government, as way of promoting the growth of businesses, had granted tax wavers for existing companies while a five-year tax holidays would be granted to pioneer Small and Medium  Enterprises in the state.

Aisha Buhari Leaves For UK To Visit Husband In Hospital

The wife of the president Her Excellency Mrs Aisha Buhari, today left for the United Kingdom,
to spend some time with her husband, president Muhammadu Buhari who is presently on medical leave.
President Buhari had been having some health challenges in recent times which has kept himout of the country where he is seeking medical help.
President Buhari left the country to the UK early May and no official words has been communicated to the country in respect of when he is likely to be back.
Vice President Osinbajo is however at the helms of running the affairs of the country.

Conmen Defrauds Titi Atiku Abubakar Of N918million

A wife of former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, Titi, yesterday denied entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with her business partner, Pastor Nsikakabasi Akpan-Jacobs, to dispose of a bonded terminal established by her company, THA Shipping Maritime Services Limited.
Mrs Abubakar stated this while being cross examined by Mr. Amos Ibe, counsel to Akpan-Jacobs, who allegedly defrauded her of N918million.
The case is before an Ikeja High court presided over by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye.
“I never entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with him to sell the company. That is why I’m in court.  When he couldn’t repay the loan, he sold the company to Dana Motors Limited.

“When the fraud happened, we initially agreed to settle out of court, but instead of settling, he went to sell the cranes and the company, giving the EFCC N16 million which I received,“ she said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes  (EFCC) had charged Akpan-Jacobs, Abdulmalik Ibrahim and Dana Motors Limited with a 15- count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent conversion of property worth N918 million belonging to THA Shipping Maritime Services Limit
The EFCC had also alleged that Akpan-Jacobs, welding a fraudulent shareholding power, sold a property belonging to the company to Dana Motors Nigeria for N918 million.
The property is said to be located at Plot C63 A, Amuwo-Odofin Commercial Layout along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.
During  proceedings yesterday, the defence attempted to dispute Mrs Abubakar’s claims that she invested over N1.2billion into the business transactions with the defendants.
“Your petition stated that you invested over N200 million and in another document it stated that you invested over N1.2billion, which fact is correct?Do you have accounting reports, did you hire an auditor to look at the accounts? How did you arrive at N1.2billion?
“N200 million is the money I spent in building the bonded terminal, by the time it was ready, it was worth N1.2billion.
“Akpan-Jacobs never gave me any records. I was in the state service. I did not get any auditor, Akpan-Jacobs has the evidence of the money I spent, I didn’t know that our business transactions would become a court case,” she said.
She insisted that she trusted the first defedant and thought that, being a pastor, he would not defraud her.
“I thought that he was being genuine with me during our business dealings,“ she said.
Mrs Abubakar accused Akpan-Jacobs of allegedly using her company property as a collateral for a bank loan that he sought when he wanted to run for the Akwa-Ibom gubernatorial elections.
“He used my bonded terminal as collateral for a loan when he wanted to run for Akwa Ibom governor.  When he couldn’t refund the money, the bank wanted to acquire the bonded terminal, he sold it to Dana Motors Limited.
“I was the largest shareholder of THA Shipping Company with 49% of shares, my German partner Fred Holmes had 26% and Akpan-Jacobs has 25%,
“Akpan-Jacobs never contributed a dime to the company. I couldn’t be involved in all the documentation because I was in service.
“He did the registration and promotion of the company, he brought all the papers to me at the Villa to sign, he later fraudulently changed. The shareholding powers of my shipping company to favour himself”.
She claimed that Akpan-Jacobs, who also doubled as the company’s Managing Director and Secretary, had gone to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to alter the shareholding in his favour by forging the company’s board resolution.
She alleged that under the shares arrangement organised by her partner, Akpan-Jacobs allotted 70 per cent to himself and 15 per cent shares each to her and Holmes.
When questioned why she used different names in company documents relating to the company like Florence Doregos used in the petition from the EFCC as well as other fake names in documents, she said: it was under her instruction and direction that the petition was written.
“My name is Florence Doregos, my name is Titi Amina Atiku Abubakar, the Mrs in the petition is a mistake made by my Lawyer.
“Florence is my name and it was easy for me to use Doregos while I was in state service.
“The name of my biological father is Dorego Albert, we are from Ilesa (Osun State) but I have cousins who are from the Republic of Benin.
“I can choose Doregos, I can choose Albert as my surname, they are all my names, even Dino Melaye, his name is Daniel but he calls himself Dino.
“I can twist my name anyhow I want.”
Mr Babatunde Sonoiki, the EFCC counsel, opposed Ibe’s request.
He recalled that there had been four adjournments at the instance of the defence.
He said he had another witness who had travelled on four occasions for 15 hours by road from Yola and the case kept being adjourned.
He requested for a cost of N750,000 from the defendants to cover the financial expenses of the witness.
Justice Ipaye granted a cost of N100,000 against Akpan-Jacobs and adjourned the case until July 5 and 6 for continuation of trial.
ed.

Veteran Actress,Iyabo Oko’ Down With Strange Illness, Travels To UK

Fresh reports reaching us confirmed that  veteran Yoruba actress, Kudirat Odukanmi popularly called Iyabo Oko is  presently down with strange sickness although insiders revealed, she is suffering from diabetes like illness.

 The thespian who hasn’t featured in recent movies reportedly left the shores of  Nigeria few weeks after she fell ill to cater to her health in the United Kingdom.

We hope all is well with the comic actress. We promise to bring to you updates from her, just stay glued to Asa News Online

 

James Bond actor Roger Moore dies at 89

 

 

 

British actor, Sir Roger Moore, who played the super spy character of James Bond, has died at the age of 89.

His family announced that his demise follows a short but brave battle with cancer.

A statement, from his children, reads: “Thank you Pops for being you and being so very special to so many people. With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated.”

 

Sir Roger, who died in Switzerland, will have a private funeral in Monaco in accordance with his wishes, they added.The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone,” read the statement from Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian.Our thoughts must now turn to supporting Kristina (his wife) at this difficult time.”

It added: “We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, his television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF which he considered to be his greatest achievement.”

Along with his famous Bond role, Moore was also known for 1960s TV series The Persuaders and  

 

 

 

 

The Saint.

Sir Roger was also well known for his humanitarian work – he was introduced to UNICEF by the late Audrey Hepburn and was appointed as a goodwill ambassador in 1991.

He played the famous spy in seven Bond films; Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), as well as A View to a Kill (1985).

UBA Puts Customers First, Introduces World Class Mobile Banking App

 

In demonstration of its commitment to deliver superior and innovative banking solutions to its customers, pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa Plc, has announced the launch of a brand new mobile banking application with many user friendly features.

The new mobile app which comes with the biometric log-in feature for secure, personalized access is now available for download on Apple and Google Play App Stores.

The UBA Mobile Banking App has been tailor-made to enhance ease of banking by enabling customers to carry out their transactions without visiting a branch.

Other features  of the app, highlighted by UBA's Head of Digital Banking, Dr. Adeyinka Adedeji include: "a more interactive, user friendly interface, ATM/branch locator for easy access to the bank's touch-points, easier airtime top up via direct selection of contacts from the phone address book, auto reminder for bill payments and recurrent transfers".

He further stated that the app has fewer clicks, thereby allowing easier navigation and faster transactions.  Customers using the One Time Password (OTP) can perform transactions of up to N200,000(Two Hundred Thousand Naira only). Also in a bid to maintain a closer relationship with its customers, UBA has introduced a round the clock live chat platform to the app. 

The GMD/CEO UBA, Kennedy Uzoka was delighted with the launch of the new mobile app and said of it:  ‘ UBA’s new Mobile Banking App demonstrates our resolve to provide  unparalleled experience across all its channels It is in line with UBA’s vision to dominate Africa’s digital banking space'

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than fourteen million customers across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 19 African countries. With presence in New York, London and Paris, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services//

Customers groan as GTBank’s mobile platform grapples with technical issues!

Something is definitely wrong with Guaranty Trust Bank, and the management of the once-favoured and well-patronized commercial bank had better buckled up in order to avert the imminent fallout of the dangerous situation. For some time now, many customers of the GTBank have been complaining bitterly over a myriad of problems facing the bank, some of which include the closure of some of the banking channels, problems of multiple crediting and debiting etc. especially its much-touted *737# mobile service, where customers can recharge phones, buy data, transfer fund on GTBank account and other banks and also check account balance. The situation is increasingly becoming so embarrassing to many of its customers that some of them, who have had an unpleasant experience of these shoddy and uncomplimentary services, have started voicing out their anger and disappointment at GTBank’s sudden let-down in their much-advertised services and products, despite the humongous amount the bank is claiming to have pumped into giving it an edge over its counterparts in the ever evolving and hi-tech banking sector, which is replete with keen competition. Thus, in the wake of these several anomalies and short comings on the part of the once high-lying and prompt/efficient delivery bank, many of its valued customers across the country and even beyond, have been complaining bitterly, venting their spleen, and voicing out vehemently, even as some have already dumped the bank for better and more preferable ones, while some are only waiting in the wings to follow suit, if the unwholesome situation remains the same. Below are some of the reactions of these customers as posted on several platforms of the social media. The reactions came in torrents, most of which were very uncomplimentary and unsavory to the once well-patronized and frontline second generation bank. Hear them: Handsomecole: ’I long left GTbank, it has over the years become useless in its service delivery’. Passyhansome : ‘GTbank! Do people still patronize them? The bank can frustrate for Africa.’ Andrewkingg : ’Had same issue too!! Fear grip me ohh!! I had to check my mobile app to confirm my money were intact! But GTbank still remains the best bank, I am sure they will fix these issues.’ Oga na First Bank and Diamond Bank be my best oo... Am just using GTbank becos it's my first account I opened. Sincerely, GTbank has lost what made it attractive. They seem to have more customers than they can manage. - Quiverfull Mygeez : ’GTbank has never failed me!! with *737# am good to go!! My personal opinion. Have bin banking with GTBank for over 10yrs’ Allezy 13 has nice words. All banks have their occasional hitches, so I can’t see what the big deal is here. GTB still has one of the best online services! FACT!!.NB: I don’t work for, or in any way affiliated to them. Just that I recognize good service. A GTBank anonymous customer defended it without any bias though. But in a spirited bid to allay the fears of the customers, the bank had on many occasions sent messages to all its customers, notifying them of a planned maintenance duty for many of the times such complaints are made. However, days after the completion of the said maintenance, customers' complaints remain unabated on the bank's social media platforms, with many of the customers still lamenting poor services. What is now baffling GTBank’s customers, and industry watchers alike, is the huge resources that was spent on the technical apps of the the bank’s online business platforms especially the mobile *737# mobile service by the bank. When the platform messes up, those who defend the bank easily get the alibi that efficiency of the service is also subject to phone network.

S&P assigns ‘B/B’ ratings and stable outlook on UBA Plc; at par with the Nigerian Sovereign

International Rating Agency, Standard and Poor’s (S&P) assigned  its ‘B’ long term and ‘B’ short term global scale counterparty credit ratings to the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA). These ratings on the pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, are at par with S&P ratings on the Nigerian Sovereign. More so, S&P’s ‘B’ rating is the highest rating currently assigned to any Nigerian-based financial institution, thus reinforcing the respectable quality and strength of UBA, the third largest Nigerian-based bank by total assets, deposits and profits.

The rating agency noted that UBA’s market position is supported by its good franchise in the corporate and retail segments in Nigeria as well as geographic diversification, with operations in nineteen African countries (Nigeria inclusive). More so, UBA is the only West-African bank with operations in the United States, in addition to its presence in the United Kingdom and France. Recognizing the strong profitability and capitalization of UBA, S&P noted; “We expect that UBA’s earnings will be resilient despite the economic slowdown in Nigeria. We believe the bank’s capital and earnings under our risk adjusted capital and earnings framework will remain moderate over the next 12-18 months, with its capital adequacy ratio remaining well above minimum regulatory requirements.”

UBA’s capital adequacy ratio was 19.7% at year-end 2016, which is well above the regulatory minimum of 15%, and we believe it will remain stable over the next 12-18 months. Notably, the well capitalized position of UBA reflects its  strong profitability as well as the Bank’s sound and prudent risk management practice. S&P assesses UBA’s risk position as adequate and posits that the ratings of ‘B’ reflects its expectation that the group will exhibit broadly stable asset quality in the next 12 months. The global rating agency anticipates that UBA’s credit losses will decline to about 1.0% in 2017-2018.

Reflecting UBA’s continued market share gain in low cost, stable deposits, which account for 79% of total customer deposits as at 31 December, 2016, UBA’s funding and liquidity continue to wax stronger, as reflected in the average liquidity ratio of 42% in 2016, amidst the tight market conditions in Nigeria. S&P considers the bank’s funding to be above average and its liquidity as adequate, owing to its stable and relatively low-cost, retail-deposit-based funding profile. Despite tightening monetary policy in Nigeria in 2015-2016, the bank has been able to maintain a stable cost of funding at about 3.7% as of December 31, 2016”. The Group reported a net stable funding ratio of 143% as of the same date and exhibits one of the lowest levels of loan leverage among Nigerian peers. Broad liquid assets covered short term wholesale funding about 4x as of the same date.  

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than fourteen million customers across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 19 African countries. With presence in New York, London and Paris, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services

Moji Olaiya's Daughter To Family: Don't Bury My Mother In Canada, Bring Her Corpse Home

                            

The burial arrangement of recently deceased Yoruba actress, Moji Olaia is causing an unexpected rift within the family.
The late actress was a practicing Muslim who converted from Christianity as an adult, and certain member
However, her 20-year-old daughter, Adun is having none of that and insists that her mother’s corpse be brought back for burial in Nigeria.
Although family members ushered her into a secluded room to calm her down, the grieving young lady kept repeating that she wants to see her mother.
‘She must be brought back,’ Adun said. ‘I don’t care what anybody says, I just want my mother’s body’.

It could however be difficult to bury her the same day as internment are costly in developed countries.
In Canada where she died, funeral costs can rise as high as $15,000. Flying her body back on the other hand could cost around half that figure.
There is no concrete plan for her burial at this minute.
Her family are suggesting that she be interred today according to Muslim rites.

Nollywood Actress, Monalisa Chinda is Pregnant

It has not been an easy journey for pretty Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda but all thanks be to God for her journey so far in the industry and for being able to remain focus.

The actress has had a bitter experience when it comes to marriage and after her failed marriage many years back, she decided to take her time to focus on her career and also her daughter and things have been falling in place for her.

The actress late last year decided to give love another chance and she is glad things are going fine the way she wanted that is, getting married to her best friend and today the home is happy.


Well, since many have been keeping watch on her to hear the good news, it is has indeed happened as the actress is few months gone as the countdown down begin to the labour room or maybe at home sef.
Congrats to her for being able to stay for about eight years and now being pregnant it can only be God.

Obey, KSA, Davido, Others For Lagos Golden Concert

The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to host the best of Nigerian traditional and contemporary popular musicians and fashionistas to an anniversary concert to round off the unprecedented year-long activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the State.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that the event tagged ‘Lagos State Golden Concert’ will hold at the Bar-Beach on Sunday, May 28 and is expected to draw thousands of Lagosians from all walks of life to the venue.

The statement added that the concert which is billed to hold from 2pm will have in attendance the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Members of the State Executive Council, Members of the State House of Assembly as well as party chieftains and corporate players from the Organized Private Sector.

According to the statement, some of the confirmed artistes gracing the show include the juju music maestros – King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey as well as the legendry Highlife Patriarch, Sir Victor Olaiya.

Other superstars on board are Davido, Phyno, Olamide, Humble Smith, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Partoranking, ‘Mr Capable’ Banky W, Runtown, Vanessa, MI, Eedris Abdulkareem, Mr. Eazi, and DJ Spinall.

Also expected are star Fuji artistes like Adewale Ayuba, Abass Akande Obesere and Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma Wonder). 

According to Ayorinde, the Lagos State Golden Concert will serve as an ecstatic climax for the year-long activities that have been celebrating the cultural essence of the State since May 27, 2016.

“It will also serve as a bridge between the activities for Lagos @ 50 which will formally come to a close with an anniversary ball on Saturday May 27 and the second year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration on Monday May 29th 2017,” he said.

The Commissioner said the Golden Concert will further attest to the State Government’s commitment to the promotion of tourism, arts, culture and entertainment in the State and how musicians and creative artistes, like fashion designers and models, help in sustaining a vibrant, creative economy that has made Lagos State the cynosure of all eyes in Africa.

The statement thanked the media and corporate sponsors whose generous contributions have sustained the year-long anniversary as well as every Lagosian whose support, encouragement and enthusiastic participation made the Lagos @ 50 Celebration undoubtedly the most publicized event of the year across Nigeria.

Lagosians happy over new 1.2km Abule Egba flyover

Residents and motorists in Abule Egba and environs in Lagos on Thursday expressed relief at the completion and inauguration of the Abule Egba Flyover on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that construction work on the 1.2 km flyover commenced in February 2016 and the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, inaugurated it on Wednesday.
NAN reports that the flyover was expected to be completed in 18 months but was opened for use two months ahead of time.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ambode said that the project was borne out of government’s interaction with residents on ameliorating their challenges on the road.

He said that the construction of the bridge was the beginning of the process to transform the axis to the n
Some residents and road users in the area who spoke to NAN expressed their delight at the completion of the flyover.
Mr Taiwo Aderele, a resident of Abule Egba, told NAN that the flyover would bring huge relief to motorists.
“I am very happy that they delivered the job on schedule and I appreciate the governor for being a man of his words.
“The difficulty and discomfort in plying this route because of perennial traffic gridlock will now be a thing of the past, and we can now commute comfortably.
“I will only appeal to fellow road users and government to ensure that the maintenance of the bridge so that it will serve its purpose for as long as possible,” he said.

Another resident, Mr Peter Ogu, said: “I find it hard to believe that the traffic gridlock that we used to experience will now be a thing of the past.
ew economic hub of the state.’This is a very commendable project by the Lagos State Government; and we are very grateful to Gov. Ambode,” he said.
According to Mrs Hannah Akinpelu, the flyover would open up the area for development because of the ease in commuting.
“We usually find it frustrating commuting along this axis, but this bridge will bring unimaginable relief.
“I hope government will also fix other bad portions of the Lagos-Abeokuta express road so that we can have complete relief,” she said.

No more France camp for Eagles, team to return May 28

 

The Super Eagles will no longer camp in France to prepare for their Cameroun 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier against South Africa on June 10, team officials have revealed.

The senior national team was expected to camp in France and play friendly games against Corsica and Togo before hitting Uyo for the AFCON qualifier against the Bafana Bafana, but that won’t happen as the team is now expected to return to Nigeria on May 28.
According to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Eagles will play just one tune up match, against Corsica on June 26 and leave for Uyo two days later to complete preparations for the game in the Akwa Ibom State capital.
 Super Eagles’ Coach, Gernot Rohr recently called up some players for a training camp in Paris, where he wanted to observe some of the new boys ion close quarters, but that has been kept ion hold by the new decision.

NFF’s Media Director, Ademola Olajire said the decision to cut short the Eagles’ stay in Europe was to “give the team enough time to concentrate on the South Africa game,” adding that “the team will therefore come back to Abuja immediately after the match against Corsica.”
The home-based contingent of the team will leave for France on Monday as most of the members have secured their visas for the trip.He said the list of players for the game against South Africa would be released after the match against Corsica.
-The Guardian

EU Commission Bars Med View Airline From European Air Space

Barely 24 hours after it held its first Annual General Meeting, the European Commission has added Nigeria’s Med-View Airline to its EU air safety list thereby banning the airline from its airspace.
A statement released by the commission on Tuesday said that a total of 181 airlines have been banned from EU skies.
“Today the European Commission updated the EU air safety list, the list of non-European airlines that do not meet international safety standards, and are therefore subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union,” the statement read.
“Following today’s update, all airlines certified in Benin and Mozambique are cleared from the list, following further improvements to the aviation safety situation in these countries.
“On the other hand, the airlines Med-View (Nigeria), Mustique Airways (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Aviation Company Urga (Ukraine) and Air Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe) were added to the list due to unaddressed safety deficiencies that were detected by the European aviation safety agency during the assessment for a third country operator authorisation.”
Additional information available on the EU transport and mobility website explained that airlines subjected to operating ban can operate in the EU using leased aircraft of another airline.
“Airlines subjected to an operating ban could be permitted to operate within the European Union by using wet-leased aircraft of an airline which is not subject to an operating ban, provided that the relevant safety standards are complied with.
“The aircraft being used in such operations could be branded as if it belonged to the fleet of the banned airline.”
Medview Airline could not be reached to confirmed the ban as at press time.
Medview Airline began flying the Lagos-Gatwick route on November 20, 2015 with a Boeing 767 aircraft which operated four times a week.
The airline on January 31, 2017 enlisted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) at 9,750,649,400 units of 50kobo each at N1.50kobo per share.
At the AGM held in Lagos on recently, the Medview Airline CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole gave a short-term forecast for the year stating that Medview will acquire three aircraft to strengthen its international operations.
According to him, the aircraft will include a Boeing 777-200 and a 737-800 to strengthen its entry into routes like Dubai.
Bankole further told the shareholders that Medview has acquired four aircraft, owned by the shareholders and not leased.
This he said is part of the airline’s drive to secure its existence.

Nollywood actress Moji Olaiya is dead

Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya is dead.
The actress who delivered a baby two months ago died from birth complications in Canada last night.
The deceased is the daughter of music icon, Victor Olaiya.Nollywood veterans, Olumide Bakare and Pastor Ajidara also died in the past few weeks.

Boko Haram fighters returning to Sambisa forest, says report

Members of a faction of Boko Haram are regrouping, re-arming and returning to the Sambisa Forest area, a report by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned.
The commission has also expressed worry about the increase in the number of children used as suicide bombers from nine in 2016 to 27 in the first quarter of the year.

The regrouping and returning of insurgents to the Sambisa forest may rubbish the successes recorded so far by the Federal Government in the anti-terrorism fight and worsen the security situation in the affected parts of the country.UNHCR, in the statement made available to The Guardian through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said the increase in the number of IED attacks around Maiduguri and Southern Borno had raised concern over the safety of the IDPs in the camps.

According to the report, the security situation is also the same with Cameroon, as there has been an increase in the number of incursions with deadly attacks, suicide bombings and kidnappings occurring on a regular basis. It added that the security situation in Niger Republic had deteriorated as Boko Haram insurgents carried out a major attack on Niger Security and Defence Force position near Gueskerou and allegedly stole food stocks, medication and cattle from various locations.

The Nigeria Northeast Humanitarian Emergency situation report reveals that currently, over 4.7 million people are estimated to be faced with insecurity in the most crisis-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, maintaining that the number could rise to 5.2 million between June and August if adequate measures were not put in place to address the situation. It further revealed that additional 2500people had been displaced from Dikwa, Gwoza and Bama Local government areas during the reporting period.But a retired Commissioner of Police, Frank Odita told The Guardian that the Sambisa forest was too hot for Boko Haram to regroup in.
He said: “I don’t see how they can regroup in Sambisa forest because the Nigerian army has taken over the place. The air raid that is going on in Sambisa forest is so intense that no terrorist would find it safe to be there. They can be regrouping somewhere else where they carry out their hit-and-run bombing.
“Their reign is over and people should see it that way. Although I frowned at the swapping of Boko Haram suspects for Chibok girls. I don’t know why the Federal Government took that action. Maybe the pressure was too much on them, but saying the Boko Haram insurgents are regrouping in Sambisa forest cannot be true.”
A retired military officer and President of Private Security practitioners, David Akhimien, however, said it was possible for the insurgents to regroup. “It may not be in Sambisa. It may be anywhere, but not Sambisa. Regrouping is a part of war. With modern technology, it is possible for any gang to regroup anywhere but definitely not in Sambisa forest.”
Attempts by The Guardian to reach the army spokesman, Brigadier General Usman for reaction failed as his phone rang several times without any response.

As at April, UNHCR and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) had registered a total of 260,000 people who returned from Cameroon, Niger Republic and Chad, out of who only three per cent were recorded as refugees in the countries of asylum, while 86 per cent were not registered, the report revealed.
According to the UN agency, the main reasons given by the refugee returnees are the need to participate in upcoming local elections, return to stability in areas of origin, resume economic activities as well as lack of food and water in their hosting areas.

There is the fear that recently released Boko Haram suspects may have been regrouping in the forest. Some human rights organisations and indeed Nigerians had criticised the swapping of Boko Haram suspects for abducted Chibok girls.

At the forefront of the criticism is the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). The group flayed the recent claim of the release by so-called Boko Haram terrorists of 82 hitherto kidnapped Chibok school girls and the constant release from detentions of detained Boko Haram terror suspects by the military authorities without the office of the Federal Attorney General subjecting them to criminal prosecution over the four-year-long bombing campaigns that slaughtered over 30,000 innocent Nigerians.

Weststar Announces the Return of FIAT to Nigeria

It is with great excitement that Weststar Associates Limited, (Authorized General Distributors of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, & Ram in Nigeria) confirms the arrival of the much-anticipated Italian brand - FIAT in Nigeria. Plans are already in motion to officially launch the first model to return – the ‘FIAT Tipo’. This makes Weststar also the authorized distributor for FIAT and FIAT Professional automobiles in the country.

FIAT is majorly known as automakers of luxurious high performance sports cars such as Ferrari and Maserati. In October, 2014, Fiat and Chrysler Group of automobiles formed a merger to become FIAT Chrysler Automobiles. This new alliance paved way for access to newer technologies and advanced engineering solutions. In 2016, Ferrari was signed off as a separate entity in order for FCA to focus more on manufacturing city cars.

This same Italian heritage is seen in the FIAT Tipo, with its unique features such as versatility, large interior space and compact exterior dimensions. The name - Tipo is a celebrated designation that FIAT has used many times during it’s over one century of history. The Tipo is one of the models to carry the coveted name of which nearly two million were produced from 1988 to 1995 and which was first awarded "Car of the Year” in 1989.
“money.

The FIAT Tipo fits perfectly in its segment and will be officially presented before the month ends. The Tipo offers high appeal as it comes with a vast variety of standard options. Its Italian heritage promises comfort, quality and versatility. With the FIAT Tipo, you do not need much to get a lot. Thus, it serves as a wonderful option for Nigerians even as we have already put in place, an excellent maintenance culture offered by our aftersales team” – Stavros Diamantidis, General Manager, FCA group, Weststar Associates Limited.



The four-door sedan version of the FIAT Tipo is one of the first models which will be exclusively available at Weststar Associates Limited, Authorized General Distributors of Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT and FIAT professional in Nigeria.
We are thrilled about this development as Nigerians can now enjoy real value for their

ADRON Boss, Oba Adetola Emmanuel King, Gives Back To Society

The Sagamu West LCDA was faced by the challenge of having an effective local government secretariat and office furniture's and this became an eyesore and a huge challenge to a son of the soil and the Akile of Makun Land Sagamu in the person of Otunba Dr.Oba Adetola Emmanuel-King,the Group MD/CEO of Adron Homes and Properties Ltd,who paid a courtesy visit to the chairman of the local council development area Hon.Awoyemi Rafiu,who complained bitterly about non availability of modern office equipment.
Sequel to this,  Oba Adetola  promised to deliver a new and renovated secretariat,within a few weeks,work commenced and a new modern functional secretariat was delivered by Adron Homes and Properties Ltd.
The new secretariat was commissioned by the governor of Ogun State Senator Ibikunle Amosun,who was ably represented by the commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon.Chief Jide Ojuko.
Present at the epoch making event was other dignitaries such as Rt.Hon.Olumuyiwa Oladapo commissioner of Culture and Tourism,Miss Lizzy Jekami,Mrs Bolanle Solarin(Vice Chairman of Sagamu West LCDA),Hon.Olugbenga Hassan(chairman Sagamu South LCDA),Hon.Femi Felix(chairman sagamu central LCDA),Hon.Oluseyi Odumuyiwa(chairman Remo Central LCDA),Mrs. Ronke Soyoye ,HRM Oba Samuel O.Dawodu(the Onigbepa of Igbepa),HRM Oba Dr.S.A.A.Adeniji (JP) (The Oniraniken of Iraniken) and so many others too numerous to mention.

The host chairman,Hon.Awoyemi Rafiu(Executive Chairman Sagamu West LCDA),in his address expressed his gratitude to the governor of the state,Senator Ibikiunle Amosun and Hon.Chief Jide Ojuko for their fatherly and political support and the Adron Homes boss, Otunba Oba Adetola Emmanuel-King, who promised to change the face of the LCDA Secretariat and delivered on his promise within a short time and for his tireless efforts towards the success of the program.

All Set For Conquest Awards for Excellence 2017

It’s just few weeks away from one of the most anticipated world-class event, Conquest Awards for Excellence (CAFE) 2017, it could be best described as a never seen experience. Heaps of dignitaries, big wigs, High profile personalities had shown their keen interest and confirmed their attendance on this very big day.

   It’s one event that promises to be a great occurrence, filled with too much fun, oodles of enlightening activities, and many more.

 

The Conquest Awards for Excellence is aiming to uncover and recognize Nigeria's new faces that have made excellent improvements in their respective areas of concentration by mental and moral power.

 

The fun galore event which set to hold on Sunday, 11th June, 2017 at the Lagos Country Club, Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos would poise a fabulous Red carpet for paparazzi, Live band performance, Comedy, Fashion show and lectures to be delivered by Otunba (Dr) Oba Adetola Emmanuel King- The Group MD/CEO Adron Homes and Properties Ltd and Mrs Funke Adesoji- CEO Remax Realtors Nig Ltd, speaking on ‘Designing and Implementing Entrepreneurial Strategies in a turbulent Economy’.

 

  CAFE is an Initiative of Conquest Int Magazine as a means of giving back to the society for their support and a way of anticipating for a revolution that would change the concept of award events to a whole new level, thereby exposing the nation's new faces of success for upcoming ones to emulate. The Maiden Edition was in 2015 and since then has remained the talk of the town.

History was made in Africa as Mercedes Benz and World PR Media bring the Mercedes Benz World PR Beauty Business Week to Lagos…”

Yesterday, the Press Conference for the bi-annual Beauty Business Week was
held at the Mercedes Benz showroom, where the Three days of Exhibitions and
Seminars/Workshops are set to take place. Press, Exhibitors, Speakers and
Celebrity Hosts of the event were invited to meet with the event
organizers. The CEO of World PR Media Tayo Afolabi, Mercedes Benz Nigeria
Managing Director’s representative Ebere Annineh, CEO of Mahogany
International Sola Oyebade were part of a panel that addressed all in
attendance with regards to what to expect at the First Edition of the
Mercedes Benz World PR Beauty Business Week and how to register.



Tayo Afolabi introduced the Seminars/Workshops topics/Speakers, highlights
as well as the Official Jazz Singer of the day. Highlights of the event
include Exhibition Zones, Experience Zones, Master Class/Seminar section
and the Lipstick Garden (first ever lipstick garden in Nigerian with
teardrop glasses dropping from the roof with the lipsticks displayed
inside).



Attended by Celebrities, Beauty Industry Experts like Dr. Vivian Oputa of
Derma Care, Representatives of brands like Luxury Hair Care Producer,
Design Essentials and International Beauty Brands Stockist Essenza (Beauty
Bar), the conference was quite informative.Automobile, Beauty and Business Editors/Journalists such as Motoring World,
Naija Car Lovers, Business Day, National Daily, Omogemura, Arcadia TV,
Beautybox Magazine were also on ground to seek more information on the
reason behind the alliance of both World PR Media and Mercedes Benz (owned
by Westar Nigeria). Tayo Afolabi, the Chief Executive of World Pr Media and
Founder of the Beauty Business Week had this to say as part of her
statement… The Beauty Business Week was created as an avenue to profile the
trends and stakeholders in the Beauty Industry and partnering with Mercedes
Benz to execute same was perfect due to one of the Luxury car giant's CSR
aim to promote indigenous products/services in countries it has presence in.



At the close of the Press Conference, guests were gifted Design Essentials
souvenirs in the form of goody bags and were treated to canapes from Nikita
Waffles and of course the official wine of the day Dominio Wine.

Veteran Actor,Olu Jacobs commends Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2017

Veteran actor, Olu Jacobs has commended the organizers of the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, for creating a befitting platform showcasing the work of African designers and the vast tourism potential of the nation to the rest of the world.

Jacobs took time off his busy schedule at a movie location, to be part of AFWN 2017 pre-event photo shoot at the Tinubu Square, Lagos.

  

Ronke Ademiluyi, AFWN Founder, said “We are putting everything in place towards an exceptional fashion experience.Every year, our key focus is the sustainable growth of the fashion industry.From the exhibition,collections,the runway and everyone involved,we always ensure a grand package. ”

The annual Africa Fashion Week Nigeria provides a vibrant platform for Fashion buyers, exhibitors, fashion designers, models, photographers, celebrities and fashion writers. Industry observers describe it as the biggest meeting point for those who know and love fashion and style.

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2017 will take place between June 3 & 4 at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. According to Ademiluyi, “The venue is symbolic. It is part of our rich cultural heritage, something the style world would be glad to see”

“Introducing Kaylah Oniwo As The Official Host and Seminars at the upcoming Mercedes Benz World PR Beauty Business Week

Mercedes Benz in partnership with World PR Media presents the first of its
kind Beauty Business Week which is to hold at the Mercedes Centre from
17th – 19th May, 2017. This event is slated to run for three days and will
feature beauty stakeholders, beauty professionals and beauty enthusiasts
in a series of seminars,workshops and Master-Classes and affords
networking opportunities for those in attendance.
The renowned Kayla Oniwo has been commissioned as the official Host for
the Seminars and Workshops at the Mercedes Benz World Pr Beauty Business
Week.


We are excited to have Kaylah Oniwo on board as our Celebrity Host for
the Workshops and Seminars at the  Mercedes Benz World PR Beauty Business
Week.

African leaders to task: Consider your legacy, do the right thing

  .........Africa’s agenda must change to prioritize jobs and power, Elumelu cautions

“Embrace legacy, you are not here forever,” Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CON, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, urged policymakers as he represented the African private sector at the opening session of the 2017 World Economic Forum on Africa which began in Durban, South Africa, on Wednesday May 3. “You must improve the business terrain to deal decisively with issues of joblessness and poverty,” he advised, “the environment is stifling, entrepreneurs provide their own water, their own transport, their own electricity, how are they going to succeed? “

 

He made this plea alongside other panellists including Winne Byanyima, Executive Director, Oxfam; Lindiwe Mazibuko, Former Leader of the Opposition, Parliament of South Africa; and Rich Lesser, Global CEO/President Boston Consulting Group (BCG), em

Elumelu, who also chairs the board of Transcorp Plc with investments in power, oil & gas and hospitality, stressed the looming threat of widespread joblessness, labelling it the “greatest challenge for the continent”. His solution is straightforward: entrepreneurship development. Illustrating the power of entrepreneurship to transform economies, Elumelu recounted his own experience supporting entrepreneurs from 54 African countries.

Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s $100m commitment to African entrepreneurs in 2015, 3000 small businesses across Africa have been empowered so far, and Elumelu described their success stories with pride. “We have seen first-hand how SMEs create a multiplier effect where more youths are gainfully employed through the jobs created. To transform Africa, we must make doing business easy for them.”phasizing that “SMEs – not big corporates – grow economies.”

As important as the private sector is, Elumelu and his co-panellists reiterated that the private sector alone cannot achieve much without the critical role government must play. For Elumelu, it is all about legacy: “If our political leaders embrace legacy and it guides them, they will fix Africa.”

Supporting him, Mr. Klaus Schwab, the Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, agreed that leaders must "act as the stewards of the generations coming behind them, think about their legacy and accept that they will not be in office for life.”

The theme for this year’s World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF Africa), “Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership”, stems from the unanimous demand globally for leaders to be responsive to the demands of their people.

UBA Revolutionises Mobile Payments with *919# Magic Banking

In line with its determination to dominate Africa’s mobile banking space with the introduction of cutting edge technology-driven products and services, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, leading African financial institution, has introduced a full-fledged banking platform, tagged UBA Magic Banking and enabled by dialling *919# within Nigeria.

 

The USSD code *919#  enables customers to do a multitude of tasks such as: open UBA accounts,  transfer funds to UBA and other banks, buy airtime,  pay  bills and access a mini statement.

 

Speaking about the product, the Bank’s Group Head, Consumer and Digital Banking, Dr. Adeyinka Adedeji stated: “Not only does this code work on all phone types, it is fast and convenient and does not require data on the phone to send money. It also allows a higher transaction limit of up to N1m per day with the UBA Secure Pass (formerly token)”

Dwelling on the specifics, Adedeji noted that to send money to a UBA account for example, the user should dial *919*3# from their phone number  registered with UBA and follow the simple steps prompted by the phone. Also, by dialing *919*32#, the customer can send money to a UBA Prepaid Card and to other banks by dialing *919*4#.  You can top up your airtime by dialing *919*Amount# and third party top-up can be done with *919*Phone number*Amount#. For a full range of services, a customer will dial *919#

 

The Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka also noted that the introduction of the new products is in line with the Bank’s policy of democratising banking on the continent by reaching out to the unbanked through technology driven platforms that are simple, efficient and user friendly. “We are committed to innovating through products and services in the financial technology space that will ensure our customers have the best banking experience with all our service channels, and we have committed huge financial investments towards achieving this”

 

Corps member returning from nightclub killed in Abuja

The life of a 25-year-old corps member, Charity Thilza, has been brought to an abrupt end three days to the completion of her National Youth Service Corps programme in Abuja.

The Borno State indigene was killed by some robbers along Wuse 2 Road while she was returning home from a nightclub in Carribean, Wuse 2, around 3am on Monday.

The ‘passing-out parade,’ which marked the completion of her one-year programme, would hold on Thursday (today). She studied Linguistics and English at the University of Maiduguri.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Thilza and four friends, identified simply as Lola, Bisi, Pooja (an Indian) and a man had attended a show at the club, where a hip hop artiste, Chibuzor Azubuike, popularly called Phyno, performed on Sunday.

They were said to be returning home from the party in a car the following day when the robbers gave them a chase.

The assailants reportedly shot at the car repeatedly and some of the bullets pierced through the windscreen and hit Thilza, who was sitting at the back. One of the friends, Lola, was said to have also sustained gunshot injuries.

Our correspondent learnt that the robbers retreated when they noticed that the driver of the car was heading towards a police station.

Thilza’s close friend, Thlama Bukar, said she was rushed to a hospital, but was rejected. She said she died on the way to another hospital that she was referred to.

Bukar, who spoke with PUNCH Metro on the telephone, said she was together with Thilza until Friday, when she (Bukar) returned to Maiduguri, Borno State, where she lives.

She said, “Phyno performed at the Carribean (the club) on Sunday. They were coming back home around 3am on Monday when they noticed that a car was trailing them. They took a detour, but  the car continued following them. The driver of their car started speeding and the robbers opened fire on the car. Unfortunately, some of the bullets hit Thilza from the back of the car.