EXPERTS WARNS NIGERIANS - “DONT EAT SUYA WITHOUT VEGETABLE”

Suya: A professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition has sounded a note of warning to Nigerians over the consumption of barbecued beef popularly called Suya. Consumers of barbecued beef popularly called “Suya” have been advised to always ensure that generous portions of onions, cabbage, tomatoes and other vegetables were eaten along with it. Suya is generally made with skewered beef, ram, or chicken. Innards such as kidney, liver and tripe are also used.

The thinly sliced meat is marinated in various spices which include peanut cake, salt, vegetable oil and other flavourings, and then barbecued. Ngozi Nnam, Professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja. Ms. Nnam said that there was a link between its consumption and increased risk of cancer, noting that consumption of suya garnished with onions and other vegetables has a strong cancer-lowering effect. “Eating Suya can actually cause cancer. This comes from the reaction of meat and the smoke during Suya preparation which results in a toxic compound that can cause cancer. “Smoking of the meat is what causes cancer. Some metabolites from food can cause cancer. What is important is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to increase antioxidants in the body to neutralise or react with the toxic metabolite from food to prevent cancer. The nutritionist, however, urged Nigerians to consume more of fish than beef. She said that the major benefit of eating beef was that it provided needed protein for the individual. “It is however healthier to eat fish than meat because some fish e.g. srumbia fish contain omega 6 fatty acid which is good for the body. “Omega 6 fatty acid is also very good for infants because it is required for proper brain development.’’ In addition, she warned against the consumption of smoked fish, saying “again the problem with smoked fish is the toxic substance produced by the smoke. “If we can grill it, it will be better than smoking it,’’ she advised. Ms. Nnam, also the President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, said that the National Policy on Food and Nutrition has been implemented across the country. “The National Policy on Food and Nutrition was launched during the Nutrition Week in September 2016 by the Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari. “After the launch, the policy has been domesticated and being implemented in different states of the federation. The Ministry of Budget and National Planning is overseeing this activity with state nutrition officers,’’ she said. The policy seeks to improve the nutritional status of all Nigerians, with particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups including children, women, and the elderly.

MEET THE 14TH HOUSEMATE OF #BBNAIJA – BASSEY ( SEE PHOTO)

Bassey comes from a large family but sadly lost his mom seven years ago, something he says was a huge low point in his life. He learnt to fend for himself from a young age and later studied Theatre at The University of Calabar with Acting as his major. He’s single and believes professions of love that aren’t backed up by deeds are pointless. He loves interacting with other gifted people.

By BigBrotherAfricaTalk

BIG BROTHER INTRODUCES THE 13TH HOUSEMATE IN #BBNAIJA – SHE’S A HOTTIE (PHOTO)

Debbie Rise is a self-professed tomboy. It’s clear that she’s always been daddy’s little girl. Growing up she’d help him out often and loved playing sports and staying active. He’s an electrical engineer and she studied Computer Science. Many will remember her as the melanin goddess that came in second on Nigerian Idol. She speaks both Yoruba and Hausa and is still as active as she was when she was young.
From football, to dancing, to Taekwondo she’s a bonafide fitness freak with big dreams to take Nollywood by storm and isn’t afraid of being a little spicy and spontaneous.

Courtesy : BigBrotherAfricaTalk

Man Commits Suicide After DNA Confirms All "His" 4 Kids Belong To Other Men

Well-known Twitter user and politician, TheGodfather, shared a touching story of how his former colleague committed suicide after finding out that all "his" four children weren't his.
When there's no sincerity in marriage, it leads to messy situations. Read the sad story below:

Donald Trump set to ban 2-years visa for Nigerians

Well! Only if the federal government takes a proactive visa policy review, Nigerians will no longer be issued with American entry visas which have two-year validity following the Executive Order signed on Friday by President Donald Trump, TheCable can report.

Also, Nigerians who hold dual nationality will be affected if their other passport is from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen — the seven Muslim-majority countries “of concern”.
A lot of attention has been on the temporary visa ban on citizens of the seven Muslim-majority countries, but the impact on Nigerians is far more than previously thought.
An analysis of the Executive Order by TheCable editors shows that at least two sections will affect Nigerians directly.
Nigeria currently only issues one-year multiple-entry visa to Americans, which is a non-reciprocation of the two-year visa the country issues to Nigerians.

Section 9 of the Executive Order states: “The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable…”

By this provision, except the federal government quickly moves to extend the validity of Nigerian visa to Americans, Nigerians too will be issued with one-year visas.
Given that the Trump order takes immediate effect, Nigerians holding valid two-year US visa are most likely going to be affected.
Nigeria is also not reciprocating the fees charged by the American government — despite shorter visa validity.
While the US charges Nigerians $160 for a typical visit visa, Nigeria charges $180, in addition to a $35 “processing fee”.

The section on dual nationality involving seven Muslim-majority countries is not expected to affect a significant number of Nigerians because a second citizenship of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen is not common.
Many Nigerians, including government officials, hold dual nationality with either the US or Europe.

However, Nigerians who have been to Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen in recent times may be subjected to extra immigration control with possible deportation.



(For those interested) ..... Read THE EXECUTIVE ORDER IN FULL

PROTECTING THE NATION FROM FOREIGN TERRORIST ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The visa-issuance process plays a crucial role in detecting individuals with terrorist ties and stopping them from entering the United States. Perhaps in no instance was that more apparent than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when State Department policy prevented consular officers from properly scrutinizing the visa applications of several of the 19 foreign nationals who went on to murder nearly 3,000 Americans. And while the visa-issuance process was reviewed and amended after the September 11 attacks to better detect would-be terrorists from receiving visas, these measures did not stop attacks by foreign nationals who were admitted to the United States.

Numerous foreign-born individuals have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes since September 11, 2001, including foreign nationals who entered the United States after receiving visitor, student, or employment visas, or who entered through the United States refugee resettlement program. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism.

In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including “honor” killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes.

Sec. 3. Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall immediately conduct a review to determine the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit under the INA (adjudications) in order to determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the President a report on the results of the review described in subsection (a) of this section, including the Secretary of Homeland Security’s determination of the information needed for adjudications and a list of countries that do not provide adequate information, within 30 days of the date of this order. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence.

(c) To temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies during the review period described in subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the proper review and maximum utilization of available resources for the screening of foreign nationals, and to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration by foreign terrorists or criminals, pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas).

(d) Immediately upon receipt of the report described in subsection (b) of this section regarding the information needed for adjudications, the Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals within 60 days of notification.

(e) After the 60-day period described in subsection (d) of this section expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President a list of countries recommended for inclusion on a Presidential proclamation that would prohibit the entry of foreign nationals (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas) from countries that do not provide the information requested pursuant to subsection (d) of this section until compliance occurs.

(f) At any point after submitting the list described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may submit to the President the names of any additional countries recommended for similar treatment.

(g) Notwithstanding a suspension pursuant to subsection (c) of this section or pursuant to a Presidential proclamation described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may, on a case-by-case basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or other immigration benefits to nationals of countries for which visas and benefits are otherwise blocked.

(h) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall submit to the President a joint report on the progress in implementing this order within 30 days of the date of this order, a second report within 60 days of the date of this order, a third report within 90 days of the date of this order, and a fourth report within 120 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 4. Implementing Uniform Screening Standards for All Immigration Programs. (a) The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall implement a program, as part of the adjudication process for immigration benefits, to identify individuals seeking to enter the United States on a fraudulent basis with the intent to cause harm, or who are at risk of causing harm subsequent to their admission. This program will include the development of a uniform screening standard and procedure, such as in-person interviews; a database of identity documents proffered by applicants to ensure that duplicate documents are not used by multiple applicants; amended application forms that include questions aimed at identifying fraudulent answers and malicious intent; a mechanism to ensure that the applicant is who the applicant claims to be; a process to evaluate the applicant’s likelihood of becoming a positively contributing member of society and the applicant’s ability to make contributions to the national interest; and a mechanism to assess whether or not the applicant has the intent to commit criminal or terrorist acts after entering the United States.
(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of this directive within 60 days of the date of this order, a second report within 100 days of the date of this order, and a third report within 200 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 5. Realignment of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for Fiscal Year 2017. (a) The Secretary of State shall suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days. During the 120-day period, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Homeland Security and in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall review the USRAP application and adjudication process to determine what additional procedures should be taken to ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States, and shall implement such additional procedures. Refugee applicants who are already in the USRAP process may be admitted upon the initiation and completion of these revised procedures. Upon the date that is 120 days after the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall resume USRAP admissions only for nationals of countries for which the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence have jointly determined that such additional procedures are adequate to ensure the security and welfare of the United States.

(b) Upon the resumption of USRAP admissions, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is further directed to make changes, to the extent permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual’s country of nationality. Where necessary and appropriate, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall recommend legislation to the President that would assist with such prioritization.

(c) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.

(d) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in fiscal year 2017 would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I determine that additional admissions would be in the national interest.

(e) Notwithstanding the temporary suspension imposed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest — including when the person is a religious minority in his country of nationality facing religious persecution, when admitting the person would enable the United States to conform its conduct to a preexisting international agreement, or when the person is already in transit and denying admission would cause undue hardship — and it would not pose a risk to the security or welfare of the United States.

(f) The Secretary of State shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of the directive in subsection (b) of this section regarding prioritization of claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution within 100 days of the date of this order and shall submit a second report within 200 days of the date of this order.

(g) It is the policy of the executive branch that, to the extent permitted by law and as practicable, State and local jurisdictions be granted a role in the process of determining the placement or settlement in their jurisdictions of aliens eligible to be admitted to the United States as refugees. To that end, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall examine existing law to determine the extent to which, consistent with applicable law, State and local jurisdictions may have greater involvement in the process of determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions, and shall devise a proposal to lawfully promote such involvement.

Sec. 6. Rescission of Exercise of Authority Relating to the Terrorism Grounds of Inadmissibility. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, consider rescinding the exercises of authority in section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, relating to the terrorism grounds of inadmissibility, as well as any related implementing memoranda.

Sec. 7. Expedited Completion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Tracking System. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall expedite the completion and implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system for all travelers to the United States, as recommended by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President periodic reports on the progress of the directive contained in subsection (a) of this section. The initial report shall be submitted within 100 days of the date of this order, a second report shall be submitted within 200 days of the date of this order, and a third report shall be submitted within 365 days of the date of this order. Further, the Secretary shall submit a report every 180 days thereafter until the system is fully deployed and operational.

Sec. 8. Visa Interview Security. (a) The Secretary of State shall immediately suspend the Visa Interview Waiver Program and ensure compliance with section 222 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1222, which requires that all individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa undergo an in-person interview, subject to specific statutory exceptions.

(b) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of State shall immediately expand the Consular Fellows Program, including by substantially increasing the number of Fellows, lengthening or making permanent the period of service, and making language training at the Foreign Service Institute available to Fellows for assignment to posts outside of their area of core linguistic ability, to ensure that non-immigrant visa-interview wait times are not unduly affected.

Sec. 9. Visa Validity Reciprocity. The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable.

Sec. 10. Transparency and Data Collection. (a) To be more transparent with the American people, and to more effectively implement policies and practices that serve the national interest, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall, consistent with applicable law and national security, collect and make publicly available within 180 days, and every 180 days thereafter:

(i) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; convicted of terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; or removed from the United States based on terrorism-related activity, affiliation, or material support to a terrorism-related organization, or any other national security reasons since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later;

(ii) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been radicalized after entry into the United States and engaged in terrorism-related acts, or who have provided material support to terrorism-related organizations in countries that pose a threat to the United States, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iii) information regarding the number and types of acts of gender-based violence against women, including honor killings, in the United States by foreign nationals, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iv) any other information relevant to public safety and security as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, including information on the immigration status of foreign nationals charged with major offenses.

(b) The Secretary of State shall, within one year of the date of this order, provide a report on the estimated long-term costs of the USRAP at the Federal, State, and local levels.

Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE, January 27, 2017

WTF! Fast-food worker puts menstrual blood and saliva on customer’s burger

A woman working at a fast-food restaurant in Columbus, Mississippi was arrested after a coworker accused her of serving contaminated food.
According to police, Sky Juliett Samuel put her menstrual blood and saliva on a customer’s burger.
She was working at a Jack’s Family Restaurant on Jan. 7 when a co-worker said she saw the 18-year-old smear the blood and saliva on a sandwich and serve it to a customer.
The incident received attention after Samuel’s co-worker’s mother posted about it on Facebook and the victim of the alleged incident filed a complaint with the police department.

Samuel could face up to five years in prison if she’s convicted of “knowingly sell(ing) unwholesome
bread or drink”. She turned herself into police on Monday.
The witness claims she was fired for sharing information about the incident with her employers a few days later. The CEO of Jack’s reportedly said she was terminated for reasons unrelated to it.
Surveillance cameras were turned over to investigators. The fast-food chain said in a statement that they are cooperating with police and investigating internally.

Great benefits of sleeping on your left side

Below are the great benefits of sleeping on your left side...

Guess what! Phone Battery with inbuilt 'fire extinguisher' developed

Researchers have designed a lithium-ion battery that contains a fire-extinguishing material, which is released if the battery gets too hot.
Flame retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPP) sits inside a shell within the electrolyte fluid. The shell melts when the temperature reaches 150C (302F), releasing the chemical compound.
In tests, battery fires were extinguished in 0.4 seconds.
Lithium-ion batteries power many devices but are a known fire hazard.
The Stanford University research team's peer-reviewed paper has been published by the journal Science Advances.
Previous attempts to incorporate TPP inside batteries without the shell have hampered their performance.
If a lithium-ion battery cell charges too quickly or a tiny manufacturing error slips through the net it can result in a short circuit - which can lead to fire.
In February 2016, the US National Transportation Safety Board issued a warning about lithium batteries in aeroplane cargo, describing them as "a fire and explosion ignition source".
While Samsung has not yet released the results of its investigation into what caused some of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones to catch fire last year,
local reports have suggested it has found that the batteries were responsible .
However, the firm would not confirm that this was their conclusion.
"We understand the need for answers and appreciate your continued patience as well as that of our valued customers, partners and stakeholders," it said in a statement.
"We are working diligently to ensure that we have a comprehensive update and will provide more information in the coming weeks once we have the final report."
Better batteries
Battery technology has been slower to evolve than the many battery-powered devices that rely on it, said Ian Fogg, senior analyst at IHS,
"There is enormous pressure to improve battery tech. It's one of the areas that's holding back mobile devices and a range of other products," he told the BBC.
"Manufacturers have been balancing out consumer demand for longer-lived batteries, and more powerful devices with better graphics and larger more detailed displays, with the sophistication of battery tech.
"It's very difficult to push up the capacity of batteries and there is always a risk that a battery in any device could fail.

SEC warns against investment in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, Swisscoin, others

THE Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has warned Nigerians against the risk involved in investing in digital currencies such as Swisscoin, OneCoin and Bitcoin, as vehicles of investment.

In a public notice on its website, SEC said that none of the individuals or companies promoting the use of the currencies is recognized by it or any other regulatory agency in the country. Such digital currencies, otherwise known as Cryptocurrency, is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange using cryptography to secure the transactions and to control the creation of additional units of the currency. Bitcoin became the first decentralized cryptocurrency in 2009.

The Commission, therefore, said such investments been promoted by the companies could be risky with possibility of loss of money by investors, while others could be outright fraudulent pyramid schemes.

“Given that these instruments and the persons, companies or entities that promote the digital currencies have neither been authorized, nor any guidelines/regulations developed for them by any of the regulatory authorities in Nigeria, there is no protection available to users or investors in these virtual currencies from financial losses if the virtual currencies fail or the companies promoting them go out of business.
“The public and consumers of financial services are further advised that before making any investment or entering into any financial services transaction they should ascertain that the entity with whom the investment or transaction is being made is authorized by the Commission or other financial services regulatory authority as applicable to provide such services.,” it said.


It would be recalled that the Nigeria Insurance Deposit Commission, NDIC, in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had recently set up a committee to study the trending “digital currency, ‘bitcoin. According to Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, Managing Director, NDIC, the Commission would look at the advantages and disadvantages of the currency and what it means for the payment system in Nigeria as well as safety and security of customers
“We will also look at what it means for money laundering, anti corruption, crime and measurement of money /near money instrument for the economy. But we need a lot of education to do this and I am calling on you (media) to educate yourselves about all of this so you can educate the public,” he said. He said that a lot of Nigerians have already started patronising bitcoin, stressing that ‘it had started to creep in and nobody could stop it.
He said that in Europe and the United States, it has gained ground and some of the leading banks in Europe have also adopted their own versions of bitcoins. “Some of the central banks have also adopted it and are seriously doing everything possible to bring in the emergence of these invisible products,” he added. 

I'll say don't over invest. If you must do this,  trade with care and caution.

Wow! Check out President Obama’s Daughter, Sasha's bikini Photos!

 15 year old Sasha Obama was spotted in a Miami beach looking incredibly hot in bikini.
More pics below:

Fuel subsidy returns as landing cost hits N145

The Federal Government has resorted to subsidy regime following an increase in the landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol.

This is coming about eight months after the Muhammadu Buhari-led regime stopped the fuel subsidy, which was costing the government millions of naira being paid monthly to oil marketers importing the product then.
Investigation shows that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, now responsible for about 90 per cent of the importation of the product, is currently bearing the latest subsidy cost on behalf of the government.

The Federal Government had on May 11, 2016 announced a new petrol price band of N135 to N145 per litre, a move that signalled the end of fuel subsidy.
The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency explained then that the rise in crude oil price and prevailing high cost of importation had brought back subsidy.
The PPPRA, in its pricing template released following the introduction of a new price band, put the landing cost and total cost of petrol at N122.03 and N140.40 per litre, respectively.

The cost of the product and the freight rate, which are the elements mostly affected by crude oil price and exchange rate, were put at $534 per metric tonne of petrol or N111.30 per litre, using an exchange rate of N280/dollar.
Global oil benchmark, Brent crude, which was trading around $41 per barrel when the petrol price was increased, stood at $55.64 per barrel as of 5.15pm on Friday.
Crude oil price accounts for about 80 per cent of the final cost of fuel, the PPPRA said, in its framework for petroleum products supply, distribution and pricing.

It was gathered that the cost of petrol stood at $560 per metric tonne or N127.36 per litre plus N7 per litre for freight as of Friday.
The addition of the cost of product with freight charge and other cost elements in the PPPRA template result in a landing cost of N145.09 per litre (using the official exchange rate of N305/dollar) or N222.33 per litre (using the parallel market rate of N490/dollar).
The NNPC, in its latest monthly report, said it remained the major importer of petroleum products, especially the PMS, in spite of liberalisation of petroleum products and government’s intervention meant to ease marketers’ access to foreign exchange.
In the past, marketers were importing 70 per cent of the products while the NNPC was importing 30 per cent, being the supplier of last resort.
Most of the marketers have yet to resume importation of petrol and continued to rely on supply from the NNPC, which sells to them at N131 per litre.

An ex-top executive of the PPPRA, who spoke out of anonymity, said, “If the landing cost is more and somebody is bringing the product in and others are not, it means definitely that person, who is bringing it, is running at a loss somehow. So, if you now call that subsidy, it is okay.
“The NNPC is definitely subsidising the product; it is a loss to them also because they get the money from somewhere.”
The Head of Energy, Ecobank Capital, Mr. Dolapo Oni, said, “I believe there is a subsidy, but it is not the subsidy being paid to marketers. It is the NNPC taking a loss so that  marketers can sell at N145. That’s a fair system right now because it is better than paying marketers at the same time.
“But it is not sustainable because oil price could keep on going higher and the cost to the NNPC will increase. So, potentially, we expect a fuel price increase at some point. But to what extent, we don’t know. The ideal thing will be to raise the price.”
Asked if the NNPC was subsidising the product being imported, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, could not comment on it, saying only the PPPRA was in the position to give information about the landing cost of petrol.

Last week, oil marketers under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Products Importers said they owed some Nigerian banks over $1bn used for the importation of petroleum products, with accumulated interest of N160bn.
According to them, they are unable to pay because the sums they owe the banks form part of what they are in turn owed by the government.

The marketers said the government’s debt arose from the petrol subsidy scheme whereby the Federal Government entered into a contract with the IPPI, mandating its members to import and supply petrol to the market on condition that it would pay to the body the difference between the landing cost and pump price as fixed by the government, provided that the landing cost was higher than the selling price.
It said, “When the selling price of petrol was increased from N97 to N145 per litre in May 2016, it was based on an exchange rate of N285/$1, resulting in a 45 per cent increase. On June 20, 2016, the naira was devalued from N285/$1 to N305/$1, which is an increase of seven per cent, but the fixed pump selling price of petrol has not been increased. This means that petrol must be subsidised.”

Youths in Kogi celebrate the return of MMM

Youths all around the Kogi state capital city of Lokoja on Saturday were at several beer parlours to celebrate the return of the controversial Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM)

The Ponzi scheme, banned in Russia where it originated, froze the accounts of 3 million Nigerian members in December, causing panic and anxiety.

The scam returned yesterday, a day before its initial comeback date of 14th January.

Most of the revellers were students of the state owned polytechnic in Lokoja.

They expressed surprise about the comeback of the pyramid money investment scheme, that promises players 30 per cent return, a day ahead of schedule.

Segun Ademola, a student, said he had invested over N300,000 in his MMM account.

He said he was glad to have the operation bounce back. He has a lot of high hopes, that he would reap his investment.

” I am the happiest person on earth today,God bless Mavrodi,”he said.

Fola Owobo, another student, said she used her school fees to provide help to some other person she did not know at all.

She said she was confused when the scheme was shut down on 13 December 2016.

She was relieved now that the MMM was back in operation.‎

Michael Olubola, another student said he has learnt a lesson. He said as soon as he collects his money, he would ‎never try providing help again.

He said he almost had hypertension in the last four weeks, and urged his colleagues to shun free money and embrace hardwork. He said the free money promised by MMM almost caused him his life.

“Sooner or later it would fold up”, she said, as she wondered where the scheme gets the money it promises members.

Yet another student, Wunmi Atte, said ‎she was convinced that the MMM was a fraud.

Check this out!!! Paul Pogba Becomes First Premier League Player To Get His Own Emoji

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has become the first player in the Premier League to get his own emoji.

Popular social network, Twitter has launched the Pogba emoji in its frame and could be used by simply typing #Pogba.
The French star who is an avid user of the social media, said:  “I am happy and thankful for this opportunity and I look forward to emojing!

“Let’s have fun and kick some ass at #pogba.”
Red Devils director Richard Arnold added: “Manchester United is the most connected and engaged club in world sport.
“We continually strive to find new ways to communicate with our global following of 659 million people.

“This emoji is another great tool for our supporters to connect with the club through a digital environment, particularly as the excitement builds for Sunday’s match.

“Since returning to the club Paul has become an important player.
“He is an iconic figure for our supporters around the world, one of the best players in the game and a terrific role model.”

Manchester United play Liverpool on Sunday at the Old Trafford.

Miss Italy Contestant, Gessica Notaro’s Boyfriend Allegedly Pours Acid On Her After she broke up with Him

A former Miss Italy contestant, Gessica Notaro may lose her sight and will have to have plastic surgery after acid was thrown in her face. Notaro, who has worked as a TV presenter as well as a dolphin trainer, was allegedly attacked by her former boyfriend, who is accused of stalking her after she broke up with him.

Her ex, Jorge Edson Tavares, has however denied carrying out the attack.
Newspaper La Stampa reports that the 28-year-old suffered deep burns to her face and eye, and is being treated in hospital in Cesena, where doctors fear she may lose her sight.
Miss Notaro also suffered injuries to her hip and leg in the horror attack outside her home.
It is alleged that Tavares, who has been arrested and remanded in custody, harassed Miss Notaro after she ended their relationship in August last year.
The bodyguard, originally from Cape Verde, was ordered last year not to approach her home.
The pair worked together at an aquarium in Rimini.
The victim was crowned Miss Romagna – the area where she lives, and was a finalist in 2007’s Miss Italy competition

Super Agent Sparks Exit Talks After Handing Over Ronaldo Shirt To Chinese Club

Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has sparked speculations over his client future after being spotted handing over Ronaldo’s shirt to Tianjin Quanjian billionaire owner.
The Chinese club recently hit the headlines for splashing £43.5million on Zenit’s Axel Witsel despite being available for free next summer.

However, it is very unlikely for Ronaldo to move to China after he just penned a new contract for Real Madrid but Jorges Mendes who also manages James Rodriguez might be in talks over the Colombian star after reports that the 25-year-old could leave the Santiago Bernabeu, though it is bevelled he turned down an offer from Chelsea and has since then dismissed his exit rumours.

PRESIDENT OBAMA ACTS AS GROOMSMAN IN WHITE HOUSE STAFFER’S WEDDING (PHOTOS)

Barack Obama acted on double duty as president of the United States and a groomsman at longtime staffer’s wedding. Marvin Nicholson, the White House trip director and the president’s personal aide, married the love of his life Helen Pajcic on Saturday, hours after the star-studded farewell bash thrown foor the outgoing president. Pres. Obama looks smart in his tux as he stood in the line of groomsmen during the wedding.
US Secretary of State John Kerry officiated at the wedding ceremony which took place in Jacksonville at the One Ocean Resort and Spa.

The dead Pose: South Africans start bizarre new trend on social media

One would think that the above people are dead...  Lolzz
These are not dead people… They are photos of South Africans with the trending Instagram trill called "The Dead Pose".

See more photos below:

SEE THE NIGERIANS WHO ARE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD BREAKERS (WITH PICTURES)

Nigerians who are Guinness world record breakers – The Guinness World Records has had Nigeria in its pages a few times. First , Nigeria got into the Book of World Records for having the biggest football jersey in the world.  Then, 300,000 students from the 600 public secondary schools in Lagos brushed their teeth simultaneously at different locations to defeat India who had set the previous tooth brushing record and put Nigeria on the map.

Yet, this year, two more Nigerians have put their names in the Guinness book of records, bringing the total to four people, meet them:
1. Harrison Chinedu

A Nigerian footballer, Harrison Chinedu has walked his way into the Guinness book of records, for something strange. He broke the previous record for the ‘farthest distance walked with a ball on the head’.

He walked a total distance of 48.04 kilometers in 6 hours, 15 minute on th 6th of March, 2016 to beat the record formerly held by Indian soldier Naib Singh who walked a total distance of 45.64km in his country in 2014.

2. Obi Ajuonuma

Obi Ajuonuma is popularly known as DJ Obi, he broke the world record for the longest ever DJ set. He started on 22nd of June and continued until 11.30pm on 2nd July, 2016 thereby completing  a 240-hour marathon on the decks at a Lagos cafe, smashing the previous record of 200 hours set in Dublin by a Polish DJ called Norbert Selmaj in November 2014.

He reportedly set the record in honor of his father, Levi Ajuonuma, who was a TV producer, before dying in the Dana airplane crash of 2012. His record is yet to be ratified

3. Chidera Anemege

Popularly known as Chiddy of Chiddy Bang, rapped his way into the Guinness book of records in 2011. He is the current holder of the longest rap freestyle by an individual.
He set the record at the MTV O Music Awards in Las Vegas, the U.S.A. Chiddy  freestyled for 9 hrs, 18 mins and 22 secs. He even had to keep rapping while using the toilet twice, to set the record.

4. Kafayat Shafau

Kafayat Shafau is popularly known as Kaffy. She broke the world record in longest dance with a time of 52 hours and 3 minutes in 2006. She did this with her team, Imagneto, at the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon. The renowned fitness and dance instructor, Kaffy has her own dance school. The 36-year-old has now being married for four years with two children.