Nigerian And World News

Friday, April 24

NNPC Calls For Fuel Subsidy Removal

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has called for the removal of payment of subsidy from petroleum products in Nigeria. Speaking at the 2015 Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Abuja today April 23rd, the Group Coordinator, Corporate Strategy and Planning, NNPC, Mr. Timothy Okon, said subsidy on petrol creates uneven distribution of revenue, round tripping and unnecessary carry-over of funds from one year to another in a manner difficult for the Federal Government to control. He added that continuous payment of subsidy is not sustainable.

"So, from the technical analysis made, it is obvious that subsidy is real. And from our analysis, we look at it as something that should go because it is not sustainable," he said.

He said since the federal government has no direct control the prices of crude oil, the fluctuation in oil prices creates some instability in the Nigerian economy which in turn affects negatively the nations revenue generated from petroleum products.

President Jonathan Sues Senate, House Of Reps Over Constitution Amendments

President Jonathan is just a month away from leaving as president of Nigeria and he could have signed the constitutional amendment bill that doesn't particularly concern him anymore but he refused to. For those who don't know what's going on, let me break it down to the best of my ability. Lol. So, the Nigerian Senate is trying to amend the 1999 constitution to the effect that it will whittle down some executive powers of the President and give more power to the legislature and judiciary.

If amended, it means there are some decisions and actions the president can't take without the consent of the National Assembly and there will be decisions the National Assembly can take without the consent of the president. Like I said, GEJ could sign this and walk away but instead he refused to sign it. He wrote a 7-page letter to the Senate explaining why he declined to sign the document into law.

"In view of the foregoing and absence of credible evidence that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration) Act 2015 satisfied the strict requirements of Section 9(3) of the 1999 Constitution, it will be unconstitutional for me to assent to it. I therefore withhold my assent and accordingly remit Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration) Act 2015 to the Senate /House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

But now, the National Assembly is saying that after 30 days, if the president doesn't sign the doc, they will override his veto. Meaning that they will give themselves the power to amend the constitution without the president's signature. Now the federal government has instituted a suit at the Supreme Court to nullify the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

She tagged the picture .. "In honor of Earth Day, here's my best plant selfie from my new book #Selfish coming out May 5th #ivegotaselfieforeveryoccasion"

The body on this woman!

Following her husband's defeat at the recently held presidential election, Mrs. Patience Jonathan has called for an emergency meeting of the African Ladies Peace Mission where she has served as President since July 2012. Mrs Jonathan was elected President of the group in July 2012 and was expected to do two year term but with the exit of her husband from office, she will have to handover as President to someone else. Read the letter calling for the emergency meeting below;

"Your Excellency may recall that Nigeria was re-elected President of the AFLPM at the 7th Summit in Abuja in July 2012. With the recent election in my country and a new government coming on board from May 29, 2015, it has become necessary to convene an emergency summit of the AFLPM to facilitate a smooth and formal hand over to the new Executive Committee that will pilot the affairs of the Peace Mission for the next two years. The Emergency Summit is proposed for Friday, May 15, 2015 at the Interim Secretariat of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, Abuja by 2pm.

The Summit will, however, be preceded by the 4th meeting of the Executive Bureau by 9am, on May 15 at the same venue. The Bureau Meeting is for members of the Executive Bureau, comprising South Africa, Sudan, Cameroon, Libya and Congo Brazzaville. In the light of the above, may I appeal to Your Excellency to give utmost consideration to attending the Emergency Summit in order to ensure that our organisation maintains its current momentum. We will deeply appreciate your kind early response to help us in planning the Summit, in view of limited time available to us."

Nigerian troops have pulled back from their ongoing operations in Sambisa forest after 3 members of a government approved vigilante were killed by landmines setup by Boko Haram in the deadly forest today April 23rd.

The soldiers and the vigilante group members made an entry into the deadly forest on Sunday April 20th to destroy the sect members camps in the forest and if possible liberate the missing Chibok girls.

Reuters reports that a soldier who confirmed the retreat of the Nigerian troops said

"The soldiers have retreated to Bama because of mines. They had been on the road but that made them vulnerable, so they moved to the bush but there are mines planted there (too),"

A member of the vigilante group, Muhammad Mungonu, while confirming the recent development said

"Three of our boys were killed by a landmine as we progressed into Sambisa. We've suspended going farther."

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called for the return of fake Durex branded condoms sold on a discount online store called GroupOn Australia.

According to ACCC, the condoms had holes in their latex and had no possibility of protecting users from unwanted pregnancies or contacting sexually transmitted diseases. The fake condoms were sold between 12 March and 10 April with high possibility that they may have already been used by consumers. So Nigerian men, if by any chance you were in Australia in that time period and bought the condoms, biko return...:-)

Mosunmola-Abudu-also-known-as-Mo-Abudu-e1424092451241

Mo Abudu, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Chioma Ude, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde listed among our 15 most powerful women in Nigerian entertainment. A powerful person, according to Merriam Webster, is 'a person that has a lot of control and influence over other people.' These female Nigerians in the entertainment scene are not only successful, but also powerful, in a world widely regarded as a man's.

We present to you a list of 15 most powerful women in Nigerian entertainment presently.

Mosunmola Abudu

Mo' Abudu

CEO, EbonyLife TV, Nigeria. Mo Abudu, as she's fondly called, has been dubbed 'Africa's answer to Oprah' by The Hollywood Reporter. A thorough media entrepreneur, Mo' started Africa's first syndicated talk show, Moments with Mo, which was aired in 48 countries across Africa in 2006.

Bolanle Austen-Peters:

Bolanle Austen-Peters

The CEO and founder of one of Nigeria's finest arts and cultural centres, Terra Kulture, Bolanle has successfully built her establishment into a renowned name, which is synonymous with Nigerian theatre. Established in Lagos in 2004, Terra Kulture has grown to become a leading art, lifestyle, culture, entertainment and educational centre in Nigeria.

Colette Otusheso

Colette Otusheso

Her name might not ring a bell in an instant but when it comes to pulling the strings and making things happen, Collete Otusheso is a force. Those who should know in the Nigerian entertainment scene will tell you the Head, Marketing and Communications of Viacom Africa, easily transcends the realm of influence. She is a powerful woman on the Nigerian entertainment scene and that didn't start recently.

Emem Isong

Emem Isong

With an illustrious and well celebrated film-making career, spanning over a decade in Nollywood, Emem is a filmmaker extraordinaire. Also a writer and CEO, Royal Arts Academy, the Akwa Ibom-born creative genius has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian film industry.

Chioma Ude

Chioma Ude

She is the founder of the annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), which has grown to become one of the leading film festivals in Africa. Chioma Ude, holds a degree in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is highly regarded for her dedication and contribution to the growth of film-making in Nigeria.

Ronke Ademiluyi

Ronke Ademiluyi

Founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, Ronke was born in London to a scion of the Ife royal family. Educated in Nigeria and the UK, the Law graduate has risen to become a powerful voice in fashion and entertainment across Africa and Europe.

Ibinabo Fiberesima

Ibinabo Fiberesima

Current President of the Actors' Guild of Nigeria, the former beauty queen and actress' influence has grown remarkably since she became the Guild's president in 2012, having implemented several laudable schemes (even though she has a pending case in court). She was also very active in the failed re-election bid of outgoing Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Evita Moussalli

Evita Moussalli

Daughter of media mogul, Amin Moussalli, Evita is the Chief Operating Officer (COO), of three famous radio stations in Nigeria – Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info. These stations have remained the foundation of core entertainment players in the country, including Darey Art Alade, Olisa Adibua, Dan Foster, and others.

Omoyemi Akerele

Omoyemi Akerele

She is the Creative Director of GT Bank, sponsored Lagos Fashion & Design Week, which is a spectacular showpiece of renowned and established Nigerian and international designers.

Wangi Mba-UzoUkwu

Wangi Mba-UzoUkwu

She is the Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, a prominent force in entertainment, not just in Nigeria but in the entire region. A vastly experienced broadcasting executive, she holds a degree in Political Science and a postgraduate diploma in Direct Marketing

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

Founder and former CEO of the famous Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace is a visionary leader, who has dedicated her life and resources to the growth of Nigerian film industry. AMAA is currently one of the most prestigious film awards in Africa, and Peace has also been honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) of Nigeria.

Bala Patricia

Bala Patricia

Director General, Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Bala graduated with a BA Hons degree in Drama at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1975. Her board determines which videos, music or film, gains prominence via airplay received in Nigeria.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Fondly called Omosexy, Omotola celebrated her 20th anniversary as a Nigerian actress recently. Her glittering career is quite remarkable (with over 300 films till date). The philanthropist and singer, was named in 2013 in the 100 Most Influential People in the World list by Time Magazine. She is also a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) of Nigeria.

Ruth Osime

Ruth Osime

Among Style editors in Nigeria, Ruth Osime occupies the frontline. Having joined Thisday Newspapers as Project Manager and moving to the Saturday Desk as the Style Editor in 2003, Ruth has become a brand since undertaking the leadership of a newly packaged 24-page Style, glossy pullout in 2005.

Perhaps, a measure of her power, aside the several powerful individuals she interacts with in the course of her job, is the guests list of her 50th birthday event last year.

With at least, 3 governors and several first ladies present at the event, not many can doubt the extent of Ruth Osime's clout in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

Sheri Williams

Sheri Williams

Chairperson, Co-founder, MTech, Sheri has over 25 years experience in the financial and telecommunications industries in Nigeria. Her company has generated billions of Naira in revenue from ringtones, ring-back tunes and other innovations in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

BBC just announced that the terror group has released new images and also renamed itself - "Islamic State in West Africa". TF? Can they get rid of these people once and for real?

If you followed the Fayrouz L'Original Expression Show maiden edition in 2014, brace yourself for more creativity as organisers have revealed four top shots in the Nigerian fashion and lifestyle industry as this year's team.

Omoyemi Akerele, CEO of Style House Files returns as Art Director for the second year alongside fashion icons, Mai Atafo, Kunbi Oyelese of April By Kunbi. Ace photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi joins the team for the first time on this year's edition.

The competition which will also feature guest judges at different stages of the show has received over a thousand entries since its announcement last Thursday, April 2nd. The judges have also assured guests and competitors of another amazing experience at the grand finale later in the year.

Interested participants can visit the Fayrouz website to register as auditions will start in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Enugu in May.

MEET THE FAYROUZ L'ORIGINAL TEAM:

This week's Vanguard Allure features Peter Okoye and his son, Cameron. The singer opens up on family, new businesses, music and finally fatherhood. See more photos below;