Commissioner says state govt. will spend N60b on Zaria Water Project

The rehabilitation of Zaria Water Project will gulp over N60 billion when completed, Kaduna State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu-Lere, has said.

Aliyu-Lere made the disclosure on Friday in a chat with newsmen in Zaria,

``The water treatment plant is going to cost N24 billion and another N20 billion will be spent on expansion before transmission.

``Construction of 10 number service reservoirs of seven million litres each with booster stations will cost us about N16 billion including solid waste management sanitation programme," he said.

The commissioner said that the project was expected to be completed by December this year.

``From what we have seen on ground, if it continues like that, we are convinced the contractors will meet the target.

``The expansion will be completed around the middle of next year," he said.

He expressed regret that some residents build on water and transmission lines which affected proper reticulation of water in some areas.

He said that some residents would experience discomfort during reticulation and change of pipelines especially road users and urged them to be patient with government.

He said that about 73 kilometres of excavation for transmission lines and over 600 kilometres of expansion work would be done on the project within Zaria.

``So you can imagine the quantum of earth that would be excavated all around Zaria and its environs.

``This requires a lot of understanding and a great deal of cooperation from the potential consumers, the residents of Zaria and environs.

``That is why we are here to sensitise people on the need to cooperate with government," he said.

Annual comedy event set to hold on Easter Sunday

Popular comedian, AY is set to thrill Nigerians with the 2016 edition of the popular annual comedy event, AY LIVE Comedy and Music Concert which is billed to hold on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016.

The ace event will be taking place at the convention hall of the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The 2016 edition of the show which is themed, 'The Happy Ever Laughter' edition has been packaged by Lanre Makun Events and is set to showcase dramatic performances from Funke Akindele, Falz the Bad Guy, Chigurl,  I Go Dye, Gordons, Klint D Drunk, Dan D Humorous, Akpororo, Seyi Law,Helen Paul, Elenu, Acapella, Ajebo, Pencil, Kelly black and lots more.

According to Ay, the event will also be showcasing performances from the brightest Musical artistes from old school to the biggest rave making kings in the industry today.

The event is supported by Glo, NEWAGE Charger and Lufthansa Airline.

Lee Daniels Admits Empire Season 2 Has Struggled

Empire season 2 has struggled – The co-creator of TV show, Empire, Lee Daniels, has admitted that the show’s second season hasn’t been up to par.

“It was growing pains and I think it would have happened to any show,” Daniels said while speaking at PaleyFest 2016. “We were learning. Sometimes you don’t feel like its enough. That these people — these wonderfully talented actors — are enough and so you bring in this person, ok maybe we’ll get more eyes. … ”
“It’s a learning process. It’s really learning about everybody and trying things out. How do you make greatness without testing?”
Daniels also admitted that going forward, the show would have less guest stars and feature more of it’s regular cast.
“Here’s the thing, what I’ve learned on this journey in television, because I had never done television before, is that we’re good enough.” Pointing at the show’s regular stars who were there with him, he said:  “Look at them. I want to see them every week.”
Empire, which has been on break since December, resumes on the 30th of March.

Paternity Of Diamond Platnumz’s Daughter Confirmed

Paternity of Diamond Platnumz’s daughter – Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz recently put an end to rumors about his daughter’s father after a paternity test returned positive.

Paternity of Diamond Platnumz’s daughter

There had been rumors that the award-winning singer might not have been the father of baby Latifah. The reports went further by saying the child may have belonged to Ivan Ssemwanga, his baby mama Zari Hassan’s former husband


To put an end to the rumors and also for himself, Platnumz reportedly traveled to South Africa for a DNA test, which confirmed he was the father.
“People talked a lot, created a lot of lies,” he said in an interview with Citizen TV. “I was not worried nonetheless. All through, I knew the baby is mine; though just to make myself happier and more peaceful, I decided to conduct a DNA test on Tifah.”
“Tifah is my daughter, completely! I am extremely overjoyed by the results (DNA). That’s why I am now freer, happier and having a good time. When you happen to visit my office, you will notice I have hung framed photos of Tifah everywhere. I am not worried at all. I can now courageously face my critics.”

When Plagiarism Becomes The Cancer Of Blogging – Kunle Olabode

I had a chance encounter with Pastor Paul Adefarasin at Elegushi, Lekki area of Lagos state last week on March 3, after 7 a.m., on my way to work. The Senior Pastor of House on the Rock helped in no small measure to ease the traffic flow along that route. I was quite impressed hence I took some pictures and wrote a short post on Facebook to commend him.
The post generated tremendous interest on the social media, in line with the primary motive of encouraging people to imbibe good leadership skills and to always add value to society. However, in total contrast to the spirit of the message, some bloggers rather chose to seize the moment to commit atrocious acts.
A Google search and analysis revealed the depth of this bizarre act. One of the culprits is the blogger, Linda Ikeji, who is generally alleged to have a notoriety for plagiarism. Words could barely convey my feelings of disappointment on seeing the watermark and seal ‘Linda Ikeji Blog’ appended to the pictures I took, which I have copyrights on and which were lifted straight off my Facebook page! There was hardly a blog that didn’t latch on to the story in varying degrees.
Stella Dimoko-korkus also partook in this. It appears that some bloggers resort to pathetic means to drive traffic to their sites. A number of them lifted my accompanying Facebook posts verbatim and also posted this on their blogs, while taking full ownership of the materials by draping their seals on the entire material. Isn’t it obvious we’re dealing with people of compromised integrity? It is bad enough to take a screenshot of my pictures, but even worse to copy the accompanying post, and publish both as content thats original to them.
I have nothing against blogging and I have benefitted from some wonderful blogs over the years. Furthermore, I blog @ www.kunleolabode.com, although the post in question was largely on my Facebook page, and wasn’t uploaded to my website. One of the bloggers also found his/her way to Nairaland to upload a screenshot of my Facebook post as well. Another blogger gave me credit for the post but erred in the appendage on the pictures. This is certainly wrong!

Linda Ikeji and Co in plagiarism: A screenshot from her blog

How did we get to this sorry pass as a nation? A country and people that do not place a high premium on intellectual work are heading for the dunghill. The phenomenon of instant gratification, without painstaking effort, is distorting lives and eroding values among the youth. It’s quite easy for my generation to cry about a lack of opportunities and blame the political elite for the decades of rot in our system, however the truth must be told that there is a lot of irresponsible behaviour among so many these days and in this clime which inhibits the sort of progress enjoyed by earlier generations.
Although, the EFCC is battling with fraud of immense proportions by ‘419ers’ and corrupt politicians, yet there is the need for us as a nation to pay closer scrutiny to the activities of some of the young men and women who nowadays have found a new line of vocation in blogging. The unfortunate thing about this group is the modus operandi employed to achieve their objectives: I’m not certain it’s just the conventional Get-Rich-Quick-Syndrome, and I sincerely believe it’s partly due to the lack of purpose and direction on the part of some. How does one explain the situation of a young man in the most productive season of his life prowling the internet for ‘just any content’ that will drive traffic to his site?
I am not certain there is a lot of knowledge or enlightenment on the subject of plagiarism and its consequences in Nigeria, otherwise it wouldn’t thrive in this manner. It is not out of place to want to upload all sorts of “interesting” content to your blog, but when you have not originally generated this content, at least kindly seek the permission of the author/owner of such, or give credit to its source in your publication. It is time for a common sense revolution in this country; I have watched, with delight, interviews with bloggers from different parts of the world on foreign media outlets. You can blog with distinction through original value driven content, and be successful. If you’re not sure of God’s purpose for your life, please seek Him out and ask; blogging is not for everyone.
This is the time for people to lend their voices towards the destruction of this cancerous outgrowth in society.
Kunle Olabode writes from Lagos, and blogs on www.kunleolabode.com.

MUSIC: ClassiQ – “Hoto” (Remix) ft. Vector & Jesse Jagz

ClassiQ is back again with another hit! After much long time of waiting, ClassiQ finally hit the studio again as he features the killer behind “King Kong” a.k.a “Vector Tha Viper” and “Jesse Jagz” on “Hoto Remix”
Enjoy!

ClassiQ – “Hoto” (Remix) ft. Vector & Jesse Jagz

Pryse – “Feeling Myself” (THE PRYSELESS FRESSTYLE – EPISODE 4)

Pryse is back and she is feeling herself on episode 4! Last week she claimed to be the African Nicki Minaj, this week she jumps on Nicki’s Feeling Myselffeaturing Beyonce.
On episode 4, Pryse addresses the recently released VJ Adams “Define Rap”featuring M.I, Ice Prince and Vector. She remains in the conversation for lyricist on the roll with her Pryseless Freestyle gaining momentum. Can’t wait  to see what she does next!
Listen & download the fourth episode of The Pryseless Freestyle – ‘Feeling Myself’

Pryse – “Feeling Myself”

OIL & GAS TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Do you know that you can undergo our international oil and gas training and certification absolutely Free?

Gennesaret Resources; the leading Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and Health Safety and Environment (HSE) training provider in Nigeria is giving out numerous discounts for FULL PAYMENTS made in March, 2016

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2. A 20% discount off course fees when you are able to bring 5 persons for registrations; the 5 candidates get a 10% discount while you get a 20% discount on registrations.

3. A 10% discount off normal course fees for individual registrations.

N/B: These discounts are applicable only on FULL PAYMENTS made in March, 2016

To register for any of the courses schedules, click http://goo.gl/uGysSy

Below are a list of all courses in our Port Harcourt and Warri Centers currently on discount

- IOSH Working Safely

- IOSH Managing Safely

- NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC)

- NDT II Visual Testing

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- NDT II Penetrant Testing

- NDT II Ultrasonic Testing

- NDT II Radiographic Film Interpretation

- ISO 9001 Quality Management System Lead Auditor

- OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Lead Auditor

- API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspection

- API 570 – Piping Inspection

- API 653 – Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection

- API 580 – Risk Based Inspection

- API 571 – Materials and Corrosion

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- Pipe Welding

- Plate Welding

- Fillet Welding

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Photos: Idris Elba poses with his mother as he collects his OBE at Buckingham Palace

The British actor posed with his proud mother as he collected his OBE at Buckingham Palace on Friday. "Made my Mum very happy today!!"

Ahead of the ceremony, the actor who was given the OBE for Services to Drama posted another photo of himself looking dapper in a suit. See that after the cut...

More photos of Lekki Gardens MD in court today

Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Richard Nyong and the Contractor, Taiwo Odofin pictured as they arrived the Ebute Metta Chief Magistrate Court, in Lagos, today Friday, March 11. More photos after the cut...

EFCC Arraigns Rickey Tarfa, Another SAN For Alleged Bribery

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday March 9, 2016 arraigned Rickey Tarfa, SAN, before Justice A. A. Akintoye of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere on a 27-count charge bordering on alleged wilful obstruction of authorized officers of EFCC, refusing to declare asset, making false information and offering gratification to a public official.

When the charge was read to him, Tarfa pleaded not guilty.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, asked the court to fix a date for trial and to remand the defendant in prison custody.
However, counsel to Tarfa, Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, told the court that he has filed an application for bail. He urged the court to grant bail to the defendant on self-recognisance
Justice Akintoye granted bail to the defendant on self-recognisance and adjourned the matter to March 22 for trial.
One of the counts read: ‘That you Rickey Tarfa SAN on the 29th day of January 2014 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court intentionally gave the sum of N1, 500,000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) to Hon. Justice Nganjiwa Hyeladzira Ajiya of the Federal High Court directly from your Zenith Bank Account No. 1002926967 in order that the said judge acts in the exercise of his official duties.
’
“That you Rickey Tarfa SAN on or about the 15th day of December, 2015 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court intentionally gave the sum of N500,000.00 (five hundred thousand naira only) to Hon. Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court indirectly through Awa Ajia Nigeria Limited’s account No. 0000971941 domiciled in Access Bank Plc belonging to Hon. Justice Nganjiwa Hyeladzira Ajiya in order that Hon. Mohammed Nasir Yunusa refrains from acting in the exercise of his official duties.”
In a similar development, the EFCC also arraigned Dr Joseph Nwobike, SAN before Justice R.I.B Adebiyi of the Lagos State High Court on five count charge of allegedly offering gratification and attempting to pervert course of justice.
Nwobike is facing criminal prosecution for allegedly bribing a Federal High Court Judge to refrain from exercising the duties of his office.
The defendant admitted in his statement to the EFCC that he gave N750, 000 to Justice Yunusa to assist the Judge in the treatment of his ailing mother who is alleged to be suffering from kidney disease.
One of the counts read that “You Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN) on the 28th day of March 2015 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, intentionally gave the sum of N750,000 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) to Honourable Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court directly through your United Bank for Africa Account No. 1002664061 in order that the said Judge refrains from acting in the exercise of his official duties and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 64 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State No. 11 of 2011”.
Nwobike pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him. In view of his plea, Rotimi Oyedepo, the prosecution counsel asked the court for a trial date.
However, the defendant’s counsel, A.I Layonu, SAN prayed the court to admit his client to bail on self-recognisance.
Oyedepo did not oppose the prayer of the defence counsel. Consequently, Justice Adebiyi admitted Nwobike to bail on self-recognisance and adjourned the matter to 11th, 21st, and 22nd April 2016 for commencement of trial.

Saraki attends CCT trial with 30 senators, 66 lawyers

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Friday, attended his resumed Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) trial arrived with convoy of 30 Senators.
Some of the Senators present are Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate president; Abdullahi Sabi, Senate spokesman; Hope Uzodinma, Dino Melaye, and Sam Anyanwu.
Others are Ben Murray-Bruce, a senator from Bayelsa east, with Shehu Sani, a senator from Kaduna central, and Stella Oduah, a senator from Anambra north.
Saraki did not only appear in court with 30 senators, he was also represented by 66 lawyers in his ongoing trial for alleged false declaration of assets at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
Among his lawyers were seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
Some of the lawyers are Kanu Agabi (SAN), lead counsel; Mahmud Magaji (SAN) and Alphonsus Ogar.
At the hearing of the case, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), counsel to the federal government, informed Danladi Umar, the judge, that he was ready to present his witnesses.
But Saraki’s lead counsel, Agabi countered, saying that there was a motion that must be ruled on before the commencement of the trial.
“This is a deliberate attempt to scuttle this trial. So that this matter will not go on. Today’s business is trial. That’s my submission,” Jacobs protested.
The lawyer further stated that he had not been served with the motion, and urged the court to discountenance it, and order the calling of witnesses.
Agabi however, apologised to Jacobs for not serving him the motion personally, and promised to do so.
After hearing the arguments of both lawyers, Justice Danladi stated that Agabi was new to the case, consequently, he should be given ample time to prepare his defence.
He subsequently adjourned the matter to March 18 for hearing of the motion and the substantive suit.