Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to accelerate the process of giving approval to the State’s request to build two seaports in Lekki and Badagry.

The Governor said the State had already deployed resources and manpower to the construction of the seaports, which, he said, were being initiated to complement the capacities of the existing ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island.

Sanwo-Olu spoke while receiving members of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Ports Decongestion led by Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, said Lagos needed two additional ports which would serve the State and also build the national economy.

He said: “Lagos needs to have two other ports which would not only serve us, but also build the national economy. We have initiated the development of Lekki seaport, which has started. We are building another port in Badagry.

“But, we are still in conversation with the NPA to grant the approval, because we have added five developers, financiers and partners on the Badagry port. If we can finish the construction of both seaports, it would free up the congestion in Apapa axis and create new business hub for our people.”

The Governor said the Federal Government’s move to grow non-oil sector and boost the economy would be rewarding if the capacities of existing seaports were efficiently maximised. He pointed out the need to enhance the efficiency of the Apapa and Tin Can Island seaports for improved non-oil revenue generation, stressing that the decongestion of the two ports was long overdue.

Sanwo-Olu said his visit to the two Lagos ports within 48 hours after he assumed office was an indication of the strategic role of the two seaports were playing in sustaining the state’s 24-hour economy.

He said the setting up of a joint Taskforce by the State and the Federal Government to tackle gridlocks along the routes leading to the Ports was a step to prepare the ground for full decongestion of the facilities, urging that the effort should be complemented with a total overhaul of the seaports’ operations for improved efficiency.

He said: “Smooth operation of the Lagos seaports is not only critical to sustaining our commerce in Lagos State, it is also critical to the growth of the national economy. If, in truth, we want to be serious about developing non-oil sector to boost the economy, it is important for us to take proper action and decision on our seaports because they have great potential to completely transform the national economy.

“More importantly, we need to look for solution that will reflect on the two port gateways of this nation, which are the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. It is clear that those ports are overwhelmed, because the level of yearly turnout coming out of them has since doubled.”

The move by Lagos Government to build two additional ports, Sanwo-Olu pointed out, was part of the measures being undertaken by the State to support the Federal Government’s effort to decongest and reduce pressure on the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

Hon. Yakub said the ad-hoc committee was set up by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to investigate the cause of congestion of the seaports, with the task to give recommendation towards solving the existing challenges for non-oil businesses to thrive.

Describing the seaports as “critical gateways”, the lawmaker promised that the recommendation to be submitted by the committee would lead to the maximum utilisation of the seaports as well as generate jobs for the youths.

He said: “The House of Representatives believes the seaports are critical gateways for exchange of consumer goods. If our seaports are not functioning optimally, our economy would be sick. We will handle this oversight function with the urgency it demands to turn around our ports and make them efficient.”

https://www.todaysecho.com/business/sanwo-olu-calls-for-accelerated-approval-of-badagry-lekki-seaports/

This is a follow up story to this thread: https://www.nairaland.com/5363496/federal-road-safety-corps-new

SWITZERLAND, SEPTEMBER 17 – The Federal Road Safety Corps has denied accusations that it is extorting new intakes while accusing popular Nigerian online forum, Nairaland of ‘Unsubstantiated Allegations’.

In a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem , and published on it’s verified Twitter handle( @FRSCNigeria), the FRSC said the allegations were not only unfounded, sensational and seditious, but the imagination of the writer who displayed crash ignorance about the operations of the FRSC.

The FRSC also insisted that the exercises which led to the final selection of the successful candidates were “therefore not only open and transparent, but followed the due process.”

In report on the popular Nigerian online forum, Nairaland, an FRSC new intake had narrated a nasty ordeal during training and accused Corp marshal Boboye Oyeyemi of monumental fraud practices.

An excerpt from the nairaland report

” They were employed into Federal Road Safety Coprs under the officer cadre around December 2018, upon resumption at the camp on 9th January 2019, they were greeted with frivolous extortions ranging from payment for oath forms, hand outs, uniforms and name tags. They were made to pay for virtually everything down to photocopy of documents from FRSC headquarter that are normally supposed to be given to them free of charge, this shameful act of extortion calls for serious concern as to whether neccessary provisions of adequate funds were not made by the Federal Government.


the peak of this currupt practices by the corp marshal is the compulsory openning of salary account with a microfinance bank called “safeline” owned by Boboye Oyeyemi and his fellow top ranking FRSC senior officers. A bank with meager capital base, no working ATM card, no known branch aside the only existing one in Abuja. this act of regimental robbery and several others gives one reasons to wonder why a man saddled with the responsibility of moving an organisation forward will decide to run it aground by subjecting the staffs to untold hardship and enrich his pocket.


while sister agents like Nigeria Immigration service paid up to 950, 000 naira as training allowance to the newly commissioned officers , Federal Road Safety Corp on the other hand paid a paltry sum of 59, 000 naira to their newly commissioned officers as training allowance for six months.”
Read FRSC’s full rejoinder here: https:///2kDWhwC

The attack on the world’s largest oil processing plant early Saturday morning is a dramatic escalation in the confrontation between Iran and Saudi Arabia even if the Iranians didn’t fire the drones or missiles responsible.

Several projectiles struck the Abqaiq plant, starting a series of fires that quickly took out nearly half Saudi’s oil production — 5% of the global daily output — and sparking fears about the security of the world’s oil supplies.

Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed the attack, saying that 10 drones had targeted Abqaiq, as well as the Khurais oilfield. But attacks of this scale and accuracy would represent a sudden and remarkable increase in Houthi capabilities, and neither the United States nor Saudi Arabia is buying the claim.

The United States swiftly discounted the Houthi claim.

Secretary Michael Pompeo has already blamed Iran for the attack In a series of Tweets, Pompeo cited the country’s support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, who claimed responsibility for the attack, and said the United States would “ensure that energy markets remain well supplied and Iran is held accountable for its aggression.”

In response Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused Pompeo of engaging in deception. He wrote on Twitter: “Having failed at ‘max pressure’, @SecPompeo’s turning to ‘max deceit’ US & its clients are stuck in Yemen because of illusion that weapon superiority will lead to military victory. Blaming Iran won’t end disaster.”

President Donald Trump on Sunday evening tweeted that the US has “reason to believe that we know” who is responsible for an attack on a Saudi Arabian oil field and the country is “locked and loaded depending on verification” following the crippling strike.

“Saudi Arabia oil supply was attacked. There is reason to believe that we know the culprit, are locked and loaded depending on verification, but are waiting to hear from the Kingdom as to who they believe was the cause of this attack, and under what terms we would proceed!” Trump said.

Trump’s tweet, which appeared to raise the specter of a US military response, served to ratchet up tensions in a region already on edge after Saturday’s audacious attack on the Saudi oil field.

Trump used similar language in June when he announced he had called off an attack on Iran just as the US was “cocked & loaded” to strike because he decided it would cause too many deaths for a proportionate response to Tehran’s downing of a US drone.

But where did this attack originate and who was behind it?The Houthis have sent dozens of drones and short-range ballistic missiles against Saudi Arabia in the past two years. Many have been intercepted by Saudi air defenses; others have fallen harmlessly. A very few have caused limited damage and casualties.

he mum of a McDonald’s worker filmed battering a rude customer has said the girl deserved the savage beating.

Erika Chavolla, 24, was filmed slamming Sabrinah Fontelar’s head against a table after she apparently insulted her mother and threw a milkshake at a Las Vegas branch last week.

Speaking for the first time since the brutal video went viral, Erika’s mother Ana said: “What was she supposed to do, nothing?”

Ana, from Las Vegas, Nevada, said people have always picked fights with her daughter because of her size.

The 48-year-old added: “The customer was looking for a fight. She was pushing.

“Erika doesn’t know her, she’s just a customer she comes in throwing things. What did she expect?”

Fontelar, also 24, posted a link to a news article and a screengrab of the footage on her Instagram account, with the comment: “Fat b***h”.

It has since been reported that Fontelar was charged with battery while Chavolla kept her job.

She showed off the cuts and grazes she got from “hitting her in the teeth” in a new Facebook video.

Chavolla said: “She was talking a lot of smack for a long time. I wasn’t even going to hit her.

“When there’s a big girl coming towards her, she started freaking out.

“Don’t talk about my momma!” she added, referencing her angry words in the original fight footage.

McDonald’s is understood to be investigating the brawl and said it does not “condone the behaviour depicted in this video”.

The fight is believed to have broken out when Fontelar ignored the waitress by going to fill her cup with free soft drinks.

The waitress grabs the woman, wearing just a small black tank top and grey shorts, and starts pounding her head on a table.

She throws the customer around so brutally that one of her breasts falls out of her top.

The larger woman then pummels her face with wild, swinging blows before tossing her on to a cushioned seat.

At this point, other employees try to get between the two women as the very one-sided fight rages on.

Another employee, wearing a blue shirt, eventually restrains the battered patron but gets an elbow in the face for her effort.

The first waitress tells her: “My momma ain’t dead, you respect my momma.”

Watch video here: https:///2m7KNBE

The Federal Government is set to block over 9 million unregistered mobile phone Sim cards in Nigeria.

According to a Government statement, the Minister of Communications, Dr Isa Patanmi has directed the Nigerian Communications Commision(NCC) to block all those sim cards until their users present themselves.

“As at today, preliminary investigation revealed, we have over 9 Million unregistered Sim Cards in Nigeria, I have directed the NCC to immediately block those numbers until the users present themselves, ” the Minister said via a tweet on Thursday.

Booming shale production helped the United States briefly overtake Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the world’s top oil exporter for the first time earlier this year, according to CNN

US exports of crude topped 3 million barrels per day in June, according to the International Energy Agency, pushing its total oil exports to nearly 9 million barrels per day.Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, cut back on exports of crude and other energy products as part of a longstanding OPEC effort to boost prices. Russian exports were constrained by problems with a pipeline that delivers oil to central and eastern Europe.

While the title of No. 1 exporter passed back to Saudi Arabia in July and August, the United States’ brief reign reflects its new status as one of the world’s most influential energy producers.

Led by shale, US production has more than doubled over the past decade. Drilling innovations have opened up huge swaths of new resources, allowing the United States to pump more oil than any other country.

“With production expanding strongly, the question is can sellers of US crude price exports attractively enough to capture international markets,” the Paris-based IEA said in a report.

The IEA, which monitors energy supplies for the world’s richest nations, said that US exports were limited in July and August by hurricanes and the Trump administration’s trade war with China. But the agency expects the United States to challenge again for the title of top exporter.

“The installation of the necessary pipelines and terminals is continuing apace, which will ensure that the trend continues,” the agency said in its report.

Oil prices have stumbled in recent months due to concerns about weak demand for energy driven by the trade war and a global economic slowdown.The US Energy Information Administration dimmed its outlook for oil consumption on Tuesday due to concerns about the economy. It now expects demand growth this year to be the weakest since at least 2011.

The IEA maintained its estimates for global demand growth on Thursday, saying it expects an increase of 1.1 million barrels per day in 2019 and 1.3 million barrels per day next year.

https://www.todaysecho.com/business/with-booming-shale-us-competes-with-saudi-arabia-as-worlds-largest-oil-producer/

SWITZERLAND, SEPTEMBER 12 – The Central Bank of Nigeria has updated its Guidelines on the Issuance and Treatment of Bankers Acceptances and Commercial Papers.

The apex bank announced the latest development on Thursday, September 12, 2019, via a statement seen by Today’s Echo.

The full upgraded guide can be read and downloaded via this link: https:///2kIMzsB

“In order to ensure uniform practice and correct treatment of Bankers Acceptances (BAs) and Commercial Papers (CPs) by Banks and Discount Houses in Nigeria, it has become imperative to issue these guidelines, to deepen and facilitate the effective and efficient functioning of the Nigerian money market.

“These guidelines are issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in exercise of its statutory powers under Section 33 (1)(b) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007, ” the CBN said in its opening statement on the guidelines.

The CBN defines a Bank Acceptance(BA) as a draft drawn on and accepted by a bank, unconditionally ordering payment of a certain sum of money at a specified time in the future to the order of a designated party.

It also defines a Commercial Paper(CP) as an unconditional promise by a person to pay to the order of another person a certain sum at a future date. Such an instrument may or may not carry the bank’s guarantee.

https://www.todaysecho.com/business/breaking-cbn-updates-guidelines-on-bank-acceptances-and-commercial-papers/

SWITZERLAND, SEPTEMBER 10 – Global Human Rights watch dog, the Human Rights Watch(HRW) has accused the Nigerian military of detaining and violating the rights of thousands of children under the guise of fighting Boko Haram.
The NGO’s latest report seen by Today’s Echo says the Nigerian military continues to detain thousands of children in “inhuman conditions.” Allegedly, the minors collaborated with Boko Haram.
” The Nigerian military has arbitrarily detained thousands of children in degrading and inhuman conditions for suspected involvement with the armed Islamist group Boko Haram. Many children are held without charge for months or years in squalid and severely overcrowded military barracks, with no contact with the outside world,” the HRW alleges the latest report on the Boko Haram crisis.
The report called “‘They Didn’t Know if I Was Alive or Dead”: Military Detention of Children for Suspected Boko Haram Involvement in Northeast Nigeria,” says many children are “held without charge for months or years in overcrowded military barracks.”

“Between January 2013 and March 2019, Nigerian armed forces detained over 3,600 children, including 1,617 girls, for suspected involvement with non-state armed groups, according to the UN. Many are detained at Giwa military barracks in Maiduguri, the main military detention facility in Borno State.”

Read more: https://www.todaysecho.com/politics/boko-haram-nigerian-army-detains-thousands-of-children-under-inhuman-conditions-hrw/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is in Adamawa State today to Launch the National Livestock Transformation Plan(NLTP), which the Vice President and his aides insist, is different from the infamous RUGA settlements project.

According to Osinbajo’s media aide, Laolu Akande, the National Livestock Transformation plan was developed by States through the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the VP and is not to be confused with RUGA.

In July 2019, the Vice President said 13 states in Nigeria have already signed up to the NLTP.

According to the VP, the States are Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, & Edo.

“On the National Livestock Transformation Plan, 13 States are already in the process of implementation of a plan to transform the livestock production system in Nigeria along market oriented value chain while ensuring an atmosphere of peace and justice.

“ These States are at different stages in the process, but have indicated readiness to implement the plan. Truth is: this FG will not impose on any State government regarding its land.

“NEC okayed Plan based on the recommendation of a Technical Committee of the Council chaired by Ebonyi State Gov. Umahi. Other State Governors who were on the Committee & Working Group are Adamawa, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Oyo & Zamfara-mostly the frontline states,” Osinbajo said.

The NLTP is a holistic plan developed from the recommendations of the extensive national policy dialogues conducted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2017 on modernizing the livestock sub-sector and the findings of extensive stakeholder consultations by the National Economic Council (NEC) Farmer-Herder Crises Committee on the drivers of the conflicts in 2018.

The plan has 6 pillars in order to systematically address the concerns of livestock modernization as well as resolve farmer-herder conflicts sustainably. They are: Conflict Resolution, Justice and Peace, Humanitarian Relief and Early Recovery, Human Capital Development; Crosscutting Issues of (Research, Youth and Gender) and Economic Investment (cattle production along the value chains).


Sources told Today’s Echo that the NLTP was developed from recommendations based on extensive stakeholder consultations by the National Economic Council (NEC) Farmer-Herder Crises Committee on the drivers of the conflict in 2018 and the plan was approved by all 36 governors in January 2019. The plan was to finalise on design and procurement process, before engagement with States and Local Governments for identification and provision of sites while the Ministry of Interior would be engaged to finalize the logistics and modalities of mobilizing the Agro- Rangers for the provision of security.

The following are the differences between RUGA and NLTP:
• While RUGA focuses only on livestock, NLTP caters to the concerns of both pastoralists and crop farmers for a mutual coexistence.
• RUGA will provide amenities such as basic water, shelter, health and security infrastructure as well as feed sources and pasture, while the NLTP addresses the concerns of livestock modernization through the following six pillars: Conflict Resolution, Justice and Peace, Humanitarian Relief and Early Recovery, Human Capital Development; Crosscutting Issues of (Research, Youth and Gender) and Economic Investment (cattle production along the value chains).

The co-ordination of the NLTP will be carried out at the Federal level by the NEC NLTP Steering Committee through the Project for Agriculture Coordination & Execution (PACE) Secretariat to be domiciled in the Office of the Vice President. In phase one, the PACE Secretariat will initially support the development of pilot ranches in each of the 7 pilot states (Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara). States can also opt-in with private land provisions to help shape the success of the pilot phase.

Furthermore, each State Governor is responsible to put in place a suitable delivery mechanism for the NLTP. Project for Agriculture Coordination & Execution (PACE) office domiciled in the Office of the Vice President, will support them. Governors would have the State Steering Committees (state livestock office) sitting in their offices and approve and manage the budgets for the state livestock project management teams (SLPMO)How is this plan being implemented?


Over 95 pilot ranches are to be built in partnership with the State Governments, private investors and development partners within gazeted grazing reserves only. 6 state governors have identified 28 gazetted grazing reserves for the project.

https://www.todaysecho.com/politics/osinbajo-in-adamawa-to-launch-the-national-livestock-transformation-plan/

SWITZERLAND, SEPTEMBER 10 – Famous Nigerian cross dresser, media personality and troublemaker, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky has started campaigning for votes for his friend and BBnaija housemate, Tacha.

Bobrisky posted this morning on Twitter:

” Good morning guys! Don’t forget to vote for my friend. sms VOTE TACHA to 32052.”

Tacha, Mike, Seyi, and Khafi have all been nominated for eviction this week. They are all strong players and that will make the contest really tough.

See Bobrisky’s tweet below:

The Federal Government has embarked on the rapid modernization of the railway transport services across the country to make the trains more comfortable and effective.

Some of the new improvements include the introduction of Free Wifi, Medical Assistance, Books and Magazines on the trains.

The reforms are championed by the Bureau of Public Service Reform.

Today’s Echo gathers that the Bureau of Public Service Reform will be working with Nigerian Railway Corporation to improve its services to the public in ensuring that customers are able to book their tickets, schedule their journeys, obtain information about routes and fares online;
Frequent customers enjoy loyalty packages such as discounts, rewards etc.

“Current train stations and onboard services provide for passengers with special needs;
Customers enjoy complimentary snacks while on board; Trains are kept clean and tidy before customers get onboard,” The Bureau of Public Service Reform said in a recent statement.

According to the Bureau, Medical assistance are available for customers onboard in case of any emergency; Signages for guidance of travelers are provided at the train stations;
Customers on board have access to free wifi , books and magazines to remove boredom; and
Effective grievance resolution mechanisms are in place for complaints and service failures.

https://www.todaysecho.com/technology/fg-improves-rail-services-introduces-free-wifi-medical-assistance-books-and-magazines/

SWITZERLAND, SEPTEMBER 03 – South African telecommunications giant operating in Nigeria, MTN has condemned the ongoing Xenophobia and discrimination going on in the country.

As violent acts allegedly motivated by xenophobia against Africans in the southern African country escalates, Nigerians are increasingly becoming targets as angry mobs attack them, loot and burn their shops.

As the tension escalates, there is a widespread call for big South African brands operating in Nigeria, including MTN, DSTV, Shoprite, Stanbic IBTC to condemn the heinous acts. Many have also called for the boycott of these companies and their products/services.

In a statement signed by the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, and seen by Today’s Echo’s correspondent, the telecoms giant condemned the hate, prejudice and xenophobia, and reiterated it unequivocal condemnation of all violence.

https://www.todaysecho.com/business/breaking-mtn-breaks-silence-condemns-xenophobia/

See the full statement below:

Check out more photos from previous editions

The goal of Funky Brunch Lagos is to foster a culture of brunching together, socialising and networking over food and drinks with non-stop music from 8 of the best DJs in Lagos.

Funky Brunch Lagos 2019 Anniversary will take place on September 1, 2019 at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

DJ’s headlining the show include Consequence, DJ Prince, DJ Six7even, and DJ Debby.

On September 1, South African media personality, Bonang Matheba, OAP Toke Makinwa, and music star Tiwa Savage will join young and upwardly mobile professionals, premium influencers and celebrities from the entertainment, fashion and lifestyle industry to party at the Funky Brunch’s 1 Year Anniversary in Lagos.

In a press statement sent to Today’s Echo, the organizers of the event, Bespoke PR revealed that the South-African delectable model, Bonang Matheba will be hosting the show.

Tobi Efe Adesiyan, a representative of the organisers told Today’s Echo that The Funky Brunch Lagos is the most anticipated lifestyle experience in Nigeria. According to Tobi, the event always has in attendance the highest concentration of young and upwardly mobile professionals, premium influencers and celebrities from the entertainment, fashion and lifestyle industry.

https://www.todaysecho.com/lifestyle/bonang-matheba-toke-makinwa-tiwa-savage-set-for-funky-brunch-premium-lagos-party/

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Barrister Agboola Ajayi has come under online attacks for alleged inconsistencies in his academic and professional records.

According to his accusers, Agboola claims to have acquired his SSCE certificate in 2004 while he was also a serving as a Local Government Chairman at that same time. It is alleged that he claimed in his records to be a full time student of community High School Mobolorunduro In the 2004 May/ June SSCE.

Another allegation against Agboola is that he was already a member of the House of Representatives at the time he claimed to have been called to the bar as a lawyer.
“It’s not a hidden fact that to be called to Bar, he must be a full time student of the Nigerian Law School in the 2009/2010 academic year, same time he’s a full time member of the House of Reps, which is impossible,” a Twitter commentator said.

However, Today’s Echo gathered that Agboola’s travails may have stemmed from his recent clash with his boss, Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu. According to some sources, Agboola got a hint that Akeredolu would not retain him as his Deputy Governor for the 2020 gubernatorial election in the state and therefore, decided to work against the governor. According to sources close to the state government, the governor, in retaliation, has sponsored damaging attacks on Agboola’s reputation.

https://www.todaysecho.com/politics/ondo-deputy-governor-agboola-ajayi-under-fire-for-inconsistencies-in-cv/

The group of seven most industrialized countries, G7 has given $251 Million in aid to support women entrepreneurs in Africa.

The G7 is made up of United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, Italy, United Kingdom, and France.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron announced the donation during the 2019 G7 Summit in France at a press conference with president of the African Development Bank(AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina and African music icon, Angelique Kidjo.

Today’s Echo gathers that the funds will go to AFAWA, a special initiatove set up by the AfDB.

AFAWA is a pan-African initiative to close the $42bn gender credit gap for women enterprises in Africa

https://www.todaysecho.com/business/g7-donates-251-million-to-support-women-entrepreneurs-in-africa/

President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared himself “the Chosen One” as he defended his administration’s actions in the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.

The president’s self-aggrandizing remark followed a string of criticisms aimed at his predecessors, whom he claimed had ignored China’s alleged malpractice on trade.

“This isn’t my trade war, this is a trade war that should have taken place a long time ago,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.

“Somebody had to do it,” the president said. He added, while looking to the heavens: “I am the Chosen One.”

Trump continued: “Somebody had to do it, so I’m taking on China. I’m taking on China on trade, and you know what? We’re winning.”

“I was put here by people,” the president said. “I was put here by people to do a great job. And that’s what I’m doing.”

Earlier Wednesday, Trump retweeted a right-wing pundit’s flattering, messiah-flavored comments about the president’s support in Israel.

“The Jewish people in Israel love him like he’s the King of Israel. They love him like he is the second coming of God,” said the supporter, Wayne Allyn Root.

The Trump administration is gearing up to slap new tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports. Trump has already imposed 25% tariffs on roughly $250 billion in Chinese goods, and has vowed to apply 10% duties to about all remaining Chinese imports by mid-December.

Some of those tariffs will go into effect Sept. 1, while other were recently delayed until Dec. 15 to avoid harming U.S. consumers during the holiday season.

Beijing has retaliated by taxing about $110 billion in U.S. imports, and more recently by announcing that it would no longer buy U.S. agriculture products.

Trump spoke before travelling to Kentucky, where he was scheduled to speak at a convention for U.S. veterans.

Watch the video here: https://www.todaysecho.com/politics/i-am-the-chosen-one-trump/

SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 21 – US President Donald Trump has cancelled a state visit to Denmark after the nation’s prime minister said Greenland was not for sale to the US.

The president was scheduled to visit on 2 September, at the invitation of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II.

Then last week Mr Trump suggested the US was interested in buying Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen described the suggestion as “absurd” and said she hoped Mr Trump was not being serious.

While praising Denmark as a “very special country”, Mr Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday that his planned visit would no longer go ahead because Ms Frederiksen had “no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland”.

The cancellation was confirmed by a White House spokesman.

The Danish royal house also confirmed it had been informed of the cancellation. The house’s head of communications, Lene Balleby, told the BBC “it was definitely a surprise”.

Just hours before Mr Trump announced the cancellation, the US ambassador to Denmark, Carla Sands, tweeted: “Denmark is ready for the POTUS @realDonaldTrump visit! Partner, ally, friend.”

Mr Trump had earlier confirmed reports that he was interested in buying Greenland. When asked on Sunday if he would consider trading a US territory for the island, he replied: “Well, a lot of things could be done.”

“Essentially it’s a large real estate deal,” he said. Then, on Monday, the US president posted an image on social media showing a tall golden skyscraper among the homes of a small village on the island.

The cancellation of what was considered an important state visit in Denmark was described as a “farce” by the leader of the populist Danish People’s Party, Kristian Thulesen Dahl.

“What is this man thinking of though? And with grounds that are worthy of an April Fools’ joke,” he wrote in a tweet.

Danish Conservative MP Rasmus Jarlov, who earlier said that “of all things that are not going to happen, this is the most unlikely”, accused Mr Trump of lacking respect for his country in a tweet on Wednesday.

Former foreign minister Kristian Jensen said Mr Trump’s move had resulted in “total chaos”. “It has gone from a great opportunity for enhanced dialogue between allies to a diplomatic crisis,” he said, adding: “Need to get the co-operation back on track.”

A spokeswoman for the leftist Red-Green Alliance, Pernille Skipper, said: “Trump lives on another planet. Self-sufficient and disrespectful.”

Pia Kjaersgaard, the populist former speaker of the Danish parliament, said it showed a “complete lack of respect”, adding: “Rude behaviour to the Danish people and the Queen, who invited him.”

Danish royal expert and historian Lars Hovbakke Sorensen said the whole episode was “very strange”.

“This is a violation of all traditions and etiquettes and makes it seem like the Trump administration views state visits in a completely different way,” he told Danish broadcaster TV2.

The US has long seen the island, which sits along a direct route from Europe to North America, as being strategically important. It established the Thule air force and radar base there at the start of the Cold War, which now covers space surveillance and forms the northernmost part of the US ballistic missile early warning system.

Meanwhile, new Arctic sea routes are opening up as climate change continues to accelerate the melting of ice in the region.

SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 19 – President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed all but the most partisan will agree with him that his administration has made headway on all his three fundamental policies. The president also claimed that his government has rolled back the frontiers of terrorism.

The president was speaking during the presidential retreat for the new Ministers-designate before they are sworn in. The full text of the speech has been obtained by Today’s Echo.

Addressing the newly appointed Ministers-designate, Buhari said:

” In our first term we identified three salient areas for close attention and action, namely to secure the country, to improve the economy and to fight corruption. None but the most partisan will dispute that we have made headway in all three areas.”

Buhari also said his administration is steadily turning the Nigerian Economy around and has recovered hundreds of billions of stolen assets from corrupt people.

Read the full address below:

I welcome you all to this meeting whose purpose is firstly, to familiarize ourselves with our colleagues with whom we shall be working closely for the next four years GOD willing; secondly, to reflect and assess the country’s position in 2015 and today; and thirdly, to chart a course for the country for the foreseeable future.

2. I congratulate all the new comers who your country has chosen above others to join the first term Ministers whose performance has been outstanding. All of you are appointed to assist and advise the President in running the affairs of our country. At the end of the Retreat, it is hoped that all of you will be in tune with the roles and responsibilities of positions you will occupy in Government. Many national issues require unified decisions.

3. It is a great privilege for you to be called upon to serve in these Great Offices of State and you must grasp the chance with two hands and put in your best efforts as Nigeria today needs top managers to handle our numerous challenges. There will be long hours and you must be prepared to live laborious days if we are to serve our people optimally.

4. Ladies and gentlemen, we are all aware of the looming demographic potential of our country. By average estimates, our population is close to 200 million today. By 2050, UN estimates put Nigeria third globally behind only India and China with our projected population at 411 million.

5. This is a frightening prospect but only if we sit idly by and expect handouts from so-called development partners. The solution to our problems lies within us.

6. Honourable Ministers-Designate, in our first term we identified three salient areas for close attention and action, namely to secure the country, to improve the economy and to fight corruption.

7. None but the most partisan will dispute that we have made headway in all three areas:

First – we have rolled back the frontiers of terrorism; we are actively addressing other challenges such as kidnappings, farmer-herder violence, improving the safety of our roads, railways, air traffic and fire control capacities.

Second – we are steadily turning the economy round through investment in agriculture and manufacturing, shoring up our foreign reserves, curbing inflation and improving the country’s infrastructure.

Third – on corruption, we have recovered hundreds of billions of stolen assets and are actively pursuing control measures to tackle leakages in public resources. We will not let up in fighting corruption.

8. As Ministers, I am counting on you together with Advisers and Nigerians willing and able to contribute to build upon our road map of policies, programmes and projects that will lift the bulk of our people out of poverty and set them on the road to prosperity.

9. Our Administration’s eight years will have laid the grounds for lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. This outcome will fundamentally shift Nigeria’s trajectory and place us among the World’s Great Nations.

10. Honourable Ministers-Designate, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of policies, programmes and projects in your various Ministries, Departments and Agencies in line with Government priorities. You must also ensure that Agencies under your Ministries are effective, efficient and accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.

11. Honourable Ministers-Designate, we must work as a team. Although you have been chosen to represent your states as a constitutional imperative, it is vital for all of you to work as Nigerians.

12. Furthermore, working as a team demands that we know what the next person is doing. You must open communications with your colleagues. Lack of communication leads to lack of cooperation and sub-optimal performance.

13. Finally, although this is called a Retreat, I would like to think this is a preparation for an advance to the Next Level. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. I wish you fruitful deliberations.

https://www.todaysecho.com/politics/all-but-the-most-partisan-will-agree-that-we-have-made-headway-buhari/

SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 08 – Titi, a long-time customer of the now defunct Diamond bank was shocked when she discovered that her beloved bank is no more, but instead, her account will now be domiciled with Access Bank. The next time she visited the branch of the bank she used, it was Access Bank colours everywhere; the setting had changed, and so had most of the staff. She couldn’t even see Chuks (not his real name), her former account officer with whom she had developed a good rapport over the years.

“Chuks understands my banking needs and is always willing to help me when I need to get information or want a financial facility from the bank. It feels strange having to deal with a new set of people and a new system all so suddenly,” Titi told Today’s Echo with a bit of apprehension.
There are millions of loyal customers like Titi who had grown attached to the 28-year-old bank and now find it difficult to adjust to new realities under an acquisition by Access Bank. Whatever is Diamond Bank’s loss is now Access Bank’s gain. Under Albert Wigwe, the bank has arguably become Nigeria’s biggest retail bank.

According to media reports, Diamond Bank traded away its independence together with a 19 million customer-base, made up of 10 million mobile users; 7,000 digital and financial inclusion customers; 277- branch network; and 10.2 million credit/debit cards issued so far.

By November 2018, it was clear to the Diamond Bank Management that they could not hold on to the bank with the dire situation of things. The share value of the company had fallen from N7 to N1.37 within 5 years and the company had a Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio of 12.6 per cent, against five per cent industry benchmark, with attendant high impairment charges. Also, total liability had climbed to N1.33 Trillion compared with a total shareholders fund of N221.6 billion.

According to banking experts, the huge NPL predisposed the bank to a yearly impairment charges of more than N25 billion, which particularly left its 2018 nine-month profit after tax at less than N3billion, as loans and advances to banks and customers peaked at N749.3 billion.
Also, the bank’s shareholders’ fund at N221.6 billion is subjected to a total liability of N1.33 trillion.


But the story of Diamond Bank’s fall also includes the thousands of staff at the bank who suddenly find themselves under a new system and are struggling to adjust to new realities.
Today’s Echo gathers that staff of the bank have been leaving in droves, with many of them unwilling to adapt to the Access Bank corporate policies, which is significantly different from that of Diamond Bank. According to a source inside the bank, some of the bright minds in the company have been poached by other banks, especially UBA.
“The Head of Card Services has already left to UBA and the Head of Retail Banking may soon leave,” our source, which asked not to be named, said.
Five years ago, Diamond Bank was the poster for how a successful Nigerian family business is run. Founded in 1991 by Pascal Dozie, one of Nigeria’s greatest business tycoons and boardroom maestros, Diamond Bank has waded through the storms over the years to become a respected brand. Dozie, who is also a former Chairman of MTN Nigeria and the Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), was once described by Forbes as the ‘Rolling Stone That’s Never At A Loss’.

How did a company with such a solid foundation fail?

Read more: https://www.todaysecho.com/business/todays-echo-exclusive-diamond-banks-fall-and-lessons-for-family-businesses-in-nigeria/

Amidst the controversy created by the Federal Government’s proposed RUGA settlements for Fulani herdsmen, China has indicated interest in investing into livestock production in Nigeria.

Today’s Echo gathered that on Tuesday, a delegation of Chinese investors collaborating with the African Development Bank(AfDB) visited Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to discuss investments into agriculture, with focus on crop and livestock production, forestry and fishery.

” Yesterday a delegation of Chinese investors visited, at the instance of AfDB, to discuss investments into Nigeria’s agricultural sector. In their meeting with VP Prof Osinbajo, they disclosed that their focus will be on crop and livestock production, forestry, fishery,” the presidency tweeted on Wednesday.

The Agro-Industrial Initiative, as it is known, seeks to develop a programme that leverages Nigeria’s comparative advantage in key areas of agricultural production. Chinese delegation was led by Prof. Zhao Zhihai, while the AfDB Team was led by Prof Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka.

This move comes against the backdrop of the National Livestock Transformation Plan(NLTP) being engineered by the office of the Vice President. The VP’s office has said it is not involved in the RUGA project, which it argues, is different from the NLTP.

https://www.todaysecho.com/features/ruga-china-to-invest-into-livestock-production-in-nigeria/

SWITZERLAND, AUGUST 7 – There are concerns regarding the execution of Nigeria’s 2019 budget after oil prices fell below the $60 per barrel benchmark.

Oil prices have reduced to $58 per barrel, setting new seven-month low amidst trade tensions between United States and China.

Oil prices slipped further on Wednesday, extending recent heavy losses as deepening Sino-U.S. trade tensions weighed on the outlook for the global economy and energy demand.

Brent crude futures were down 11 cents, or nearly 2%, at 0823 GMT to set a fresh seven-month low. Prices have lost more than 20% since hitting their 2019 peak in April.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were flat at $53.63.

Brent prices have plunged more than 9% over the past week after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would slap a 10% tariff on a further $300 billion in Chinese imports from Sept. 1, sending global equity markets into a tailspin.

https://www.todaysecho.com/business/concerns-as-oil-prices-fall-below-nigerias-60-barrel-budget-benchmark/

OAP and media celebrity, Toke Makinwa has rejected the notion that she is single because she cannot fin a man. The delectable slay mama insists she is happy with her condition although she hinted recently that she is ready to give marriage a chance.

” First, I am still single, as single as a dollar bill but not as a result of the scarcity of “men”, but by choice. I love me too much to share me with anyone till…. well till I find someone who is worth it, she tweeted on Wednesday morning.

In her new Tweets, Toke also said she is not anti-marriage and she loves the institution.

” Second, I am not anti-marriage, I love the institution, the greatest love story I have ever heard of or seen was my folks, they loved and joked about dying together and they were buried side by side. I am a lover girl, just won’t tolerate the BS.

” If tolerating BS is what you guys call happy – marriage, pls count me out. I am not afraid of being alone, If I give it another chance and I am unhappy I will leave again. Call me crazy or whatever but I am not your average and I will always choose me first.”

https://www.todaysecho.com/entertainment/i-am-not-single-because-of-scarcity-of-men-toke-makinwa/

American rapper, A$AP Rocky, charged for assault in Sweden has been released and is on his way home, according to US president Donald Trump.

"A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!" Trump Tweeted on Friday.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has revealed that the Federal Government aims to commission a Solar Hybrid Power Plant for 37 Federal Universities and & Teaching hospitals in the country within the next four years.

Osinbajo was speaking during the commissioning of the 2.8 MW decentralized solar hybrid power plant at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo(FUNAI)

Today’s Echo gathers that the project is the initiative of the Rural Electrification Across Nigeria(REA)

According to Damilola Ogunbiyi, MD/CEO, REA, in a bid to foster female participation in the power sector, under the EEP STEM Female Internship Programme, 20 female students at FUNAI, received technical and practical training during the construction phase of this project.

“I am proud of the young women here today,under the EEP female STEM internship programme, who have been undergoing practical training in the construction of a captive power plant & renewables workshop/training center, as well as in the installation of streetlights.

“I stand before you all today with a deep sense of pride and honor knowing that we have all collaborated to bring positive change to our educational system,” Osinbajo said.

Today’s Echo gathered that the Solar Hybrid Power project currently powers 287 street lights installed at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi state spanning 7.5km.
The project is expected to provide sustainable decentralized energy to the entire campus, improve education and create a better university experience for both students and staff.

Expressing his delight with the project, Osinbajo said:
“It is our duty to aid students to accomplish their goals by providing a conducive learning environment for them. I am glad to be a part of this great feat as we commission this 2.8 MW decentralized solar hybrid power plant.”

He also revealed that the project will be replicated across the country.

“This multi-beneficial project is the first to be commissioned of 37 federal universities and 7 teaching hospitals, that this administration will implement under its Energizing Education Programme in the next 4 years.

“We will also be commissioning the projects at Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano State and Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State over the next couple of months,” Osinbajo said.

https://www.todaysecho.com/

WITZERLAND, AUGUST 2 -The Lagos State Government is targeting about 21,000 children in an upcoming free health screening initiative tagged Healthy Bee.

This was revealed during the flag-off of the Healthy Bee Project by Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu The project is an idea of BOSKOH Lagos Healthcare Mission International conceptualized by the Governor and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat
The initiative is to provide mental health services, orthopaedic services i.e. correction of bone deformity, pediatric services e.g. hernia, management and other services.

The screening exercise will cover visual and hearing problems that can impact negatively on child’s development.
The healthcare services that would be rendered under this project will also include surgery for children within the ages 0-12 years.

The project further complements the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat which places emphasis on “Health

https://www.todaysecho.com/features/about-21-000-children-targeted-in-lagos-free-health-outreach/

About 21,000 children are targeted under this free health mission in addition to the provision of free eyeglasses for children.
This project also presents an opportunity for parents and residents who ordinarily will not be able to afford the medical expenses of these healthcare services

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will on Friday, commission a 2.8MW Solar Hybrid power plant at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo(FUNAI).

“VP Osinbajo in Enugu airport enroute Ebonyi to commission a 2.8MW Solar Hybrid power plant @ Fed University Ndufu Alike Ikwo. It’s the 1st of what ‘ll happen in all fed uni & teaching hospitals in the Next Level agenda of the Buhari administration. Ebonyi and Enugu Govs with VP.” Laolu Akande, Osinbajo’s media aide said on Friday afternoon.

Today’s Echo gathers that the project is the initiative of the Rural Electrification Across Nigeria(REA
The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) is a relatively young Nigerian University located in Ndufu Alike Ikwo Local Government Area in the South Eastern State of Ebonyi.

According to Damilola Ogunbiyi, MD/CEO, REA, in a bid to foster female participation in the power sector, under the EEP STEM Female Internship Programme, 20 female students at FUNAI, received technical and practical training during the construction phase of this project

The Vice President is expected to share his thoughts on renewable energy, commission the FUNAI solar hybrid facility and take a tour around the facility.

Today’s Echo gathered that the Solar Hybrid Power project currently powers 287 street lights installed at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi state spanning 7.5km

https://www.todaysecho.com/features/osinbajo-to-commission-solar-hybrid-power-plant-in-alex-ekwueme-university-ebonyi/

A new report from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission shows that the Nigerian economy recorded a total investment commitment of $15.15bn in various sectors of the economy, between January and June 2019,

Figures obtained from the NIPC showed that the $15.15bn proposed investments were made for 43 projects in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Comparatively, the proposed investments for the first half of this year showed a 67 per cent decline when compared to the corresponding period of 2018.

Investments commitments are made by would-be investors in specific sectors of the economy, which the NIPC follows up to ensure its full maturity and benefits to the economy.

According to NIPC records, mining and quarrying recorded investment announcements of $12.3bn, reflecting 81 per cent of the total investment proposals made.

Manufacturing recorded $2.2bn worth of investment proposals announced.

Within the period under review, finance and insurance recorded $200m investment proposals while information and communication recorded $200m.

It reads in part, “In the period, $15.15bn of announcements were tracked through the NIPC. The report showed that a total of 43 projects across 12 states and Federal Capital Territory were announced from investors in 20 countries.

“Comparatively, the announcements made in the first half of 2019 were 67 per cent less in value than the announcements in the same period of 2018.

“This was probably due to many investors waiting for the conclusion of national elections and handover in the first half of 2019.

“The major destination was the Niger-Delta region with 77 per cent, followed by Ondo State at seven per cent, and Lagos State at four per cent of the value announced.”

The records showed further that Morocco recorded investments commitments of $2.1bn while Nigerian local investors made investment commitments of $1.3bn.

It added that investors from Malaysia made investment commitments of $0.9bn, while other unnamed nations cumulatively made investment commitments of $3.5bn.

Rehabilitation work on Iju Road between M&Y Pharmacy and African Church Road in Ifako Ijaiye LGA

Sectional rehabilitation work carried out using Asphalt Premix to overlay failed sections @ UBA Round About Marina Lagos Island LGA

The Lagos State government has released photos of renovation works it is carrying out on roads in some locations around the state.

The areas featured in the update, seen by Today’s Echo on Tuesday include Iju, Marina and Mile 12. See photos below.

Ongoing rehabilitation of Ikorodu Road, Mile 12 by Pedestrian Bridge, inward Ketu