Ini Edo moves on after split from ex-hubby ..buys N70m mansion in Lekki

Since her marriage to her ex-husband,  Philip Ehiagwina crashed last month, Ini Edo has been on top of the world. Those who are close to her said, the sexy actress has moved on with her life, as she has nothing to regret.

In fact, she’s said to be giving herself a treat at random. Recently, she bought a N38 million brand new G-Wagon, which she is using to paint the town red. Apart from that, Ini also, reportedly purchased a N70 million house in a choice area in Lekki. Last week, she was in Houston, United States, where she attended this year’s Giama Awards alongside Stella Damasus, Daniel Adenimokun, Emem Isong, Belinda Effa among others

D’banj , Don Jazzy back again?

There are strong indications that D’banj and Don Jazzy, co-owners of the defunct Mo’hit Records are planning to come together again. The duo broke up in 2012.

WG gathered that the former partners are poised to hook up again in a music capacity.

According to D’Banj, Don Jazzy’s production will feature on his ten year anniversary album. Eja Nla which will be coming up later in the year. “Don Jazzy worked with me from the beginning, and I can tell you for sure that my 10th anniversary album will drop soon, and there are many producers on it including Don Jazzy.” D’Banj and Don Jazzy were co-owners of the record label Mo’ Hits. The imprint existed for 8 years and produced several chart topping singles and award winning albums including No Long Thing in 2005, and The Entertainer in 2008.

Nigeria no more jaga-jaga — Eedris Abdulkarim

IN October, the Gulf International Technology Exhibition held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from October 12-16, with Nigeria as the official Country Partner of the event, reputed to be the biggest technology show in the MEASA (Miidle East, Africa and South Asia) region. The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, actualized Nigeria’s status as official country partner at the event.

One of the highlights of Nigeria’s participation at GITEX was an Investors’Dinner which held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Sheikh Rashid Road in Dubai. A top Nigerian crooner, Eedris Abdulkarim, was billed to entertain guests at the gala dinner, but for what he called “technical problems”, he could not. In the interview below, Eedris disclosed why he could not perform, saying, Nigeria “is no more jaga-jaga!”Excerpts:

Eedris, what is a musician doing at GITEX 2014?

Eedris Abdulkarim

You know, as a Nigerian and an individual, I like to expand my reach — that is — I like to learn because I believe everybody learns every day. I am here in Dubai to perform during GITEX.

NITDA brought me here to perform; it was a beautiful experience, but the performance didn’t take place because of some technical problems and I also used the opportunity to know the age which we are in technology and I must say that technology has gone to digital science and anybody who is not literate with computer is living in the past.

I am here to expand my experience and to learn also to entertain my people.

What hitches prevented you from holding the show?

I came in with a tourist’s visa, and it was after this we then understood that I needed a work visa to perform. The work visa took two weeks to get, so I couldn’t perform, as the event had held. But definitely I would be performing in Nigeria on November 19th at the next NITDA event, which is the e-Nigeria event in Abuja.

Since your last album it seems you haven’t been active. What’s with you?

Basically because my kind of music talks about ills in the society, and it needs research which takes time, to know what is going on, evaluate the present government, then compare and contrast with the past governments. I must tell you that for the first time I’m very positive about this government. In three years, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been able to show Nigerians that there actually could be development.

Refurbishing of airports

Our airports are being refurbished. See our road from Lagos to Ore which has been there for fifteen years — he has done it. Now it’s three hours from Lagos to Benin. Also the Lagos-Ibadan road has also been there for years and Dr Jonathan is doing it.

I am positive about this government and it is my responsibility to use music as a platform to promote what he has done. NITDA is implementing the Transformation Agenda by adding values to the lives of our children, making sure there are a resource centres everywhere in the community and it is a beautiful thing. I’m really happy with the experience.

So, Nigeria is no more “jaga-jaga?”

No, no no! Twelve years ago Nigeria was jaga-jaga, but now Nigeria is no more jaga jaga, even though we know that the insecurity happening in Nigeria is propaganda against government, but Dr. Jonathan is doing his best and is trying.

This GITEX show is about technology. How do you think technology can improve your calling as an artiste?

Most of our recordings are now digital, no more analog, and you can see digital has gone into science. Everyone is improving every day, new softwares are coming up everyday, unlike when I produced my first album. Digital science has gone so deep that if we apply it, our music will go to the next level.

What’s your take on the kind of music making waves now?

For me, music is a call from God; He asked me to speak to the people, I speak for the voiceless. I don’t know about the other guys, but for me the music they play today is always talking about boobs, booty and all that. For me I think music should be educative, it should be a platform where you can educate people. Some wouldn’t know what education is all about but when they listen to music they learn. If you listen to my music 12years ago, I talked about the ills in the society.

I also remembered then when I came back from Egypt when I represented Nigeria at the Olympic Torch with Prof Pat Utomi, late Dora Akunyili, Chief Olusegun Odegbami and others, I came back and sang about the ills in the society. “Mr Lecturer” was one of them, Jaga-jaga was another. Those are the kinds of songs that I do and for me I think that is the best way to educate the people. There are lots of things to talk about; there is rape, there is insecurity and lot of more things to talk about. So why would you waste time singing about boobs and booty? It’s crazy.

Annie Idibia Remembers Her Days As A Single Mom, Inspires Other Single Mothers

Annie Idibia took a trip down memory lane, precisely 2011 remembering how she ‘hustled’ to be a mother and father to her 1st daughter for 2face Idibia, Isabella Idibia. As fate would have it, 2face Idibia proposed to Annie in 2012 and the rest is history. Annie shared this 2011 photo of herself below and captioned it:

Don cautions FG over decision on Economic partnership Agreement -

A professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan and chairman, Centre for Trade and Development initiatives, CTDi, Ademola Oyejide, has called on the federal government to rethink its decision on the Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA, saying that it will have negative implications for the economy.

Oyejide, who spoke at the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Apapa branch of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, said that all the reasons being raised by the federal government for backing out of the agreement were contained in the pact right from 1996 when the agreement was originally signed.

He said that going ahead with the decision might cost Nigeria its membership of ECOWAS state, of which she is the main beneficiary “The Economic Partnership agreement which was negotiated between the European Union and its member state on one hand and ECOWAS and its member states, including Mauritius on the other hand, has been decisively approved by the authority of heads of states and government of the ECOWAS. In effect, it is a done deal,” he said.

“We do have a choice as a country, we can say we don’t like this, therefore we get out of ECOWAS. Now, this is something our fathers created; do we really want to be local chairman or do we want to be chairman of a branch that says we get out of ECOWA. I don’t think so. I know that the President of this country said it will not happen during his tenure.

“We do have that problem; so, that is the thing now. It not just something economical, it is also political. When we are able to be honest with ourselves, we will begin to ask the question, of what benefit is ECOWAS to Nigeria. Nigeria is the country that benefits most from ECOWAS.

“So, if we have decided that this is the end of ECOWAS, we are going to face the same issue several months from now, when we start negotiating the continental trade tariff because African Union has decided that our president was present when the agreement was signed and they agreed that all the countries in Africa should have common external tariff starting with ECOWAS CET and EPA,” he added.

He observed that despite the federal government’s argument of loss of revenue and the risk of flooding the country with goods from Europe with its attendant negative effect on local manufacturing, it would amount to over protection of ‘infant industries’ which have no metric of growth measurement.

“There are two issues to bear in mind. This liberalization will impose a cost on Nigeria’s manufacturing industries within the Nigerian market as well as possibly in the markets of other West African countries.

“At the same time, however, Nigeria’s manufacturing industries stand to gain from the full access to the EU markets for their exports. In addition, Nigeria’s manufacturing industries can benefit from the financial and technical support that the EU offers.”

Capello: Ronaldo not as skilful as Messi

The Italian coach says Barcelona player is capable of things that other players are not, revealing he tried to sign him on loan for Juventus in 2005

Russia boss Fabio Capello says Cristiano Ronaldo "does not possess the pure technical skill" of Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo is the current Ballon d'Or holder and widely expected to retain the individual honour on the back of a prolific year in which he fired Real Madrid to Champions League glory.

However, while Capello has the utmost respect for the Portugal international's explosive power, the Italian coach does not believe that the 29-year-old is as skilful as the Barcelona No.10.

"Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are two extraordinary players but they are different," the former Madrid boss is quoted as saying by AS.

"Cristiano is a powerful player, with very good technique, but he does not possess the pure technical skill of Messi. 

"Leo Messi is a very difficult player to play against."

Indeed, Capello revealed that he first came to realise just how much natural talent the Argentine was blessed with during former club Juventus' Gamper Trophy clash with Barca in 2005. 

Messi terrorised a Bianconeri defence led by Fabio Cannavaro, prompting Capello to take the unusual step of making an approach to sign the then teenager while the game was still going on.

"It's completely true that I asked [then Blaugrana boss Frank] Rijkaard if he would loan me Messi," the 68-year-old confirmed.

"When the play had stopped for a minute I went over to Rijkaard and said: 'You can't play him because you've got three foreigners already. Why don't you let me have him for a year?' 

"Rijkaard replied: 'We're going to clear up the situation in three or four months and for that reason I can't do it.' 

"That's why Messi's [Barca] debut was last in coming. I knew the value of my defender and when I saw Messi play I knew he was special. 

"I could see that he could do things that didn't occur to other players."

Messi is a four-time Ballon d'Or winner and currently poised to become the Spanish league's all-time top goalscorer.

Liverpool exit possible - Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is prepared to ply his trade elsewhere if he is not offered a new contract.

Gerrard is out of contract at the end of the season and he revealed talks over a new deal have yet to take place.

The 34-year-old midfielder has previously hinted he would be open to the idea of playing abroad following Frank Lampard's move to MLS expansion franchise New York City.

And a departure from his boyhood club - where he has made over 480 Premier League appearances - could become reality if Liverpool decide not to offer the veteran new terms.

"I can only worry about this season 'cause I'm only contracted until May," Gerrard told the Daily Mail.

"As it stands at the moment, I'm here until the end of the season and want to make the most of it. I certainly won't be retiring this summer. I will play beyond this season.

"We will have to wait and see if that's at Liverpool or somewhere else. That's Liverpool's decision. If they don't come then I will see what's out there."

Gerrard has been a mainstay for Liverpool this term, playing in every Premier League match ahead of Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.

Keshi ready to return to Nigeria post

 

Following the request by the president for the reinstatement of the coach, the Big Boss has said he won’t mind returning to the Super Eagles

Coach Stephen Keshi has said he is willing to return to take charge of the Super Eagles if asked by President Goodluck Jonathan.

During a reconciliatory meeting with the warring factions of the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday night, President Jonathan demanded the reinstatement of Keshi as coach.

Goal reported earlier that Keshi would return to the Nigeria job even though the NFF has not officially confirmed it.

The former Togo and Mali national team coach was sacked two weeks ago following his team's 3-1 win over Sudan for poor start to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers where the Eagles have only picked up four points out of a possible 12 leaving the team on the brink.

The Afcon 2013 winner said he had no pre-knowledge of his recall to his post nor his ordered return by the President.

"Well I am just hearing from you. But if the President of my country asked me to return, who am I to refuse," he told media at the Abuja National Stadium on Thursday.

Nigeria needs to win their two remaining qualifiers against Congo and South Africa next month to seal a spot at the finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations as defending champions.

Zubizarreta unconcerned by Barcelona´s squad age

Director of football Andoni Zubizarreta rubbished claims Barcelona's squad is too old and coach Luis Enrique was not their first choice.

Luis Enrique's starting line-up for last week's El Clasico included five players in their 30s and an average age of 28.7 but Zubizarreta was keen to underline Barcelona brought in 22-year-old goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen and 24-year-old full-back Douglas Pereira in the close-season.

With all but two of the seven players on Barcelona's bench last week 25 or younger, Zubizarreta argued it was simply a coincidence Luis Enrique selected many of his older players in the 3-1 loss to Real Madrid.

"It's a temporary issue because if we had played the likes of Ter Stegen, [Marc] Bartra, Sergi Roberto and Rafinha then the average age would have come down noticeably," he told El Pais.

"We have players in different age groups and we are not just leaving the team to grow old, although admittedly the players we signed in the summer were experienced ones, with the exceptions of Ter Stegen and Douglas.

"But we are building a team for a season, not just one match."

Luis Enrique had led Barcelona on a brilliant start to the season before the Clasico defeat, as they went eight games unbeaten, without conceding a goal.

The Catalan club remain top of La Liga with 22 points, ahead of second-placed Sevilla on goal difference, while Real Madrid (21) are third.

Luis Enrique was brought in before the season to replace Gerardo Martino and although the former has tweaked Barcelona's set-up, in particular relying on Lionel Messi as more of a playmaker than goal-scorer, Zubizarreta claimed the 44-year-old is doing what the club expected.

"Luis Enrique was always first choice. Football is evolving and perhaps we needed to make some modifications in certain aspects," Zubizarreta said.

"That is what we have done with Luis because we have raised the intensity and maintained the pressure higher up the pitch."

Swansea win appeal against Fernandez red card

Swansea defender Federico Fernandez had his ban for a red card against Liverpool rescinded on Thursday after a successful appeal by the Premier League club.

Fernandez was sent off by referee Keith Stroud for a tackle on Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho during stoppage-time in the midweek 2-1 League Cup defeat at Anfield.

The tackle was deemed as serious foul play and the Argentinian centre-back faced a three-match ban, starting with Saturday's Premier League trip to Everton.

However, Swansea appealed against the decision with a written statement and video evidence and a Football Association appeals panel has now overturned the red card.

A club statement said: "Swansea City can confirm that the Football Association has rescinded the red card shown to defender Federico Fernandez against Liverpool in midweek."

Swansea manager Garry Monk had expressed his disappointment at the decision to send off Fernandez, the fourth round tie standing at 1-1 with extra-time beckoning before Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren made the most of the visitors being reduced to 10 men with a 95th-minute winner.

"It clearly wasn't a sending off," said Monk, who will meet Mike Riley, the general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, on Friday to discuss decisions which he says have consistently gone against his side this season.

Mimiko: Ondo PDP faction insists on own congress

THE sacked state Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State yesterday insisted that it will conduct tomorrow’s state congress of the party across the 203 wards in the state.

This is coming as the sealed Party secretariat has been reopened but policemen are still within the premises.

With this threat, it means two parallel congresses would be held by both the old and new PDP factions thereby deepening the furore trailing the defection of governor Olusegun Mimiko to the party.

Already two PDP secretariats exist in Akure, the state capital.

The National Working Committee of the party had this week dissolved the state exco and replaced it with a Caretaker Committee, led Dare Adeleke.

Addressing newsmen in Akure, the sacked Chairman of the party Hon Ebenezer Alabi also described the reconciliation meeting held by the governor and notable leaders in the Old PDP who came from the 18 council areas of the state as factional meeting.

Alabi said himself, the governorship candidate of the party in the last election Chief Olusola Oke and Jimoh Ibrahim, Tokunbo Kayode SAN were not invited to the meeting.

He therefore declared that the agreement reached at the meeting were factional and not binding on the party.

Speaking on the saturday congress, Alabi said that “ the coming of Dr Mimiko and his supporters to our party renders them ineligible to partake in our congree in any manner.

“At best they are mere observers with license to applaud the proceedings.

“ We note and regret the series of challenges they continue to pose to us at this period but we assure them that we will get justice and victory in this struggle.

Speaking on the dissolution of the state EXCO, Alabi said it was of no effect.

Enyimba take back seat for Aba traders

Two-time CAF Champions League champions, Enyimba recently took the backseat in Aba as their Nigerian Premier League match was suspended for the final Aba Traders Cup to hold at the Enyimba International Stadium.

For soccer lovers, the exploits of Nigeria’s most successful should make them the centre of attraction when it comes to soccer but for perceptive followers, any attempt to stage a match featuring Enyimba on a day that the Traders Cup was holding was going to have negative repercussions financially.

CHAMPIONS… Jubilant Enyimba FC of Aba players celebrate with their trophy after beating Warri Wolves at the Federation Cup final yesterday. in Lagos .

The competition, sponsored by MTN Nigeria, was an embodiment of what the Igbo are internationally noted for; trading and soccer. The history of the event is a pointer to the fact that, the Igbo are passionate about trading and soccer. Since trading takes a large chunk of their time, on weekdays, traders in major towns in the South-East, were said to have set aside Saturday and Sunday evenings for the game of soccer, a tradition that has over the years, metamorphosed into what is today known as Traders Cup in Aba, Onitsha, Nnewi and other major towns in the region.

The MTN sponsored Aba Traders Cup competition will mean many things to many people. To some of the Aba soccer fans, it could be just another exciting football competition to savour, to some of the ‘trader- footballers’,   it could be just another opportunity to unwind and keep fit, while to a concerned corporate organisation like MTN, it could be seen as another avenue to meet the people at their passion point. From whatever perspective one views it, the Aba Traders Cup has proved to be a wonderful synergy of trading, soccer and ICT (Information and Communications Technology).

The Igbos, apart from being naturally industrious, are also noted for their strong passion for trading, a profession in which they have acquired world-wide reputation. Apart from trading, they have also carved a niche for themselves in the famous game of soccer. Going down memory lane , one remembers the good old Rangers International of Enugu, Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, Jasper United of Onitsha, Udoji United of Awka and lately, Enyimba of Aba which at various times, ran the show in African football. Till date, teams from this region are still dictating the pace in the Nigerian Professional Football League, while the Igbo have also contributed a very good number of players, male and female, to our various national teams.

The competition may have come and gone, memories of the competition and its high points will linger on in the mind of those who were part of it.

The company ensured that the top four teams went home with cash prizes and trophies. Osisioma Canopy Pillars, which emerged champions got of N400,000, while first runner-up Iheoji Model Market Traders Association got N200,000. Engine Zone Osisioma Modern Market got N100,000 for finishing third while God’s Chosen Line, Ariaria got N50,000 for coming fourth.

NFF to escape Fifa hammer on Friday

The decision of factional head Chris Giwa to withdraw the civil suit after the Federal Government waded in might have prevented another sanction from the governing body

The timely intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan has saved the nation’s football from imminent ban as the Chris Giwa faction of the Nigeria Football Federation has withdrawn the civil suit filed against the Amaju Pinnick-led group.

The President held a meeting with both factions on Wednesday which made Giwa agree to withdraw the case at the Federal High Court in Jos on Thursday.

Giwa had challenged the validity of the elections held on September 30 in Warri which ushered in the Pinnick-led NFF board.

The case filed by Obinna Ogba and Yahaya Adama, both of the Giwa faction which challenged the NFF elections is now withdrawn and presiding Justice Ambrose Allagoa subsequently struck out the suit on Thursday morning.

With the latest development, Nigeria looks set to escape a ban from Fifa who had given the country till midday on Friday, October 31 to furnish it with proof that all cases in civil courts against the NFF be withdrawn.

Lagos 2015: Why Ambode cannot be imposed on Lagos – Ikuforiji, House Speaker

IF election is conducted tomorrow, what are your
chances?

Concerning my chances, there is no doubt that I will win on a landslide if primary election is conducted today in the APC. I am very sure that most of our party men are very interested in seeing Lagos governed by a man who understands party politics and who is passionate about the development of Lagos and its people. They know that as at today, there is nobody that can compete favourably against Ikuforiji as far as that is concerned.

Shackles and chains of poverty

Adeyemi Ikuforiji

Honestly, I am a lucky man. From my very humble background, I have been able to break shackles and chains of poverty. I have liberated myself and I know the journey has been relatively tough, but with God, everything has been made possible.

What are the things that are wrong that you would want to rectify as governor?

I want to assure you that within 18 months after I am elected and I assume office on May 29, 2015, you will ask yourself again, what was amiss before now. There are many things we have left undone. I am a product of public schooling, but how many of us are really happy to send our children to public primary school today? I want everyone here to be jostling to get their wards to Lagos State public schools even within the next three years and it can be done.

What’s your reaction to speculations that one of the governorship aspirants, Akinwumi Ambode has been endorsed by the leaders of the party?

Ambode was just a civil servant here yesterday. When did he join the party? When? Who will impose Ambode? You can’t impose Ambode. There are many reasons Ambode cannot be imposed and when we get to the river, we know how to cross it.

On the issue of imposition or no imposition, let me be very clear about it. A lot of rumours are going the rounds, and each and every candidate has been tagged with the support of one leader or the other except Ikuforiji. But a year and a half ago, someone told me one of the aspirants already had the nod of the leaders; they said he was the one Asiwaju Bola Tinubu wanted to use.

Support of one leader

I pushed them aside because I knew it was a rumour and it was not possible. After about 10 weeks or so, that particular name disappeared from the scene. Another one came up and after about two months again, that one also disappeared, yet another came up.

I can assure you that some of the names that came up of recent cannot even go to Bourdillion to face Asiwaju and say they want to run. Yet, they tell people that Asiwaju has asked them to get prepared for the job. Do you tell people to get prepared with the words of mouth? You don’t get prepared for the job of governor of Lagos in just a few days. We should just leave some of these stories for what they are. To me, they don’t exist.

What is your relationship with Asiwaju Tinubu and the incumbent governor and are they supportive of your ambition?

I am sure everybody knows that I have very close relationship with the two of them. In fact, Governor Fashola while in Dubai called me and after he landed today he called me again. It is this meeting with you that stopped me from meeting with the governor.

Are they aware of your ambition?

They are very much in the know.

In the event, you miss the ticket what would you do?

Well, I am a politician and I am not that politician that sees a particular office as a do-or-die.

How have you been able to escape the banana peel as the longest serving speaker in Nigeria?

It’s very simple. Number one thing, you need the grace of God. You also really need to be selfless. You need to know your onions better than anybody else. Look, you must put others before yourself. You know the Lord says love your neighbours as thyself, but in this game, you must love your neighbour more than thyself. If you have N100,000, it must go round the 40 lawmakers.

What do you have to say on zoning?

Asiwaju came from this zone, from this my constituency, Ikeja and Fashola is from Surulere, that is west and central senatorial districts respectively.

Lagos East has been producing speaker since 1999. I started the fight for zoning. In fact, it was in Ikorodu at one of the meetings that I said look, that we have held the legs and everything of the lion for our party to enjoy because when you keep the House, I mean the Legislature in order, then government can run smoothly.

Smooth running of government

The East has done that since 1999, it is time for them to allow the East to be the one with the spoon to dish the food to others.

And of course, I told Asiwaju also when we were discussing about some of these things. So, don’t make a mistake when people started saying it is Epe’s turn. They were not talking of East again, they are mentioning specifically Epe. Do you know why they were saying it is Epe’s turn? It’s because they know you have a loyal and capable son in Epe.

It is not all these new-found sons, but the one they knew, that is the speaker of the House. That is why people are saying it is Epe’s turn.

It is not just anybody now or people who have no shame. They have even said it that after this one no more zoning, but of course this one has been zoned.

Shell loses N23bn over insecurity in Nigeria, others

Royal Dutch Shell said yesterday that it lost $146 million, about N23.36 billion from insecurity in Nigeria, and from the impact of its divestment across the globe, among others, in the third quarter of 2014.

The company, in its third quarter 2014 financial statement released to the investing community, also stated that it is expecting $15 billion, about N2.4 trillion from its assets in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Shell recorded oil and gas production of 2.79 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the third quarter of 2014, representing a 4.81 per cent decline from 2.93 million barrels per day recorded in third of 2013 and a decline of 9.33 per cent from 3.077 million barrels per day recorded in the second quarter of 2014.

According to the financial statement, Shell’s liquids production decreased by four per cent, while natural gas production decreased by six per cent, compared with the third quarter 2013. “Excluding the impact of divestments, Abu Dhabi license expiry, PSC price effects, and security impacts in Nigeria, third quarter 2014 production was two per cent higher than for the same period last year.

“Underlying production was driven by increased high-margin liquids production in the Americas, including the impact of substantially lower downtime, partly offset by higher downtime elsewhere,” the company said.

The company said it recorded first production from the Bonga North West deep-water development, saying oil from the Bonga North West subsea facilities is transported by a new undersea pipeline to the existing Bonga floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) export facility.

The company said the Bonga FPSO has been upgraded to handle the additional oil flow from Bonga North West which, at peak production, is expected to contribute 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

“Shell announced the final investment decision on the Bonga Main phase three project offshore Nigeria. The development is expected to contribute some 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day production through the existing Bonga FPSO export facility,” the company said.

Shell’s third quarter 2014 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis were $5.3 billion compared with $4.2 billion for the same quarter in 2013, while third quarter 2014 CCS earnings excluding identified items were $5.8 billion, compared with $4.5 billion for the third quarter 2013, representing an increase of 31 per cent.

Compared with the third quarter 2013, the company said CCS earnings excluding identified items benefitted from improved downstream and upstream results.

It said, “In Downstream, earnings benefited from increased contributions from refining including improved operating performance, and trading.

“In Upstream, earnings increased due to the impact of new, higher-margin production, lower exploration expenses, and higher earnings from Integrated Gas, despite the effect of lower oil prices and volumes overall.

“The increase of a deferred tax liability as a result of the weakening Australian dollar reduced earnings by some $400 million compared with the third quarter 2013.”

Mr. Ben van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Dutch Shell, said, “Shell is proud to deliver high-quality fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals, for transportation, power generation and manufacturing industries. With over 90,000 employees in more than 70 countries around the world, Shell is dedicated to delivering low-cost, safe and reliable energy for our customers.

“The recent decline in oil prices is part of the volatility in our industry. It underlines the importance of our drive to get a tighter grip on performance management, keep a tight hold on costs and spending, and improve the balance between growth and returns.”

2015 Presidency: Kwankwaso picks nomination form

Forty-eight hours after he publicly declared his intention to contest for Presidency on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2015, Kano State governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Presidential Nomination forms for N27.5 million.

He will be the third on the list of presidential aspirants on the party’s platform to take delivery of the forms.

Kwankwaso

The first to do so was former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, while the second was former Head of State, General Mohammadu  Buhari (retd).

Speaking in a brief ceremony to mark the outing at APC’s national secretariat in Abuja yesterday, Kwankwaso said the forms were paid for by some of his supporters, compri-sing members of the National Assembly, Kano State Assembly and elders across the country.

He allayed fears of any impending crisis over the number of presidential aspirants in the party, saying their entry was to add value to the race.

Kwankwaso, who defected to the APC from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, last year, assured the party that many more politicians from other political parties would soon join APC.

He also declared his commitment towards ensuring APC’s victory at the polls.

He said: “I want to thank those who contributed in one way or the other in purchasing this form. Mr. Chairman, while I am thanking the National Working Committee, NWC, I want to also thank those who contributed money to purchase this form: members of National Assembly, state assembly, elders not only from Kano, but across the country.

“Mr. Chairman, I have the capacity to buy this form. But unfortunately or fortunately, they did not tell me. They just went ahead. Not only did they purchase the forms, they told me they have a lot of money for us to start the campaign.

“So, I want to thank all those who initiated this. That is what I can call a pleasant surprise.”

17 years after, Fela is still regarded as people’s champion

The enviable place of Fela Anikulakpo Kuti as one of world’s notable music legends was re-asserted last Sunday, when Jamaican legendary reggae star, Don Carlos, leading local and foreign artistes, closed this year’s edition of the annual musical concert tagged “Felabration”, writes BENJAMIN NJOKU

Fela died seventeen (1997) years ago. But every year, thousands of fun seekers across the world throng the New Africa Shrine, in Ikeja, Lagos, to keep his legacies alive. This year was no exception. Celebrated under the theme, “Who No Know Go Know” this year’s Felabration re-echoed the strong belief that Fela never dies but lives on.

The week-long festival climaxed last Sunday, but not without funfare. At the New Afrika Shrine venue of the final night of the festival, it was a celebration of the life and times of Fela. Leading other notable local and international artistes to celebrate the man whose impact on the world music scene lives on, was legendary Don Carlos. Don was performing for the first time in Nigeria.

However, enticing with its décor, ambiance and the historical reflection of the legacies of Fela, the shrine came alive from 9 pm when the Gangbe Brass Band from Benin Republic opened the concert.

The eight-man band, which mixes traditional Benin idioms and invigorates them with jazz harmonies, performed a number of Afrobeat songs, with Femi Kuti, son of Fela, joining them on stage for a short duet.

After their captivating performance, notable Nigerian artistes including Styl Plus, Olaitan Adeniji and his Heavywindz Band, Eda O tan Band, Orezi, Isla Kauche (Olumide Bamigboye), Weird MC, Oritsefemi, Harrysong, and Kcee (who stunned the audience as he gave out $1,500 cash prize to two fun seekers that excelled during a dance competition) took turns to thrill the audience.

But the crowd erupted into uncontrollable excitement at exactly 12.45 am when Don Carlos came on stage. His stage presence and energetic performance, even at 62, got him a resounding ovation from thousands of fun seekers who waited patiently to behold their the legendary reggae star perform on stage.

Carlos who had his greatest success singing with Black Uhuru, the reggae trio he formed in 1974, with two friends- Rudolph Dennis and Derrick “Duckie” Simpson- from the “Waterhouse” district in Kingston, was excited to be in Nigeria and a part of the celebration of Afrobeat legend.

“It is an honour to be in Lagos Nigeria to celebrate Fela, a true African champion and Afrobeat King. Fela was a prophet and a legend of our time. He was like Bob Marley,” he remarked.

Among Fela’s songs, Carlos picked Water No get Enemy, as his favourite, adding “The song conveys a powerful message.”

The legendary reggae star performed alongside fellow reggae star from Dominica, Raymond ‘Aima’ Moses. The energetic reggae star opened the gig for legendary artiste,who later launched into his repertoire. Backed by Femi Kuti’s Positive Force Band, Carlos reeled out some of his evergreen songs, leaving fun seekers with memories of time past.

The legendary reggae star kept the audience on their feet dancing to his root rock reggae music for 45 minutes. Rendering songs such as Spread Out, Harvest Time and Day to Day Living, Carlos made a triumphant appearance at this year’s festival. Root reggae with passion and strength was his gift to the audience.

He was exciting and inspirational, while Femi’s band kept a steady ‘riddim.’ Interestingly, Femi Kuti closed the night with an electrifying Afrobeat session.

Over 100 established and emerging stars performed at the week-long music festival organized to celebrate the life and times of the late Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. It was a week of fun at the New Afrika Shrine and the Freedom Park, another venue of the event in Lagos. Those who graced the event still believed that Fela was the true man of the people who stood for justice and was critical of the ruling class.

Apart from 1999, Felabration, which idea was conceived by eldest child of Fela, Yeni in 1998, has become a yearly ritual. Currently, the festival has grown into a mega week-long musical event which attracts thousands of visitors annually to the New Africa Shrine from all over the world. Over the years, the festival attracted many heavyweight musicians from all over the world.

The roll call include Hugh Masakela, Femi Kuti, Lucky Dube, Awilo, Baba Maal, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, Asa, TuFace, Seun Kuti and many others. In 2008, over 50 international artistes came together from the United States, Great Britain, France and Senegal to perform at Felabration under the banner, African Express. This year’s festival featured exciting line ups of artistes who truly whetted the appetite of music lovers.

Why we brought Don Carlos to Nigeria’

Representative of Exodus and Promotions, the agent that facilitated Don Carlos’ recent visit to Nigeria, Raheem, narrates how they were able to bring the legendary reggae star to grace this year’s festival.

“We have been in Lagos for the past five years promoting reggae music on radio. We have a show on top Rhythm F.M 99.9 and on High Groove radio .com. I have also spent a reasonable period of time in the Shrine. During that time, Don Carlos is a name that a lot of people in the Shrine kept talking about. So, when the plans were laid out and the theme for this year’s Felabration: “Legend: Who No Know Go Know” announced, I couldn’t think of any other person than Don Carlos. I sold the idea of bringing Don Carlos to the planning committee and they embraced it.

Don is one reggae legend who supports up and coming artistes. Reggae star, Raymond ‘Aima’ Moses is today supported by Don Carlos. He opens shows for Don in the United States. We were able to negotiate with them, and it was comfortable to bring the reggae artistes to Nigeria to grace the Felabration stage. Right now, we need to start having live music shows in Nigeria; reggae music as well as Afrobeat music respectively.