I LONG for the good old days whenever I think about the new bad ones. In confronting the ugly scenes of today, my mind instinctively, switches, like some defensive mechanism, to my youth, or even my childhood. They were the periods of innocence. When humanity was a child.

ONE of the most brilliant lawyers in Nigeria, Chima Nnaji (you will see him from time to time on Channels and the African Independent Television discussing current affairs) once said: if you close your fist everybody’s eyes will be attracted to it. Everybody will want to know what it is you are hiding in that fist, until you open it and they find it is a mere piece of paper. Hiding that piece of paper creates suspense, a heightened sense of expectation and yearning for you to open that dratted hand.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has approved 50 groups to observe the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections scheduled for Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 respectively.

Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into Nigeria and other African countries increased by $151.6 billion from 2000 to 2013. This was one of the highlights of a report published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Titled, “Economic Insight: Africa Q3 2015 report”, the report was commissioned by ICAEW and produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research Ltd (CEBR).

ARUNMA Oteh, the much-maligned immediate past Director-General of Nigeria’s Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, has just assumed duties at the World Bank as its Vice President and Treasurer. Oteh’s appointment was announced on Friday 24, July 2015, by the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim who enthused: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Arunma Oteh as VP and Treasurer of the World Bank. Ms. Oteh was selected for this position through an international competitive search.” Her appointment, said Kim, is effective from September 28, 2015.

The term business denotes a particular trade or profession designed to provide goods and/or services to consumers. And in like vein, any organization which provides these services is also referred to as a ‘Business’. Businesses play a vital role in the life and culture of countries with capitalist and free-market economies. In free-market economies, businesses operate without government control in matters such as pricing and wage levels.

The FBN Capital Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose by 2.6 points to 51.6 per cent for September signalling gradual recovery of business activities and confidence in the manufacturing sector. A PMI is an indicator of the economic health of the manufacturing sector. A PMI of more than 50 represents expansion of the manufacturing sector, compared to the previous month. A reading under 50 represents a contraction, while a reading at 50 indicates no change.

The United States of America has said it would continue to partner Nigeria to achieve peaceful co-existence and sustainable development, especially in the country’s drive towards attainment of enduring democracy.

LAGOS—Over 39 families have been rendered homeless and property worth several millions of naira destroyed in four fire that occurred weekend in different parts of Lagos.

FOLLOWING Thursday’s alleged abduction of about eight youths of Eluama, Lokpaukwu-Umuchieze, autonomous community in Umunneochi Local Government Area, of Abia State, aged and young women from the area, yesterday, stormed the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Moses Okwale, pleading with him to intervene and save the victims.