Sergio Aguero and Claudio Ranieri have won the Barclays Player and Manager of the Month awards for April.

It represents a second successive award for Ranieri, who guided his side to the brink of their first BPL title last month. Tottenham Hotspur's draw with Chelsea on 2 May made Leicester champions.

 Despite the pressure of seeking to claim a first Barclays Premier League title, Ranieri steered his team to three wins and a draw last month and received the award ahead of Manuel Pellegrini (W4 D1), Sam Allardyce (W1 D3 L1) and Jurgen Klopp (W3 D2).


It is the fifth time Ranieri has won the accolade, overtaking Carlo Ancelotti as the most successful Italian for these awards.
He is also the first Leicester manager to claim the award more than once in a single campaign, and the 64-year-old joins Joe Kinnear, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ancelotti to have won it three times in a season.

Despite the pressure of seeking to claim a first Barclays Premier League title, Ranieri steered his team to three wins and a draw last month and received the award ahead of Manuel Pellegrini (W4 D1), Sam Allardyce (W1 D3 L1) and Jurgen Klopp (W3 D2).
It is the fifth time Ranieri has won the accolade, overtaking Carlo Ancelotti as the most successful Italian for these awards.

He is also the first Leicester manager to claim the award more than once in a single campaign, and the 64-year-old joins Joe Kinnear, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ancelotti to have won it three times in a season.

Aguero sealed the Barclays Player of the Month award thanks to seven goals in five matches last month.
The Manchester City forward fired his club to four wins in that period, scoring against all his opponents, including a hat-trick away to Chelsea, the fifth time he has scored three or more times in a BPL match, but his first treble away from home.

The scoring streak sent the Argentinian to within a goal of Spurs' Harry Kane's 25 strikes and level with Jamie Vardy on 24 in the race for the Barclays Golden Boot.
He topped a shortlist of Alexis Sanchez, Andy Carroll, Andros Townsend, James Milner and Lamine Kone to win for the second time in 2015/16, adding to his achievement from January.

credit: epl

Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode Denounces Domestic Violence

Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has condemned in the strongest possible terms, the vexed issue of domestic violence, which has continued to rear its ugly head in the state and across the country.

She made the denunciation in Alausa, Ikeja, against the backdrop of one Mr. Lekan Shonde, who allegedly beat his wife to death at the Egbeda suburb of the state.

Mrs. Ambode lamented that domestic violence in the form of assault on wife, child-battering and other forms of uncivilized behavior against women and children, seemed to have got fresh fancy from some men, who are still living in the primitive times.

She described as totally unacceptable, a situation where a man would callously turn his wife to a punching bag on the flimsy excuse that the helpless woman had either insulted him or refused to carry out his orders.

In her words: “How do you explain a situation where the man you married and one who claims to love you, would descend so heavily on you at the slightest provocation. If he is not complaining about delayed dinner, it is another flimsy excuse that is not tenable anywhere. They do it every now and then even to the extent of killing the helpless woman. For how long will this go on?”

The visibly distraught wife of the governor, advised any woman who found herself in an abusive relationship to retrace her steps when possible, so that she could live to tell her own story.

She rejected the common and well-worn excuse of societal stigmatization of women who abandoned unpleasant marriages, retorting that when the woman dies in such a cruel marriage, what then does the society say?

According to her, “Many victims of domestic violence become victims of their own psychological realities. The world of these women is lonely, isolated and filled with fear, with no emotional outlet whatsoever. Sadly, victims wait until it is too late”.

She advised that, we should cease to treat domestic violence as a case of “family affair” and such do not become involved. The fact that our society is patriarchal and values sanctions by culture is not enough reason for this epidemic called Domestic Violence.

Speaking further, she said domestic abuse should be moved from being viewed as a social problem to being viewed as a criminal justice issue.

Mrs Ambode commiserated with all victims of domestic violence, including families of those that died, urging any woman going through such troubled marriages to approach the state’s Office of the Public Defender, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Youth & Social Development or the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for legal assistance at no cost.

credit: akinwunmiambode.com

Fashion Faceoff between Beyonce and Temi Otedola in Stella Jean Spring/Summer collection

Its fashion face off between Beyonce and billionare heiress, Temi Otedola in a dress by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, in a Spring 2016 'Comandante' Ruffle Sleeve Dress.

The formation singer was photographed at the Menil Museum in Houston Texas, along side her husband JayZ. Beyonce paired the red dress with lovely earrings, a braided crown hairdo, with  red flowers.

Temi Otedola wore her dress with black boots and a white jacket.

 

Tuface Idibia conferred with a Honorary Degree

Nigerian music icon Tuface Idibia has a Masters Degree from the Igbinedion University, Okada. He was Conferred With Honorary Masters degree of Arts in Music, on the 10th of May, 2016.

His wife Annie Idibia was at the ceremony. Congratulations on the huge achievement.

 

Dakore Egbuson-Akande stuns in VR by Mobos Fashion Ad campaign

Nollywood actress and mother of two Dakore Egbuson-Akande, is stunning in  2016 VR by Mobos Fashion Ad campaign.

Dakore who is a brand ambassador of the fashion line, wowed in the latest campaign, which was released few days ago. The campaign was shot in Lagos and captured by ace photographer Moussa Moussa. Dakore was accompanied by VR jewels for the ad campaign.

See the photos below.

Tiwa Savage breaks her silence after Pulse interview.

Nigerian singer and pampers brand ambassador Tiwa Savage took to her Instagram page to thank her fans for their support and continued prayers for her and her family.

See her message below:

This comes after her interview with Pulse Nigeria, responding to her husbands allegation of infidelity. On April 28, Tee Billz had accused Tiwa of infidelity and contemplated suicide. She also confirmed that it was over between her and Tee Billz

Fans from all over the world and so many celebrities have been praying for her and also supporting her, through this difficult time.

Check out a fan's request of Patoranking

Nigerian singer Patoranking is sure loved by his fans, but one fan had a different request from him. A lady fan wanted an autograph, not on paper or CD, but on her chest, guess Patoranking couldnt say no, 'She said sign it there, i follow instructions and i listen to my fans'.

Former beauty Queen Adaeze Yobo stuns in a lovely jumpsuit

Former beauty queen and mother of two, Adaeze Yobo, stunned in a lovely ankara cape jumpsuit. The outfit is from Dolly Couture Nigeria.

She is red hot.

Gbenro Ajibade looks hot on the cover of Reloaded Magazine 'The 007 Issue'

Nollywood actor and hottie Gbenro Ajibade, shows off his incredible toned body on the latest issue of Reloaded Magazine, he made history as the first ever movie star to grace the cover.

Reloaded Magazine is Nigeria's biggest entertainment and lifestyle magazine. Be sure to grab a copy.

Omoni Oboli covers the latest issue of Exquisite Magazine

Nollywood actress and mother of three, dazzles on the cover of Exquisite Magazine. A woman who has been able to successfully manage her career and family well.

Her latest movie Wives on Strike is smashing the Nigerian box office, with over 60 hits in over 25 days of the release of the movie. Its a must watch. Be sure to grab a copy to ready the whole  interview.

Bida poly lecturer suspended over rape allegation

A lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, has been suspended for allegedly raping an ND1 student in his department. 

The lecturer, who teaches in the Department of Public Administration, was said to have been caught in the act. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the school's medical centre. 

The Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Police Command, Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident, and stated that the suspect would remain in police custody pending the completion of investigation.

The Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Alhaji Hussaini Enagi, also disclosed that the lecturer has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation by the disciplinary committee.

“It is true that there have been an allegation of rape against one of our lecturers. The case has been referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for investigation and recommendation.

“The alleged crime is also being investigated by the police. The official has been suspended and will also receive half salary pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.”

Nigerian Federation Cup Round of 64 draws in full

Defending Champions Akwa United, losing finalist Lobi Stars and Enyimba have been drawn bye in the Federation Cup round of 64. 

Giwa FC has been drawn against Sunshine Stars in the only tie that pits two Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams against each other at this stage of the competition.

MFM FC will take on El Kanemi Babes FC, IfeanyiUbah FC play Ebonyi United and Kano Pillars square up against Gateway FC.

DRAW IN FULL

Sunshine Stars vs Giwa FC
FC Ifeanyi Ubah vs Ebonyi United
MFM FC vs El Kanemi Babes FC
Katsina United FC vs FC Lokoja
Yarmalight FC vs Warri Wolves FC
Jigawa Stars vs Gashaka G
Plateau United vs Zara FC
Gateway FC vs Kano Pillars
Prime FC vs Inneh Stars
Kogi United vs Ekiti United
Wikki Tourists vs FRSC
Dreams FC vs Akwanga Selected
Akure City vs Enugu Rangers
Fasbiri vs Niger Tornadoes
ABS vs Yenagoa City
El Kanemi Warriors vs Katsina United Feeders
Sokoto United vs Crown FC
FC Zamfara vs Almar FC
Heartland vs Top World
Rivers United vs Papilo FC
Kaduna United vs Bridge FC
3SC vs Wikki Tourist Feeders
Rovers FC vs Flash Flamingoes
Nasarawa United vs FC Abuja
Go-round FC vs Yobe Warriors
Abia Comets vs Nembe City
Damaturu FC vs Dynamite United
Kwara United vs Galadima Best

Dembele hit with six-game ban after Costa clash

Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has been suspended for six matches after being found guilty of violent conduct following his eye-gouge on Chelsea’s Diego Costa.

Dembele appeared to claw his fingers into Costa’s eye and down his cheek during Tottenham’s ill-tempered 2-2 draw at London rivals Chelsea on Monday. The draw saw Tottenham's title hopes blown into thin air, thereby handing the title to Leicester City. 

The Belgium international wasn’t punished for the offence by referee Mark Clattenburg, but the incident was caught by television cameras and he accepted the Football Association’s charge.

“Mousa Dembele will serve a six-match suspension with immediate effect after he committed an act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video,” an FA statement read on Friday.

“The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder accepted the charge but denied The FA’s claim that the standard punishment of three matches which would otherwise apply to this offence was clearly insufficient.

“An Independent Regulatory Commission upheld The FA’s claim at a hearing today and ordered that an additional three match suspension was appropriate.

“The player was involved in an incident with Chelsea’s Diego Costa in or around the 45th minute of the fixture at Stamford Bridge on Monday.”

Dembele will now miss the last two matches of the current campaign against Southampton and Newcastle as the North London side seeks to secure second place.

The 28-year-old’s clash with Costa was one of several ugly exchanges during the game at Stamford Bridge and both clubs have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players.

The game spiralled out of control as Tottenham blew a two-goal lead and conceded a late equaliser to end their hopes of catching Leicester, who were crowned champions as a result.

Cameroon's Patrick Ekeng collapses and dies during football match

Tragedy struck in the Romanian capital as Cameroon international Patrick Ekeng died after he collapsed during a match with Dinamo Bucharest on Friday, doctors said. He was 26.

Cristian Pandrea, a spokesman for the Floreasca Emeregency Hospital, said doctors tried unsuccessfully for an hour to resuscitate the Cameroon midfielder. He said the cause of death was not known. Local media are reporting that he had a heart attack.

Ekeng collapsed in the 69th minute, just seven minutes after he went on as a substitute. The home match between Dinamo and Viitorul Constanta was at 3-3 and being broadcast live when midfielder Ekeng fell to the ground. 

Ekeng was immediately taken to the hospital, where dozens of fans gathered outside.

Players and staff could be seen crying as events unfolded. Some went with him to the hospital.

He has played for Spanish club Cordoba CF, Swiss club Lausanne, and French club Le Mans. He made two appearances in friendlies for Cameroon in January 2015.

French President Hollande to visit Nigeria next week

French President Francois Hollande will visit Nigeria on May 14 to attend a regional summit focused on fighting the jihadist group Boko Haram. 

He will arrive Nigeria after making a stop at the Central African Republic on May 13 to pledge France’s support for peace efforts in the restive country, his office said Friday.

Hollande will “pledge his support for the peace and the stabilisation of the country,” in the Central African Republic, a presidential spokesman said.

French peacekeepers have been accused of sexually abusing children in the country and hence this is seen as a very sensitive visit. 

There are currently three investigations under way into the accusations against the French troops.

Inter-communal violence between Muslim and Christian militias has killed thousands of people in the Central African Republic since 2013. France deployed a peacekeeping force to its former colony in 2013 to curb the unrest.

The regional summit in Nigeria will also be attended by the United States, Britain and the three countries neighbouring Nigeria which have also been the target of attacks from the jihadists — Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people since 2009, according to World Bank figures.

Ronaldo: I hope Zidane stays at Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire for Zinedine Zidane to stay on as Real Madrid manager. 

The Portugese star was speaking after Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 1-0 on aggregate to maintain the club's push for a La Liga and UEFA Champions League double. 

Zidane's arrival has coincided with a happier dressing room and he has guided Madrid to a 14th European Cup final after Wednesday’s win over Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu. They will be aiming to win an 11th European crown when they lock horns with rivals Atletico Madrid at San Siro in a repeat of the 2014 final. The capital club remain in La Liga contention, just a point behind title holders Barcelona and Atletico with two matches remaining. 

Ronaldo once again pledged his unflinching support for Zidane, who is no certainty to carry on beyond the season at Real, a club notorious for changing coaches regularly. 

“He’s doing a great job with the team. We’re all helping each other, it’s mutual,” Ronaldo said.

“I hope he continues. I admire him as a manager and as a person.”

Ronaldo added: “We’ve always had Zizou’s back, he’s humble, he knows how to listen and that’s always important.”

Madrid will now turn their attention to La Liga as they host Valencia this weekend.

Udoma: FG will ensure 100 percent budget implementation

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, on Friday said that the administration will aim for 100 percent implementation of the 2016 budget in spite of the late signing of the budget. 

He gave the assurance while briefing State House correspondents shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Appropriation Bill in Abuja. 

The minister added that the budget was anchored on 38 dollars per barrel of oil benchmark, wth a projection based on 2.2 million barrels of crude per day production.

“Our aim will always be 100 per cent implementation. We know that because we started late we may not achieve it but 100 per cent achievement is our aim.

“We start with that aim because the budget is a law and we try to implement it as quickly as we can,’’ he said.

Udoma said the budget signed by the president was slightly lower than what he presented to the National Assembly.

Udoma expressed hope that the 2017 budget would be passed early as the executive arm of government planned to submit the bill in October to enable passage before the end of the year.

According to him, the ministry has sent a memo for a timetable for the presentation of the 2017 budget.

“The ministry presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and got approval for a time table for the 2017 budget.

“So, as we are finishing with this budget, we are starting on 2017 and our intention is that the budget should reach the National Assembly early in October to give them enough time to pass the budget before the end of the year.

“As you know, the most important time, particularly for road construction is the dry season and if you can get the budget out in December you can now start early to implement.

“So, our intention, going forward, is to get us back to a situation where we can get a full January to December implementation for the budget and we are working with a time table to achieve this,’’ he added. 

Sadiq Khan is London's first Muslim mayor

Sadiq Khan, a practicing Muslim and Labour Party politician, has been elected mayor of London. This is a major political milestone in the Western world.

Londoners voted in Khan, 45, as the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital city. He replaces Boris Johnson and take office in a metropolis where his fellow Muslims comprise about 12% of the population.

Khan was involved in an unusually bitter campaign against Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith, the son of a billionaire, in which race and religion have proven ugly flashpoints.

Khan is a London-born son of Pakistani immigrants, who grew up with his six brothers and sister in a three-bedroom, public housing apartment. He studied law, became a university lecturer and the chairman of a civil liberties group, and was elected to Parliament in 2005.

Khan is replacing incumbent Boris Johnson who is leading the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union at a referendum on June 23. He is clashing with Prime Minister David Cameron, who is in favor of the United Kingdom remaining. 

Ex-FIFA officials banned for life

FIFA's independent Ethics Committee have banned former high-ranking officials Luis Bedoya and Sergio Jadue for life from all football-related activities. 

In December, it was announced that the US Department of Justice announced Bedoya and Jadue – both ex-CONMEBOL vice-presidents – had waived indictment and pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.

Their guilty pleas related to receving bribes from sports marketing companies in relation to the awarding of marketing rights for the Copa Libertadores and the Copa America.

Jadue, a former President of the Chilean FA, and Bedoya, a former President of the Colombian FA, are now banned from working in any capacity in future. 

A FIFA statement read: “The adjudicatory chamber found Mr Jadue and Mr Bedoya guilty of violating acts 13 (general rules of conduct), 15 (loyalty), 18 (duty of disclosure, cooperation and reporting), 19 (conflicts of interest) and 21 (bribery and corruption) of the FIFA Code of Ethics. As a consequence, both officials have been banned for life from all football-related activities.

“The bans come into force upon notification of the decisions.”

2016 Budget: Saraki promises effective oversight

Sequel to the signing of the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law, the Senate President Bukola Saraki on Friday, promised Nigerians that the legislative arm of government will ensure proper implementation of the act through diligent oversight. 

The Senate President also commended Nigerians for their patience while awaiting presidential assent to the 2016 Appropriation Act. 

He stated that the executive and legislature had a duty to ensure that the objectives and goals of the budget are duly realised.

He called on ministers, heads of departments and agencies to begin implementation of the various provisions made in the budget so that the expectations of the people can be fulfilled.

He said, “On our own part as members of the National Assembly, we will closely monitor the implementation of the budget by providing effective oversight.

"We will also ensure that all necessary laws that will aid the transformation of the contents of the budget into practical policies, projects and programmes that will directly have positive impact on Nigerians will be put in place.

“That is why we have started the amendment of the Public Procurement Act to ensure that a substantial percentage of the money to be spent in the budget are made available to Nigerians through government patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods and services.”

Buhari signs 2016 budget

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has finally signed the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law. 

The budget was signed almost six months after it was presented to the National Assembly. There had been many months of political wrangling between the National Assembly and Presidency over specific aspects of the budget. 

The budget was signed at 12 noon at a short ceremony at the President’s office, in Aso Rock.

Present at the budget signing ceremony were the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun,.

Others present at the ceremony are: Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Samaila Kawo, Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Danjuma Goje, Chairman House of Reps Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumuni Jubril.

Kate Middleton covers British Vogue’s Centenary June issue

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is unveiled as the cover star for Vogue's centenary issue. Photographed by Josh Olins in the Norfolk countryside, the Duchess appears in a 10-page shoot within the June 2016 issue, the first magazine shoot that she has ever consented to.

Omoni Oboli's movie 'Wives on Strike' hits 60 million views

Omoni Oboli's new movie Wives on Strike, which she wrote, directed, produced and stared in, is breaking and smashing the Nigerian box office.

In just 25 days, the movie has had 60million views across the cinemas nationwide. The movie premiered on the 8th of April.


The movie will premiere in Ghana at the Silver Bird Cinema, Accra on the 13th of May, 2016.

Wives on Strike, is a hilarious comedy about a group of market women who decided to take matters into their own hands against their husbands in a bid to stir them into standing up for a young girl whom they wanted to protect from the wishes of her own father.






  Its definitely a movie to go watch this weekend. Its a movement with a serious message.

Yemi Alade , Swanky Jerry And Rechael Okonkwo Covers HOUSE OF MALIQ magazine May 2016 Edition

Yemi Alade is definitely one of the biggest female musicians in Africa and she continues to prove to us why she is a total package. The ‘Mama Africa’ looked extremely classic for our lattest edition.

Nollywood actress, Rachael Okonkwo may not be in the category of top actresses like Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, Rita Dominic and others, but she is an actress that has the potential to be bigger.

Having acted in many movies, she is gradually making a statement for herself in the movie industry in Nigeria. For those who have watched ‘Pinging Ladies’, ‘White Ladies’, ‘Agatha’, ‘Tears of Olamma’, ‘Open and Close’, ‘Marine Daughters’, ‘Blackberry Madness’, ‘Ekaette Goes To School’ amongst others, would agree that Rachael is another hot star in the making. The beautiful actress graced our May 2016 Edition.

 

 

 

 Credit

 Photography by – Studio24

Styled by- Swanky Jerry

Yemi Alade’s Costumes by – Glam House

Swanky Jerry’s Costumes by – Swanky Signature Styling

Makeup by- Omaleecha Makeovers

Accessories by – Dope Accessories Lekki

Graphics by – Malik Zenishia Zainab

Monalisa Chinda Coker on finding love again on the May issue of Genevieve Magazine

MONALISA CHINDA is a blushing beauty on our cover this MAY. Inside, the delectable actress shares her emotional journey to finding love again in the arms of her childhood love VICTOR TONYE COKER. “Truthfully I had categorised all men as the same useless idiots (pardon my French). I am happy that I feel differently now.”

According to her; “Marriage is always a better option for any woman who is single in this country. Forget 30, once you attain 35 and counting, men in this country call you a dead engine.”
“The day I trended for all the wrong reasons was a turning point for me” soulful singer WAJE. While AMVCA best actress, Adesua Etomi talks about her time in the dark tunnel.

STYLETITUDE
Fashion echoes from the AMVCA… our jury gives unbiased opinion on the red carpet.

Credits:
Photography: Emmanuel Oyeleke @emmaneuloyeleke
Creative Director: Segun Oluwole @segunoluwole
Styling:  Ifeoma Odogwu @hyperfashun
Fashion Assistant: Annette Odimegwu
Make-up:  Buchi Sez- Elabor @Debbysez

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo shows off their growing baby bump in a cute photo

Maroon 5 star Adam Levine took to his Instagram to show off his own growing 'baby bump' with his supermodel wife Behati Prinsloo, who is 20 weeks pregnant with their first child.

We sure can't wait for the adorable little one. And Adam is going to be one of the coolest dad's in the world.


 

Lagos State Government Signs Agreement For Establishment Of DNA Forensic Centre

On Tuesday, 3^rd of May, 2016, the Lagos State Government signed an agreement for the establishment of a DNA Forensic Centre in the State.

Speaking at the official signing of the agreement between the State Government and ITSI Bioscience LCC in Alausa, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said that the Lagos State DNA Forensics Centre (LSDFC) is a unique forensic technique that is now being used all over the world and it is aimed at achieving the growing DNA needs of criminal investigation.

 He said the signed agreement was in fulfillment of the State Government’s plan to establish a DNA Forensic Centre in the State to facilitate prompt and effective prosecution of criminal activities.

The Centre, according to the Attorney-General, would aid investigation on domestic and sexual violence cases, boost family and paternity proceedings, help in identifying victims of natural and man-made disasters and also be a tool for the judicial system.

Kazeem said that the Centre would be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to support all levels of DNA collection from people and objects, evidence examination, DNA analysis and provide evidential DNA storage.

“I am certain that the Lagos DNA forensic laboratory is going to be another unique solution to fighting crime in our quest for a safer and secure Lagos,” he said.

Earlier, Dr. Richard Somiasi, who signed on behalf of ITSI Bioscience LCC thanked the State Government and promised to live up to the task.

source: Lagos state government

Lagos To Commence Construction Of World Class Medical Park

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced plans to commence the construction of world class Medical Park under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, just as it restated its commitment to improve healthcare experience and promote medical tourism and excellent healthcare services of international standard in the State.

The State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who disclosed this while briefing Government House Correspondents after the weekly State Executive Council Meeting, said the project has already been awarded to MEDIPARK International Limited Consortium which comprises of MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio USA, St. Barnabas Healthcare System New Jersey and American Hospital Management Company Washington DC.

Idris, who briefed journalists alongside the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowose, said the project would be completed in 20 months, and that it would gulp about N49 billion, while the State Government would only provide the land and the market.

Idris recalled that the State Government had last year placed adverts in national dailies for Expressions of Interest for a development of a Medical Park aimed at ensuring qualitative healthcare delivery to Lagosians.

He said 16 companies/consortiums responded to the advertisement, after which an Evaluation Committee was set up in line with State procurement guidelines with individuals comprising both statutorily mandated members and officers invited to lend technical depth to the exercise.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that after the receipt of a Certificate of Compliance from the State Public Procurement Agency and a final presentation today to the Executive Council of Lagos State, Approval has been given to MEDIPARK International Limited Consortium which comprises of MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio USA, St. Barnabas Healthcare System New Jersey and American Hospital Management Company Washington DC to be the developer to construct manage and operate a Medical Park. It is a joint venture arrangement with Ibile Holdings Ltd,” Idris said.

He said the Medical Park would be sited at the former Lagos State School of Nursing site, spanning over two hectares expanse of land along Awolowo Road, Ikoyi and will serve as a one stop shopping medical experience offering spaces to primary care physicians alongside in-house specialists as well as ancillary services providing a full spectrum of excellent quality high technology cutting – edge medical and diagnostic services to cater for general and specialty medical services tailored to meet the medical needs of Lagosians and Nigerians at large.

The facility, Idris said would comprise of a central management area, clinic complex, theatre complex and procedure rooms, ward complex, conference and seminar complex medical goods and lifestyle shopping centre, stress management and lifestyle improvement unit, data cabling/integrated IT system, structured landscaping, residential accommodation, staff quarters, hotel, emergency and ambulance service, trauma unit, helipad amongst other things.

He also said that the facility which will be built under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative was a milestone in healthcare delivery aimed at reducing medical tourism abroad.

Speaking on the yardstick used in selecting MEDIPARK International, Idris said: “You see, 16 companies started the expression of interest. The first step was just to assess their capabilities and we now narrowed them down to 7 companies which later presented proper proposals on the terms of reference we gave them. Based on the assessment of experts, the list was further pruned down to three and later, we arrived at the one which was finally awarded the project.

“The ultimate goal is that we as a Government believe that health is wealth and there is no amount of investment in the healthcare sector, that can be too much for the good people of this State because the progress of the state in all ramifications is paramount to us,” the Commissioner said.

source; Akinwunmi Ambode.com

Four ships with petrol arrives Lagos Ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has stated that four ships containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, have arrived Lagos Ports and was waiting to be discharged. 

The NPA stated this in its publication – `Shipping Position’, – a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria. 

The publication indicated that three other ships had arrived the ports waiting to discharge aviation fuel and general cargoes.

NPA noted that 36 other ships containing petroleum products, food items and other goods were being expected at the ports from April 29 to May 19. Seven of the expected ships would arrive with petrol.