Presiding officers of the National Assembly have rejected the official houses built for them by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The officers include; Senate President, David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha.
According to them, insecurity and delay in the provision of infrastructure were the reasons behind their refusal.FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, at the weekend, disclosed that following the development, the Ministry consequently discontinued the construction of the N3 billion official houses.

The project, being handled by Julius Berger, is located at the Maitama Extension (renamed Goodluck Jonathan District), behind Lungi Military Barracks.
The FCTA last year proposed to spend N1.5 billion on construction of the new official houses for the National Assembly’s presiding officers as well as another N1 billion for the completion of the official residence of the Vice President.
During the 2012 budget defense session before the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Mohammed said the total cost of the project was N3.044 billion.
He said while N324 million was appropriated in 2011 for the buildings, only N146millionhad been expended, leaving a balance of N178 million. He explained that for 2012, N1.5 billion would be required for the project.

Mohammed said that the National Assembly’s presiding officers that would benefit from the new residences were the Senate President and his Deputy as well as the Speaker of the House and his Deputy.
For the vice president’s residence, the Minister said N2.452 billion was required to complete the project, which was already 66. 8 per cent completed last year.
Citing insecurity as a reason , the Minister in February 2011 told the parliament during a budget defense that four principal officers of the National Assembly would benefit from a new set of residential accommodation being planned by the FCTA at the Maitama Extension Area in Abuja.
His word: “The National Assembly is the highest democratic body we have apart from the Presidency. And the National Assembly complex at Apo has been sold out to the public. The place is being inhabited by all sorts of people. Leaving them there will expose them to the vagaries of the society. And anybody can be a principal officer; so whoever is there and you leave him there, you are not being fair to him.”

On why the government was embarking on the multimillion naira project when the principal officers were already accommodated at the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja, the Minister had told the Sixth Assembly FCT Committee that the decision was predicated on the insecurity in Abuja and some parts of the country.
“Our decision is taken out of a sheer sense of responsibility. But with responsibility comes the issue of security, the issue of the latitude and leverage which officers holding certain offices must have.
“The National Assembly is the highest democratic body we have apart from the Presidency. And the National Assembly complex has been sold out to the public. The place is being inhabited by all sorts of people.

“We were there on inspection and so we cannot guarantee the safety and security of principal officers of the National Assembly who take decisions on very serious and sometimes critical issues that may impinge on the sensibilities, perception and feelings of others. We must, as a government, protect the principal officers of the National Assembly.
“Leaving them there will expose them to the vagaries of the society. And anybody can be a principal officer; so whoever is there and you leave him there, you are not being fair to him. That is why government decided that as a second tier of government, we will go to an area which is secure and safe for our principal officers to live”, the minister had said.
But fielding questions last weekend on the progress made so far on the project, the Minister, represented by the FCDA Director of Public Building, Bernard Lot, said work had already begun on the project before the recent rejection of the area by the principal officers.
“You will recall that we had started that project, and there is a contractor carrying out the road work. You can actually access the place because the contractor has actually commenced work and has also done reasonably well on that.
“But that too was affected by budgetary provisions. You know government has dwindling resources, but there is an issue there because development is not taking place fast in that area. And so the principal officers of the National Assembly have said that they don’t want that place because of the current security situation in the country.
“Though it is behind the army barracks, we cannot isolate them there, and government in its own wisdom has said that since they don’t want it, the authorities have decided to convert the buildings to guest houses and scale down the initial cost of the project. That is what we are doing now. We are scaling down the cost of the project to serve as guest houses to the principal officers of the National Assembly.
“As for their new residences, you are all aware that we have already cleared a new site located in the Three Arms Zone in the Central Area.

The President has already given his anticipatory approval and the contractor has been asked to commence work on the project,” he said.

On the Vice President’s residence, the Minister explained that paucity of funds in the 2012 budget was responsible for the delay in the completion of the project.
“For a whole year (2012), there was no budget for that project but under 2013, we had an appropriation and the contractor is working. We had a cause to seek a variation on the contract to implement the second phase of the project. But it was stood down on the grounds that no project will have a variation above 15 per cent.
“So, we are having an implementation strategy to ensure that we complete that project on time, including the very essential aspects of the work, including the holding, gatehouse, bedroom, storage, among others.
“The contract is ongoing and we are going to complete the contract while we leave the issue of furnishing. The issue of furnishing is part of the phase two of the project such as the banquet hall, guest houses, and some security installations which are very vital for the vice president to live in because of the current security situation in the FCT,” he said.

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"I Go Where the Love Is" - Condola Rashad on Interracial Relationships:

The actress talks Broadway's Romeo and Juliet.

Condola Rashad is taking Broadway by storm as the lovelorn Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. The gorgeous actress, who stars opposite Orlando Bloom in the production, is earning rave reviews for her portrayal of Shakespeare's most famous female character.

In our exclusive video, we talk to the two-time Tony nominee about the racial undertones of this version of Romeo and Juliet, 50 Cent's crush on her famous mother, Phylicia Rashad, and her views on interracial relationships. As the luminous actress tells us, "it's all about the love."

Plus, given Shakespeare's tendency to cast male actors to play the female parts back in the day, we ask Rashad to tell us which male celebrity she would want to play her.  Check out the interview below.

Romeo and Juliet is currently playing for a limited engagement at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in New York City

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Racist Facebook Rant:Hollywood Producer Calls Kanye West "Dumb N****"

John Palermo offends Yeezy, Kim Kardashian, Anderson Cooper and more.

Hollywood is no stranger to controversy, but producer John Palermo took it too far this week when he posted a series of rude, racist remarks on his Facebook page. Palermo, who was once Hugh Jackman's partner and produced films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, called out Kanye West, Anderson Cooper and TV host Julie Chen in his bigoted commentary on pop culture and entertainment news.

"There goes the neighborhood!!!" the Los Angeles native posted upon reading that Kim Kardashian and West had purchased a mansion in tony Bel-Air. "It looks like a Poor Persian Palace, where's Kris Jenner when you need her?! #MoneyCantBuyADumbN****Class"

In response to an article about Anderson Cooper attending the opening of his boyfriend's gay bar, he simply typed: "#SmellsLikeLubeAndHIV."

Of Julie Chen, the Chinese-American daytime talk show host, who is married to CBS chief Les Moonves and recently admitted having eyelid surgery to help her career, he wrote: "I'm crazy about Julie Chen!!! Now that her eyes are finally open, she should leave Monster Moonves."

Palermo's Facebook page has since been taken down, but the producer isn't keeping a low profile in the wake of the controversy. Instead, he is doubling down on his comments, claiming they were made to raise awareness about prejudice in Hollywood: "Maybe people [who take offense] will look in the mirror and say, ‘When was the last time I called Les Moonves and asked for an African-American to play opposite me?'"

The producer's last major film credit was 2012's Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, and he claims to now be taking a "sabbatical" from his career. We'd like to think that with views like these, he'll never work in this town again.

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African leaders discuss relationship with ICC

Possible mass withdrawal from Hague-based court being debated at two-day African Union summit in Ethiopia's capital.

The summit is to be held at the African Union headquarters in the Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa

African leaders have begun a two-day meeting to discuss the continent’s relationship with the International Criminal Court among other issues. The first meeting on Friday, dubbed the extraordinary session of the executive council of the African Union, is to be followed by the session of the assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital and headquarters of the continental bloc. The two-day summit is expected to be attended by Sudanese President Omar al Bashir, who has been indicted by the ICC on war crimes charges and genocide in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur. The AU has demanded that proceedings against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta linked to the 2007-2008 post-election violence be dropped. Kenyatta faces crimes against humanity along with his Vice President William Ruto, who is already on trial at the Hague, Netherlands. The meeting is also expected to discuss a possible mass withdrawal from the ICC, although leading African figures, including Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, and retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu, have urged African leaders not to withdraw support. In his opening speech at the summit, Ethiopia's foreign minister slammed the ICC for its "unfair" and "totally unacceptable" treatment of Africa. "The manner in which the Court has been operating, particularly its unfair treatment of Africa and Africans, leaves much to be desired," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told ministers and delegates at the opening of the meeting. Kenyatta's bid Many African countries, whose leaders have complained that the ICC only targets Africans, are signatories to the Rome Statute which set the stage for the formation of the court. Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb, reporting from Addis Ababa, said only a handful of countries were advocating a withdrawal from the court. He said countries like Nigeria did not have a problem with the court while South Africa had not decided on pulling out. Thirty-four African states are signatories to the Rome Statute. The summit comes as Kenyatta launches a fresh bid to have the ICC case against him stopped. He cited "serious, sustained and wide-ranging abuse on the process of the court carried out by" three witnesses against him in collaboration with the court’s investigators, according to Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper. Kenyatta alleges his witnesses have been intimidated or interfered with to change their testimony "for reward", the newspaper said. In an application made late on Thursday, the daily said, his defence team wants the judges to either stop the case permanently or hold a hearing where the issue will be resolved conclusively before his trial begins on November 12. Kenyatta's lawyers have said that if it is found that those involved abused the court process, "it would necessitate a permanent stay of the proceedings". In July two witnesses who were due to testify in Kenyatta's trial withdrew over security concerns, the ICC said. The court also dropped a third witness's evidence, saying it it did not consider it necessary. Fatou Bensouda, the ICC's chief prosecutor, has previously accused Kenya's government of not protecting witnesses

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Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Dbanj is obviously still in love with Genevieve..He said his plan for Hollywood in a movie called Banga Lee staring Genevieve.

He opened up in an interview with Jayne Augoye  of Punch ..Excerpts below

Apart from the fact that she is my friend, she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story that Genevieve’s name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song of all time, Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me, she will definitely be called upon to tell my story.I would love to have Genevieve as my wife.  We never can tell what God plans for us in the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds a wife, finds a good thing.

ON REMAINING RELEVANT
“So much has happened in the last 18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance of aligning with the entertainment industry.

My career is barely 10 years old.But with the success I have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10 years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I must say I am humbled and getting ready to take over,”

On DONJAZZY
If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.

Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?

On his success
I have never said I am a musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the right script and concept lands in my hands.

“For now, I am concerned about achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I believe that I’ll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won’t be a bad idea

Read More

Miley Cyrus's saucy twerking has won her
a very indecent proposal after the former Disney star was
offered to go one step further and shoot a porn movie in
return for a million dollars.

However, the racy 20-year-old wouldn't have to get too
down and dirty for her pay cheque as adult film firm
GameLink simply want the Wrecking Ball singer to direct
hardcore sex scenes for them.

The proposal submitted for Miley's consideration offered
her full 'creative control'.
The firm's vice president, Jeff Dillon, wrote to the We
Can't Stop singer:

"[You've] become an empowered young woman that is
unapologetic about your lifestyle, especially when it comes
to expressing your sexuality … you are the ideal choice to
show the world your vision as an artist in the world of
adult entertainment."

Alluding to Miley's spat with Irish singer Sinead O'Connor
- who dubbed Miley a pop prostitute - the firm added:
"We at Gamelink feel this gives you a chance to finally
show the world you are not a little girl anymore, and you
won't bow to the pressures of the likes of Sinead
O'Connor, who is jealous of your success."

Read More

Hollywood Actress Halle Berry Gives Birth To Baby Boy

The baby is Berry’s second child and her first with French actor Olivier Martinez. Berry and Martinez, both 47, married in July. Berry has a five-year-old daughter, Nahla, with Canadian model Gabriel Aubry.

Berry’s representative declined to give further details.

A former model, Berry has appeared in over 30 films, and won a Best Actress Oscar in 2001 for her role in the drama “Monster’s Ball,” becoming the first and only African-American woman to win an Oscar for a leading role.

She will reprise her role as Storm in “X-Men: Days of Future Past” when the film hits theaters in May of 2014.

Berry was previously married to baseball player David Justice and R&B singer Eric Benet, and had a five-year relationship with Aubry that ended in 2010.

She and Aubry reached a custody agreement in November 2012 after a bitter public battle over their daughter.

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World debt comparison: Who Does The World Owe, Africa?

The global debt clock:Our interactive overview of government debt across the planet

The clock is ticking. Every second, it seems, someone in the world takes on more debt. The idea of a debt clock for an individual nation is familiar to anyone who has been to Times Square in New York, where the American public shortfall is revealed. Our clock (updated September 2012) shows the global figure for almost all government debts in dollar terms.

Does it matter? After all, world governments owe the money to their own citizens, not to the Martians. But the rising total is important for two reasons. First, when debt rises faster than economic output (as it has been doing in recent years), higher government debt implies more state interference in the economy and higher taxes in the future. Second, debt must be rolled over at regular intervals. This creates a recurring popularity test for individual governments, rather as reality TV show contestants face a public phone vote every week. Fail that vote, as various euro-zone governments have done, and the country (and its neighbours) can be plunged into crisis.

In the end analysis it will come back to the fact that the world owes this money plus more to Africa. I will you why.

Look at this analysis:  who does the world owe? One analysis says the governments owe this money to their citizens. This it says is because the governments of developed economies like Canada, US, UK, Germany, China etc take part of or cut the profits earned in Bonds, mutual funds etc so that with it they are able to crash the interest rates. Now interest rate in some of these countries is as low as 2%. At this rate individuals are encouraged to take loans from banks which in turn they will invest back into they economy.

In Africa the case is totally different. In Nigeria for instance it is highly not encouraging to take loans from banks at all and saving money in the banks is also not encouraged. Why? When you save in a savings account you get also nothing in interest. In fixed deposit you get a maximum of 7 – 8% and in Treasury Bills you get a maximum of 10%. But when you want a loan from the banks they ask you to pay between 20 – 30% interests. How does a home grown business survive in such a hash business climate? How can African economy develop in this kind of situation?

Every year in September the United Nations General Assembly meets in New York to discuss global challenges. Have you ever heard them discuss or even ask the question ‘how do we solve the problem of corruption in developing countries?

Every now and then the governments of these developed economies freeze or seize assets stolen from Africa by African Politicians. Currently the UK government is trying to seize a 90 million pounds worth of assets owned by one James Ibori a former governor of Delta State in Nigeria. How much of these assets do they return? You would recall the Abacha loot that is still being returned since 1998. How much of these loots are returned with accumulated interests? Now these are only the few we hear about in the public domain. What about the ones we don’t get to hear about? Every minute a corrupt government official steals billions out of Africa. These billions of Dollars are invested in these developed economies while the African economy suffers.

Until the world through the United Nations comes together to fight this corruption they owe Africa. The UN should enact a convention that would make culpable the government of any country in which these stolen wealth is invested and all member nations must sign and ratify the convention.

 

scott lee

Oct 10 2012: If you have a pension or mutual fund with a diverse portfolio that includes the bonds, than those countries might owe money to you. One of the problems with having low interest rates to stimulate the economy (which is what we are doing in Canada) is that people who have a lot of canadian bonds in their retirement fund are now getting lousy returns. The interest paid on those debts is the profits of the investors who put that money up front in the first place.

Debt today is bought, sold, divided, and cumulated, and distributed among large and small investors. Sometimes those investors are billionaires, sometimes they are financial companies which include them in mutual funds to sell to small investors, and sometimes they are nations.

If countries can't pay back their debt than investors won't want to buy bonds, which makes it harder for the governments to raise the money they need.

Debt is very different for nations than for individuals. Borrowing money provides profit for certain sectors of the economy. In international relations, governments can use their own resources to support allies or out maneuver adversaries. In the case of pensions, when governments pay off their interest, they are supporting the retirees who invested in their country when they were young.

It is not always bad, but it cannot be ignored

Read More

 Jenner separation: Bruce has always been one without drama in the Kardashian Krew and has a way of staying away from the drama of others in the house and even though he is officially separated from Kris, he assures his fans that there wouldn't be any drama, and he says he'll still appear on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

In an interview with PEOPLE, the former Olympian insists, "I'm doing great. Kris is happy, I'm happy. Nobody is filing fordivorce."

Wishing no ill-will towards his wife of 22 years, the 63-year-old continues, "Kris has her own place and I have my own place. There's no animosity. Everything is good." So good in fact, that he laughed off the suggestion of dating, saying, "No! We're not going there. I have my family. I have my kids. All of my time is filled.

Read More

Nissan Plans To Build Cars In Nigeria

Giant Japanese automobile manufacturer, Nissan has announced it plans to build a Manufacturing plant in Nigeria.

If this materializes, Nissan will become the first global car maker to build cars in Nigeria since west Africa's largest economy rolled out a policy to tempt investors into its nascent automotive industry.

“Nissan is preparing to make Nigeria a significant manufacturing hub in Africa,” the Japanese car maker said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement quoted Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Nissan and Renault as saying: "As the first-mover in Nigeria, we are positioned for the long-term growth of this market and across the broader continent.”

The move comes as the Federal government is expected to approve a new policy designed to encourage the development of the automobile industry in Nigeria, the car makers said.

The first vehicle to be introduced was expected to be the Nissan Patrol SUV next year. The plant would also be opened to French auto group Renault, though the companies did not give any details.

Japan’s Nissan is aiming to double annual sales in Africa by 2016 from 110,000 units last year. It already plans to launch the Datsun brand in South Africa before the end of next year.

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Prince Harry Dodges a Marriage Question Down Under

It's Harrymania, as Prince Harry set hearts aflutter as he greeted crowds of wellwishers during a visit to Sydney, Australia, on Saturday.

The Prince, who was in town for the International Fleet Review, smiled and pulled faces with babies and children and posed for selfies with women who'd descended on Sydney Harbor for their chance to see him.

The Daily Telegraph reports that at one point Harry bent down to pick up a woman's straw hat after she dropped it, and then ended up having a one-on-one chat with her 22-year-old daughter, Lauren Burke.

"The straw hat is the new glass slipper when it comes to getting a prince," Burke joked. "My mom is like my wing-woman."

When another woman in the crowd asked Harry, "When are you getting married?" the 29-year-old, who's dating Cressida Bonas, laughed and quickly changed the subject.

Another fan presented Harry, who looked dapper in a navy suit and blue tie, with a present for his new nephew, Prince George. Holding the gift bag, which contained a toy dingo and a children's book, the Prince promised, "I'll make sure he gets it."

New Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott admitted that even his two daughters, Frances, 22, and Bridget, 20, were excited about meeting one of the world's most eligible bachelors and had agonized over what to wear.

"I'm pinching myself," Bridget said after talking to Harry. "He seems like a very genuine guy, down to earth."

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Kim Kardashian's boobs are back out and unsurprisingly Kanye West has told her to keep the curves

Forget Kim Kardashian's Givenchy Fashion Show number - she's just stepped out in the most daring outfit to date

Kim's plunging neckline

After giving birth to baby Nori back in June,32 year old reality star Kim Kardashian shunned the showbiz spotlight. But since arriving in Europe for Paris Fashion Week with protective boyfriend Kanye West she's been grabbing ALL the headlines.
The star flashed more than a little flesh as she attended the Mademoiselle C Premiere on Tuesday evening.
Joined by fashion designer Riccardo Tisci, Kim and her plunging neckline caught the attention of practically everyone.
The new mum is no stranger to flaunting her fabulous assets - earlier in the week she attended Givenchy Fashion Show wearing another incredibly revealing Riccardo Tisci Design
.

Kim poses on the red carpet with designer Riccardo Tisci

Getty Images

Earlier this year Kim's step-brother Brody Jenner said the new mum was
upset by some of the mean things written about her pregnancy bod
Talking to Now magazine, he explained: "A lot of very cruel things were written about her. When you're pregnant it should be a great stage in your life and you shouldn't have to go to every newstand and see pictures and headlines saying: 'Kim's a whale.'"
"I know it upset her - it should have been one of the happiest times of her life and it wasn't," he added.
But judging by the star's latest wardrobe choices we're 110% certain that she's well and truly got her body confidence back.
And it appears that Kanye West is also a huge fan of Kim's post-baby body, apparently saying he adores her curves.
With a figure like that, who wouldn't? To see more pictures of Kim doing some boob-baring, check out our gallery below.

View gallery

Instagram

 

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Janet Jackson 'wants to adopt' child from Jordan or Syria with husband Wissam Al Man

She tied the knot in secret with Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana in 2012.

And now, Janet Jackson is wanting to start a family.

The 47-year-old is said to be 'quietly' looking in to adopting a child from Jordan and possibly Syria, reports

Expanding: Janet Jackson is allegedly looking into adopting a child from Jordan or Syria with husband Wissam Al Mana, pictured together in Italy in February

'She now pretty much knows pregnancy is not in the cards, so she's been looking into adopting,' a source told the publication.
'She's been very moved by the events in Jordan and Syria now that she's been living overseas. Not sure how soon it will happen, but there's been movement on this.'

Meanwhile, a family member told Page Six, 'It's going to happen, and real soon.'

Friends in high places: Janet has allegedly reached out to Queen Rania Of Jordan to help with the adoption

The songstress has also allegedly reached out to Queen Rania Of Jordan to help with the adoption, something Angelina Jolie did too when she was considering adopting a child from the country.

'Janet has always been concerned about the welfare of the world's children, and it's important to her that she affords a baby the opportunities that have been afforded her,' a source told the paper.

But the same source said Janet has not ruled out pregnancy, despite her age. 'She’s kept herself in great shape,' the source said.

The I Get So Lonely singer was previously married to song artist James DeBarge and director Rene Elizonda Jr.

Still got time: The singer has reportedly not ruled out pregnancy despite her age of 47, pictured in France in May

She also dated music producer Jermaine Dupri for seven years, but hopefully she has finally found her perfect mate.#'I'm fortunate enough to be dating my dream woman,' Wissam, who is managing director of Al Mana Retail, told Harper's Bazaar Arabie in November 2010.

'I'm getting older and I feel more settled,' the sister of Michael Jackson added. 'We have a deep bond, a deep connection.

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Breaking News! Plane Crash in Lagos

A plane has crashed at the Lagos airport, witnesses and an official have said.

A witness said the crash occurred at the local wing of the airport close to the section were JET-A1, plane fuel, is stored.

Fire service officials were seen evacuating the occupants of the plane.

It is not yet clear if there was any casualty.

The spokesman of the Nigeria aviation agencies, Yakubu Datti, asked for more time to get details of the incident.

But another official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the crashed plane belonged to Associated Airlines, and was just about to take off when the accident occurred.

The plane, our FAAN source said, was on its way to Akure.

More details later…

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ASUU strike: Nigeria government begs primary, secondary school teachers not to start solidarity strike

FG says 80 per cent ASUU demands have been met.

The federal government on Wednesday appealed to primary and secondary school teachers not to embark on strike in solidarity with striking university lecturers.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday also disclosed that 80 per cent of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)’s demands had been met by Federal Government.

Mr. Wike, who stated these in a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abuja, said the yet-to-be resolved issues were those of earned allowances.

He said that the other unresolved issue was the N400 billion annual capital expenditure to universities demanded by ASUU.

“The N400 billion they are demanding is not part of federal budget or Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention.

“And out of the N92 billion earned allowances demanded by ASUU, government has offered N30 billion to them for a start,’’ he said.

According to the minister, ASUU is considering the offer and had asked to be given untilThursday to enable it meet with its branches for a resolution.

“So, the purpose of this meeting is to tell you (NUT) how far we have gone because of the reports and the letter we got from the union that you are going on a solidarity strike with ASUU,’’ he said.

Mr. Wike also apologised to the NUT for his comments on Monday that the union had no business going on a solidarity strike with ASUU strike, saying he spoke “unofficially’’.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu, appealed to the NUT not to go on the proposed strike as it would only complicate issues.

Mr. Wogu said that NUT might not have been briefed appropriately on government’s efforts to resolve the crisis with ASUU and so appealed to the union to embark on the planned sympathy strike.

“One thing that is clear is that the Federal Government has started the implementation of the 2009 agreement. The matter can still be resolved,’’ he said.

In his response, the National President of NUT, Michael Olukoya, said teachers, under the umbrella of NUT were concerned with the lingering ASUU strike that was threatening the collapse of the education sector.

Mr. Olukoya said that all stakeholders should come together and explore ways of ending the crisis.

He advised both ASUU and the Federal Government to “put Nigeria first’’ in their negotiations and shun the idea of “buck passing’’.

The NUT boss also called for the review of the conditions for accessing the intervention fund as the stringent conditions was preventing the institutions from benefiting from the fund.

He said that NUT was not threatening to go on the solidarity strike in the interest of ASUU, but in the overall interest of Nigerians.

(NAN)

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Jose Mourinho Irritated?

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho cuts short his news conference in Bucharest after becoming irritated with questions from the media.
Asked why Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has not travelled, Mourinho responds: "This is fantastic because no one asks me about [Juan] Mata. Three weeks you have been asking me about Mata.
"I try to decide by what they do on the pitch when they play and what they do in training. I make mistakes but I try to be honest all the time.
"With Kevin, he's not been selected because I didn't like the match he played against Swindon."

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Yobe students attack: Death toll rises to 78

  Yobe students attack: Death toll rises to 78

The death toll at the College of Agriculure, Gujba ,Yobe State has risen to 78. At least 50 of them were students who were attacked in the early hours of yesterday morning as they slept in their hostel. Some were shot, others were butchered with swords and knives. The gunmen, suspected to be Boko Haram sect members later moved to houses around the hostel, killing residents they find. Then they blocked the Damaturu-Maiduguri road and killed travellers. So far, 78 bodies have been counted, with many more people still unaccounted for. A student of the college who survived the massacre explained what happened...

"They started gathering students into groups outside, then they opened fire and killed one group and then moved onto the next group and killed them. It was so terrible. They came with guns around 1a.m. and went directly to the male hostel and opened fire on them. The college is in the bush, so the other students were running around helplessly as guns went off and some of them were shot down.”

The gunmen stormed the hostels in two double-cabin pickup all-terrain vehicles and on motorcycles, and were dressed in military camouflage. They attacked 4 male hostels but avoided the only hostel reserved for girls. Swords and knives were used to kill at least 30 male students. Some corpses that were found were without heads while others had heads hanging to the bodies. Wailing parents and relatives were at the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital mortuary in Damaturu this morning to identify their loved ones. This can't continue. This government has to do something about the situation

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