2012 Economy: The gains and challenges

2012  witnessed remarked changes in various sectors of the economy, especially  the banking industry. While government tried to map out new strategies to reposition the economy for greater growth, experts are of the opinion that government needs a pragmatic approach to actualise the transformation of the economy.Sunday Business takes a look at the activities in the various sectors during the outgoing year.
The energy sector
The electricity generating capacity stands at between 4,200 and 5,000 mega watts (MW), even as government stressed that with the effort of the Nigeria Independent Power Projects (NIPP), commissioned in phases across the country, power generation will hit7,000 MW by the first quarter of 2013. Government emphasised that with gas production in excess of 500 standards cubic feet, more modules from the NIPP plants will be able to provide electricity to the national grid, such that many communities can enjoy uninterrupted power supply of 16 hours per day and more.

FRSC to impound vehicles with covered number plates

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Plateau Command, on Friday said it would impound any vehicle caught with covered number plates.
Sunday Maku, Plateau Commander of FRSC who said this at stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, warned vehicles owners against covering their numbers plate with coloured plastic.
“The plastic makes it difficult for my men to clearly see the number particularly in the night. We are warning those with such coverings to remove them or have their vehicles impounded.’’

Julius Agwu and family release Christmas card photos

 

 Isn't this lovely?

INEC de-registers three more parties

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  Friday, axed three more political parties even as the recent de-registration of 28 others continues to generate controversy.
The present action has brought the number of de-registered political parties to 31.
INEC,in a statement in Abuja, said the action was in continuation of the exercise of the powers conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (As amended).
The statement, signed by Abdullahi Kaugama,Secretary to the Commission named the latest affected parties as African Renaissance Party,ARP;  National Democratic Party,NDP and National Transformation Party,

8 Injured, 10 killed In Bauchi Auto Crash

No fewer than 10 people were killed while eight others sustained serious injuries in an auto crash along Bauchi— Gombe federal highway yesterday. Some of the victims were from a condolence visit in Jigawa State. The crash was said to have involved 18 people near Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, when two cars including a Volkswagen Golf and a Honda had a head-on collision.

Police ban sale and use of fire crackers during festivities in Plateau

The Plateau police command on Friday announced a ban in the sale and use of bangers as part of measures for peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year festivities.
Mr. Chris Olakpe, the Commissioner of Police, told a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on Friday that anyone caught with the fireworks would be dealt with.
“Anyone caught selling or using the explosives will be `knocked out’ by the police,” Olapke declared.
He assured Plateau residents of adequate security during the yuletide and stressed that a rapid response squad had been set up to mount surveillance on black spots.

‘Principal, conducted virginity test on us’

Fifteen-year-old Janet (not real name), one of the victims of the virginity test allegedly conducted on pupils of Ajuwon Senior High School, Ajuwon, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, spoke with Punch correspondent, Temitayo Famutimi.  Excerpt below...

What happened in your school on December 10, 2012?

Rev. Olufunke Oladeojobi, our school principal (pictured inset), came to some Senior Secondary School One classes and announced that she would be conducting virginity test on us. She marched us with the assistance of some members of staff into her office and thereafter conducted the test on us.

Nigeria now import diesel and gas from Niger Republic

Kano Controller, Department of Petroleum Product (DPR), Alhaji Sayyadi Suleiman Abubakar has revealed that Nigerian Marketers now import AGO and Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG) from neighboring OPEC member country, Niger Republic.

A season of high patronage for second-hand wares

A visit to some of the markets in Lagos including Oyingbo, Katangora, Yaba, Ojuelegba, Ikeja, Mushin, Oshodi, Mile 2, Iyana-Iba, where second-hand wares are the order of the day has shown that this second-hand culture is already enjoying more patronage in Lagos than the brand new ones.
In their hundreds, most parents, were  selecting clothes, shoes and even handbags to celebrate the season. Even dealers of  fairly used materials  are thanking God for this rare opportunity.
At Oyingbo, a clothes dealer told us that they are experiencing more patronage in 2012 than previous years.
Mrs Uchechi Ogbonna, a trader in the market, said she had since the beginning of December had more patronage from people who preferred the clothes due to their affordability.

Kim K shows off bikini body

The sexy reality star stripped down to her bikini for a racy new photo shoot in the Miami last week and shared some of the photos with her fans. See more photos after the cut...

Katt Williams says Jamie Foxx is gay. Mentions name of his gay lover

Jamie has two kids with two different women, how can he be gay? Well, stranger things have happened. There were people who actually believed the world would end today...lol

News: Muhammed Int’l Airport, Lagos Gutted By Fire

Part of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos was on Thursday gutted by fire.

According to an eyewitness who pleaded anonymity, the fire emanated from some cables, which apparently melted under heat, as some welders were working at the extension of ‘D’ Wing of the international airport.

This Is Serious! Check It Out.

She's...I mean he's very...did I say he? She's beautiful...but what's that thing I see between her legs...balls? What do you guys think. He or she?

News: Chika Egbo Dies Atlast ...

Chike Egbo, the 25-year-old student of  Enugu State College of Education, who was bathed with acid by her estranged fiancé, David Suleiman, in November, has been reported dead.
Vanguard gathered that, Chika gave up the ghost early Thursday morning, on her hospital bed, at the Burns Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

News: Governor Audu Of Kogi Wanted By EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Thursday, declared former governor of Kogi State, Abubakar Audu wanted for offences bordering on conspiracy, stealing and misappropriation of public fund.
The action followed the failure of the suspect to respond to invitation by the anti- graft agency.
Attempt by the EFCC to arrest Audu at his 32, Sulaiman Barau Street, Asokoro, Abuja residence on December 11, 2012 failed as he allegedly evaded arrest.

Abubakar Audu

News: More students pass WASCE

Students in the FCT in 2012 scored 38.39 per cent credit pass in five WASCE subjects, including English and Mathematics, the FCT Education Secretary, Alhaji Kabir Usman, has said.
He disclosed this in Abuja at the 2012 Education Media Luncheon, saying FCT students had improved when compared with the 2011 result of 20.42 per cent credit pass.
The West African Examination Council conducts the yearly West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE).

Entertainment: 1st Top Ten Hit Songs For 2012

Like hail stones, these hit songs came down on us; peaking as the year swung into a last quarter. Nigerian artists pushed their talents to the extremes to create a resounding 2012. Everyone wanted to make a name this year; to survive the market. Upcoming artists were particularly faced with the greatest challenges as fans besieged with new singles every other day only gave each new act a few seconds to grab their attention.
Many of these acts succeeded eventually; that’s why compiling this list was so difficult.

News: Pastor And 2 Members killed Over Land Dispute

Founder of Faith Builders Ministry, in Calabar, Cross River State, Rev. John Ene-Obong and two members of the church, have been allegedly killed over a land dispute.
Rev. Ene-Obong, who was allegedly killed penultimate Monday by irate youths over a land dispute in Ikot Ene-Obong community of the metropolis, was said to have returned to Nigeria from Canada barely a week before his death.

News: Gunmen killed 2 People And Kidnapped A French National, in Katsina

A group of 30 gunmen who stormed a residence in Katsina  where expatriate workers were staying kidnapped a French citizen after killing two people, police said Thursday.
“I can confirm the abduction of a French national,” the Katsina state police chief, Abdullahi Magaji, told AFP of the incident late Wednesday.

News:In Osun Robbery, 2 Killed And 5 Injured

At least two persons were yesterday shot dead by armed robbers while five people sustained serious injuries during a bank robbery in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun state.
It was gathered that the bank robbery which lasted about 30 minutes could not be resisted by any security agent attached to the bank.