Osun, France Sign N8bn Solar Plant Agreement

Osun Government and France have signed an agreement to build a 35million Euros (N8 billion) 13 megawatts solar plant in the state.
Stephane Gompertz, France’s Ambassador for Climate Change, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that the project was the first of such magnitude to be signed in Nigeria.
Gompertz said the agreement was signed on Friday by the Osun Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and a French company, Vergnet, adding that France was supporting Nigeria in the area of renewable energy.
“As far as new and renewable energy are concerned, the French Agency for Development helps finance through credits, projects in new and renewable energy.
“On Friday morning, I was with the French Ambassador in Abuja. We were received by the Governor of Osun State. We signed an agreement with a French company called Vergnet.
“Vergnet will build a solar plant of 13 megawatts, which is quite big for a solar plant. And as far as I am concerned, this is the first project of such magnitude to be signed here in Nigeria.
“There will be other bigger projects going up to 50 or even 100 megawatts,” he said.
Gompertz said France had supported Nigeria’s power sector through its contracts and also through loans from the French Development Agency (AFD).
He explained that the agreement to build the solar power plant also included training component to encourage transfer of technology.
According to him, the more we develop new technologies, the more people are trained to manage or to invent those technologies, and this will on the long run contribute to the development.
He noted that in 2009, the Federal Government had assigned Vergnet to establish a wind farm of 10 megawatts in Katsina state for more than 20 million Euros (about N4.5 billion).
The envoy said the farm, with 37 windmills, should start producing and be connected to the grid in the beginning of 2016.
According to him, the French group, TOTAL, is also willing to develop a solar energy project in Katsina state. (NAN)

Ambode Told Graduates Government Can't Hire Them All

Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos state governor, told the university graduates that it is not possible for the government to employ everybody and advised them what to do.
Ambode says graduates should count on themselves . University graduates should seek self-employment as the government just can’t employ everybody, told the Lagos state governor Akinwunmi Ambode during the convocation ceremony of the Caleb University in Ikorodu, Lagos on Saturday.

“ You should be employers of labour instead of waiting to be employed ”, told Ambode, adding that “ it is not possible for government to employ everybody.”

He also said that the state government is ready to provide funds to fresh graduates with business plans to help them start their own businesses and become self-employed. This step, he further continued, would reduce unemployment rates in Nigeria.
On Thursday, October 15, the Lagos state House of Assembly confirmed 37 cabinet nominees of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Eedris Abdulkareem Accuses Buhari Of Killing Fela Kuti

Controversial rapper Eedris Abdulkareem took a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari at the ongoing #Felabration2015.

He has blamed President Muhammadu Buhari of killing Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
The legendary Afrobeat singer was arrested many times under the various regimes. Fela Kuti was sentenced to five years in prison by the military tribunal for currency charges when Major-General Muhammadu Buhari took power after a coup in December 1983. The singer spent over a year in jail. He only regained his freedom when Buhari’s successor, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida granted him pardon two years later.

Seun Kuti, one of Fela’s children, showed his dissatisfaction when Buhari was back as a civilian president, and he was cited to have directed this comment to the incumbent president: “ For you to jail that man you must be inherently evil.”
But Fela’s son is not the only one expressing his angriness.
On October 16, at the current #Felabration2015, Abdulkareem took his rage to a new level by accusing Buhari of killing Fela Kuti in 1976.

“In 1976, na Buhari kill Fela. Na the same old people dey rule us, ” Eedris Abdulkareem said.

Buhari Belongs To Somebody - Okogie

The critical clergyman Anthony Olubunmi Okogie in his interview granted to the Saturday Sun has stated that there is no difference between the government of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

Okogie has said that events of the last four months in Nigeria have shown that Buhari belongs to somebody.

The cardinal said: ” When I was listening to the broadcast of the incumbent president during his swearing–in, I beat my chest, can this man say, those things were written by him? I ask myself is this the Buhari I knew 2011, that wrote this? Even though it was written for him, can he not sit down and read and re-read again, and ask himself, if he can follow all those things written down. Looking at the statement he made ‘I belong to everybody but nobody’. Look at the list of ministers, he belongs to nobody, I laughed. It means he belonged to APC.

”And with the list, they are now trying to pay back those who were their bag carriers, that is what am seeing, that is not Nigeria which we fought for, it’s painful. So, what is coming ahead if care is not taken and this crop of people if they don’t work hand in hand, we are going to have a bad future, because the youths now, they are just waiting, they are now saying that the elderly ones in this country, can’t be trusted, they are looking for their time and when that time comes, they will not carry arms, they will do it in such a way that you will not even know that they are the one.

”The people who have served in different capacities should have given room for the younger ones to go in and serve. OBJ used to say I sit down dey look (laugh), I don’t know what he has to say to all this, but I know he has a part in it. I said it loud and clear, how come this one say I brought my list, am hearing this from the common people. I know when they come down they say all sort of things, how many list do you want, how many different people brought their list? And yet you said, you belong to nobody, how can you not be confused, when you said you’re waiting for an angel, to come and rule the nation, I laughed. Out of the abundant of the heart, the mouth speaketh. If I were in his shoes, (Buhari) I tell you, this is his last time. He tried it thrice and now that the good Lord brought him back, can’t he use this opportunity to do something better?

”One thing am seeing again from what is going on, there is acrimony, during the campaign they were just attacking one another, that happened then. People who said they have gone to secondary school, not to talk of university are behaving this way, is it how to keep the nation together? Where is the patriotism in that list? How can you tell me that these people are going to work?” , Okogie asked.
On October 1 news outlets informed about a list of 21 names submitted to the Senate president Bukola Saraki for screening and confirmation of ministers for Buhari’s cabinet.

The list comprises names of former governors of Abia, Ogbonaya Onu, Anambra, Dr. Chris Ngige, Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, and Rivers Rotimi Amaechi, as well as Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd.), former Chief of Army Staff and 14 other distinguished Nigerians.
The screening and confirmation of Buhari’s ministers will continue on October 20, Tuesday.

'Furious 8' - Vin Diesel confirms sequel will be set in New York

Producer and co-creator of the recording breaking 'Fast and Furious' franchise, Vin Diesel, has confirmed that the upcoming sequel in franchise 'Furious 8' will be shot in New York.
Diesel revealed this while on 'Tonight's Show with Jimmy Fallon. According to him, they are taking it back to where it all started from.
“New York, baby!” Diesel revealed when Fallon asked about the new film’s location.
“Something that people don’t know is the first movie came from a Vibe article that was about street racers in New York.
The director and producer at the time reset the whole movie in LA, but the Vibe article that the whole franchise was started from actually originated in New York. So we’re finally bringing it home baby!”

'Furious 7' which was released April this year, brought in over $1.5bn in the global box office, contributing to Universal Studio's 2015 record breaking achievement.

Diesel recently confirmed that there would be three more films in the franchise.
'Furious 8' which will debut April 14, 2017, will be directed by 'Straight Outta Compton' director, F. Gary Gray. Directed by James Wan, 'Furious 7' stars Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Jason Statham and Ludacris.

#Felabration2015: Fans Get High At Concert

The Afrikan Shrine, venue of the annual Felabration concert, witnessed an unprecedented number of marijuana smokers on its day three, Wednesday, October 14.

The shrine ordinarily is regarded as a den for marijuana smokers and sellers and no exception was made for the Felabration. Thick haze caused by smoke from weed engulfed the arena as fans watched their favourite artistes perform.

The annual concert was conceived by Fela’s daughter Yeni Kuti to celebrate her father’s legacy as revolutionary and musician.
See biggieblog.com’s exclusive photos from the event below:

UNIZIK Not Releasing any 2nd Batch Admission List for 2015/16

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK issued a warning to all its prospective candidates seeking admission into the university various undergraduate programmes that there will not be any second admission list for the 2015/2016 academic session.

This is yet another warning to candidates that Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) will not release any general second list. The only pending list now is for Prescience and Direct entry candidates.
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There are fraudsters who are currently collecting some money from candidates promising them admission in the second list.
This is criminal as there is nothing like that. Be properly guided that should you lose any money as a result of payment to anyone, that is your liability.

If any staff of the University extorts money from you for admission purposes, please report at info@unizik.edu.ng or dir_ipr@unizik.edu.ng.

Federal University of Agriculture Markudi, Resumption date has been suspended indefinitely

Federal University of Agriculture, Markudi, FUAM 2nd semester, 2014/2015 academic session resumption date has been suspended indefinitely.
This is to inform all the students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Markudi (FUAM) that the authorities of the university have suspended the earlier announced date for the commencement of second semester, 2014/2015 academic session. Inconveniences are regretted.

Sokoto State University 1st Admission List

Sokoto State University, SSU first batch admission list for the 2015/2016 academic session is now available online.
This is to inform all the candidates that participated in the Sokoto State University (SSU) last post UTME screening exercise that the management of the university has released their first batch admission list for the 2015/2016 academic session.

How to Check SSU Admission list.

1. Go to Sokoto State University admission status checking portal at http://ssu.edu.ng/postutme/index.php ,

2. Enter your UTME registration number where required,

3. Finally, click on ‘Check Result’ to access your admission list.

For any complain call: +234 806 911 4301

Congratulations to all successfully admitted candidates.

MSG Team.

U-17 World Cup: Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets start title defence on winning note

The Nigeria U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, recorded a bright start in their FIFA U17 World Cup title defence bid as they handed a 2-0 defeat to their USA counterparts on Saturday night in Santiago, Chile.
The Eaglets, who are hoping to win a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Chile, had it initially rough against the Americans as the first half of the opening Group A game failed to produce any goal for both sides.
However, the Coach Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored side got the breakthrough they deserved five minutes into the second half as Chukwudi Agor benefited from an awful defensive display by the Americans to score Nigeria’s first goal in the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup.
With more possession at their disposal and better display, the Eaglets just after the hour-mark doubled their lead and this time it was through their star striker, Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen held his nerve despite the attempt to stop him by the American defenders before masterfully placing the ball to the right side of the net.
The Americans ended the game with 10-men after a straight red card was given to Trusty in the 87th minute after his rash challenge on Nigeria’s second goal scorer Osimhen.
The next stop for the Eaglets is the much anticipated tough clash against hosts Chile on Tuesday.
On their part, USA will be up against Croatia.

British Council Education UK Postgraduate Exhibition

Are you a graduate, upcoming or established entrepreneur, a professional? Are you considering international studies or planning to take your career to greater heights by getting an MBA or a postgraduate degree?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then you are reading the right material, because the British Council in Nigeria is inviting you to the Education UK Postgraduate Exhibition being held in November 2015.

The exhibition will offer you access to:
Counselling and direct interaction with representatives of over 40 top UK institutions.
Tips on what you need to study and how to live and work in the UK.

Information on short professional courses to enhance your career.
What you need to know about IELTS, immigration and visas.
Discuss which institution will fit your budget, the payment plans, discounts and other financial issues.

Here is how you can be part of the event: Simply register for the exhibition at the British Council Nigeria website: https://ng.edukexhibition.org/ and attend at any of the three locations and dates below:

Abuja
Date: Wednesday, 4th November
Time: 11:00 AM – 17:00PM
Venue: Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 1, Aguiyi Ironsi street, Abuja.

Lagos Island
Date: Friday, 6th July
Time: 11:00 AM – 17:00PM
Venue: Eko Hotel and Suites, Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, VI, Lagos.

Lagos Mainland
Date: Saturday, 7th November
Time: 11:00AM – 17:00PM
Venue: Sheba Event Center 20, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja.

Your future begins here!
GoodLuck

NDLEA arrests man with 108 ATM cards at International Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday said it had arrested a 34-year-old man, (name withheld) suspected to be working for an international criminal organisation.

The agency said through a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, that the suspect was in possession of 108 automatic teller machine (ATM) debit cards.
According to the agency, the arrest took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos while the suspect was attempting to board a Qatar Airline flight to China.
``The debit cards belong to five commercial banks,’’ the agency said.
It quoted its commander at the Lagos airport, Mr
Ahmadu Garba, as saying that the suspect was arrested in connection with alleged money laundering.

The agency also added that the suspect was immediately transferred to the Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate of the Agency for investigation.

``First City Monument Bank (FCMB) had the highest number of cards with 58. Stanbic IBC Bank has 23 cards, Zenith Bank 19, Fidelity Bank 6 and Diamond Bank 2.

``Mrs Victoria Egbase, the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, said that the Agency had established a prima facie case of financial crime against the suspect,’’ it said.
It said that the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA,

Ahmadu Giade , had ordered the transfer of the case to the EFCC for further investigation.
The agency quoted the suspect as saying in his statement that he was asked to take the cards to China.