Japan to expand Nigerian operations for ECOWAS market

Having identified Nigeria as its frontier market for its products, Japanese investments under the aegis of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), a Japanese government-related body which promotes trade and investment between Japan and other nations, have unveiled plans to expand their operations in the country with a view to accessing markets in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.

According to JETRO, a number of Japanese companies are keen on expanding their businesses in the country, especially as they consider Nigeria as a business hub for exports into countries in the ECOWAS region.

Besides, JETRO unveiled plans of Japanese firms setting up assembly plants in Nigeria, with a view to achieving full-scale vehicle production, while equally implementing a technology transfer agenda that would enhance local production.

Indeed, the move is coming on the heels of Isuzu Motors Limited and Koncept Autocentre Limited’s announcement of plans to start truck assembly in the second quarter of 2016.

Trade Commissioner and Managing Director of JETRO Lagos ,Taku Miyazaki, said Japanese car companies believe they can assemble and produce automobiles in Africa’s largest economy and export same to other African countries.

Miyazaki, while addressing journalists at the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair, said a number of Japanese companies have indicated interest to expand businesses in Nigeria, promising that these firms will transfer advanced technology and machinery that will assist the country’s manufacturers.

“Olam Sanyo Foods Limited, a joint venture of Japanese Sanyo Foods Company Limited and Olam International in Singapore, has also been producing instant noodles
‘Cherrie’ since last year,” Miyazaki said.

“They are not just making and selling their products in Nigeria. They create jobs, educate staff, transfer technology and share values of Japanese craftsmanship. I believe that can serve development in the Nigerian manufacturing sector and contribute in diversifying its economy,” he said.

He identified areas of business cooperation between Nigeria and Japan as manufacturing, engineering and infrastructure.

“Japan has competitiveness in manufacturing and automobiles. Secondly, there is much cooperation in engineering and infrastructure. Last year, both import from Japan to Nigeria and export from Nigeria to Japan increased significantly. Import from Japan, mainly consisted of machinery, steel products and vehicles, marked around USD 728 million, 21.0 percent more than in 2013 (in Japanese currency base). On the other hand, export from Nigeria to Japan which was dominated by natural gas and a few of sesame seeds, also increased 36.8 percent to nearly $4.5 billion in 2014.

“On the other hand, there is huge opportunity in agriculture in Nigeria. The export of Nigeria to Japan is dominated by natural gas. However, Nigeria is the number one sesame seeds supplier to Japan. We also import cocoa from Nigeria,” he disclosed.

He further said that Japan’s main exports to Nigeria are machineries, automobiles and steel products, adding that many Japanese exhibitors at the Lagos International Trade Fair this year have more customers than they did in 2014.

 SOURCE : THE GUARDIAN  

President Buhari Urged To Close Nigerian Embassy In The UK

The activist, Professor Alexia Thomas, warned that the high rate of corruption at the Nigerian Embassy in the UK has given cause for agitation. She added that protesters and angry Nigerians are likely to set fire on the Nigerian House, if the president does not heed the call.

Alexia who doubles as Chairman of the Commonwealth Liberation Party (TCLP), a registered political party in United Kingdom (UK) and President of the Independent Diplomat Commission (IDC), said the embassy has to be shut due to unchecked corruption, fraud, illegal arrest, and criminal torture of Nigerians detained in various British immigration centers across the Queen’s enclave.

According to a CNN iReport, Alexia disclosed that a formidable uprising and protests is already in the works by the Nigerian community in UK to set ablaze Nigerian consulate.

She said that the agitation would be held to tell the world the true story of how officials of the Nigerian Embassy trade every Nigerian deportee in the hands of UK Border Agency, for the sum of 3,000 pounds.

Alexia informed that there is a conspiracy between British immigration and UK Border Agency, one which she revealed in the course of her interview.

The activist therefore called on President Buhari to act fast, and salvage the situation before it goes into total ruins.

President Buhari has always reiterated that his administration is themed around change, thus, corruption will not be accommodated at any level.

The president vowed that his administration will fight corrupt elements who are trying to stop the war against corruption in the country.

 SOURCE : NAIJ 

WHY I QUIT ONE DIRECTION - ZAYN MALIK

Zayn Malik leaving One Direction has been one of the biggest bombshells to ever hit the celeb world and the fallout has only gotten bigger since Zayn has never really spoken about it! Besides a few random as tweets that we tried to decipher , Z has been quieter than Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris's relationship deets. Liam Payne told us why Zayn left but that was only one side of the story and we NEEDED to hear it from the horses (gorgeous) mouth! AND teased his first solo song, 'Befour'.

Now Zayn has done his first proper interview since the split with FADER and he's dropped some serious truth tea about his musical influences, why he needed out of 1D and more! We won't give too much away but Zayn summed up his post-1D feels, saying:

"It's a nice feeling to come out of a place where you are being told what to do and you know, to be a certain way. Certain expectations or certain things that people want to see. It is just all my perspective. It's fully liberating. I wouldn't be able to give you one stand out moment where I was like 'this is what I wanna do' because I guess I sort of always kinda knew."

It's not the first time Zayn has used the phrase "out of the woods" a couple times now so there's really no mystery about how he feels since leaving 1D is there?! You also might have heard the music in the background of the vid? That's Zayn's new song 'Befour'! And if that title isn't a message for the rest of the boys, we don't know what is! 'Be four', just be you four, I'll be over here doing my thang?? We also haven't heard anymore news about Zayn's supposed band so we can't wait until 'Befour' drops!

 SOURCE: GIRLFRIEND 

Never Take Any Man For Granted – Genevieve Nnaji

Delectable actress, Genevieve Nnaji, is currently basking in the euphoria of her first movie production, Road To Yesterday, which is set to hit the cinemas nationwide soon. According to the screen goddess, who had been scarce on location for a couple of years, she was inspired to produce the film because “I had to take my future in my own hands and produce the type of movie that I want to be associated with”.
In this exclusive interview, Nnaji spoke to Entertainer on her debut flick and other issues.

Excerpts:
When should your fans expect your new work, Road to Yesterday, to hit the cinemas?
They should just hold their peace a little more. The Nigerian premiere would hold on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, in Lagos.

What inspired the production of the film at this point in time?
Having waited for something of interest for me to do to entertain my fans; having missed the craft, I did not find anything of interest. So, I figured that I had to take my future in my own hands and produce the type of movie that I want to be associated with at this point in time. I mean a film that will reflect my growth as a person and as an artiste, and also where I feel the industry should be turning towards. It is a statement in so many ways. It just felt like the right time to do it.

Why the choice of the title ?
The story chose the title. We had to think of a title that fitted the type of story that we are telling. It is a journey back in time about a couple trying to amend their marriage. They wanted to find out the history of their problem and from where the problem sprang up.

Would it be safe to conclude that the project marks your formal return to regular acting?
I never left but now that I am producing movies, I will definitely produce another one. I might not perform in all the movies produced by The Entertainment Network (TEN). TEN will keep producing movies for Nigeria, in Nigeria and with Nigerians. I will still look out for offers that come my way and I hope to get something good.

How would you describe the film and where was it shot?
It is intelligent, mentally challenging, intriguing and if you are an adult or you are in an adult relationship, you should watch the film. The movie was shot in Lagos.

Many of your colleagues prefer going abroad to shoot their films, why did you opt to do yours locally even as it’s your first work?
I cannot imagine going outside Nigeria to shoot my first movie. The story demanded that it is shot here. I would want to produce my first movie in an industry that I am a product of and keep it true to the nation. The Entertainment Network is focused on grooming local talents. If we want to do a feature film that is wholeheartedly Nigerian, we need to do it here.

Does any part of the film reflect anything about Genevieve either as an individual or thespian?
That is the fact that I don’t dwell on bad situations for too long before moving on.

If you were to advice a Genevieve on how best to protect her relationship, marriage and image, what would you say to her?
I would tell her never take anyone for granted. If you love someone, don’t waste times in letting them know? Life is too short and we have to make every minute count.

After Road to Yesterday what’s next?
We are already working on another movie which is veering towards comedy, with bigger and more famous stars. My fans should keep their fingers crossed; we should be working on our next project in a couple of months

Mavin Artist DI’Ja looking Stunning In New Photoshoot

Singer Di’JA stunning in new photo-shoot captured by Sunmisola Olorunnisola.

Billboard Names “10 Greatest Rappers Of All Time”

Billboard has compiled its list of “The 10 Greatest Rappers of All Time.”

The publication says that it determined its list using “MC means proving you’re the best” as its criteria. “We also have to note: we’re ranking rappers, not rap artists,” its story says. “That’s why Dr. Dre and Kanye West, for example, two legendary producer-artists who don’t match the mic skills of those listed here, were left out.”

Lil Wayne lands at #10 on Billboard’s list. “His dizzying run of mixtapes, albums and guest spots from around 2004 to 2009 is arguably the most prolific example of quality meets quantity hip-hop has ever seen,” Billboard writes. “No MC has ever rapped that well, on that many songs, for that long of a time period.”

Kendrick Lamar is #9 on the list.
“From triple and quadruple-time rhythms, his layered adlibs, and his multiple-personality voices,” Billboard says, “the Compton rapper is arguably the greatest rap craftsman to emerge this millennium, but his lyrical content never suffered.”
8. Ghostface Killah
Wu-Tang Clan established itself as one of the toughest, culture-moving crews in hip-hop in the 1990s, with each member bringing a different vibe to RZA’s dusty sonic template. Ghostface Killah stood out among them as the most lyrically dexterous.

7. Lauryn Hill
As one of the most versatile musicians in hip-hop, Lauryn Hill buoyed her group The Fugees in the ‘90s with professor-level raps and velveteen vocals. It was with her 1998 debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, though, that she became fully realized.

6. Andre 3000
As the better half — no offense to the also awesome Big Boi — of Outkast, Andre 3000 was the limber anchor behind the group’s impeccable five-album run, one unmatched by any other hip-hop act in terms of quality, success and innovation.

5. Nas
Before Nas’ debut album, 1994’s seminal Illmatic, early hype had critics and fans calling him the second coming -- of Rakim, not Jesus, but still. 20 years later,
Illmatic is widely seen as the best hip-hop album ever, a flawless blend of vivid street poetry and dream-

4. Rakim
The dividing line between old-school and new-school isn’t a year, it’s a person: Rakim. His 1987 debut with Eric B, Paid in Full, was a quantum leap in terms of mic techniques, from its complex internal rhyme schemes to his soft-spoken delivery.

3. Eminem
Shock rap usually stays relegated to the underground, where rappers like Ill Bill and Necro have flourished. But Eminem is one of the few who broke through to the mainstream, thanks to censor-stoking rhymes about rape, murder and drug abuse delivered.

2. Jay Z
Jay Z’s nimble flow used to be a lot less relaxed, as evidenced by the rapid delivery on his 1996 debut
Reasonable Doubt. But nearly every year since, the Brooklyn rapper developed his craft, improving with each album by tightening his flows and developing his Empire.

1. Notorious B.I.G.
Death at a young age can often elevate a rapper from modern-day star to bona fide legend. But Notorious B.I.G. already attained the latter status early on his career. His storytelling rhymes mined straight from his experiences in the Brooklyn streets materialized.

Billboard says that The Notorious B.I.G. is the #1 rapper of all time.
“Unlike everyone else on this list,” Billboard writes, “Biggie never dropped a single bad song, or a single errant bar.”

Source: Billboard.com

Ahmed Yakasai emerges new President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria

A FELLOW of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (PSN), Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Logistics Management of Nigeria and Institute of Chartered Institute of Commerce, and two-time Commissioner in Kano State, Ahmed I. Yakasai, over the weekend, emerged as the new President of PSN.

Also, a commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former Acting chairman of the Commission, Amina Zakari and 69 others have emerged Fellows of the Society.

Yakasi, who emerged after an election during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PSN concluded yesterday in Abuja, is an accomplished pharmacist/independent consultant with comprehensive background in international marketing. He obtained his first degree in Pharmacy in 1983 from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University.

He also has several postgraduate certificates in different professional fields ranging from general management, leadership skills, entrepreneurship, IT, community rapid assessment, emergency preparedness and response to epidemics/case management, leasing operations and administrations, islamic banking, public-private partnership project management essentials and MSc. international marketing (search and social media marketing), University of Salford,
Manchester, United Kingdom (UK)-in view.

Yakasai was born in Yakasai Quarters of Kano Municipality, Kano State in 1960 and has worked variously in both public and private sectors. He was Commissioner twice in Kano State (Commissioner of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism in 2005 to 2010 and Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning 2010-2011. He worked in four government hospitals before joining private sector in 1987 after which he founded Pharmaplus Nigeria Limited in 1992.
He was 1st Deputy President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (1997 to 2000), Chairman, Pharmaceutical of Society of Nigeria, Kano State 1991 to 1995, Chairman, Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists, now Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), 1989 to 91, 1st Vice President, Kano Chamber of Commerce 1996-2004, Zonal Consultant, National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others.

 Source: The Guardian 

Army pledges readiness to suppress insurrection in South East, South South

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has pledged its readiness to suppress insurrection in the South East and South South geopolitical zones whenever it was called upon to do so.
Addressing newsmen in Enugu on Monday, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Col. Hamza Gambo, said the statement had become imperative because of “the marked increase in the activities of pro-Biafran groups’’ in the areas.

Gambo listed the activities to include protest marches, demonstrations and some cases of outright lawlessness and threat to lives and properties.

“The truism of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is not contestable particularly as it is guaranteed by the constitution.

“Instructively, this constitutional guarantee does not allow for abuse of other person’s freedom and safety.

“It is pertinent to note that the same constitution mandates the armed forces of Nigeria to suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so.

“To this end, if and when the Nigerian Army is called upon to oplay its legally mandated role, it shall do so with utmost sense of duty and responsibility to the nation,’’ he said.

The spokesman said the army would act within its rules of engagement and called on law-abiding citizens to go about their normal activities.
He said that the disturbances were orchestrated by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Soverign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Gambo said that the agitations had led to an increased sense of insecurity in the regions.

 Source: The Guardian 

Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship rewards innovative businesses

AFRICAN Leadership Network (ALN), a membership community of influential new generation leaders in Africa has rewarded four businesses for continually innovating their businesses under this year’s edition of the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship (AAE).

According to a statement made available to The Guardian, the winners emerged from a shortlist of 11 finalists chosen from four categories after a thorough due diligence exercise carried out by professional service firm PwC.

“The awards were inaugurated to reward some of the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs and this year’s top 11 finalists were narrowed down from a list of more than 500 contestants and represent a broad spectrum of sectors across Africa, including amongst others, beverages, telecoms, IT infrastructure networks and non-governmental organisations”, the statement read.
Specifically, Tabitha Karanja of Keroche Breweries, Kenya, emerged winner of the Transformational Business award category for creating a significant socio-economic impact in Africa by building a business with revenues greater than USD $50 million, followed by Munyaradzi Gwatidzo of Astro Mobile, Zimbabwe, for the Outstanding Mature Business award, for building a company with revenues between USD $5 million and USD $50 million, while Tayo Oviosu of Paga, Nigeria, was declared the winner of the Outstanding Growing Business award which is given to a young remarkable African business with revenues between USD $500,000 and USD $5 million.

Others are Amina Slaoui of Groupe AMH, Morocco, who emerged the winner of the Outstanding Social Entrepreneur award category and winner of a USD $50,000 prize awarded to an organization that demonstrates outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship while sustainably addressing the double bottom line.

According to the organizers, Amina Slaoui was rewarded for demonstrating annual revenues of between USD $150,000 and USD $2.5 million in the last financial year, while remaining primarily focused on social returns.

PwC Partner and Coordinator for the PwC/AAE process, PwC, Ayesha Bedwei, said that PwC decided to support the awards because they believe that the road to growth passes through entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the screening process conducted by PwC, she said that the due diligence process focused on the soundness of the business model, financial health, as well as the integrity of the finalists business practices.

She added: “Africa as a continent is a breeding ground for talent and innovation. Companies have to think entrepreneurially in order to survive and strive. The chosen finalists have grown successful multi-faceted businesses which have catapulted them into the African spotlight gaining them continental recognition. The leadership positions that these companies hold inspire many others to emulate their success”.

Regional Senior Partner for PwC West Market Area and a judge at this year’s awards, Uyi Akpata, on his part affirmed that entrepreneurship is a strong driver of wealth creation in Africa which redounds benefits for us all. He added that the Awards highlight the achievements of Africa’s most exceptional entrepreneurs whose business practices have proved pivotal to the economic development of the continent.

 Source: The Guardian 

Union expresses optimism about Nigeria’s industrial revolution

With the recent inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, Industrial Global Union Federation, Nigerian council, has expressed optimism of a renewed hope for a coordinated approach to development.

The union also expressed confidence and hope that the newly constituted Federal Executive Council would focus on industrial revival as a way of creating jobs for teeming unemployed youths, which is a cardinal point of Presdent Buhari’s electoral promises.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the Africa Industrialisation Day, Chairperson, Industrial Global Union Federation, Africa Region, Issa Aremu, said the day is an important platform to raise awareness of inclusive and sustainable industrialisation as one of the conditions for economic growth and eradication of poverty on the African continent.

“It focuses on mobilizing the commitment of the critical stakeholders and the international communities to the industrialisation of African countries.

“The African Industrialisation day gives us opportunity to critically evaluate the state of our industries and reaffirm our position that the real path to mass job creation and sustainable development is through industrial development”, he said.

Speaking further, Aremu explained that the event to mark the day has been scheduled to for
November 19 with a roundtable discussion at the Yar’adua Center, Abuja, followed by a rally to mark the 2015 Industrialisation on November 20, which will kick off at the Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja.

According to him, the roundtable would centre on eradicating smuggling, meeting the financial and energy needs of local industries with the presence of Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hammed Alli (Rtd), Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele and other top government functionaries.

 Source: The Guardian 

Olamide Has Announced The Release Date For His 5th Album

Olamide is getting ready to drop his 5th studio album in 5 years and will be titled, Eyan Mayweather. Yes you read that right.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Olamide just announced via Instagram that he’ll be dropping his 5th album, on November 23rd, 2015. The album is expected to feature the hit singles, Bobo, Melo Melo and Lagos Boys.

Since 2011, Olamide has released an album every year. Rapsodi, YBNL, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, and Street OT in 2014. In addition to that he’s dropped a duo album with Phyno (2 kings) earlier this year.
So now it’s really official. Olamide is the hardest working artist in the game and he’s not even dropping Wack stuff either.

See track list below.(image)

7 Top Nigerian Celebrities Who Dropped Out Of School And Never Went Back

Below is a list of successful celebrities that have shown to the world that they can make it without a university degree.

According to reports, some were at the university but had to drop out due to certain reasons.

1. Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji (born 3 May 1979) is a popular name in the Nollywood industry. She is one of the most successful actress in Nigeria. Despite being a very intelligent and successful woman, she did not acquire a university degree, even after saying would go back to school for several years.
Apart from acting, Genevieve owns a fashion line St.Genevieve, launched in May 2008.

2. Wizkid
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), well known as Wizkid is a popular song writer and singer.
According to reports, he started singing at 11years as Lil Prinz. However, he started his music career fully with Banky W’s music group, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2009.
Wizkid dropped out of Lead City University in his second year because of his music career, hoping to continue later.
According to records, Wizkid’s achievements in the music industry includes: a BET Award, a MOBO Award, three The Headies Awards, two Channel O Music Video Awards, four Nigeria Entertainment Awards, a Ghana Music Award, two Dynamix All Youth Awards, two City People Entertainment Awards, and a Future Award. In addition, he has been nominated three times at the MTV Europe Music Awards as well as four times at the World Music Awards. He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists.

3. 9ice
9ice (born Alexander Abolore Adegbola Adigun Alapomeji Ajifolajifaola,on 17 January 1980) is a popular indigenous singer
9ice who is now a politician attended Abule Okuta Primary School and CMS Grammar School, and dropped out from his Law course at the Lagos State University to concentrate on music.
On his achievements so far, 9ice won the Revelation of the Year award and the Best Male Vocal Performer at the 2008 edition of the Hip Hop World Awards held in Nigeria. A month later at the first SoundCity Music Video Awards, 9ice was nominated in the category of Best New Artiste. 9ice’s biggest single is titled “Gongo Aso”. He is the founder of Alapomeji Records.

4. Mercy Johnson
Mercy Johnson (born in Lagos on 28 August 1984) is a popular Nollywood star. She is one of the highest paid actresses in Nollywood. Mercy Johnson Okojie revealed that she got into the Nigerian movie industry because she failed the university entrance exams (JAMB) several times.

5. D’banj
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (popularly known as D’banj, born 9 June 1980) is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, harmonica player, and businessman.
Dbanj is one of the leading musicians in Africa.
He reportedly dropped out of school when he was in 300Level (Mechanical Engineering).
Records has it that he has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009, Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards, and Best-selling African Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards, Evolution award at the 2015 MTV Africa Music awards.

6. Don Jazzy
Michael Collins Ajere popularly known as Don Jazzy is one of the famous Nigerians who did not need education to achieve success. The prolific music producer and C.E.O of Mavin Records dropped out of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma in his first year.

7. 2face Idibia
Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2face attended Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. He enrolled at Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu (IMT), where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in Business Administration and Management. While attending IMT, he performed at school organised shows and parties. He eventually dropped out to pursue his music career
2Face told Views Channel in an interview about how an incident where he was robbed devastated and led to his decision to leave school to face music.
“I got robbed sometime in school. All my audio cassettes that I recorded they took them. I was sad for like a year plus. I dropped out and I am like look I am not continuing this thing I am going to follow music.
“I actually confessed to my parents. I told them the truth that I am not going back to school. I am going to Lagos, Festac town. All this waka wey I dey talk so, na molue… staff, sometimes na fight we go fight. Them go pursue us from bus” he said.

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