THE negative sentiment that prevailed in the equities market penultimate week was halted last week as investors took position in the market in reaction to the impressive quarter one,Q1 results released by most of the companies.

SHAREHOLDERS of FCMB Group Plc have kicked against deduction of five per cent of banks’ net profit and crediting of same to the Export Fund of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

SALES recorded by Dangote Cement plants across Africa have significantly impacted on the revenue of the company for the first quarter ended on March 31, 2017 by 74 per cent to a whopping N208.2 billion.

Market response has been positive and retail investors’ participation has improved over time. We expect further future improvement in the level of participation. Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited in its role as Stockbroker to FGN bonds has organised seminars/workshop in partnership with the DMO and the NSE aimed at creating more awareness amongst investors on the opportunities in the fixed income market.

IN a bid to ensure compliance with extant laws on financial reporting, the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has taken up responsibility of turning in audited accounts of member companies to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

ABAKALIKI— THE Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, led by Uchenna Madu, weekend, urged South-South and South- East lawmakers to jointly oppose the passage of the controversial grazing bill before the National Assembly, claiming it could lead to the outbreak of crisis in the country.

INDIGENES of Badagryin Lagos State went home with smiles on their faces last week, at the end of a 2-day free treatment and public enlightenment exercise rolled out by the the Malaria Society of Nigeria in commemoration of 2017 World Malaria Day.

JOS—PLATEAU State Governor, Simon Lalong, has said peace being enjoyed in the state is a result of prayers and unity of purpose, stressing that payment of workers’ salaries is a step in peace building because when the people are hungry, no meaningful peace can be achieved.

I had set out to title this tribute as The Long Life of Poetry: Gabriel Okara at 96. But, just as soon, a second overwhelming nudge rebuked me with the recollection that, the celebrator himself, in the path-finding iconoclasm that has characterised his poetic craftsmanship for more than six decades, had long provided a caption in the fitting title to one of the most enduring masterpieces to have come out of African literature: Piano and Drums.

A public health specialist and Chairman, Malaria Elimination Committee in charge of Lagos and Ogun States, Dr. Dele Balogun, has called for continued investment and sustained political commitment.