See the Value of the Naira in the Black Market as the CBN Introduces 'Flexible Policy'

 The value of the Nigerian currency in the highly unstable black market has remain the same over the past 4 days despite the floating of the currency by the apex bank.

The value of the naira in the black market in exchange for the U.S dollar has remained at N365 since on Monday. The introduction of a 'flexible policy' by the Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday which is yet to be operational is yet to have an effect on the value.

 Read more details about the value of the Nigeria currency today, 16th of June, 2016:

 

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Lesson from Nigeria: Senate Passes Bill Compelling Government to Buy Made-in-Nigeria Products

Nigerians especially those who produce made-in-Nigeria products are in for a sweet surprise as the Senate today passed a bill compelling government to buy made-in-Nigeria products.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki
The Nigerian Senate took a great step in stabilizing the country's economy and protecting its locally made goods as it passed into law the Public Procurement Act 20‎07 (amendment) bill 2016. The law makes it mandatory for government agencies to purchase and patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
The law will not only promote locally made products, it will also help stabilize the economy.
The Senate President while considering a report on the bill said that the latest move by the hollow chamber is a good move in the right direction as it will help “in stimulating our economy, [as] we all have a role to play to ensure that the executive complies especially in the area of giving first priority to locally-produced goods.


“This has helped many countries to develop when they had issues of downturn in their economy. I believe that having over N3trn available to stimulate local production going on now.
“One of the things that we have done today is also trying to shorten the process of awarding contracts; this will go a long way in helping budget implementation.
“It would go a long way in ensuring that most of the funds are available as quickly as possible and jobs are actually completed. I want to commend my colleagues for passing this bill‎.”

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Another Burglary at Minister of Health's Residence, Andre Mama Fouda

Minister of Health, André Mama Fouda

The home of the Minister of Health, André Mama Fouda, located at Obobogo neighborhood in Yaounde, was again visited on the night of Tuesday, June 14, 2016 by bandits.
According to news reports one of the guards who had been tied by the gang of bandits is quoted as saying that "one of the three bandits climbed the fence of the house by the back wall. It was he who tied up the guards before opening the gate to his accomplices”. It is alleged that the bandits also gave a snake beating to Mama Fouda’s wife.
It's hard, though, to have a clear idea about the losses suffered by Minister of Public Health in this other banditry act. It is alleged a huge sum of money purportedly close to half a billion FCFA (more than FCFA 500.000.000) was taken away by criminals. Tongues are still waging as to why Mama Fouda’s residence has become fertile ground for thieves. Some newspaper even reported the disappearance of valuable jewelry and firearms. Several elements of the Special Rapid Intervention (ESIR) police were deployed in the area after the incident. Those who had spent the night on patrol in the area were calling all passers of the lane that leads to Mama Fouda, we learn. This is not the first time that bandits have visited André Mama Fouda. Last year, was the money belonging to the Association for mutual aid and solidarity of the elites and forces of Mfoundi that thieves carried away. In 2012, newspapers reported that more than 300 million CFA francs had been stolen in the minister’s residence in Obobogo in Yaounde.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Amendment of Penal Code: Bar Council Condemns Disparity

PRESS RELEASE

Meeting in an Extra-Ordinary Session at its Head Office in Yaounde this 16 day of June 2016 at the request of the Bar President;

TAKES COGNISANCE of the submission by the Government to the National Assembly of the Draft Bill N°989/PJL/AN on the amendment of the Penal Code in its June 2016 Session;
VEHEMENTLY CONDEMNS the translation disparity between the French and English versions of the said bill with the consequential effect being the divergence in interpretation and the likelihood of misinterpretation and application of the said text with the probability of creating chaos in the administration of Justice;
CONSIDERING the fact that the Government’s objective in Criminal law is to guarantee the respect of the rule of law, the Penal Code being a perfect reflection thereof;
Hereby state that various Stakeholders like Judicial Actors and the Civil Society Organisations Operating within the Human Right Sector should constitute part of the drafting and law review process;
REMARKS that Lawyers and Magistrates who are the Principal judicial Actors charged with the application of the Penal Code have been totally sidelined;
THE BAR COUNCIL expresses its deep regret that it was never consulted before the submission of the draft bill to the National Assembly;
CONSIDERING the importance the Bar Council attaches to concerted legislation for nationwide interest;
THE BAR COUNCIL WHOSE MISSION IS TO IMPROVE ON THE DRAFT BILL HEREBY DECIDES TO CREAT A TECHNICAL COMMITTEE FORTHWITH with the following terms of reference :
- Take cognizance and highlight the problematic provisions some of which feature in the Bar President’s Memorandum ;
- Review the drafting of the said problematic provisions;
- Strike out obsolete and unwarranted provisions;
- Ensure compliance and conformity of the Draft Bill vis-à-vis International Instruments ratified by the Republic of Cameroon;
- Ensure the insertion and inclusion of certain Penal dispositions embodied in other pieces of legislation;
THE BAR COUNCIL STATES that this Press Release is made in the interest of the general public;
And hereby request the withdrawal of the Draft for purposes of uniformity of the content in terms of translation and review of same.
FURTHERMORE THE BAR COUNCIL urges PARLIAMENT to take up its responsibilities by looking at the form and content of the memorandum submitted by the Bar President.
AUTHORISES THE BAR PRESIDENT to follow up and oversee the effective implementation of the proposals submitted by the Bar Council to the GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT.

DONE AT YAOUNDE, THIS 16 DAY OF JUNE 2016

THE BAR PRESIDENT
Jackson F. NGNIE KAMGA

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

NUDP National Youth President, Ndansi Elvis Meets US President, Barrack Obama

 With Inputs Courtesy of CameroonWatch

The National President of the National Union for Democracy and Progress, NUDP, Ndansi Elvis and 24 other young enterprising Cameroonians will be received by United States President, Barrack Obama. They were selected to take part in the 2016 edition of the Young African leaders’ initiative, YALI, an initiative of US President, Barack Obama, otherwise known as the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African leaders. The delegation headed by Ndansi Elvis left the country today June 17, 2016 for a six-week sojourn in different cities across America that will take them to the White House.

It worth mentioning that Ndansi Elvis is also founder and ExecutiveDirector of Unite for Health Foundation, a not-for-profit making organization that provide health services to the underserved population with branches in Yaounde and Bamenda.  To Ndansi Elvis Nukam, the fellowship program will enhance his skills as an entrepreneur and astute young politician. Harping on the importance of the fellowship program, he emphasized that “Obama’s idea behind YALI is to bring forth a new generation of African leaders who believe in themselves and who can be able to provide solutions to African problems” he concluded.

What You Need to Know About YALI

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders which began in 2014 is the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

 In 2016, the Fellowship will provide 1,000 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. higher education institution with support for professional development after they return home.

The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. In 2015, Fellows represented all 49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fifty percent of Fellows were women; and for 76 percent of Fellows, it was their first experience spending substantial time in the United States.

To note that Each Mandela Washington Fellow takes part in a six-week academic and leadership Institute at a U.S. university or college in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management.

Upon returning to their home countries, YALI organisers say, Fellows are expected to continue to build the skills they have developed during their time in the United States through support from U.S. embassies, four Regional Leadership Centers, the YALI Network, and customized programming from USAID and affiliated partners.


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

I am Prepared to Serve My Country in Whatever Capacity-Ta Nformi Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh

Culled from The Advocate

The President of The Fomunyoh Foundation, Ta Nformi Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh has declared that he is ready to serve his country in any capacity. The international consultant on democracy and peace made the declaration during a free and independent presentation in Buea, a meeting organized  at the private residence of a Buea based Human Rights activist and legal mind, Barrister Agbor Balla. Present to listen to the various free and independent presentations were lawyers, journalists, civil society leaders, human rights activists and refined politicians like Ben Muna.

But hopes were dashed when he (Ta Nformi Cameroon) dribbled his fans without declaring his intentions to contest in the upcoming Presidential elections. Those who thought that he was going to declare his political affiliation or candidature were taken aback. Apparently, Fomunyoh’s silence on the issue of his candidacy is yet to quell the speculation that seems to be growing leaps and bounds as 2018 draws nearer, and many Cameroonians take personal initiatives to reserve domain names, create Fomunyh fan clubs and join online groups in an effort to persuade and pressure him to step forward and get into the Presidential race.

However, in responding to questions raised in the hall in pertaining to his interest or intention towards the top job, he responded that “I am prepared to serve my country in whatever capacity”. This declaration ushered a mixed reaction giving the impression that those who turned out were not very satisfied with his responds. Ta Nformi Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh however continued by adding that “I feel I was born in this country for a purpose and any right thinking Cameroonian like me who has benefitted from the community must give back. I have found so much interest in the younger generation, despite the darkness, the sun will finally rise. There is hope that such a time will come, you can count on me to make my own contribution to build the nation and I will do that with a lot of honour”.

Harping on the democratic process in Cameroon, Ta Nformi Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh traced the historical perspective of Cameroon’s democracy as far back as 1972, then 1982, then 1992 where there was a competitive election which he believed had a point difference of 3 or 4%. He continued that he is aware of the accumulation of grievances at the time and that “we should play from the position of strength. If we project ourselves, the data would be different, we should be asking for an equal opportunity. Instead of demanding for some key ministries, we should be the ones appointing ministers”. He added that if in 1992 Ni John Fru Ndi could come close to win, then 30 years after, we should not shy away the responsibility of governing our country; we should govern not because we are Anglophones but because we are capable of doing it; that is what I mean by speaking from a position of strength”.

He also said that there is the need for the separation of power which does not allow the executive overpowering the judiciary and the legislative, decentralization and other topical issues such as the imposition of government delegates as well as individual and collective responsibilities that should be handled by the constitution.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

NUDP National Youth President, Ndansi Elvis Meets US President

 With Inputs Courtesy of CameroonWatch

The National President of the National Union for Democracy and Progress, NUDP, Ndansi Elvis and 24 other young enterprising Cameroonians will be received by United States President, Barrack Obama. They were selected to take part in the 2016 edition of the Young African leaders’ initiative, YALI, an initiative of US President, Barack Obama, otherwise known as the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African leaders. The delegation headed by Ndansi Elvis left the country today June 17, 2016 for a six-week sojourn in different cities across America that will take them to the White House.

It worth mentioning that Ndansi Elvis is also founder and ExecutiveDirector of Unite for Health Foundation, a not-for-profit making organization that provide health services to the underserved population with branches in Yaounde and Bamenda.  To Ndansi Elvis Nukam, the fellowship program will enhance his skills as an entrepreneur and astute young politician. Harping on the importance of the fellowship program, he emphasized that “Obama’s idea behind YALI is to bring forth a new generation of African leaders who believe in themselves and who can be able to provide solutions to African problems” he concluded.

What You Need to Know About YALI

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders which began in 2014 is the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

 In 2016, the Fellowship will provide 1,000 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. higher education institution with support for professional development after they return home.

The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. In 2015, Fellows represented all 49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fifty percent of Fellows were women; and for 76 percent of Fellows, it was their first experience spending substantial time in the United States.

To note that Each Mandela Washington Fellow takes part in a six-week academic and leadership Institute at a U.S. university or college in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management.

Upon returning to their home countries, YALI organisers say, Fellows are expected to continue to build the skills they have developed during their time in the United States through support from U.S. embassies, four Regional Leadership Centers, the YALI Network, and customized programming from USAID and affiliated partners.

 


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Meet the Rising Musical Icon Zimonnova in New Single

Zimonnova

Nothing is so exciting than to present a rising musical star. Let me introduce you to Zimonnova one of the promising artists whose music will soon hit the chart. That said the stages are by no means an unfamiliar area for the new artist. Known by his real names as Simon Nganteh, this young artist who draws his inspiration from practical happenings around him has once again hit the chart with a new single, “Mukulah”.

Musically speaking, Zimonnova moves in between the polished and structured, and the edgy and audaciously bold sounds of RnB/pop music. His meticulous hub on the romantic bubble of his songs, combined with his talented vocal, has resulted in his music being great..

This young talented Cameroonian RnB/Pop artist who hails from Wi(mbum) land in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region in Cameroon. His music entirely describes practical happenings of life and he mixes his mother tongue, Limbum and English.

Zimonnova is a teacher by profession, a songwriter, a recording and performing artist. He has worked with Producer 2Le of Bahood Records, who produced his first hit song titled "aisha' and Godema Records, where his song "wedding day" was produced. “At the age of 11, I got into music, inspired by backstreet boys, and as time went on, I was completely touched and inspired by the wimbum drums”. Listening to his music is as inspiring and motivational listening to a public speaker.  His new single "mukulah" to be released being an example of the wimbumusic. Yet he says “I haven't released an album ever since I started I have released only 2 singles which are "Aisha" "wedding day" . There is also "mukulah" which is still to be released and all this song are under title "About Time"

Talking about young talented musicians in the North West Region without mentioning Zamonnova is like writing an essay with an introduction.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Meet the Rising Musical Icon Zimonnova in New Single

Zimonnova

Nothing is so exciting than to present a rising musical star. Let me introduce you to Zimonnova one of the promising artists whose music will soon hit the chart. That said the stages are by no means an unfamiliar area for the new artist. Known by his real names as Simon Nganteh, this young artist who draws his inspiration from practical happenings around him has once again hit the chart with a new single, “Mukulah”.

Musically speaking, Zimonnova moves in between the polished and structured, and the edgy and audaciously bold sounds of RnB/pop music. His meticulous hub on the romantic bubble of his songs, combined with his talented vocal, has resulted in his music being great..

This young talented Cameroonian RnB/Pop artist who hails from Wi(mbum) land in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region in Cameroon. His music entirely describes practical happenings of life and he mixes his mother tongue, Limbum and English.

Zimonnova is a teacher by profession, a songwriter, a recording and performing artist. He has worked with Producer 2Le of Bahood Records, who produced his first hit song titled "aisha' and Godema Records, where his song "wedding day" was produced. “At the age of 11, I got into music, inspired by backstreet boys, and as time went on, I was completely touched and inspired by the wimbum drums”. Listening to his music is as inspiring and motivational listening to a public speaker.  His new single "mukulah" to be released being an example of the wimbumusic. Yet he says “I haven't released an album ever since I started I have released only 2 singles which are "Aisha" "wedding day" . There is also "mukulah" which is still to be released and all this song are under title "About Time"

Talking about young talented musicians in the North West Region without mentioning Zamonnova is like writing an essay with an introduction.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Looking Glass: After Keshi, Another Former Super Eagles Coach Amodu Shuaibu Is Dead

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the shocking death of a former Super Eagles coach, Shuaibu Amodu at the age of 58.

Shuaibu Amodu
Shuaibu Amodu, 58 had shockingly passed away merely 3 days after the death of former Super Eagles international and coach, Stephen Keshi.
The bad news that has sent more fears down the spines of the NFF and other authorities in the Nigerian football circle was broken by the NFF through its official Twitter page.
Amodu has managed a number of club sides in Nigeria, such as BCC Lions, El-Kanemi Warriors, and Shooting Stars; he also managed Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
He first managed the Nigerian national team from April 2001 to February 2002. Amodu later stated that his dismissal was "unfair" and also said that, a month later, he had yet to receive a formal letter confirming his dismissal.
He was re-appointed manager in April 2008. In December 2009 the Nigeria Football Federation stated that Amodu was under pressure, and in January 2010 there was speculation about his future. He was sacked in February 2010.
Amodu was appointed technical director of Nigeria's national teams in May 2013.
He was re-appointed Nigeria manager in October 2014, replacing Stephen Keshi. It was his fifth spell in charge of the country. Keshi returned to the role two weeks later but was fired in July 2015 and Amodu took over the Eagles again temporarily. He was replaced by Sunday Oliseh on a permanent basis later that month.
The Nigerian Football Federation announced his death in the morning of June 11, 2016.

See a screenshot of the tweets by NFF:

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Looking Glass: List of World's Highest Paid Athletes 2016...Mayweather is Dethroned

 In the latest Forbes' List of world's highest paid athletes 2016, former top earner, Floyd Mayweather has been dethroned by another another outstanding superstar.

Real Madrid superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo

Two athletes have dominated the top of Forbes’ annual look at the highest-earners in sports over the past decade and a half: Golfer Tiger Woods landed the No. 1 spot 12 times, while boxer Floyd Mayweather ranked first three of the past four years.

 But with Mayweather hanging up his gloves and Woods hampered by injuries, there is an opening at the top. Filling the gap is the biggest star in the biggest sport on the planet. This year, soccer icon, Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete, with earnings of $88 million over the past 12 months from salary, bonuses and endorsements. Ronaldo is only the second team athlete after Michael Jordan to rank as the top-paid since Forbes began tracking athlete earnings in 1990.

 It is a good time to be a world-class athlete in a popular team sport. TV money is fueling massive increases in player salaries across baseball, basketball, football and soccer. The cutoff for the top 100 athletes is $20.8 million, up $2 million over last year.

 Ronaldo’s Real Madrid contract is worth more than $50 million a year in salary and bonus and runs through 2018. He triggered one of those seven-figure bonuses by leading Real to the Champions League title when he found the back of the net on the clinching penalty kick.

 The three-time FIFA player of the year is a marketing juggernaut earning $32 million off the pitch by our count. He kicked off a contract extension with Nike NKE +1.06% last year worth $13 million a year (Nike is partnered with 50 members of the top 100). Other Ronaldo endorsement partners include Tag Heuer, Herbalife , Pokerstars, Clear Shampoo and more. He has his own line of suits, cologne, shirts, shoes, underwear and hotels under construction.

 Ronaldo’s massive social media presence is a boon to marketers, encompassing 215 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. He posted 255 times on social media promoting a brand over the last year. Those posts generated $176 million in media value, according to Hookit, which tracks sponsorship value in social and digital media.

 Fellow global soccer superstar Lionel Messi ranks No. 2 with earnings of $81.4 million. Messi earned bonuses from Barcelona and chief sponsor Adidas when he racked up his fifth FIFA player of the year award in January. Messi’s total earnings from sponsors were $28 million. His Adidas pact is worth more than $10 million annually, and he also has endorsement relationships with Huawei, Tata Motors , PepsiCo PEP +0.67% (Gatorade and Lay’s brands), Gillette and Electronic Arts EA -1.31%.

 Our earnings figures include salaries, prize money and bonuses paid out between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2016. Endorsement incomes are an estimate of sponsorships, appearance fees and licensing incomes for the same 12 month period based on conversations with dozens of industry insiders. We do not deduct for taxes or agents’ fees and we don’t include investment income (click here for a more detailed methodology and the numbers behind the top 100).

 The 100 top-earning athletes hail from 23 countries and compete in 10 sports, with Americans (65) and baseball players (26) the most numerous. Over the last 12 months, they banked a cumulative $3.15 billion, 29% of which came from endorsements and appearances.

 The NBA’s LeBron James ranks third with total earnings of $77.2 million and leads 18 basketball players on the list. Nike signed James to the first lifetime contract in the company’s 44-year history at the end of 2015 (Michael Jordan is presumed to have a lifetime deal in all but name). Sales of James’ signature shoes are down over the past 12 months, but if sales rebound and the four-time MVP can move product after his NBA days are over, the contract will likely pay out more than $1 billion.

 King James has gone Hollywood with his SpringHill Entertainment production company and multi-platform media company Uninterrupted, which got a $15.8 investment in December from Time Warner TWX +0.36%. James made his big-screen debut in the summer of 2015 in the movie Trainwreck. James is also set to star in the sequel to the 1996 Jordan movie-vehicle Space Jam.

 The new Nike pact and TV vehicles pushed James’ off-court earnings up $10 million to $54 million. His NBA salary is headed for a bump next year, too, with the league’s salary cap about to explode thanks to the start of the NBA’s new $24 billion TV contract next year, triple the prior deal annually. James can opt out of his existing Cleveland Cavaliers deal and secure a pact starting around $31 million.

 Roger Federer is the top-earning athlete in an individual sport with $67.8 million over the past 12 months. He leads a group of seven tennis players, including Serb Novak Djokovic, who lands in the top 10 for the first time at No. 6 with $55.8 million.

 It has been four years since Federer captured his 17th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2012, but he remains the top player off the court with $60 million from endorsements and appearance fees. Federer generated millions from playing four matches in the Indian Premier Tennis League in December. His endorsement portfolio is filled with long-term deals with global brands like Nike, Rolex , Mercedes-Benz and Credit Suisse.

 The top two earners on Forbes’ 2015 athletes list both took big cuts after their record paydays. Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao earned $300 million and $160 million, respectively, for the 12 months ending in June 2015 after their bout in May 2015 produced the first $600 million night in the history of sports. Both fought once over the last 12 months and claim they are now retired. Mayweather ranks No. 16 with earnings of $44 million, while Pacquiao lands at No. 63 with $24 million.

 Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are the only two women to make the cut for the second straight year, but the tennis stars flip-flopped spots thanks to new endorsements for Williams and bonuses from her historic three Grand Slam 2015, while Sharapova has been sidelined most the year after a failed drug test. Williams earned $28.9 million (No. 40) and Sharapova ranks No. 88 with earnings of $21.9 million, off nearly $8 million (click here for more on the world’s highest-paid female athletes).

 

The top 10 list is as follows:

 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - football ($88m/£60.6m)

 

2. Lionel Messi - football ($81.4m/£56.1m)

 

3. LeBron James - basketball ($77.2m/£53.2m)

 

4. Roger Federer - tennis ($67.8m/£46.7m)

 

5. Kevin Durant - basketball (£56.2m/£38.7m)

 

6. Novak Djokovic - tennis ($55.8m/£38.46m)

 

7. Cam Newton - American football ($53.1m/£36.6m)

 

8. Phil Mickelson - golf ($52.9m/£36.46m)

 

9. Jordan Spieth - golf ($52.8m/£36.39m)

 

10. Kobe Bryant - basketball ($50m/£34.46m).

 

See the full list HERE

 

Forbes

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)