TWENTY ONE newly promoted Naval officers, including 15 commodores, three captains and three commanders were decorated on Monday with their ranks by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Sylvester Umosen.

A former militant leader, Ateke Tom, has handed eight camps in the Niger Delta which used to be his operational bases to the Joint Task Force, JTF, as part of efforts to prevent new gangs emerging in the oil region after last year’s amnesty from using them.

Nigeria may become the first Africa country to be considered for membership of emerging economies, BRIC, though South Africa, is eager for elevation to the coveted status of emerging markets made up of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday said the compilation of a credible voters’ register was the first step towards ensuring credible polls in next year’s election.

CHEVRON Corp., the second-largest U.S. oil company, said on Thursday it will increase spending 20 percent to $26 billion next year, with 85 percent of the budget allocated to oil and gas exploration and production.