Senate Committee Grills Obiora for CBN post...Impressed by nominee

The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions has screened Dr. Kingsley Obiora for the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), urging him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the task of assisting the Bank achieve its mandate of ensuring monetary and price stability, among others.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Uba Sani  stated this on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, while the committee grilled Dr. Obiora, following the latter’s nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari for the position of Deputy Governor.
Sen. Uba, who commended the nomination of Obiora as fitting, expressed confidence that the nominee was well suited for the position, bearing in mind the fact that he had been actively involved in the process of monetary policy formulation at both the national and international levels.
According to him, the Senate, through the Committee, decided to give the screening expeditious consideration, given the sensitivity and critical role the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank plays in the nation’s economic sector and to plug any gap that might be created with the imminent exit of the out-going Deputy Governor, Economic Policy. 
In their individual remarks, members of the Senate Committee lauded the competence of the nominee, noting that he possessed the expertise to add great value to the management of monetary policy and indeed the Nigerian economy.
The Committee, while also commending the quality of the nominee and his patriotic zeal, said the nomination underscored the importance of merit in considering Nigerians for appointments.
Responding to the questions posed by the Senate Committee members, Dr. Obiora expressed gratitude to the President for considering him for appointment as Deputy Governor. He also thanked the Senate Committee for its kind words and their commitment to the  Nigerian project.
If confirmed as Deputy Governor, Obiora pledged to contribute his quota to enabling the Bank achieve on its mandate.
It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, in a letter to the Senate on January 16, 2020, nominated Dr Kingsley Isitua Obiora as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, noting that the nomination was in accordance with the provision of Section 8(1) (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007.
Subject to the confirmation of the Senate, Dr. Obiora will replace Dr. Joseph Okwu Nnanna, who retires from the Bank on February 2, 2020.
Obiora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, as well as a Masters degree in Economics and a doctorate degree in Monetary and International Economics from the University of Ibadan, both from the University of Ibadan.
Upon confirmation, he will vacate his current position of Alternate Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, United States of America.

FG’s PROGRESS ON ECONOMY TREMENDOUS

The Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba said the Federal Government had made tremendous progress in her effort to reposition the economy of the country.

Speaking on Monday January, 2020 while receiving Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenitpotentiary to Nigeria, Yutaka Kikuta in his office, Prince Agba said the most recent was the return of the budget cycle from January - December.

“We want to sustain what happened last year in terms of early budget passage, we will continue to work with the National Assembly to repeat the feat. If we fail to repeat it, it means that what happened was just a chance or a fluke but if we do it means that we have a process and a plan that we intend to build on” the Minister further explained.

The Minister added that the return of the Budget cycle to January was deliberate and in line with the current administration’ economic recovery plan, which is culminating in the development of another National Development Plan, intended to succeed the ERGP.

According to Prince Agba, the National Development Plan will be a 10-year plan for Nigerians. It will be broken down into two 5-year medium term plans, from which the annual budgets would be drawn. He expressed Government’s readiness to make the process of the National development plan very inclusive.

Prince Clem Agba commended the Government of Japan for the development assistance and the cordial relationship that has existed between the two countries in the past 60 years and promised to do everything in his power to ensure that the plans are actualised.



Earlier, the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenitpotentiary to Nigeria, Yutaka Kikuta commended the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on its economic policies and priorities, saying the administration was on the right track to economic recovery and sustainability.

The Ambassador said he was in the Ministry to discuss ways of crystallizing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s promise of assisting to strengthen the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) with a grant of 2billion Japenese Yen, as well as support to the National Defence College.

“We support President Buhari’s second term because we deeply believe in his priority areas and we feel the Federal Governmnet is on the right track”. Yutaka Said.

Victoria Agba-Attah

Director Information MBNP

Gov. Emmanuel Commends BPE’s Stabilizing Role In Nigerian Economy…Okoh Says Efforts On To Revamp ALSCON

Akwa- Ibom State Governor, Mr.Udom Emmanuel has pledged to support the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in its reform and privatisation mandate and called on Nigerians to support the privatisation agency in exercising its mandate.

Receiving the management team of BPE, led by its Director General, Mr. Alex A. Okoh, which paid a courtesy visit to the Governor. Gov.Emmanuel expressed satisfaction with the efforts being put in place by the Federal Government through the BPE to resolve the lingering legal tussle on the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) at Ikot-Abasi which is in a moribund state.

He noted the stabilizing role of BPE in the nation’s economy and said that government was not usually a good manager of businesses but provides an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, hence the need to support the Bureau to carry out its assignment.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr.Moses Frank Ekpo, said the floating of an airline-Ibom Air by his government was part of his administration’s efforts to industrialise the state and that soon, the airline would be floated on the Capital Market for Nigerians to take up shares with indigenes of the state given preference.

He added that the state would leverage on the expertise of BPE towards the industrialization policy of his administration and called for greater synergy between the Bureau and the state.

Earlier, Director General of the BPE, Mr. Alex A. Okoh had informed the governor that the Federal Government was concerned with the lingering legal tussle surrounding ALSCON and had placed the issue on the front burner.

The Director General pointed out that if the Smelter Company was functioning, it would have provided about 8,500 direct jobs and 35,000 indirect jobs to Nigerians which Akwa-Ibom State would have been the greatest beneficiary.

Actress Anita Joseph Shares Adorable Pre-wedding Photos

AnitaJoseph is a Nollywood Actress, singer, dancers, and a philanthropist. She speaks to the world how lovely her husband to be is. She says: "he has always loved, protected and believed in me. He gives me strength and has made me a better woman"

She also went further to thank him for always been her best friend and a good man.
Anita the bride's to be said short prayer for her husband. Anita prayed that JEHOVAH ELOHIM will bless him and everything he touch will turn to gold.

Anita also profess her undying love to her husband to be .
We pray God to protect their union. Amen.

Congratulations to you both.

What are your prayers for them.

Drop your view in the comment box

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Senate President says NASS not a rubber Stamp.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, for the umpteenth time on Friday, dismissed the insinuation that the ninth National Assembly is a rubber stamp Legislature.

A statement by the special adviser to the Senate President on media Ola Awoniyi says Senator Lawan who returned to Nigeria Thursday morning after about three weeks private visit abroad said no amount of blackmail will discourage the present Assembly from working with the executive arms of government for the betterment of the people.

The Senate President was responding to a surprised belated birthday presentation by his North East Support Group at the Dutse Airport in Jigawa state on his way to his Yobe North Senatorial District in Yobe State.

Lawan said the ninth National Assembly  is focused, united, and determined  to make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians.

He was emphatic that no amount of distractions or blackmail will stop the 8th National Assembly from being united for the benefit of Nigerians who elected them.

Senator Lawan says as a legislature the National Assembly knows it's limits  in terms of cooperation and in working with the executive arm of government.

• He reiterated  that the National  Assembly  will continue  to give the President and his team every possible legislative support that they require to make this country better and greater.

NIS APPREHENDS NINE SUSPECTED VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Airport Command, Lagos have apprehended Nine girls in the process of being trafficked. The girls were picked up at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on their way to Lebanon, Cairo, Dubai and India.

A statement by the Service'Public Relations Officer, Sunday James indicates that upon interrogation, four of the girls claimed to be travelling to take up employment without knowing their employers or the nature of jobs.

Two others claimed to be visiting, but later confessed to be seeking greener pastures in Dubai, while the remaining two claimed to be India-bound purportedly for treatment of "yellow fever" and without referrals.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service Muhammad Babandede is therefore calling on parents to be wary of juicy offers to take their children abroad for various reasons, which often end up in exploitation or death.

CBN Redeploys Yila from NIRSAL MFB to DFD

ABUJA – The Management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the redeployment of Mr. Yusuf Philip Yila, a Director with the Bank and the Managing Director, NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB), to the position of Director, Development Finance Department, with effect from Friday, January 24, 2020.

Yila succeeds Dr. Mudashiru Olaitan who retires from the bank on January 26, 2020, having reached the statutory retirement age.

Born on November 20, 1972, Yila, joined the services of the Central Bank of Nigeria in June 2011 from Oando Plc where he was General Manager Operations for the downstream business. He holds a Bachelors of Engineering Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and is an Alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School, Boston. He has also attended several executive courses at Oxford, Harvard Kennedy and Northwestern University. He is married with Children.

Other movements announced by the management include the redeployment of Mr. Kofo Salam-Alada from the Consumer Protection Department to the Legal Services Department as well as the movement of Mr. Samuel Okojere from the Payment System Management to the banking Services Department, to replace Mr. Dipo Fatokun, who retired from the services of the Bank in December 2019.

The CBN Management also approved the appointment of Mr. Clement Buari as Director, Strategy Management Department; Haruna Mustafa, Director, Consumer Protection; Bello Hassan, Director, Other Financial Institutions’ Supervision Department; Dr. Ozoemena Nnaji, Director, Trade and Exchange Department; and Mr. Musa Itopa Jimoh as Director, Payment System Management. Meanwhile, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kure, has also been appointed Director and Acting Managing Director of the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank.

JANUARY 2020 FGN BOND AUCTION OVERSUBSCRIBED

DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

NIGERIA

PRESS RELEASE

The January 2020 FGN Bond Auction by Debt Management Office (DMO) which took place on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 was oversubscribed by more than 300%.

The DMO offered N155.00 Billion of three (3) Instruments (5-Year, 10-Year and 30-Year Tenors) to investors at the Auction.

Subscriptions received through Competitive Bids for the three instruments at the Auction was N624.498 Billion, while the sum of N1.83 billion was received through Non-Competitive bid making the total subscription received the sum of N626.328 billion.

Investor appetite for the 30-Year Bond continued to be strong, with subscription of N341.77 Billion or 621% compared to the amount offered of N55.00 Billion, while subscription for the 10-year Bond was N201.98 Billion or 404% when compared with the amount offered of N50.00 billion.

Successful bids were allotted at the rate of 9.8500% for the 5-Year, 11.1250% for the 10-Year and 12.5600% for the 30-Year Bonds which indicate a significant decline from the rates of 11.0000%, 12.0000% and 13.0000% for the 5-Year, 10-Year and 30-Year Bonds, respectively, at the December 2019 FGN Bond Auction.

The total amount allotted for Competitive Bids was N409.992 across the three (3) tenors. In addition, the sum of N1.83 Billion was allotted through Non-Competitive Bid for the 30-year Bond at same rate with the Competitive Bids.

Overall, the sum of N411.822 Billion was allotted to investors at the Auction through both Competitive and Non-Competitive.

GOVERNOR LALONG SADDANED BY EXECUTION OF PLATEAU STUDENT BY BOKO HARAM

Plateau State Governor has again expressed deep sadness over the distressing video allegedly released by the Islamic State West Africa Province showing  the purported execution of a student hostage from Plateau State, Mr. Ropvil Daciya Dalep.

The Governor expressed outrage over the alleged murder of Daciya, 22, a student of Biology Education in University of Maiduguri who was said to have been abducted on Thursday January 9, 2020 near the Borno State capital.

Governor Lalong in message reacting to the distressing video of Mr. Daciya’s alleged execution, described the heinous act as one that is aimed at provoking sentiments and leading to perceived hatred for people based on religion and origin.

Lalong said the narrative of the terrorists must never be allowed to fester and cause disharmony among Nigerians as the doctrine of the infamous group is not only misplaced but clearly a merchandise of evil.
Governor Lalong commiserated with the family of Daciya and assured them of the support of the State Government in this time of great distress.

He said the notion being conveyed by the terrorists that Christians and citizens of Plateau State are being targeted is most unfortunate and must be condemned as it is another ploy by the group to legitimise their evil enterprise.

He said the State Government will continue to work with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure that those still under captivity are released while those behind this mayhem are brought to judgement.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
22nd January 2020

Meet chimuebuka Nnaji the only daughter of Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji is a star, one of the richest Actress of Nollywood movie industry. Fans are always interested in every aspects of the stars life, including personal life.

Genevieve is one of the most private Nigerian celebrity. Thought it is no secret that she has a beautiful daughter at the age of 17.

The actress revealed that at the time, she didn't know that she was pregnant until her mother called her attention to it.

 Genevieve has a beautiful daughter, whose full name is Theodora Chimuebuka Nnaji. Genevieve protected her from social media for a long time that is why new photos of her and Genevieve raised so much stir.

In an interview the actress said, that she was glad that she did not do anything wrong with the pregnanacy.

Chimuebuka, finished from the Federal Government College Akure and then went on to study Mass Communication at the NNAMDI Azikiwe University.

During her University days, she managed to open makeup school. Now she is an owner of NAJ makeup studio, located in Yaba, Lagos. She works mostly with celebrities and proud to have such a business which she flaunts her Instagram page with beautiful photos of her makeup works

In 2016, Dora wedded her heartthrob Prince Osi Chigozie Ihediwa, who is base in Texas, United States of America. They both meet in 2009 and dated till 2016.

There were rumours that Dora had a baby after she posted a photo of a new born child on Instagram. But it was a photo of her friends child.

The beautiful wedding was held in Mbaise. Several celebrities were present at the ceremony. Media were a little confused because both of them looked very young and wear the same look.

What do you like about Genevieve and her daughter Dora. Tell us in the comment section

Adorable photo of Mercy Johnson's Baby Bump during the The Premiere of her film

Merry Johnson Okojie is one of the famous Nollywood Actress who took to her Instagram page in December 2019, to announce to the public that she is expecting her Forth child with her husband. Mercy showed off her baby bump in her recent photo.

 She was gorgeously dressed in a sequined gown at the premiere of her film " The Legend of Inkpi".

While flaunting her baby bump and a scan results, which the actress and her husband made the announcement to the public on social media.

The Actress is patiently waiting for her new film which is almost ready to hit the cinema on the 24th of January, and Mercy is so happy about her last result.

Other people who were present in the occasion aside the celebrities are her husband and children which she uploaded there photo immediately after her own.

Double congratulations to you mercy

International Monetary Fund IMF, has projected that Nigeria economy will grow by 2.5 per cent in 2020 and 2021.

The multilateral Institution in its January 2020 Economic outlook said that the economy grew 1.9 per cent in 2018, 2.3 per cent in 2019 and this will rise to 2.5 in 2012 and 2022.

According to the IMF low interest rates and reduced trade tensions will likely buoy the global economy over the next two years and help nurture steady if modest growth. The IMF foresees world economic growth accelerating from 2.9 per cent last year to 3.3 per cent in 2020 and 3.4 per cent in 2021. The international economy is receiving a significant boost  0.5 percentage point last year and this year from central banks’ low-interest-rate policies the IMF said.

It said that an interim trade deal signed last week by the United States and China, the world’s two biggest economies, is expected to add 0.2 percentage point to global growth this year by lowering tariffs and improving business confidence. The global economy appears to be rebounding from temporary stumbles, including a lull in the launch of new technology products and new emissions standards that disrupted car production. Still, the IMF warns that the global economy continues to face an array of risks, including the possibility that trade tensions will re-escalate. And many countries aren’t benefiting from the modest upswing in growth. Presenting the report at a news conference in Davos, Switzerland, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said that after a slowdown in 2019 there should be “a moderate pickup in global growth this year and next.”

“We already see some tentative signs of stabilisation,” she said. “But we have not reached a turning point yet.” Even in the United States, the IMF foresees growth slowing from 2.3 per cent in 2019 to 2 per cent this year and 1.7 per cent in 2021, partly because the boost that the economy received from the Republican tax cuts of late 2017 has been fading. China’s economy will also continue to decelerate, the IMF predicts, from 6.1 per cent last year to 6 per cent in 2020 and 5.8 per cent next year. Though China’s economy will likely benefit from the truce with the United States, Beijing continues to manage a difficult transition away from speedy economic growth based on often wasteful and debt-fuelled investments to slower but steadier growth built on spending by the country’s growing middle class. Likewise, Japan’s economic growth, hobbled by an aging workforce, is expected to decelerate from 1 per cent last year to 0.7 per cent this year to 0.5 per cent next year. Collective growth in the 19 countries that use the euro as their currency is expected to gradually pick up: 1.2 per cent in 2019, 1.3 per cent in 2020 and 1.4 per cent in 2021. The IMF’s global forecast is slightly bleaker than the previous one it issued in October, mainly because of an expected sharp slowdown in India: The world’s seventh-biggest economy is expected to grow 5.8% this year, down from the 7 per cent the IMF had expected in October, and 6.5 per cent in 2021, down from a previously forecast 7.4 per cent. In addition, problems in the financial sector have reduced credit, crimping consumer spending in India

A new case for a Commonwealth based on trade by Muhammadu Buhari

The United Kingdom’s exit of the European Union is now all but certain. Only the passage of time will reveal what their new relationship shall be. But with this new arrangement, I – like many other Commonwealth leaders – also seek a new settlement: not only of closer relations between the UK and my own nation, but of unleashing trade within the club in which we together shall remain.

Relations between Nigeria and the UK are close and longstanding, most recently reiterated in our 2018 bi-lateral security pact and our collaboration in anti-trafficking. But in recent years, our relationship – particularly economically – has become increasingly defined by Britain’s membership of the European Union.

Border closure has not breached free trade agreement – Minister
A new free trade agreement would reconfigure this, presenting new opportunities for both. As the largest economy in Africa, my country of nearly 200 million people has a great deal to offer: Nigeria’s vast natural energy and mineral resources, unbarred through the ending of customs barriers, could help supply growth for companies in all corners of the UK. Greater access would also be forthcoming to one of the world’s fastest expanding groups of consumers – the Nigerian middle classes.

For my country, greater UK engagement in its economy would bring jobs to under-tapped sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing. Millions of highly skilled, English-speaking but underemployed young people, are eager to work but without the opportunities that foreign investment can bring to create jobs and build businesses.
Yet there is also a case to be made that our two Commonwealth countries should try, with other members, to deliver more – collectively. In 2015, I became the first head of a new Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council tasked with boosting trade and investment within the wider organisation. Now with the United Kingdom – the Commonwealth’s largest economy – no longer obliged to ringfence its economy with tariffs, this mission will be given a jolt of vitality.

However, we must be realistic: the commonwealth will not suddenly become a multilateral-free trade zone. Today many members reside within regional free trade and customs zones of their own. Yet without any of us needing to relinquish these ties, we can work together to minimise – consistent with respective memberships – as far as possible many of the tariffs and barriers on commodities, products and services. Because member countries’ national laws are built on the principles of English jurisprudence, we might work together from this common platform to better align regulations on investment, certification and trade.

A renewed sense of Commonwealth solidarity would also be of enormous benefit to the large and vital diasporas – particularly from Africa and the Indian subcontinent – that live in Western Commonwealth countries such as Britain, Canada and Australia. These communities still maintain the strongest of cultural and family links with the countries from which they and their forebears emigrated.
Yet visa restrictions and customs barriers must be reduced to fulfill the potential these connections could bring to the nations where they today reside. As an African leader I have an obligation to speak of the fact that while many in the African Diaspora enjoy considerable benefits from life in the West, they do not always feel at the heart of the community. A renewed sense that there are ties that bind us through the Commonwealth, and a concerted effort to grow those links through trade, could act as a spur to encourage togetherness and the certainty of belonging.

This year provides two critical summits in which this new determination could take seed. In January, London shall play host to the UK-Africa Investment Summit. (The continent is the Commonwealth’s largest constituent, providing over a third of its membership.) And then back to Africa, where Rwanda will welcome countries to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. It is at this biennial summit that many of the organisation’s milestones have been achieved – particularly in democracy and human rights. The 2020 summit could be the wrench that begins to tighten our economic structures, drawing strength from our shared bonds of history, friendship and language.

Time will tell if Britain’s new ability to strike free trade deals directly with other countries once it departs the EU can be built into more than bilateral economic cooperation. But there is no reason why, collectively, we should not try.

Nor should we dismiss the potential for making the Commonwealth of Nations more than a voluntary organization of equals based on a shared history that it is today. Instead it is in all our people’s interests to labour, dispassionately, to increase our focus on lowering barriers to achieving what truly brings freedom, friendship and equality: prosperity through trade.

Muhammadu Buhari is President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

GOVERNOR LALONG REACTS TO VICTORY AT SUPREME COURT, SAYS ITS TIME FOR BUILDING ENDURING LEGACY FOR PLATEAU.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong says the affirmation of his election victory by the supreme court has finally sealed and confirmed beyond further questioning the overwhelming mandate willingly bestowed on him by the good people of Plateau State.

The Governor while reacting to the supreme court judgement said all along he was never in doubt as to the validity of his mandate as he did not only campaign and engaged all stakeholders, but also delivered on his campaign promises during the first tenure which endeared the people to him.

He said "I again dedicate this victory to God and the people of Plateau State irrespective of their political, social, religious or ethnic affiliations. The highest court in the land has stamped the mandate I was given and this means that our administration is now clear of litigation distractions. The time now is for governance and actualisation of our next level agenda encapsulated in our 3 point vision of peace, security and good governance; Infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth".

The Governor again repeated his call to the opposition to join hands with him in developing the State and pursuing projects and programs that will promote lasting legacies for the people.

He asked the people to intensify prayers for the peace and stability of the State which will enable rapid development to take place.

Lalong also thanked the judiciary for their impartiality and contribution to consolidating democracy in the State and Nigeria as a whole.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th January 2020.

Rachael Okonkwo Biography, Boyfriend, Achievement and Movies

Rachael Okonkwo Nnenna popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka is a fast rising Nollywood Actress, model, Singer, dancer and a philanthropist.

She interpret her role very well and can fit in any movie character given to her. She act mostly in epic, glamour and romantic movies.

She was born on 26th May 1987 in Nsukka, a native of Ukpatu in Uzi Uwani L.G.A. Of Enugu State in the south Eastern part of Nigeria.
Nkoli News Nsukka completed both her primary and secondary School education in Nsukka, and obtained her first school leaving certificate and West Africa senior school certificate both in Nsukka, Enugu State.

After completing her primary and secondary School education, Nkoli proceeded to University of Nigeria Nsukka, in Enugu State, Nigeria where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication.

She had passion for acting at a very tender aga and started acting from her secondary School days, the passion she had for acting made her wanted to study a curse related to performing Arts in  the University.
While growing up Rachael has  done so many stage performance and has acted in several stage dramas. She is a member of many theatre and drama clubs and was attending auditions right from her undergraduate days while still in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria.

In, 2014, Rachael Okonkwo rose to fame after play the lead role in the Nollywood black buster movie " Nkoli Nwa Nsukka" an Igbo indigenous movie, Nsukka direct  precisely by Mac Collins Chidiebere. Her role in "Nkoli Nwa Nsukka" earned her an award for best comic actress in indigenous language at the African movies academy award. She is gifted and skillful, creative and most talented actress in Nigeria.

In 2015, Nkoli started acting but featured more in dancing and made several camera appearance in music videos in Nigeria.

In 2017, Nkoli registered with the Actor Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Enugu chapter and started attending movie auditions and featuring as minor character in movies.

She also won an award for best indigenous comedy actress at the African movie Academy award.
 However, rumour on social media has it that the beautiful and Talented Actress was dating Nollywood movie producer and a director Mac Collins Chidiebe after which another rumour burst on social media that she was dating Ken Eric, another Nollywood famous Actor, but during the interview with the media, she rebukes all allegations and stated that  they are just friends, business partner, Collegues and professional in the industry.

Apart from acting as a philanthropist, in her own special way of giving she hosts annual carnival which aims at providing free gifts to kids and entertainment to people.

In 2015, she hosted the first edition which was held in Enugu State in the south Eastern part of Nigeria.
 In 2016, she hosted the second edition of the children's Easter canival which was held in Onitsha, Anambra State in the Sam south Eastern part of Nigeria with a huge turnout, she was accomplished by follow Nollywood Actor like Ken Eric to the event.
In 2017, the  carnival took place at Nsukka her own city of birth which other celebrities like Ken Eric, Angela Okorie and others were in attendance.

She is currently one of the richest and most influential actress in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $900,000.

Rachael is very popular in school media with more than a million followers on her official Instagram handle.

Currently,  she is an ambassador for Youth Development in Enugu State.

Meet Chioma the Youngest First Lady in Nigeria

Since senator Hope Uzodima named the replacement of Governor Emeka Ihedioha, it is very clear that he will govern his people with Chioma Uzodinma.

A law graduate from Imo state University, Chioma at 30 years of age will be the youngest First Lady in the country after her husband get the certificate of return from INEC and gets swornnin.

The incoming First Lady of Imo state hail from Ideato local government area of Imo state, and by met the incoming governor in Abuja years ago when she moved there for her law school. She was said to have been a closer friend of someone who was in a relationship with the Senator at that time, but the Senator on seeing her, decided to go for her instead.

However, Chioma is not the first wife of the Senator who represented Imo West in the eight assembly, as he was once married to Augusta Uzodinma which lasted for 17 years. The marriage produced five children and ended on a bad note, this prompted the incoming governor to give marriage another trial with his love Chioma whom he engaged to in 2015.

However, his decision to do so didn't go down well with his first wife, Augusta which made him marry Chioma secretly in a traditional way in 2015 in Owerri. His wife was to later discover his affair and subsequent engagement to Chioma and raised and brimstone. Finding out that the Senator planned to wed Chioma in the Catholic Church, asked the church and all concerned in the marriage arrangement to indefinitely call off the plan, stressing that she is still legally married to the Senator.

She felt confused but obeyed him waiting patiently for him to meet with her famy to settle their disputes so she could return to her home but the incoming governor never did and never divorced her.

However, the incoming governor said that she Marriage was legally dissolved by the court and the church years ago, proceeded with Chioma and they have been together for five years now with three kids.
.
The 30 years old Chioma has emerged the first lady of Imo state  and the youngest First Lady in Nigeria as a nation after
 Hope Uzodinma was sworn in as Governor

Three Reasons why you Should Respect Revered Father Ejike Mbaka more from Today

The name Revered Father Mbaka has gone viral on social media again after his prediction about Imo State has come true.

(1).   Hope in Imo State

In his New Year prophecy Rev. Fr. Mbaka announced to the world that Hope Uzodima will be the Imo State Governor saying: " I don't know the manner the revelation will manifest but no prophecy has ever been declared on this prayer ground without coming to pass.
In spite of all that would happen this 2020, there is Hope, Hope, Hope, Hope, Hope in Imo State. Imo people have suffered but God is raising a new hope that would be an agent of salvation for them".
After Hope Uzodima was declared the Governor of Imo State, Mbaka revealed there are 39 more prophecies of his that will come to pass in 2020.
He said this in a statement while reacting to the removal of the Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, by the Supreme Court and the inauguration of Senator Hope Uzodima as Governor.
In the statement by his spokesman, Maximum Ugwoke, Mbaka said he gave 40 prophecies on New year's Eve.

(2). Atiku and Obi crash in 2019.

During the 2018 Thanksgiving and Bazaar celebration at his Adoration Mbaka said Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Peter Obi  will fail and end in shame.
He said this in the presence of Peter Obi who was asked to donate and contribute to the development of the church's project.
He also explained that Atiku may not get the votes of Igbo indigenous if certain things were not done.

(3). Goodluck Jonathan's Defeat in 2015

In a New year message to his flocks, at the Adoration Ground in Enugu Eastern Nigeria, Mbaka asked President Goodluck Jonathan to quit office honourably, saying that the message is from the Oracle of the Holy Spirit; that Nigeria is at the brink of change, following the bad leadership provided in the last six years by President Jonathan.
According to Mbaka Goodluck leadership of Nigeria has turned into a National hard Luck.
The theme of his message was from Goodluck to bad luck. " Goodluck meet our oil, it turn to bad luck. He meet our Naira, it became bad luck. We need change. Christmas that ought to be good luck Christmas became bad luck Christmas, he said, to the applause of thousands of people who attended the open air even.
Mbaka said he is worried about the future of Nigerian youths, the collapse of roads and the insecurity in the country.
To him, the re-election of Jonathan will spread disaster for the country and repeatedly asked him to quit"
" Nigeria is like an egg I the hands of Jonathan. We cannot allow him to break it. The way Nigeria is going, let Goodluck just go".
The renowned Prices prophesied an embarrassing outing of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. PDP lost at the federal elections, an incumbent handed over to Buhari, as Mbaka predicted.

Anita Joseph Biography, Age, Wedding, Baby and Movies

The Nollywood Actress, dancer, singer, media personality and a philanthropist. Anita was born on 4th January,1985 in Anambra state, Nigeria.
She is currently 34 years old. Anita Joseph is an actress who hails from Anambra state in the south eastern part of Nigeria. She completed both her primary and secondary education there.
She is a graduate of Mass communication from the University of Calabar, she later went to Lagos to search for greener pastures.

She was married traditionally to an average income earning businessman who was based in Aba, Abia state, Nigeria. The marriage which could not produced any fruit of the womb after 3 years ended as the actress took a walk and moved on with life. She kicked off her career as a dancer in one of the numerous clubs and hotels where she meet with a certain big boy based on Europe called Mr. Martin's Okorie.
According to source, Anita turned down the marriage proposal of the Europe based Man who has been friends with the actress for many years.

It is also gathered that the sexy Nollywood Actress has a 4 years old daughter called Chizaram Isabella Carter Joseph who was born in December 2015.
She shared adorable photos of her daughter on her Instagram account thanking God for her existence.

She joined the Nigeria movie industry and in 2006 she rose to fame after acting in the movie " tears in my Eyes" she has acted in over 80 movies which includes open and close, sister's of Dililah, tears in my eyes etc. She featured in many Nollywood movies and she is Popularly known for her curves and tattoos.
In a chat wG Anita revealed she is frustrated with her tattoos. Crying..
" I regret my tattoos. It is something I wish I never had' she said it's so addictive , you do one, you would do again and again I have tattoos in six parts of my body: The back of my palm, waist, top of my boobs, left leg, neck, and arm.

She has featured in many Nollywood movies and she is Popularly known for her beautiful curves and tattoos. She has won several awards such as Most promising actress of the year at the African magic viewers choice awards. Unarguably the sexy actress have numerous times been rated as one of the top Nollywood controversial actress.

She always flaunts her Instagram page with controversial pictures, she always has controversial issues with men. She is currently one of the richest and most influential actress in Nigeria with an estimated networth of $450,000.

Next month, February the controversial actress, mum of one, whose beautiful daughter recently turned 4, has fixed her wedding for the 14th of February, which is the Valentine day.
You will recall that a few months ago Anita showed off her boyfriend whom she described as  her " king man and the man behind her smile, Nkem Dimkpa, my love the most handsome man in the world".
We hear the upcoming wedding to her lover Fisayo Michael aka MC Fish will be a very private one as the bride's price had already been settled by Michael and his people back in December 2019.

Follow us @deflorasconcept for more tori

Governor Lalong Reaction Release of Jennifer, Plateau Nurse Kidnapped by Boko Haram

Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong commends security agencies particularly the Department of State Services for the rescue of five kidnapped aid workers by the Boko Haram terrorist group including Jennifer Ukambomg Samuel, a nurse from Plateau State.

Governor Lalong in a statement says he is excited at this development and thanks President Muhammadu Buhari for his support in ensuring that all those in captivity are set free while the terror group and other criminals are fished out and dealt with.

Lalong had given assurances to the family of Jennifer that the State Government will work with all necessary agencies to secure her release when he sent a delegation to the family led by commissioner of Budget and Planning Mr. Sylvester Wallangko.

The Governor says efforts to rescue other citizens of Plateau State still under Boko Haram captivity are ongoing and asked the family and people of Plateau State to continue to pray and support the Government and security agencies with useful information that will assist in their quick release.

He also says more security measures are being taken to tackle incidences of criminality and forstall attacks on innocent citizens.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
16th January 2020.

Latest Technical Report by Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)

NESG has revealed that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), may lead to one of two outcomes; a win-win outcome for all African countries, or a zero-sum game in which the gain of one country becomes the loss of another and vice versa.

NESG in its, “Impact assessment study and economy-wide implications of the AfCFTA on the Nigerian economy,” released on Monday, said implementation of the continental agreement will trigger a surge in imports across sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The major concern, according to NESG, is the issue of dumping and strict enforcement of the Rules of Origin (RoO), as enshrined in the AfCFTA framework document. The relatively large market size of Nigeria makes the economy a target for dumping.


To protect the economy from the dumping of inferior and substandard products, the report suggests that the RoO needs to be well-strengthened and tightened. This may require Nigeria using the five-year transitional period to negotiate and adjust within the economy.

In view of the findings that Nigeria’s GDP will be negatively impacted when the AfCFTA agreement comes into force, and the need to make the economy more competitive, it was recognised that relying on the inflow of foreign investment to grow the economy may not readily pay off.

The study, therefore, recommends that Nigeria embarks on massive infrastructure upgrades and institutional reforms to improve her business environment. The infrastructure upgrade could be realised through the concession of major infrastructural projects (electricity, roads, bridges, airports, seaports, etc.) to the private sector.

The concessions must, however, be complemented by strong institutional reforms to effectively regulate the operations of the private sector.

It also revealed that producing highly competitive products in the foreign market also requires strengthening government regulations and internal quality control of products produced in Nigeria, with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigerian Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has a crucial role to play in this respect. These regulatory institutions must be reformed to effectively perform their constitutional regulatory functions.
 
The report stressed the need for Nigeria to maximise available opportunities in the AfCFTA agreement, by enhancing the space for both domestic and foreign investments, by creating a more business-friendly environment, and reducing existing binding trade constraints impeding investment growth in different sectors of the economy.
In addition to providing a reliable transportation system and power supply, the report urged the government to restore a business-friendly environment by substantially addressing all major security challenges that discouraged foreign investors from doing business in Nigeria.

It also suggests measures to counter the expected negative impact of AfCFTA on government revenue through a combination of trade liberalisation with increased drive for the inflow of foreign saving/investment into the economy.

This would complement the government’s economic diversification efforts, which will, in turn, boost its tax revenue base.

The Report reads in part: “The Government may begin to undertake deliberate measures that will strengthen sectors, including health, education, electricity, transportation, textile, apparel, and footwear to maximise the benefits that are likely to accrue to them when the AfCFTA agreement comes into force.

“This can be done by recognizing these sectors as AfCFTA priority sectors for immediate government support. The government support may include tax breaks/rebate, government-backed preferential loan arrangements from commercial banks, etc.

“For sectors that are expected to suffer the greatest losses (including the chemical, chemical products and electrical; wood and wood products; cement and construction sectors), Government needs to create safeguards or incentives for such sectors. These incentives could come in the form of including the sectors in the sensitive list. This will help delay liberalization of these sectors to a later period and allow for the adjustment of the sectors to realities of the AfCFTA agreement.”

Senate President Condemns Attack on Emir of Potiskum

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has condemned the gun attack in Kaduna on the convoy of the Emir of Potiskum, Yobe State, Alhaji Umaru Bubaram. 

At statement by the special adviser to the president of the Senate on media Ola Awoniyi said Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked the convoy of the Emir around Maraban Jos on Kaduna-Zaria road, killing some of the Emir's aides and leaving others injured.

Lawan expressed his condolence with the revered Emir and the families of those killed in the sad incident.

The Senator Lawan also prayed for speedy recovery of the Emir and others who were injured.

He called on the security agencies to ensure that everyone with a hand in the heinous crime is brought to justice while ensuring quick rescue of those who were abducted in the incident.

2019 Financial Bill Becomes an Act of Parliament

President Muhammadu Buhari has on Monday in the State House signed the 2019 Finance Bill
into law. This is sequel to the passage of the Bill by the National Assembly and the subsequent
forwarding of the Bill by the legislature to the President for assent.
Mr. President submitted the Finance Bill, 2019 on the 14th of October 2019 to accompany the
2020 Executive Budget Proposals and 2020 Appropriation Bill, which proposes to introduce tax
reforms that will help Government achieve its revenue projections for the 2020 Budget
(N8.155trillion).
It would be recalled that President Buhari, while presenting the 2020 Appropriation Bill to the
National Assembly, had also presented the Finance Bill and said: “This Finance Bill has five
strategic objectives, in terms of achieving incremental, but necessary, changes to our fiscal
laws.”
“The finance bill strategic objectives include the following: Promoting fiscal equity by
mitigating instances of regressive taxation (such as tax reforms for the insurance sector);
Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices (such as taxes of digital business
and e-commerce); Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital
markets (such as targeted incentives for real estate investment trusts (REITs) and securities
lending in the capital market); Supporting micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in line
with the ease of doing business reforms such as Value Added Tax (VAT) threshold and lower
company income tax (CIT) rates for MSMEs; and raising revenues for government to fund the
2020 Budget. There is a VAT rate increase and excise duty on imported excisable goods.
Though the draft Finance Bill proposes an increase of VAT rate from five percent to 7.5 percent,
it is important to note that a large sum of money realised from the taxation would rather go to the
people; the States and the Local Governments Areas (LGAs) are to get 50 percent and 35 percent
respectively while only 15 percent will go to the Federal Government.
The 2020 Finance Bill is a peoples Bill considering the expansion of VAT exemption list which
includes: basic food items (agro and aqua based staple foods) such as additives, cereals,
cooking oils, culinary herbs, fish of all kinds (other than ornamented), flour and starch, fruits,
live or raw meat and poultry, milk, nuts, pulses, roots, salt, vegetables, and water; Locally
manufactured sanitary towels, tuition (primary, secondary and tertiary education); and services
rendered by Microfinance Banks.
In a statement issued by Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, (Media &
Publicity), it is stated that with the assent, there will be more revenue to finance key government
projects especially in the areas of health, education and critical infrastructure.
In her reaction, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab
Shamsuna Ahmed, commended the President for ensuring that “the strategic objectives in the
finance bill recognise the crucial relationship between fiscal policy, the regulatory environment
and the strong capital market we all seek to effect in Nigeria.
“We planned that, going forward, the annual budget will always be accompanied by finance bills
to enable the realisation of revenue projections. Future finance bills will therefore also provide us
with additional opportunities to incrementally improve the fiscal policy and regulatory/legal
environment in order to further strengthen our domestic capital market, and ultimately ensure
sustained and inclusive growth and development,” she stated.
Highlighting the amendments, Mrs. Ahmed noted that the Finance Bill, 2019 has offered
incremental, but necessary, amendments to certain provisions of existing tax laws, including the
following: Companies Income Tax Act (CITA), 2004; Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), 2007;
Value Added Tax Act (VATA), 2007; Petroleum Profits Tax Act (PPTA); Stamp Duties Act
(SDA), 2007; Customs and Excise Tariff Act, 2004; and Capital Gains Tax Act, 2007.
Some of the proposals contained in the finance bill include: Amendment of excess dividend tax
rules that result in double taxation and discourage investments; Review of commencement and
cessation business rules that also lead to double taxation; An incentive of two percent bonus for
early tax payment by medium-sized companies and one percent for large companies; An increase
in the VAT rate; Moderation of inefficient and ineffective tax incentives; and closing loopholes
in the existing tax laws that allow tax avoidance resulting in tax revenue leakages.
The finance bill has also taken care of essential palliatives to support MSMEs and mitigate the
impact of the VAT rate increase on the most vulnerable businesses, communities and citizens in
the economy. Some of these measures include: Expanding the list of VAT-exempt items (e.g.
basic food items, educational materials and medical supplies); Introducing a VAT registration
threshold for MSMEs with a turnover of less than N25 million per annum; Reducing the
corporate tax rate for MSMEs from 30 percent to 20 percent for Small firms (with turnover of
between N25million and N100million per annum.); and exempting micro-firms (with turnover of
less than N25million per annum).
On the implementation process of the Bill, Mrs. Ahmed has said that she will issue a statement in
due course.
Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi
Special Adviser, Media & Communication
To the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning
12th January, 2020

UTME Registration Commences in Lagos

Registration exercise for 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced at centre in Lagos on Monday with candidates showing up as early as 7:00 AM. Meanwhile, Mrs Patricia Arukwe, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Joint Admission

CBN Shifts January 2020 MPC Meeting

Press Release
The first meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for 2020, earlier slated to hold on
Monday and Tuesday, January 20 and 21, 2020, respectively, has
now been rescheduled for Thursday and Friday, January 23 and 24,
2020.

Find out About how Rich is Rita Dominic and her Biography

Dominic is one of the best actress in Nigeria. She is also the richest actress in Nigeria today with net worth of about 950 million naria.

Rita Dominic has been a very private person when it comes to her relationship, making her one of the least controversial celebrities in Nigeria.

She was born on July 12, 1975 in Mbaise, Imo state in a family of six. She is a part of the Royal Nwaturuocha family of About Mbaise LGA, and her late parents were medical practioners; her father was a medical doctor and her mother a nursing officer.

 She appeared in various play and child shows, after graduating from the rather fancy federal government College Ikot Epene, she went on to study theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, which she grady from with honours in 1999.

Things Chizzy Alichi said about her Marriage that will Shock you

The Nollywood Actress Chizzy Alichi who had her grand wedding few weeks ago showers husband with a shocking words.

The Actress took to her Instagram page and decided to announce to her fans that she used to be scared of marriage " in my industry many have gone and come out. I don't want that to happen to me. I want forever marriage.

I just date and enjoy the relationship while it lasts once it's getting serious and I feel he might pop the question I will end it.

Actress Dakore Egbuson Akande's Marriage Crashed:

They were in love, in fact, nobody envisaged that there would be a separation, not to talk of a divorce between Nollywood’s actress, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, and her husband, what a world.

But like some celebrity marriages, Dakore and Olumide Akande are no more. Just like a pack of badly stacked cards, the nine-year-old wedding crumbled and the centre cannot hold.

Press Release: Governor Lalong condemns attack On Kombun - Vows Punishment for perpetrators

Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has condemned in strong terms the killing of innocent persons following an attack by gunmen at Kulben village in Kombun district of Mangu LGA on Wednesday 8th January 2020.
The Governor in a reaction described the attack as another attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the State.
Lalong while commiserating with victims and families of those killed, warned that his administration will not sit down and watch any group or individuals cause chaos in the State and retrun it to the dark days of insecurity.

Actress Rachael Okonkwo Becomes Enugu State Ambassador

The beautiful Actress Rachael Okonkwo Popularly known by her fans as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka just bag another appointment from the Enugu State government.

She becomes Enugu State Ambassador on Youth Development.

She shared caption;
" Well deserved.... Enugu Ambassador on Youth Development. It can only be God.
@ rechaelokonkwo Ugo oma... Child of grace".

NUC Finally Phases Out Mass Communication Degrees! To Begin Admission Into Seven New Communication Departments This Year

This could be described as breaking news especially to those who have a degree in Mass Communication, or currently studying to get this degree, or you have friends who have something to do with this degree in Nigeria. The era of having Mass Communication as a degree programme in Nigerian universities is now officially over.

Pope Francis Apologies for Slapping Woman

Pope Francis Apologised on Wednesday for widely-viewed slap of a woman who grabbed his hand as he greeted Catholic faithful on New Year's Eve.
The image of Francis slapping his way free from the clutches of the admirer hit on social media instantly.

Young Talented Actress Regina Daniels in Hospital as she falls sick on new year eve

According to Tunezmediablog, Regina Daniel has fallen ill, and will have to remain on her sickbed during the New year's festivities.
Last month, the actress caused a stir on Instagram when fans spotted what looks like a baby bump on her in a video during " Malaria Eradication Program" initiative sponsored by her husband's foundation.