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Tag: MAN

  • I have never slept with a married man – Tacha

    I have never slept with a married man – Tacha

    Big Brother Naija reality star, Natacha Anita Akide, fondly called Tacha, has said that she has never been in a romantic relationship with a married man contrary to the speculations about her.

    According to her,  those accusing her of sleeping with married men cannot present any evidence.

    Speaking in a candid interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Tacha noted that

    “If not for Olamide, I would’ve still been on the streets. I went to London and collaborated with the best rapper in the UK and it’s all thanks to Olamide. When nobody believed in me, you told me that I was gonna make it and I’ve made it bigger than I ever thought.

    Olamide is a boss, he sponsored me without signing me and never asked for anything in return and that’s why I respect him so much. Some people use me to do bläck business but Olamide is the only guy in this industry who showed me love.

     

     

     

     

  • Invest in local production of goods to strengthen currency, economy – MAN tells FG

    Invest in local production of goods to strengthen currency, economy – MAN tells FG

    Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to support local producers  in a bid to  further strengthen the economy and make the county’s currency to grow in the international market.

    MAN also used the opportunity to call on the president to boost production in the South East region of the country through the initiative called ‘Light-up Nigeria’ Project.

    Speaking in Enugu at the South East Business Roundtable during the flag-off of Light-up Nigeria Project – South East, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of MAN in Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi States, said the naira would greatly appreciate against foreign currencies and the economy would be stabilized if government at all levels patronised locally made products, to encourage local productions and stimulate productivity and employments among the youth.

    The Light-up project, which was launched by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, was one of the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to improve energy supply to industrial clusters across the South East and the country at large.

    According to MAN, “the Federal Government can support locally produced goods and discourage overdependence on foreign products, by increasing the tariff on imported alternatives and provide manufacturers with incentives like, reducing customs tariffs on raw materials and machinery, as well as allowing them to access dollars for the implementation of raw materials, machineries and equipments.

    “If government can support manufacturers who are producing locally, support the use of locally produced goods and use the interplay of tax barriers and quotas to encourage these local manufacturers who are currently producing and support locally produced goods, for example those currently producing motor vehicles, if Nigeria can support them and other local producers, I think it will go a long way.

    “Outside this, there is need for government to look into the tariff from Customs, especially as it concerns manufacturers.

    “If it is possible, give us an incentive that is exclusive to manufacturers, so that our raw materials and machines can come in at a reduced duty. So this alone can also help engender productivity in the country.

    “I want to plead that manufacturers also be considered in a way that sourcing foreign exchange will come easy for them”, Chukwudozie said.

    The manufacturers expressed optimism that the Light-up South East Project would go a long way in reducing some of the challenges facing the sector in the region, described as the “commercial hub” of the nation.

    “Now, coming from the manufacturers, there are lots of challenges that bedevilled us and this issue of power is very critical and pivotal, because it is the energy that drives the Sector.

    “All the Governors have in the past, I must acknowledge, done something about this. It has also been said about the effort of our Governor, His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in partnership with EEDC, which is yielding fruits. And I think other Governors are doing something in that direction.

    “But this particular light-up Nigeria is like a renewed hope for us and we want to assure you that we are ready to collaborate with you in all ramifications”, she added.

    On the ways of cushioning the effects of hardship and boosting food security, the manufacturers urged the Federal Government to provide farmers with adequate security, farming implements and improved seedlings, saying, food and commodity sufficiency would in turn support Industrialization for export, rural industries and resource-based industrialization.

    “This resource-based productivity, if government pays true attention to it, by, first of all, providing security for farmers to go to their farm lands, providing incentives for them, providing farming implements, then there will be enough production of food and commodity which will engender export oriented industrialization, rural industrialization, resource-based industrialization and import substitution industrialization”, Chukwudozie stressed.

  • I will grant my wife divorce if she pays me N160,000 – Man tells court

    I will grant my wife divorce if she pays me N160,000 – Man tells court

    A businessman, Yahaya Mohammed, told an Upper Area Court in Kubwa, FCT, that he will grant his wife, Hauwau Hamza a divorce if she pays him N160, 000.

    Mohammed and Hamza, got married according to Islamic law sometime in 2020 and do not have children together.
    Earlier, Hamza approached the court seeking dissolution of her marriage with Mohammed on grounds of lack of care and respect.

    ”If she wants a divorce, she has to get me another wife. I want my wife to pay me all I spent on her at our wedding.

    ” I paid N60,000 as dowry to marry my wife and spent N100,000 for her clothes, I insist for her to pay me back the total sum”, he said.

    In response, the plaintiff said that if it were Islamically appropriate for her to get a wife for her husband before he grants her a divorce, she would do so.

    She added that Mohammed did not spend up to N160,000 on her saying that her dowry was N60,000 only.

    “I do not have N160,000 to give him, only if he can also pay me for the satisfaction I gave to him during the marriage and the cooking I have done over the years, ” the plaintiff said.

    Mohammed however said if the plaintiff claimed that she had satisfied him, he had also catered to her feeding and welfare in the marriage.

    The Judge, Mohammed Wakili, said that it was not Islamically appropriate for the plaintiff to get the respondent another wife before he grants her a divorce.

    Wakili adjourned the matter until Oct.17 for judgment.

     

  • Man dies in well trying to retrieve women’s wrappers

    Man dies in well trying to retrieve women’s wrappers

    A 37-year-old man, Umar Ayuba, has died in a well at Kawon Maigari in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

    The Public Relations Officer of Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in Kano.

    Abdullahi said that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening.

    “We received an emergency call at about 5:20 p.m. from one Mamuda Abdallah, who said that a man had been trapped inside a well.

    “We immediately sent our rescue team to the scene at about 5:32 p.m,’’ he said.

    Abdullahi further said that Ayuba was asked to help retrieve some women’s wrappers that fell inside a well.

    According to him, the victim got suffocated inside due to the lack of oxygen.

    “He was brought out of the well unconscious and handed over to Insp. Adamu Sani of Hotoro Police Division,” the police spokesman said.

    He said that the man was conveyed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival at the faciltiy by a doctor on duty.

    NAN

  • WICKEDNESS! Man snuffs life out of baby over preference for male child

    WICKEDNESS! Man snuffs life out of baby over preference for male child

    Wickedness of the highest order was displayed by a 28-year-old man, Misbahu Salisu, who allegedly poisoned his day-old baby girl to death because he prefers a male child.

    The man, a resident of Doka Baici, Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, was on Friday arrested by the Kano State Hisbah Board.

    According to a statement issued by the Deputy Commander General, Operations, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, the suspect had informed officials of the board that he gave the day-old baby a local insect killer.

    The suspect also alleged to have drugged the mother of the baby, Sa’ade, with a cup of tea that contained sleeping tablets before allegedly carrying out his criminal act.

    “The suspect confessed to the crime, saying he preferred a male child but his wife gave birth to a female, which prompted him to end the baby’s life,” the statement said.

    He has been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

  • MAN raises alarm as illegal mining drains National income

    MAN raises alarm as illegal mining drains National income

    As activities of illegal miners of solid minerals continue to drain the national resources in the country, governments at various levels especially states and Federal Government, FG, have been urged to effectively regulate the sector by putting tougher measures in place to check unwholesome practices by unscrupulous elements, noting that the trends have over the years led to drains in large chunk of Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs).

    The Miners Association of Nigeria, MAN, Akwa Ibom state chapter at a press conference in Uyo, the state capital, noted that the illegal exploration and exploitation of solid minerals with the proceeds unaccounted for, has become a national sabotage and big embarrassment to the country.

    Chairman of the state chapter of MAN, Comrade Iyakise Udofia, lamented that “these illegal mining activities have resulted in significant revenue losses to both the federal and state governments.”

    He said: “As you are aware, the mining sector contributes to our national economy, and the state government is entitled to a fair share of the revenue derived from mining operations. The lost revenues affect our ability to fund critical developmental projects and provide essential services to our citizens.

    “We believe that cooperation between the Miners Association and the government is paramount in addressing these challenges effectively. We are open to dialogue and working together towards finding viable solutions that protect our environment, boost revenue generation, and foster the sustainable development of our state.

    “We take this opportunity to appeal to all traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State to seek guidance from the relevant ministry responsible for mining matters. It is imperative that traditional rulers work in accordance with the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and its Regulation of 2011.

    “These laws provide the framework for responsible and sustainable mining practices while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders, including local communities.

    “We urge all traditional rulers to refrain from interfering with mining operations or obstructing the activities of legitimate mining companies. Collaborating with mining companies in adherence to the law can bring about immense socio-economic benefits for our communities. Let us work together to create an environment that encourages responsible mining practices while respecting the rights and interests of all parties involved.

    “It is with grave concern that we bring to the Governor’s notice and the general public the rampant operations of illegal miners in our state. These illegal mining activities have caused serious environmental degradation, leading to irreparable harm to our natural resources. The ecological balance is at stake, and urgent action is needed to address this pressing issue.”

    Towards effective regulation of the illegal mining activities, Udofia expressed the readiness of his association to work in partnership with governments and other stakeholders to weed out the illegal syndicate in their midst that in order “to promote responsible and sustainable mining in the state.”

    He appealed to members and the general public to comply with the Mining Act of 2007 and its regulations in all mining operations.

    “We must ensure that our mining activities are conducted within the confines of the law and with a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and our community. By upholding the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and it’s Regulation of 2011, we can build a sustainable and prosperous mining industry that benefits all of Akwa Ibom State,” he stressed.
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  • Manufacturers lament over new FG programme

    Manufacturers lament over new FG programme

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed  concerns over the impending displacement of local meter manufacturers and assemblers in the phase II of the National Mass Metering Programme (NNMP).

    MAN Director-General, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said this on Thursday in Lagos, in reaction to government’s implementation process of the NMMP Phase II World Bank funded supply of 1.2million smart energy meters.

    Ajayi-Kadir said the advertised financial requirements and technical specifications by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) appeared skewed against local manufacturers.

    According to him, the requirements are stringent and negate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines for the implementation of NMMP and portend grave danger for the power sector.

    He stressed the need to guide against a repeat of the ugly scenario in 2012 where local manufacturers were sidelined in the meter supply and the nation was greeted with supply of substandard meters supplied by foreign companies.

    Ajayi-Kadir stated that position of the TCN was that installation would provide employment opportunities.

    He, however, noted that would completely pale into insignificance when compared with a ratio of jobs that would be created if local manufacturers were included in the scheme.

    “In keeping with the Federal Government’s backward integration policy and the advent of the NMMP intervention, manufacturers have made huge investments in expansion of manufacturing capacities and trained highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of the power sector.

    “The seeming intentional denial of the local manufacturers does not take into cognizance their sterling performance where they deployed and installed 611,231 energy meters across the country between 2019 and 2021.

    “They also did same for one million energy meters across the country under the phase zero of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

    “It should be recalled that our members have been denied the opportunity to fully execute the contract for the supply and installation of 4 million energy meters under the Phase 1 of the NMMP scheme.

    “This was due to the unrealistic terms that arbitrarily fixed the contract prices far below the approved regulatory prices of energy meters in the country.

    “Additionally, the contractual term of payment after the supply and installation of the meters have not be adhered to, thereby jeopardizing the financial capabilities of our members that participated in the scheme,” he said.

    The MAN DG said that the subsisting Executive order 003 on patronage of made in Nigeria products which gives priority consideration to local businesses should be adhered to.

    He said this should have made government interrogated the World Bank documents and actively consulted with Nigerian stakeholders in the sector with a view mainstreaming their inputs.

    “As a nation that aspires to make progress and improve the well-being of its people, it is unconscionable that we continuously make the same mistakes.

    “We counsel that the excellent constitutional amendment that enlisted power generation and transmission in the concurrent list, should be complemented with the liberalisation of the distribution end of the value chain.

    “We are convinced that the liberalisation of the distribution end of the value chain will eradicate bottlenecks and give fillip to the efforts of government to bridge the metering gap and ensure just electricity billing regime,” he said.

  • Miscarriage of justice: Man set free from custody after 13years

    Miscarriage of justice: Man set free from custody after 13years

    A German court on Friday exonerated a former custodian who had spent more than 13 years in prison for the suspected murder of an elderly woman found in a bathtub.

    Manfred Genditzki had been handed a life sentence for allegedly killing an 87-year-old tenant of the building where he worked in 2008 by striking her on the head during a dispute and then drowning her.
    Genditzki had consistently denied murdering the woman during a lengthy legal battle.

    In a judicial scandal that made national headlines, the judges of the regional court in Munich ruled that Genditzki had been wrongly convicted and ordered compensation of nearly 369,000 euros ($402,000).

    It was not a murder, he is acquitted and thus innocent,” a court spokesman said, referring to new evidence suggesting the death was accidental.

    Local media reported that Genditzki sat impassively as the verdict was read out while many of his supporters wept openly in the courtroom.

    Genditzki, now 63, who had worked in a large residential complex in the southern town of Rottach-Egern, had already successfully contested his conviction before a federal tribunal but was found guilty again by a Munich court in 2012.

    In a third trial based on advances in forensic science, his defence attorney Regina Rick was able to bring in new evidence showing that the water temperature in the tub where the woman was found pointed to a far different time of death than initially presumed.

    A second scientific report presented to the court used a computer simulation to demonstrate that her death was likely the result of an accident.

    Rick won her client’s preliminary release last August on the basis of that evidence, given the mounting doubts about his guilt and Genditzki’s previously clean criminal record.

    After more than 13 years in custody, he returned to his family and began working as a driver at a cheese factory while the regional court granted him a new trial.

    Friday’s acquittal, which even the prosecution ultimately advocated, “came on the basis of expert reports using the most modern methods which were not available at the time of the previous convictions”, the court spokesman said.

    After spending 4,915 days wrongly imprisoned in which he missed taking part in raising his children or witnessing the birth of his grandchildren, Genditzki is now exonerated, he said.

    “This is a tragedy that can hardly be put into words,” he added.

    The court ordered Genditzki to be paid 75 euros for every day he spent in jail, amounting to just over 368,000 euros. He may also be able to claim additional damages for lost income.

    AFP

  • Manufacturers kick against impending electricity tariff hike

    Manufacturers kick against impending electricity tariff hike

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has described the plans to increase electricity tariff from July 1 as outrageous.

    The association said the real sector was currently uncompetitive from the high prices used to generate power from alternative sources.

    Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General, MAN, made this known in an interview on Friday in Lagos.

    Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the increase was in response to the rise of the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), the rise in inflation rate which was  at 22.41 per cent, and a shift in the exchange rate from N441 to N750.

    Ajayi-Kadir said a 40 per cent tariff increase at this time would engender higher costs of production, lower profit margin, manufacturing activities paralysis, lower revenue remittances to government among others.

    He stated that the absence of stable, effective and fairly priced electricity supply in Nigeria had been a long-standing challenge  for manufacturers which compelled them to supplement with alternative energy sources.

    Regrettably, he noted that the available alternative energy sources such as diesel had become exorbitantly expensive.

    The MAN director general said that manufacturers spent at least N144.5 billion on sourcing alternative energy in 2022, up from N77.22 billion in 2021, translating to 87 per cent increase in the cost of access to alternative energy sources.

    He said  the fact that government itself was owing N75 billion in unpaid electricity bill was indicative of how burdensome the cost of electricity had become.

    “Already, we have power constituting between 28-40 per cent in the cost structure of manufacturing industries.

    “You can imagine the impact on manufacturing industries that are energy-intensive such as metal processing, heavy machinery, and chemicals manufacturing.

    “A spike in the electricity tariff will erode the profit margin of the manufacturers and reduce their ability to expand operations and create new jobs.

    “Manufacturers will ultimately pass on the additional cost to the consumers of their products and this will increase the cost of the products in the market and complicate the rising inflation rate in the country.

    “Also, the sector’s competitiveness will definitely worsen as the high cost of the products will make locally produced items less competitive, when compared with imported alternatives,” he said.

    Ajayi-Kadir advised the Federal Government and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to instead,  ensure improved electricity generation, transmission and distribution to meet the revenue needs of the electricity supply industry stakeholders.

    He stressed that government should ensure that at least , 90 per cent of electricity consumers were metered to ensure consumption reflective electricity bill payment.

    He also tasked government to formulate electricity policies that would aid investments in energy industry to increase generation capacities and usher in large scale production of electricity.

    “There is an urgent need for  diversification of energy sources and intensifying infrastructure investment in the power sector.

    “As it is today, the manufacturing sector, which is the engine of growth, is still struggling as a result of inclement production environment in Nigeria.

    “The expectation is that government will engage in extensive and intensive consultations with the manufacturers; focus on measures that will salvage the sector and halt the trend of shutdown of factories, knowing the implications and the multiplier effects on employment and the economy.

    “Care should be taken to avoid introducing burdensome measures that will further strangulate the manufacturing sector and the whole economy,” he said.

  • Man, 40, jailed for 5 months for exhibiting sex act with bird

    Man, 40, jailed for 5 months for exhibiting sex act with bird

    A man who admitted masturbating to ‘animal porn’ while holding a baby seagull has been jailed for 24 weeks.

    David Lee captured the baby seagull and took it down a back alley in Sunderland before pulling his trousers down and masturbating with the bird between his legs.

    The 40-year-old was later tracked down to a nearby takeaway, where he initially claimed to have been helping the baby gull by looking up a vet on his phone.

    Police subsequently discovered Lee had been watching ‘animal porn’ during the incident, that was caught on a local resident’s CCTV camera.

    Magistrates at South Tyneside Magistrate’s Court handed the 40-year-old an immediate 24-week jail term and banned him from keeping animals for 10 years.

    Lee, of Roker Avenue, Sunderland, previously admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the herring gull during the incident at around 1am near Gladstone Street in Sunderland.

    The incident saw Lee, who was described as a heavy drinker with unstable personality disorder, put his phone on a box in the alleyway before engaging in a sex act with the seagull and then kicking the baby bird away.