The Union of Tomato Paste Manufacturers in Nigeria has called on the federal government ease up on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange policy in order to avail them more time for backward integration.
The group, which spoke in Lagos through the Managing Director, Sonia Foods Industries Ltd, Nnamdi Nnodebe, said it is committed to the growth of the economy and wants to boost the country’s GDP through the production and exportation of tomato paste.
“However, we will be pleased if the government can avail us more to time to allow for backward integration just like it applies to some other sectors of the country,” he stated.
“We have begun the process of backward integration in some parts of the country but support for the process is critical to its success,” Nnodebe added.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, will now engage assistant coaches of the various national teams on part-time basis.
A top official disclosed: “The assistant coaches will now be on part time, strictly for when there is a tournament concerning their respective teams.
“They will therefore be free to work with the clubs when they are now with the national teams.
“We have to be realistic, we have been paying many people for many years without doing anything and the financial obligation caused by just salaries of the coaches is just too huge.
“There is one of the Eagles assistant coaches who has insisted he is owed over N18million from salaries and what have you over the years.”
It was also revealed that one of the Eagles assistant coaches has not been paid for the past nine months.
The NFF have already decided that developmental teams from U-17 downwards will no longer be entitled to match bonuses as they save on costs.
Lassa Fever was first discovered in the 1950’s but the cause of the deadly fever was not identified until 1969. It is mainly found in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria and is spread by rats. Other neighboring countries are also at risk because the type of rat that spreads the virus is also found throughout the West African region. Due to the clinical course of the disease is so variable, detection of the disease in affected patients has been difficult but prompt isolation of affected patients, good infection protection and control practices and rigorous contact tracing can stop outbreaks.
Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus from exposure to urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever. There is no epidemiological evidence supporting airborne spread between humans
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of Lassa fever commonly happen 1-3 weeks after a person has come into contact with the virus. For most of those with a Lassa fever virus infection; around 80%, symptoms are mild and under-diagnosed. Mild symptoms include: Weakness, Headaches, Slight fever, General malaise, Repeated vomiting, Respiratory distress, Pain in the back, chest and abdomen, Facial swelling
DIAGNOSIS
The symptoms of Lassa fever are varied and non-specific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early in the course of the disease. Definitive diagnosis requires testing that is available only in specialized laboratories. Laboratory specimens may be hazardous and must be handled with extreme care. Lassa virus infections can only be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory using the following tests:
‘Ribavirin,’ is an antiviral drug that has been used with success in people affected by Lassa fever in its early stage.
Effective protective measures include:
Storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats. Because Mastomys are so abundant in endemic areas, it is not possible to completely eliminate them from the environment. Familymembers should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.
Supportive involves maintenance of:
Oxygenation, Blood pressure, Treatment of complicating infections, Appropriate fluid and electrolyte balance.
Lassa fever should be considered in febrile patients travelling across West Africa, especially if they have had exposures in rural areas or hospitals in countries where Lassa fever is known to be endemic.
Health-care workers seeing a patient suspected to have Lassa fever should immediately contact local and national experts for advice and to arrange for laboratory testing.
More than 700 Sage Business Partners across Africa gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg for the Sage Business Partner Conference 2016.
The conference, featuring keynote presentations from Sage CEO Stephen Kelly and Sage International President Ivan Epstein, took place from 26 to 28 January. It brought together Sage’s African business partners representing all of its major software solutions and brands at one venue for the first time.
It marked a significant milestone in Sage’s vision of becoming a true global market leader for an integrated portfolio of accounting, payroll and payment systems that address the needs of businesses of all sizes. Other speakers at the conference included Allon Raiz, CEO of Raizcorp and a pioneer and maverick in the business incubation industry, social media law expert Emma Sadleir and Gilan Gork, South Africa’s Mentalist.
“Thousands of business leaders, business owners and financial professionals trust us to help them to focus on their business and leapfrog to the future. In turn, we depend on our vibrant, motivated and professional network of business partners to help our customers use our solutions to drive their growth,” said Ivan Epstein, President of Sage International and Chairman of Sage Foundation.
“We’re excited to be able to bring so many members of our business ecosystem together to share the latest news about our technology and solutions over the past three days. Together with our business partners we can help entrepreneurs and enterprises that create jobs and prosperity to turn their business dreams into reality.”
Stephen Kelly, CEO of Sage, was in South Africa to present at the conference, meet with African business partners, and support the African launch of Sage Foundation. The Sage Foundation sets a new benchmark for corporate partnerships with charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations through its innovative 2+2+2 model for working with the community.
“Sage is inventing the future for the world’s small and medium businesses, those true heroes of the global economy. Africa is central to that vision, and we want to build closer links with our network of business partners as they embrace the cloud, and so that they can continue to help their customers contribute to the growth this region is seeing,” said Kelly. “It is an honour to be here to meet some of these partners, and to launch our global philanthropic initiative, Sage Foundation.”
Every Lagosian understands the need to wake up early and hit the road before traffic builds up. For those who have mid-day appointments, they also need to set out to their destination at least an hour earlier than is required to accommodate possible delays and emergencies, and so, it is no secret that many of these people who live and work in or even visit Lagos have and use alarm clocks on the regular. From the vintage types that decorate their tables and walls to the ones that come with mobile phones and gadgets, they literally run their lives based on the alarm’s dictates.
Unfortunately, the brain tends to grow resistant routines and sometimes the chimes of the alarm are no longer effective. Fortunately, for those who are constantly in a struggle to keep up with their alarm, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking service has the solution: Mimicker – Microsoft’s recently launched Android. An Android alarm clock app from the Microsoft Garage, the app has proven very effective. If you are living in Lagos and not yet heard of it. Read on to discover 4 reason why you need to quickly get it on your device.
It is persistent and effective
The app ensures the user performs a task difficult enough to rouse them completely from slumber before it goes off. The task could include: mimicking certain facial expressions, taking a picture of an object that matches whatever color the app decides on for the day, or by repeating a tongue twister. The process is such that you start with dismiss or snooze, and if snooze, the default lasts for 5 minutes while delaying the game, however, if you dismiss, the alarm is muted, but then you are given 30 seconds to complete a challenge . And if you do not complete the challenge within the 30 seconds, the app assumes you have fallen asleep and the whole process starts again, the alarm starts to ring again. Basically, to shut off the alarm, you must complete the task set, and usually, the tasks takes away the urge to sleep. The good thing is, you can choose the sounds and games you prefer to play.
It is trendy
This Mimicker app is not the same as all the other boring alarm apps or systems you are used to. It incorporates a lot of recent trends, like it has an “Express Yourself mode” which asks you to take a selfie that matches a mood. Everyone likes a selfie, so that’s a good incentive to people who enjoy the trend. Tech wise, it is also up-to-date as it uses Microsoft’s Project Oxford machine learning technology to understand the emotions in your selfie, recognize the color green in your photos, and identify correctly that you’ve said a tongue twister properly.
It is a simple app
Although the Mimicker is an intelligent app that engages your brain, it is very easy to understand and use. If you find the games too tedious or irritating, you can actually just turn them off and use the app as a normal alarm clock, but then what would be the fun in that? The design of the app is also simple and not entirely boring. Also, you do not have to struggle with in-app purchases and all the add-ons that come with a lot of other apps.
It is available for android
Most of the cool apps are usually released just for IPhone, but this app is available for just android users for now. This is great news for Lagosians as a majority of inhabitants own and use android phones and gadgets. So, android phone owners, but not iPhone or Windows Phone users, who have real struggle with waking up in the morning or punctuality in general, can now download the Mimicker Alarm through Google Play now.
It makes waking up fun (if you love games)
The Mimicker alarm is far from the regular alarm. Rather than just sound an irritating and reoccurring alarm until you shut it up, this app actually calls you out to play! From taking selfies with particular emotions to find an object that matches a color, or repeating a completely tongue twisting phrase like “how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” ,it certain makes waking up fun. Some of the commands on the app such as: “Make a surprised face”, are bound to put a smile on your face, which certainly puts you in a good mood and decreases stress.
For anyone looking to live a healthy lifestyle and get their mojo back, going on vacation is the surest way to achieve this. Travelling can rejuvenate as well as help you reduce the unwanted fat around your waist.
To some people gaining weight is actually an accomplishment. However, as you take the much-needed break from your daily routine, it is important to streamline your activities to ensure that with all the rest and food you get, your weight does not spiral out of control. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal gathers 5 helpful tips that can help you stay healthy while on vacation.
Take advantage of local delicacies
Travel is incomplete if you do not act or eat like a local wherever you are on vacation. This offers you the best of travel as it gives you the opportunity to tremendously enmesh yourself in the sights and sounds of a city like Kano. So, rather than consuming processed food whose nutritious content are diminished, it is advisable to eat traditional food. These local specialties contain less preservatives which make it very nutritious. Imagine eating Edikaikong when you visit Calabar!
Watch your sugar
Your body system needs a certain level of sugar to function properly. Equally, too much sugar can lead to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. It is better to consume items that have relatively low levels of sweeteners like fruits.
Book a kitchen equipped accommodation
If you are open to cooking your own meals while on vacation, do not hesitate to book a hotel room that has a kitchen. This will allow you prepare your meals while on the road. Here, you are certain of what you eat. In addition, try as much as possible to cook at least one healthy meal during the period of your vacation.
Explore on foot
Driving often can retain the extra calories you have accumulated since your vacation kicked off. If your destination is a walking distance, make it a habit to walk. This will keep your body in good shape and help you shed calories.
Sleep when you can
For some business minded people who are travelling, they have very little time to sleep due to their tight schedule. Despite the fact that they are on vacation, they still receive calls to attend one meeting or the other. Hence, whenever you have the time and chance to take a nap, do not hesitate. Perhaps, switching off your phone can aid your sleeping.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos Chapter said on Friday in Lagos that it would soon begin distribution of laptops to its members to improve e-learning in schools.
The state Chairman of the union, Mr Segun Raheem said, the distribution of the laptops was in line with the introduction of “tablet to students project’’ by the state government.
Raheem said the equipment would improve the standard of teaching and learning in schools as obtainable in advanced countries.
According to him, the world is going digital and there is the need for teachers to be technologically compliant.
“Our children are ICT compliant and teachers would improve the children’s learning ability if they are ICT compliant.
“ There should be mass training and retraining of teachers to meet up with the art of teaching in the 21st century,’’ he said.
The chairman also stressed the need to improve the welfare of teachers, especially in the areas of their health.
He disclosed that the union would embark on free medical check-up for all teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state.
Leading financial services provider, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, has successfully upgraded its Service Delivery platform by deploying the Finacle Core Banking solution version 10 to enhance world-class service excellence and customer experience.
In a statement, the Bank explained that the new generation banking platform will also accelerate innovation and support its business growth in the rapidly changing business environment in which it operates.
With this development, the advancedservice-oriented architecture(SOA) of Finacle 10 enables the bank optimise its processes, enhance system reliability, performance, scalability and security, among others. This ensures that transactions at the Bank’s branches and other touch points are now faster with rare occasions of service unavailability at its alternate channels, while offering more innovative products to customers.
While expressing gratitude to customers for their patience and understanding during the upgrade process, the Bank assured that it will continue to expand its platforms and further raise the bar in products and service offerings in line with its culture of excellence and values as a simple, reliable and helpful lender.
Commenting on the development, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun, said, the Bank is excited to have successfully concluded the Finacle 10 service delivery platform upgrade. He stated further;
“’We are conscious of the needs of our target market and the evolving dynamics of the society with an increasing technology savvy population. The new Finacle 10 solution provides us the flexibility required to create new pathways for enhanced offerings and service excellence using cutting edge technology. It has also placed us on a higher pedestal to sustain our rapid expansion drive and keep pace with market demands and trends”.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Service Management and Technology of FCMB, Mr. Nath Ude, stated;
‘’The pace of change in the financial services sector is unprecedented, driven by growth in disruptive technologies that are changing how we bank and conduct business. This new environment creates challenges, but more importantly, provides us with a unique opportunity to lead the sector and serve our customers as they embrace new technologies and seek secure, easier and more flexible ways to look after their daily banking needs. With the functionalities available in the new Finacle 10, we are optimally positioned to help our customers realize their financial goals while delivering products and services in a targeted manner that takes into account, our customers unique needs and preferences.’’
FCMB’s deployment of the Finacle Core Banking solution version 10 is seen by analysts as the beginning of another era in the commitment of the Bank to create more value by deepening support to the growth of the personal and business aspirations of its customers, target market and the society at large.
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited is a member of FCMB Group Plc, which is one of the leading financial services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their respective segments. Having successfully transformed to a retail and commercial banking-led group, FCMB expects to continue to distinguish itself by delivering exceptional services, while enhancing the growth and achievement of the personal and business aspirations of its customers.
Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc (“Seplat” or the “Company”), a leading Nigerian indigenous oil and gas company listed on both the Nigeria Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, today announces that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has delivered its judgement in favour of Seplat and Chevron Nigeria Limited (“CNL”) in a litigation brought against both parties by Brittania-U Nigeria Limited (“Brittania-U) that had to date prevented the full transfer to Seplat of a 40.00% working interest in OML 53 and effective 22.5% working interest in OML 55 (held through 56.25% ownership of the share capital of Belemaoil Producing Limited) that the Company had acquired from CNL in February 2015.
“We are naturally very pleased with today’s ruling, not least because it means we are now free to deploy our proven operating expertise to realise the significant reserve, production and value potential these blocks hold. To give an idea of scale, we estimate these blocks to hold recoverable volumes of around 200 million barrels of oil equivalent net to Seplat, a material volume by any standard and one which has now been unlocked for us,” said Austin Avuru, Seplat’s Chief Executive Officer. “OML 53 fits neatly within our strategy of securing, commercialising and monetising natural gas in the Niger Delta to supply the rapidly growing domestic market and will further reinforce our position as a preeminent supplier of gas in Nigeria. OML 55 provides us with a number of attractive opportunities to boost oil and gas output, and is consistent with our strategy of prioritising assets that offer near-term production growth, cash-flow and reserve replacement potential in the onshore and shallow water offshore areas of Nigeria,” he added.
Background
On 5 February 2015 the Company announced that it had acquired a 40.00% working interest in OML 53 from CNL. Simultaneously the Company also announced that it had concluded negotiations to purchase 56.25% of the share capital of Belemaoil Producing Limited (“Belemaoil”), a Nigerian special purpose vehicle that had completed the acquisition of a 40.00% interest in the producing OML 55, also from CNL. Seplat’s effective working interest in OML 55 as a result of the acquisition is 22.50%. NNPC holds the remaining 60.00% interest in both OML 53 and OML 55 and, pursuant to the Joint Operating Model, Seplat was designated operator of OML 53 and OML 55 (together the “Assets”).
However, the full completion and transfer of these assets and operatorship was hindered by a litigation brought against CNL and Seplat by Brittania-U, one of the counter bidders that also sought to acquire the assets from CNL and contested the outcome of the sales process. The litigation reached the Supreme Court, the apex court in Nigeria, following an appeal brought by Brittania-U against the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Nigeria. The Court of Appeal decision delivered on 20 June 2014 set aside the ruling of the lower court which had extended an ex-parte order of interim injunction obtained by Brittania-U at the commencement of the action. Brittannia-U had also sought the order of the Supreme Court for an interlocutory injunction restraining CNL and Seplat from proceeding with the sale and transfer of the Assets, until the determination of the appeal by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has today delivered its judgement and ruled in favour of CNL and Seplat. This ruling allows CNL to conclude the full transfer and operatorship of the Assets to Seplat with immediate effect.
OML 53
OML 53 covers an area of approximately 1,585km2 and is located onshore in the north eastern Niger Delta. The block contains the large undeveloped Ohaji South gas and condensate field, the development of which will be co-ordinated with the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (“SPDC”) operated Assa North field on adjacent OML 21, together referred to as the ANOS project. The expectation is that future gas production from the ANOS project will supply the domestic market, for which significant work on commercialisation terms and development concepts has already been undertaken. The block also holds the Jisike oil field, located in the north western area of the block, which is currently the only producing field on OML 53. Gross production from Jisike in 2015 averaged 1,715 bopd (686 bopd on a 40.00% working interest basis). Existing infrastructure Jisike comprises flow-lines, phase one separation facilities and a flow station with a design capacity of 12,000 bopd and 8 MMscfd. Oil production is then sent for further processing at the nearby Izombe facilities on OML 124 from where it is exported via pipeline to the Brass oil terminal. There is also shallow oil development potential at Ohaji South that could be pursued as a separate standalone project in the near term.
The Company estimates net recoverable hydrocarbon volumes attributable to its 40.00% working interest to be approximately 51 MMbbls of oil and condensate and 611 Bscf of gas (total 151 MMboe).
OML 55
OML 55 covers an area of approximately 840km2 and is located in the swamp to shallow water offshore areas in the south eastern Niger Delta. The block contains five producing fields (Robertkiri, Inda, Belema North, Idama and Jokka). The majority of production on the block is from the Robertkiri, Idama and Inda fields. The Robertkiri field is located in swamp at a water depth of five metres and has a production platform and utility platform installed. Production capacity at the Robertkiri facilities is 20,000 bpd and 10 MMscfd. Production facilities at the Idama field comprise a jack-up mobile offshore production unit (“MOPU”) and riser platform that have a capacity of 30,000 bpd of total fluids and 34 MMscfd. The Jokka field is produced through a manifold tied-back to the Idama facilities. Production facilities at the Inda field comprise a MOPU with a capacity of 30,000 bpd of total liquids and 34 MMscfd. Overall, the infrastructure on OML 55 comprises four flow-stations, a network of flow-lines and two eight-inch pipelines that connect to third party operated infrastructure. The Belema field is unitised with OML 25 and is produced via a flow-station on that block. All produced liquids from OML 55 are delivered via third party infrastructure to the Bonny terminal for processing and shipping. In addition to the oil potential on the block there is also an opportunity to develop the significant gas resources that have also been identified. Gross production from OML 55 in 2015 averaged 7,746 bopd (1,743 bopd on a 22.50% effective working interest basis).
The Company estimates net recoverable hydrocarbon volumes attributable to its 22.50% effective working interest to be approximately 20 MMbbls of oil and condensate and 156 Bscf of gas (total 46 MMboe).
The Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, has organised a sensitisation workshop on prevention and treatment of infectious diseases including Lassa fever.
According to the hospital’s Director, Dr Jafar Augie, the workshop was developed to sensitise and enlighten the medical personnel on preventive and curative measures against outbreak of diseases.
He also said that the hospital has increased its efforts to enlighten citizens through Radio jingles so as to curtail the outbreak of diseases.
Augie added that it was necessary for health institutions to adopt proactive measures on how to curb outbreak of diseases that the public would be aware and implement.
He applauded the state government for providing logistical support available to the hospital for the treatment of patients.
A 39-year-old self-professed Navy Commander, Adekanla Ayodele, has been accused of stealing five vehicles worth N13.9 million.
The accused who duped his victims, Mr. Iredodia Obazee and Mr. Usman Muda under the guise of been a Navy Commander, was said to have worn the naval uniform with the badge of a Commander and in the company of some accomplices. They reportedly obtained the five Toyota Sport Utility Vehicles, SUVs from the owners sometime in December, 2012.
The victims reported to the police and Ayodele was later arrested.
Following his arraignment on Thursday before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, the prosecuting officer, Inspector Stephen Molo, told the court that the defendant, who resides in the Ajah area of Lagos, and others who are still at large unlawfully obtained the vehicles.
The self-acclaimed Commander was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing and impersonation.
The prosecutor listed the vehicles to include: One unregistered Toyota Highlander Jeep (2004 model), one unregistered Toyota RAV4 Jeep (2008 model), two unregistered Nissan Pathfinder Jeeps (2005 model); and one unregistered Toyota Tundra Jeep (2002 model) all valued at N13.9 million.
Ayodele, however, denied the charges, saying that he was just a businessman.
In her ruling, the Magistrate A. O. Sholadoye granted the accused N500, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum, one of whom must be a senior military officer.
Sholadoye adjourned the case to March 22 for further hearing.
A letter written to the leadership of the National Assembly by a former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is raising dust in the country, as a Federal Lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, is accusing the former President of exposing the National Assembly to corruption.
In his statement, Senator Dino described Mr Obasajo’s action through the letter as a ‘misplacement of anger’.
Part of the letter reads;
“I have tremendous respect for the former President, but if the truth must be told, Obasanjo’s letter to the 8th National Assembly on the issue of corruption, introduced by himself to the 4th Assembly, was uncalled for, moreso, when the 8th Assembly and in particular, the 8th Senate, has nothing to do with corruption,” the lawmaker claimed.
He added that though he was against corruption anywhere in Nigeria, he would not support accusations based on anger and vindictiveness.
Senator Melaye further alleged that the government of former President Obasanjo exposed the National Assembly to corruption and easy money and expressed hopes that the letter the former President sent to the National Assembly was not in an attempt to cover up and distract attention from the Halliburton and Siemens corruption allegations.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had written to the National Assembly criticising the lawmakers of being insensitive by planning to buy cars for themselves despite the harsh economic situation in Nigeria.
President Obasanjo in the letter also urged lawmakers to be transparent in their finances by publishing their recurrent expenditure and opening their books to an external auditor from 1999 till date.
The consultant engineer to the Osun State government on the MKO airport project, Wemimo Adebajo, has said that the airport when completed, will rank among airports with the longest runways in Nigeria.
Adebajo, during an inspection tour of facilities at the airport with journalists, stated that the present site of the MKO Abiola Airport was the first place where aviation activities took place in the whole of West Africa.
The consultant, speaking on the level of work at the airport noted that government, having spent N2.7 billion out of the revised total N11billion cost of the project, put the level of work done so far at could 25 per cent.
He noted that the West African Frontier Force was lifted from the Ido-Osun aerodrome, the present site of the MKO international Airport project during the world war II, hence the conscious effort by the state to make it the best in Nigeria if not in Africa.
He told journalists that the tour of the facilities became necessary so that journalists would be adequately informed about the magnitude of the work done so far and to be in a position where they could adequately educate members of the public in the light of the hash, but uninformed criticism from the opposition in the state.
He however said there is still more to be done, I believe the airport is good for the state. The main delay right now is a question of funding and the state is seeking ways on how to make it available.
The Ghanaian government has bemoaned the inadequate supply of liquefied natural gas it is getting from Nigeria through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAPG) scheme.
Chief Executive Officer, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Alexander Koffi-Mensah Mould, who decried the under-utilisation of multi-billion dollar pipeline, which supplies a paltry 50 million scfpd to the country, out its 460 million scfpd capacity, said the country would discuss with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the issue.
He also disclosed that his country is presently working on a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant with a capacity to produce 500 million scfpd and expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Mensah said that the ineffective utilisation of ample gas resources in Nigeria is affecting both country, hence, hindering industrial growth.
“Country like Nigeria has enough gas to produce electricity for the whole of West Africa,” he said.
The minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said that the federal government is seeking the support of states in its efforts to improve agricultural production in the country.
The minister said this during his meeting with members of the Cotton Ginners Association of Nigeria led by the President, Alhaji Salmanu Abdullahi in his office recently.
According to the minister, the call for support on state governments had become necessary as more investments and innovations would be needed to reposition the country’s agricultural sector as an alternative to crude oil.
Ogbeh who expressed displeasure at the tragedy that had befallen cotton production in the country noted that tree crops like cocoa, palm oil and rubber among others had hitherto formed major players in the economic growth of Nigeria. He said the yield of 300 kg of cotton per hectare is very low; stressing that, the use of biotechnology would be introduced to improve agricultural production in the country.
He stated that the present administration would make agricultural practices an all year round operation with the provision of improved irrigation facilities in all states of the federation.
The president lamented that as a result of the decline in cotton production in the country, only 10 out of the 52 ginneries installed by the association were operational and produced below their installed capacities of 20- 30 per cent, saying some African countries solely depended on cotton production to sustain their foreign exchange.
Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc, Nigeria’s largest power distribution network, came into existence on November 1st, 2013 following the handover of the defunct Power Holding Company Of Nigeria (PHCN) to NEDC/ KEPCO Consortium under the privatization scheme of the Federal Government.
The consortium has the Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) which generates about 84,000MW in capacity and has a global efficiency record of a maximum down time period of slightly above three minutes annually as technical partners.
This partnership has positioned IE to effectively drive its commitment to deliver efficient and sustainable power supply through investments in new technology, infrastructure upgrade and human capital development.
We are recruiting to fill the following positions below:
May & Baker Nigeria Plc – We are committed to applying our resources and science to improve the quality of life. We provide quality and affordable medicines, food and beverages to those who need them.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Zonal Sales Executive
Location: Lagos
Job Descriptions
Reporting to the Field Sales Manager, the incumbent will be expected to promote, sell and redistribute the company’s products to distributors and retailers to achieve agreed sales targets.
Job Requirements
Candidates must possess an HND/B.Sc in any discipline with at least one (1) year field sales experience.
Experience in the FMCG industry and certification from a Sales and Marketing programme will be an added advantage.
The incumbent must also possess excellent interpersonal and persuasive skills.
Dangote Cement P.L.C. is the biggest quoted company in West Africa and the only Nigerian company listed among Forbes Global 2000 Companies. The Company currently has several cement production plants in Nigeria in addition to presence in 14 other African countries. To consolidate its current strategic expansion drive and as part of our growing vision.
Stag Engineering Nigeria Limited is a leading wholly Nigerian owned engineering firm in Nigeria. The company has over 40 years’ experience in providing expert engineering services and mercantile power to discerning clients in Nigeria and West Africa. At present it delivers over 1,000MW of mercantile power to these clients. The company has recently expanded into the marine and will be expanding its expertise to railway solutions in 2013.
We are recruiting to fill the following vacant positions in our Regional Offices:
Quite recently I spent a day with a friend who termed himself a Foodie. Now if you’re like me, you are probably hearing this word for the first time. The word “foodie” refers to a person who has an avid interest in food or one who has an ardent or refined interest in food. While I’d normally shrug off the idea that a person without any culinary training could know so much about food as to qualify himself a “foodie”, the level of knowledge displayed by this individual proved his claim true. So I dared to ask the question: “how come you know so much about food”. The answer? The Internet.
I thought I’d look into it, and share a few tips (maybe in the process I might also add a few new titles to my name). Here’s what I found.
There are more people eating online…
Chefs have been recording and sharing recipes since Roman times when, in the late fourth century, the Apicius was compiled for use in the kitchen. Through the centuries, documenting and distributing cooking techniques has evolved from print, to broadcast, to online video sites like YouTube where thriving epicurean communities have emerged.
On YouTube for instance, there is a vibrant community sharing recipes, exchanging techniques and updating the culinary landscape. Professional and everyday chefs are taking their place in the spotlight by showcasing their talent and passion for food. Many of these progressive people turn a video camera on themselves while they cook in their home kitchens and, through their YouTube videos, share their recipes with the world. Others from across the globe try these dishes, comment on them via text and response videos, and even offer their own suggestions.
At all times, YouTube offers a single place to turn to for every kind of recipe imaginable, from quick chocolate chip cookies to an impressive jollof rice and moi moi (with 7 lives). Parents coming home from work may not have time to whip up a three course dinner, but they can go to YouTube to watch a short video and get advice from other parents who have tips for making speedy meals. Meanwhile, those who are interested in gourmet can find easy-to-follow videos featuring elaborate and elegant fare.
Many chefs and caterers have also created videos with their favorite recipes. Video is a great way to learn about cooking cuisines from around the world, because you can see what the required ingredients and cooking tools look like before you go the store.
Sometimes, money is not an object
Why splurge on an expensive or exotic dinner when you can cook the same for cheaper at home using ingredients you can handpick? Via online video, you can find detailed instructions and visual demonstrations that will allow you to cook complex dishes or transport yourself to another continent. For example, spice lovers will be amazed at the amount of traditional Indian food recipes that can be found online!
We have lots of examples of challenging recipes and some countries, like Spain, the UK and even Nigeria have local examples of YouTube cooks that are constantly sharing ideas on how to prepare expensive recipes using home-sourced, everyday ingredients.
Everything starts with a search, even the best meals
For most people today, the first step to innovation is a web search. And this is also true in the case of cooking.
It’s really quite simple: type in the search bar a couple of the ingredients that you have at hand, along with the word “recipes.” Your search results will include a variety of recipe suggestions using those ingredients.
Other search tips include:
– try ingredients in plural and singular: [avocado apple] gives different results than [avocados apples]
– if you want to exclude an ingredient because you don’t like it or are allergic to it, put a minus sign in front of the word: [bacon salad -avocado]
– if you prefer a certain cooking style or technique, like “broiling” or “sauteeing, ” add that to your search query. You could also narrow down your results with terms like “vegetarian” or “diabetic.”
– don’t enter too many terms, or you might narrow down your results too much. Part of the fun is sifting through the search results and discovering new cooking-related sites.
The great thing about web search applications like the Google app is that they are available on your mobile phone – useful on those many occasions when you’re already at the market and you realize you have no idea what’s for dinner or you’re tired of your usual Tuesday basics. If you see a particular type of meat on sale, or you finally find that type of fish you’ve always wanted to try, you can look up a recipe and easily go pick up additional ingredients.
You can also have a look at the Play store or the Apple App Store for cooking and recipe apps that you can browse while in traffic.
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