Gold rose the most in more than two weeks as tensions flared on the border between Ukraine and Russia, increasing demand for the precious metal as a haven. This year, gold has gained 6.9 percent on turbulence in the Gaza region, Iraq and Eastern Europe coupled with signs of slowing global economic growth. The conflict between Ukraine’s government and pro-Russian separatists has left more than 2,000 dead since Putin annexed Crimea in March.
Updated 6 Years ago

Oil and gas exploration firm Jacka Resources Limited has announced the initial booking of oil reserves attributable to its interests in the Aje field, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 113 Nigeria, and notes that first oil is expected at the end of 2015. Jacka holds a 2.667 percent participating interest in the OML 113, a 6.675 percent contributing interest and a 5.0006 percent revenue interest in the Aje field. Its interests are held by its wholly-owned subsidiary PR Oil and Gas (Nigeria) Limited (PROG).
Updated 6 Years ago

First Aluminium plc’s, a Nigerian manufacturer of roofing sheets, half-year (HY) profit surges 57 percent amid operating challenges inhibiting the growth potentials of players in the industry. For the first six months through June 2014, the company’s net income spiked by 57 percent to N21.32 million from N13.54 billion recorded in the corresponding period of HY 2013.
Updated 6 Years ago

On assumption of office in 2007, Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime in his inaugural speech said: “I had put across a four point agenda in which I proposed the very compass which shall determine the trend of my administration.” But while Chime’s four point agenda is hinged on physical Infrastructure, economic expansion and employment, rural development and service delivery, his administration has not left any sector untouched as he has invested heavily on urban/rural road rehabilitation, agricultural expansion, provision of quality and affordable education, health care scheme, improved water supply and security of lives and properties, urban beautification, rural electrification, housing scheme and among others.
Updated 6 Years ago

A billboard on Mission hill in Umuahia, the Abia State capital caught my attention as my cabby drove past Villa Roy Hotel. “God has taken over Umuahia and we are hosting Him,” it declared. It was one of those shouting billboards often erected by the roadside that I always consider public nuisance or at best a threat to our environment. But the message was too eye-catching for me to ignore it. It turned out to be a church announcing its programmes to the public. Incidentally, the people of Abia State have been in a celebration mood this week to mark the 23rd anniversary of the creation of the state from the old Imo State. And at the centre of the celebration is God, because the state was cleverly given God’s Own State for an alternative name. I’m not too familiar with the history behind it, but I have a strong feeling that for the fact that Abia is mentioned in the bible, it is too easy to call it God’s Own State.
Updated 6 Years ago

Beauty pageantry is becoming a serious business. Seen in the past as just a voyage in vanity, winners of these events are redefining the entire concept and working hard to tie them up with development. For the current Miss FCT, Nigeria, the entire beauty franchise is about service and community development. In less than few months of a reign, Queen Bertha has brought out the excellent side to what most serious minded people might want to gloss over.
Updated 6 Years ago

More opposition against the aspiration of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, to contest the September 6 governorship primary election of the Adamawa State continued yesterday as the former Minister of Information and Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to grant him waiver. Clark in an open letter to the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Amadu Mu’azu, urged the party not grant Ribadu any waiver to enable him contest the governorship primary election of the PDP in the state, describing him as a serial ingrate without any electoral value.
Updated 6 Years ago

Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, yesterday declared his interest to vie for the governorship seat of the state in 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying his action is of courage and not of shame to him. Ohakim, who addressed members of the party and journalists at the state PDP secretariat, affirmed that he was not ashamed to re-contest the position after loosing out to the incumbent, Rochas Okorocha, in 2011.
Updated 6 Years ago

Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday said he would restore unity, peace and stability in Nigeria, if he emerged the president come 2015. He also expressed reservation over the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free and credible election next year.
Updated 6 Years ago

Two days after Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi was impeached as the deputy governor of Enugu State over alleged gross misconduct, the state House of Assembly yesterday screened and confirmed a nominee for the vacant position. He is the presiding Bishop of Christ Ascension Church, Ugwuaji district headquarters, Enugu, Rev. Ralph Ifeanyichukwu Nwoye, from Isiogbo Nara in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state, same kindred as the impeached former deputy governor, Onyebuchi.
Updated 6 Years ago