AS part of efforts aimed at eas ing the transition of the electricity sector to a private sector initiative driven industry, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board (NASB) have announced plans to evolve a new set of accounting standards for companies operating in the sector.

“Despite the early releases of the first quarter capital warrants on 9th January 2009 for on-going projects, capital budget implementation averaged 20.68 per cent at N33.26 billion out of the N160.84 billion cash backed by the Office of the Accountant-General.

Minutes after President Umaru Yar’Adua spoke to the Super Eagles and urged them not to let the country down, they filed out at the stadium in Rades, Tunisia, and got a result that has put Nigeria back on track for the qualification of the 2010 World Cup that will be staged in South Africa.

Ogbulafor, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday said “This victory, in the midst of intimidation and vain propaganda by agents of the meddlesome Action Congress whose discredited candidate was rightly disqualified from the elections once more proves that the fortunes of our great party are on a steady rise in Lagos.

MEND, in an online statement claiming credit for yesterday’s attacks, said:
“Hurricane Piper Alpha unleashed its fury in Rivers state today (yesterday), Sunday, June 21, 2009, leaving in its wake two battered oil installations. At about 0230 Hrs, the hurricane pounded the Shell major pipeline located at Adamakiri before moving on to another major Shell pipeline in Kula at 0300 Hrs. Both pipelines are located in Rivers state of Nigeria.

OGUN state Governor Otumba Gbenga Daniel has disclosed that the state was going to the capital market to raise N50 billion with N28 billion as the first tranche to invest in projects that will help open up the state for investment and have lasting multiplier effect on the economy of the state.

Nigeria head coach Amodu Shaibu said Saturday evening that his players must be thoroughly focused on their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia billed for Abuja on September 6. His lads came out of the ‘Rades cauldron’ with a valuable point from a 0-0 draw that could prove decisive for the campaign but the 50-year-old was not celebrating as he addressed them in the dressing room after the game.

His opponent, Mr. Bassey Etim, who is currently in the House of Representatives, was given a certificate of return, a development that prompted the aggrieved Obot to sue for redress at the tribunal.

They further urged the federal government and multinationals to brace up to the responsibilities of creating massive employment and empowerment opportunities through the central employment committee thus curbing youth restiveness and criminality in the society.

Former Secretary-Gener-al of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Sani Toro, has said that the Super Eagles now have their 2010 World Cup qualification in their hands after their goalless draw with Tunisia in Rades on Saturday.

By Henry Umoru ABUJA—TWELVE   tertiary institutions in Nigeria with over 300 students weekend emerged to vie for a chance and fly the Nation’s flag at the Students in Friendship Enterprise, SIFE World Cup slated to hold in Berlin, Germany from the 4th-6th October 2009.

Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, has pledged continued support for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole and the various reforms of the Federal Government in the areas of Constitutional Review, Electoral Reforms and resolution of the Niger Delta crisis. Governor Oyinlola stated this weekend when the Speaker paid him a visit.

By Emmanuel Ovuakporie ABUJA—The Head of  Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Steve Oronsaye weekend urged the private sector to employ disabled persons with relevant qualifications in various fields.

By Aliyu Dangida DUTSE — Jigawa state Magistrate Court sitting in Dutse, last week, turned down an application seeking for a court order to conduct a DNA test on Mallam Sani Maje, who was accused for impregnating his sister in-law.

At least 25, 000 people have benefited from the Eko free health screening in Lagos State for various health
services including free consultation and treatment for diverse ailments of dental, general and optical among
others even as the state government reiterated its commitment towards ensuring the accessibility of qualitative
health care to the people of the state.