Akonuche: March 2016

Thursday, 31 March 2016

Diamond Bank Rewards 300 Loyal Customers with N20,000 Cash-back

Diamond Bank customers are in for a great time as the Bank is offering N20, 000 cash-back reward to users of its Visa debit card for transactions on POS or online stores during the Easter period.

The offer opens from March 23 to April 8, 2016, and extends to only debit card transactions on POS and online stores within Nigeria. Seventy five winners will emerge every week with a total of 300 winners expected to emerge at the end of the promotion.

Dr. Amanze Obi's article in today's Sun newspaper is an eye opener for those of us who is misunderstanding Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of NNPC. please read Amanze's opinion about this gentle man and his initiatives to end the fuel crises in Nigeria.

Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is in the eye of the storm. He is at the centre of a vexed discourse over his recent declaration on the lingering fuel scarcity in the country.

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service says it will commence the prosecution of tax evaders and offenders in the state from April 1, 2016.

The LIRS in a statement by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, on Wednesday said the move became necessary because a large number of Lagosians had not paid their taxes although the law stated that eligible tax payers must pay within 90 days of the New Year.

Valencia Football Club Sacks Gary Neville as Head Coach.,..appoints Pako Ayestaran

Valencia Football club has parted ways with Gary Neville as Head Coach.

According BBC Sports, the former Manchester United and England defender was laid off in less than four months in charge of the spanish club.

In a statement on Wednesday, the club said:

Fetty Wap & Masika Kalysha Welcome New Baby

US rapper Fetty Wap and reality star Masika Kalysha welcome their first child together.

Former "Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood" star, Masika Kalysha has confirmed that she and rapper Fetty Wap have welcomed their first child together. Kalysha, who gave birth yesterday (March 29), confirmed the news in a series of messages sent on Twitter late last night and early this morning (March 30).

A Senior Nigerian Army Officer, Col. Samaila Inusa, who was reportedly abducted at gunpoint at the Refinery Junction in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State was found dead on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Army authority told newsmen in a statement that Inusa’s body was found in Kaduna. He was suspected that he was killed the same day he was abducted.

The Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, have all been confirmed as speakers at the Oganiru Enugu State Investment Summit scheduled to hold from April 12 – 14, 2016 at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

Brussels : At Least 28 Dead, Scores Injured after Multiple Explosions

At least 28 people were feared dead, with 35 others injured in Brussels airport blasts, according to reports by Belgian media. A string of explosions rocked Brussels airport and a city metro station on Tuesday, as Belgium raised its terror threat to the maximum level.

Two explosions targeted the main hall of Zaventem Airport at around 8:00am (0700 GMT), with a third hitting the Maalbeek metro station, near the European Union’s main buildings, just as commuters were making their way to work in rush hour. More than a dozen people were lying on the pavement outside the station, being treated by emergency service for facial wounds.

Virus Deadlier than Ebola, Zika to emerge

Scientists have warned that humans should brace for the emergence of a new virus that could be deadlier than Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or Zika.

The scientists in a study published on March 14, 2016, edition of the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, titled “SARS-like WIV1-CoV poised for human emergence” said outbreaks from zoonotic sources represent a threat to both human as well as the global economy.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, telecommunications giant, Etisalat, and leading wealth advisory firm, Afrinvest, are among several local and international companies that have confirmed their participation at the forthcoming Enugu State Investment Summit scheduled to hold from April 12 – 14, 2016 at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the results of nine state constituencies and one federal constituency in which rerun elections were held in Nigeria’s oil hub, Rivers State, on Saturday, but the commission was forced to suspend the electoral process in all other constituencies in the state where results were not announced due to the widespread violence that marred the elections.

A study presented at the just concluded International stoke Conference reveals lower risk of recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction among non-diabetic insulin- resistance patients who used pioglitazone for a period of 5 years against those who did not use it. Pioglitazone is a drug treatment for diabetes and the study shows that when is used by non diabetes patients that had earlier been stroke, a risk reduction of recurrent stroke is envisaged among other benefits.

Nigeria Ranked 103 in the World and 6th in Africa in the World Hapiness Report

Nigeria has been ranked the 103 happiest nation of the world, and 6th in Africa in the World Happiness Report. The World Happiness Report 2016 update, which ranks 157 countries by their happiness levels, was released in Rome on Wednesday, in advance of UN World Happiness Day, March 20th. As indicated by the report, Nigeria dropped from its 78th position in the World and 2nd in Africa in the 2015 happiness ranking.

Kanye West, Drake Among TIME's 30 Most Influential People on the Internet

The music industry has changed vastly with the rise of the Internet and social media, allowing artists to connect with fans and have a further influence than ever before.

Not only have rappers taken advantage of the world wide web, but celebrities from all realms of society have established their personal brand with the help of the Internet. Today (March 16), TIME unveils its second annual list of "30 Most Influential People on the Internet," which includes Kanye West, Drake and DJ Khaled.

Phenomenon rapper LL Cool J says that he has completed a collaboration with Eminem that will be featured on his forthcoming album HIPHOPDX said.

"He actually did his vocals and everything,” LL Cool J says of Eminem during an interview with Billboard. "It really happened. I want the overall project to be good. Em is my man and I love him. He’s also a friend of mine, so we’ll definitely get it poppin’. The world has been waiting for that. They’ll get it the right way and it’s gonna be amazing."

Nintendo on Thursday rolled out its first smartphone game after years of refusing to stray from a consoles-only policy as it tries to better compete with rivals. The Japanese company has struggled as Sony and Microsoft outpaced it in console sales, while the three companies are also fighting off a trend toward cheap — even free — downloadable games for smartphones and other mobile devices. Kyoto-based Nintendo had been criticised for its longstanding refusal to license some of its iconic brands for use on mobile applications.

Chemical consumption by ways of consuming packaged can drink, bottle water, are becoming controversial and experts are beginning to link this to infertility.The chemicals use in making these packs have a way of getting into the food. This has been proven to be presence in everyone who is exposed to it.

A fertility awareness counselor said ” it’s not only mental desire you have around creating a life, but a very deeply physical, primal and biological urge, and these women are dealing with this on all levels ”– Sarah Bly. It is a most painful state for any women wanting, waiting and nothing is happening , she says. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding chemical in your homes and in the diet.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has placed the Executive Secretary/Director-General, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak, on suspension.

A director in the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has been appointed as the acting executive secretary/director-general of the directorate.

Several Feared Dead in Maiduguri Bomb Blast Today

A bomb blast has killed at least 22 people in Mulai area of Maiduguri in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. The attack carried out by a suicide bomber also left several others injured. It occurred in a mosque during early morning prayers.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Boko Haram terrorist group is largely suspected to be responsible.

Nate Dogg is being remembered by some of his friends and collaborators on the fifth anniversary of his death.

“Miss my Dogg,” fellow 213 member Snoop Dogg writes in the first of a series of posts he made honoring his late friend and collaborator on Twitter today (March 15).

Monday, 14 March 2016

Post of the Day

16 Killed as Gunmen Open Fire on Tourists in Ivory Coast Beach Resort

Six gunmen stormed Ivory Coast beach resort of Grand Bassam on sunday and opened fired on tourists. About 16 persons were shot dead.

Reuters reports that the dead include 14 civilians and two soldiers while the assailants were also killed. The resort is visited by both locals and foreigners.

Alassane Ouattara, Ivory Coast President, confirmed the casualty number during a visit to the scene of the incident.

China has said it would need more crude oil exports from Nigeria, in spite of the recent changes in prices.

Zao LingXiang, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. The total amount of export to China was only about one million barrels in 2015, which was just 1.3 per cent of Nigerian annual oil export. “In my opinion, it really doesn’t matter whether Iran comes back or not; Chinese companies want to import more crude oil from Nigeria,” he said.

US rapper Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent has denied owning a home in Africa. This was revealed in several new documents he filed in his bankruptcy case.

"I do not, nor have I ever owned, any real property in Africa," the G-Unit rapper writes, according to TMZ.

Newcastle Football Club Appoints Rafa Benitez as New Coach

In what could be termed the most shocking managerial appointment of the year, relegation threatened Newcastle have this afternoon appointed Champions League, Premier League and Spanish League winner Rafa Benitez as new coach after sacking Steve McClaren.

With 9 games to go, Benitez has a huge job on his hands if he is to steer Newcastle to safety but with an annual salary of £4m one can see why he accepted the three year contract offered to him.

Lekki Garden's collapsed building Contractor and Mr. Richard Nyong (right)

The Lagos State government has charge the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Mr. Richard Nyong, and another contractor to court.

The MD and the contractor were brought to the Ebute-Meta Magistrate Court in handcuffs for arraignment for their alleged role in Tuesday’s building collapse in Lekki, Lagos, which resulted in the death of 35 people. See pix of the duo in court today after the cut....

Eyewitnesses at the CBN Calabar just confirmed to AKONUCHE that an explosion just rocked the apex bank building in Calabar. According to an eyewitness who does not want her name to be disclosed, said several people lost their lives after the explosion. Reasons behind the explosion is yet to be ascertain.

It was not clear if the explosion was of a bomb, but sources who pleaded not to be mentioned said smoke was noticed billowing out from a spot within the CBN building for about 30 minutes before a loud explosion followed.

The UN will sponsor 4,000 Nigerian youth who are victims of Boko Haram activities from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe to acquire various vocational skills in 2016.

The Country Director, UN Development Programme, Pa-Lamin Beyai, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the measure was to enable them build their capacity.

Mr. Beyai explained that many of the victims had their businesses destroyed by the insurgency and had become idle.

Diamond Bank has brought to the fore the importance of improved and enhanced quality healthcare for women, drumming the urgent need for increased support and awareness of the ravaging effect of Endometriosis, a silent but growing health condition that exposés women to cancer, infertility and severe periodic pains.

Highlighting the significant role that good healthcare plays in stimulating the economic contribution of women to the gross domestic product, GDP, Diamond Woman, a female-friendly initiative of the Bank, stated that there is an urgent need for a collective strategic refocus and concerted action against the disease through increased awareness.

Around the world, nearly 2.4 billion people live without any form of official personal identification, and the majority of them are women. As part of broader International Women’s Day activities, MasterCard and UN Women signed a Memorandum of Understanding to address this imbalance and advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Mr. Richard Nyong has been arrested by the Lagos State Police for the collapse of a five-storeyed building under construction on Kushenla Road, Ikate Elegushi, Lagos State, which killed no fewer than 35 persons.

Akonuche noted that 34-year-old Nyong was arrested on Thursday while one of the contractors handling the project, Odofin Taiwo, was arrested on Wednesday.

Krayzie Bone

Krayzie Bone has revealed that his recent tour in Canada had to be postponed while battling flu-like symptoms and an intense case of pneumonia.

According to Bone, “Canada thank you for your support sorry I had to cut it short due to sickness but I will be back to make those dates up soon!” Krayzie Bone says via Twitter. “Much love.”

Photo of the Day...

Mother or Murder

Federal Government of Nigeria Appoints Dr. Dakuku Peterside as Director General of NIMASA

Dr. Dakuku Peterside has been appointed by the Federal government as the Director General of Nigerian Maritime administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

According to a statement signed by Yetunde Sonaike, the Director, Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation in Abuja, the appointment was with immediate effect. NIMASA is a parastatal under the ministry of Transport overseen by Rotimi Amaechi.

Mr Damianus, West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) spokes man has revealed to newsmen that The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) has concluded all arrangements for the conduct of the 2016 May/June West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) nationwide. The council’s Public Affairs Officer made this known on Thursday in Lagos.

Rochas Okorocha Embarrased in London - Video

Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Imo state was embarrassed in London by a Biafran supporter who confronted him during a speech.

Wednesday, 9 March 2016

NNPC Shut Nationwide

Offices of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have been shut nationwide, according to an online news portal, The Cable.

AKONUCHE learnt that the workers of the national oil company were bemused this Wednesday morning when they reported for duty only to find their offices under lock and key.

The reason for the action could not be ascertained at the time of this report.

President Buhari Mandates Re-negotiation of MTN's N780bn fine

Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday has directed a re-negotiation of the N789 billion fine slammed on South African telecoms company, MTN, by Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC.

Buhari gave the directive at a joint news conference with South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma in Abuja, following which Nigeria and South Africa signed over 30 bilateral agreements.

Yunusa Dahiru, the alleged abductor of the 14-year-old Ese Rita Oruru, was yesterday arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on five-count charge of abduction, kidnapping, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual exploitation.

After he appeared from the court unruffled, Yunusa told reporters that he had been dating Ese before they both left for Kano, adding that his mother was aware of the relationship.

Piers Morgan Comes hard on Kim Kardashian

Following a recent post of a nude picture by Kim Kardashian, Former TV host Piers Morgan exposed some hard truths about Kim Kay and her Family.....

‘My advice to those who think they have to take off their clothes to be a star,’ observed Mae West, ‘is once you’re boned, what’s left to create the illusion? Let ‘em wonder. I never believed in giving them too much of me.’

I thought of this when Kim Kardashian posted another internet-breaking nude selfie last night, showing off her voluptuous torso just three months after giving birth to her second child.

Chelsea captain John Terry remains doubtful for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain after missing Tuesday’s final pre-match training session.

Terry, 35, sustained a hamstring injury during his side’s 5-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United on February 13 and has not featured since.

He did not take part in Tuesday’s group training session at Chelsea’s Cobham training base and was reported to be working alone in a bid to prove his fitness.

Wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan was “humiliated” by a secretly recorded sex video posted online, he testified Monday, at a trial seeking $100 million in damages.

Hogan, 62, wearing his trademark black bandana and a massive silver cross, was filmed having consensual sex with the wife of a friend.

Nigerians have commended Cambodia-based Nigerian footballer, Harrison Chinedu, for breaking the world record for the farthest distance travelled with ball balanced on the head. The footballer achieved the feat on Sunday, March 6 in Lagos.

According to PUNCH, Chinedu trekked a distance of 48.04km in six hours, 15 minutes to break the previous record set by Indian soldier, Naib Subedar Azad Singh, who in 2014 travelled a distance of 45.64km to erase the record set by Abdul Halim of Bangladesh, who travelled a distance of 15.2 km on October 22, 2011.

Yobe State Deputy Governor Involved in an Auto Accident

The Deputy governor of Yobe state, Abubakar Ali, was involved in an auto accident in Daka-Tsalle town along the Kaduna- Kano expressway today.

Eyewitnesses revealed the SUV of the deputy governor had a direct head -to head collision with a Toyota Avensis. As at the time of filling this report, the deputy governor was unhurt but the Toyota Avensis somersaulted and was badly damaged. The deputy governor’s convoy according to eyewitnesses continued its trip to Kano. see pictures after the cut..

Emobileclinic has revealed that Introducing daily fiber in your children food will help to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The importance of fiber consumption has been identified over time and this new information is definitely well established by our assessment of the new study on the subject matter .

Physical exercise (PE) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training have been proven to be effective for urinary incontinence. New studies are channeled towards this direction and results showed a great improvement on women who engaged in (PFM) and (PE). Several women are affected by urinary incontinence which causes have been associated to child birth, obesity and age of the women.

Ike Chioke

In a bid to re-engineer the economy of Enugu State towards a better future for its citizens, the Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led Government is set to host the maiden Enugu State Investment Summit with the theme “Beyond Oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development” from April 12 – 14, 2016 at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

These photos were taken at the accident scene of the car accident that claimed the lives of the Minister of Labour and Employment, James Ocholi and his son. His wife is currently in coma. The accident happened along the Kaduna-Abuja road this afternoon.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, the remains of the late Minister of State for Labour, James Ocholi, have been deposited at the morgue of the National Hospital, Abuja.

No Woman can Buy a Real Man - Linda Ikeji

Nigerian ace blogger Linda Ikeji has denied being behind series of tweets from a twitter handle "@lindaLkeji" insinuating that she can buy anything, including a man....

According to Linda: "

Callistus Anowai , a plumber from Nnewi, Anambra State, has been rewarded with N1million by Diamond bank Plc for being the one millionth lucky customer to download and register the Diamond mobile app...see more pictures after the cut

Thursday, 31 March 2016

Wednesday, 30 March 2016

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

Monday, 21 March 2016

Friday, 18 March 2016

Thursday, 17 March 2016

Wednesday, 16 March 2016

Monday, 14 March 2016

Friday, 11 March 2016

Thursday, 10 March 2016

Wednesday, 9 March 2016

Tuesday, 8 March 2016

Monday, 7 March 2016

Friday, 4 March 2016