AHEAD of the April 20, local government elections in Edo State, there are indications that opposition political parties in the state may boycott the polls.

Operators in the maritime industry are divided over the planned concession of all marine operations presently the only function being carried out by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Meanwhile the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Ports Authority has kicked against the concession plan by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

An international workshop on post-harvest losses rose from it meeting in Kenya last week with a report that Africa loses food valued at over USD 4 billion dollars every year as a result of post-harvest inefficiencies across the staples agricultural value chain.

The Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Nsukka urban, Chief Anthony Ozo- Onwuemelie spoke on the security situation in Nsukka.

TROUBLE is brewing between Shell Petroleum Development Company and Kou clan Cluster Development Board, in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, headed by Mr. Osteen Igbapike, over a purported plan by the company to dissolve the board against the provisions of the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, entered into by both parties.

ILORIN—The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Sunday, called for immediate reversal of the new reforms being implemented at the nation’s ports, saying that it was killing the industrial sector.

Microsoft, the global software giant has announced plans to commit about N12 billion to the African market as part of its initiative to help improve the continent’s global competitiveness.

Insurance companies have entered the pension business with some level of aggression; however, stakeholders are warning that the CPS should be handled with caution if it must survive.

The new insurance policy that premium payment must be up-to-date before claims could be paid ALSO applies to government Ministries Departments and Agencies, MDAs, the National Insurance Commission has said.

Historic Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has dedicated Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph to all indigenous Nigerian coaches, who were treated with lack of respect by sports administrators and fans.

Equities listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange last week maintained upward trend, as total market capitalisation appreciated by N267.43 billion.

THE search for a more effective and accountable governance system in Nigeria continues with the current efforts at the national level to review and amend the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

NINETEEN years ago, Nigeria won the African Nations Cup in Tunisia and performed well in the USA ’94 World Cup.

KPMG Professional Services has called on shareholders and audit committee members of public companies to properly scrutinize the financial statements of companies, especially under the new International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS, dispensation, to identify weak disclosures, manipulated estimates and non-usage of fair values, saying these are signposts of fraudulent financial reporting.

From the first annual Nigerian Economic Summit Group, introduced by Chief Ernest Shonekan, in 1992, till today, the complex issues summarized as development had been on the front of the national agenda. Development, apart from leading to improved economic, social, political and personal welfare was expected to lead Nigeria towards what many had regarded as our own manifest destiny.