Friday, 25 October 2013

New Tax Law: Lagos To Lose N6.25bn Monthly






Lagos State will lose about N6.25 billion monthly from its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, put at about N25 billion monthly, as a result of the new tax law put in place by the Federal Government, barring state governments from engaging consultant tax collectors.
This was stated yesterday by the Department for International Development -State Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability, DFID-SPARC, Lagos State Programme.
This may be as a result of the fact that the state, at the moment, lacks the requisite capacity to effectively discharge the functions of the contractors.
Mr. Austin Ndiokwelu, Senior Technical Officer (Public Finance Management/Policy & Strategy), DFID-SPARC, who disclosed this in Lagos, noted that the conclusion was reached after a series of research and investigations on the likely effect of the new tax law, carried out by the Lagos State Government, in partnership with DFID-SPARC and other consultant
Ndiokwelu, who was speaking at a two-day training programme for Heads of Planning and Budget in all Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos, on Planning and Budget, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, said the new law will have a negative effect on the IGR of Lagos.
“Following the new law, the Lagos State Government undertook a study and review and it was concluded that 25 per cent of its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, will be negatively affected, monthly,” he said.
He, however, noted that the state government is coming out with a number of strategies to counter effect of the new law on its revenue.
He identified abandonment of local capacity and difficulties in getting the state government and its development partners to agree and adhere to scheduled time for inputs as some of the major challenges militating against the state’s public finance management reforms.
However, he noted that the government can address the shortcoming and plug wastages with its Public Procurement Act and effective management of its debt programme.
Also speaking, Mr. Ben Akabueze, Lagos State Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, said the government is striving to be independent as much as possible from revenue sources it cannot control, hence its decision to focus its budget programme on its IGR.
Akabueze, represented by his permanent secretary, Mr. Bayo Sodade, declared that a lot of work still needs to be done at the local governments as regards internally generated revenue, saying this is as a result of lack of political will.
He emphasized the need for local governments to focus on increasing IGR, instead of clamouring for funds from the federal and state governments.
The Federal Government had on Monday, barred states in the country from the collection of approved taxes by engaging agents other than the various states’ boards of Internal Revenue Services, BIRS.
The government also stopped MDAs, of the Federal Government from collection of taxes and levies, saying this is a violation of the Taxes and Levies Act.
It said: “Tax authorities should desist from engaging the services of consultants, and agents to assess and collect taxes and levies listed in the Taxes and Levies Act as this is in contravention of Section 2(1) of the Act. States should be strongly advised to discontinue this action immediately.
“Mr. President is to issue an Executive Order to all federal MDAs to stop collection of taxes and levies in violation of the Taxes and Levies Act and also directing the Inspector-General of Police to dismantle all road-blocks across the federation for tax collection. Commissioners of Police will be required to ensure compliance within states.”
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SHOCKING: Husband Catches Pregnant Wife With Another Man (SEE PHOTOS)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Everyday is for the Thief, but one day is for the owner. Shocking news reaching us reports that a pregnant married woman was caught in a motel by her husband after a tip-off. He allegedly stormed the motel with a camera,took photo a of the frolickers and posting it online.

See more photos below :




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Thursday, 24 October 2013

Career Tips For Women: How To Succeed In A Workplace Dominated By Men


 In many developed countries of the world women are beginning to cross boundaries and limitations of work and are occupying (as well as doing well) in positions previously seen as strictly for men. That there has been progress for women in the workplace in Nigeria is certain but it is still a men’s world out there. The 2010 Women’s World data on Labour force participation showed that men comprise of over 60% of the active labour force. In 1990 however the percentage was as high as 75%.

Clearly more women are becoming absorbed into the work place but any woman with the ambition to reach the zenith of her career would surely have to contend with a few men.

This article is not a call to war neither does it seek to make female career individuals see the male folk as obstacles. Rather it is aimed at helping the female worker to unleash the qualities and talents within and stretch beyond limitations in achieving their career goals and objectives.

To shine in a work place dominated by men here are a few tips to get you started;

Choose the Right Profession

While I do no want to subscribe to the argument that some professions are not meant for women I do however feel that each woman should rather not go for the sort of career where too much physical exertion and show of strength is required unless they are adequately equipped to contain the demands and grow in such careers. Choosing the right career is more about reflecting on what you are much more likely to enjoy doing. Choosing the right career also involves taking consideration of your emotional make-up (women are generally believed to be more emotional susceptible at work than men) and going for a career that will not require much emotional exhaustion and upheavals.

More especially for women there is likelihood that when you do what you enjoy or have passion for the possibility for success becomes more real.

Don’t Change Who You Are; Just Communicate More Effectively

Trying to change who you are so as to fit in and progress as much as the men do in the organisation is not a wise thing to do. Be yourself and approach dealings with the men folk with civility. Don’t come from the position of a weakling or someone to be pitied for. Cultivate your qualities and make your value show to those that matter.

In communicating with your co-workers and seniors make sure you do not send wrong signals that can influence men to see you as something other than a talented, hardworking woman who deserves all the respect. At the workplace there is always the danger of a woman being seen as little more than an appealing symbol. Dress and carry yourself the way you want to be addressed.

Get Mentorship and Training

In a recent study one of the identified barriers to the career advancement of women to top management positions was lack of mentorship/fewer opportunities for training and development. Obviously it is more difficult for an aspiring career woman to find worthy mentors in her field compared to her male counterpart. Women have reportedly preferred senior women as their mentors than men, as they looked forward to role modeling though many women also have worked with male mentors successfully as long as the mentor – mentee relationship is kept within boundaries by both parties. Finding a worthy mentor for yourself can be a daunting task but you would benefit greatly if you had successful men and women in your field you learn from.

Plan Your Family Responsibilities

Many females have reached the pinnacles of their careers at the detriment of their families and their health. A good number of women have problems with juggling roles as mothers, housewives, home-makers and
managers at work. For women it is more difficult joggling responsibilities of work and the home. A good reason why many organisations hesitate to empower women and entrust them with more managerial responsibilities is the conflict they envisage between their work and family responsibilities. While there may not be much to do in this regard as an aspiring career woman you can plan your family responsibilities with your husband including making plans for child planning and house keeping. Having an easy to follow plan will help you keep track of your career trajectory and increase your chances at building an enviable career.

Persevere and Be Determined

Sometimes as a woman working in some men dominated areas your voice could easily be drown in the midst of male chatter. Your opinions may be overlooked until you push and push. At the risk of being termed overbearing some career women have learnt to force their male co-workers to respect their contributions in the workplace. To succeed the way you want you have to have perseverance and determination.
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Ojukwu's Family Asks Bianca For Proof Of Marriage


 

Some members of the Ojukwu family have asked the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Bianca Ojukwu, to show proof that she was legally married to the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu.

In a 19-paragraph statement of defence filed by Ojukwu Transport Limited and seven others before Justice Funmilayo Atilade of the Lagos High Court, the family equally demanded proof from Bianca that her two sons, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu are biological sons of Odimegwu- Ojukwu.

The other defendants are Prof. Joseph Ojukwu, Engr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna Putalora Ojukwu, Dr Patrick Ojukwu, Arc. Edward Ojukwu, Lota Akajiora Ojukwu and Mrs. Massey Udegbe (doing business under Massey Udegbe & Company).

Bianca had in suit No: LD/1539/2012 filed on behalf of her two under-aged children, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu (claimants), wants the court to declare that her children are entitled to the possession and occupation of the property known as No. 29, Oyinkan Abayomi Street, Ikoyi Lagos, until the harmonisation of the management and administration of the assets of the first defendant (OTL).

At the resumed hearing of the suit yesterday, counsel to Bianca and her children, was not in court which necessitated Justice Atilade to adjourn the suit till December 10 for adoption of written addresses on a Motion on Notice seeking to restrain the defendants from the property in dispute.

Bianca’s children had through their lawyer; Chris Ezugwu, prayed the court to declare as illegal the threat of forceful ejection from 29, Oyinkan Abayomi Street, by the defendants.

In addition, they urged the court to declare that they are entitled to possess the following property, namely: No 13, Hawksworth Road, Ikoyi (now known as No. 13 Ojora Road); No 32A, Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos; No 30, Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; No. 30, McPherson Avenue, Ikoyi.

Bianca’s children said throughout the period their father was struggling to retrieve the properties from the government, the second to the seventh defendants “never played any role in the struggle nor contributed financially or otherwise to the realisation of the struggle.”

Besides, the claimant is asking for an order of court restraining the defendants, their agents or privies from interfering with the claimants’possesion and control of the properties.

But, in their statement of defence, the 1st to the 7th defendants through their lawyer, George Uwechue, SAN, averred that the subscribers of the memorandum of association of Ojukwu Transport Limited (1st defendant) at incorporation in 1952 were L. P. Ojukwu and Betram Chukwuemeka Obi, adding that the late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu and one Prof. Joseph Ojukwu (2nd defendant) were later appointed as directors in 1953.

They stated that late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu- Ojukwu thereafter ceased to be a director of the company prior to the Nigerian civil war and was reappointed as a director on December 16, 2005 while the 3rd and 4th defendants were appointed directors in 1954 and 2005 respectively.

They added that the claimants’ statement of claim contained tissues of lies and distorted facts alleging that Bianca who instituted the suit, “being greedy felt that she could hold unto the company’s properties.”
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Why Guys Fear To Date Beautiful Women



Guys are soooo scared to date beautiful ladies because of these reasons... do you agree?
1. Become Possessive And Jealous
We may not like to admit it, but there’s always jealousy lurking somewhere when dating a gorgeous woman. Friends of friends won’t be welcome home, her going out with her male friends for drinks might seem annoying and that new dress every week for work might raise eyebrows. We know it, we do it!

2. Worry About Other Guys Hitting On Her
We surely won’t question her, but we can’t stop thinking about questioning her. What if every guy she meets wants her number and time? There will be times when guys will want to come up with excuses to talk to her and you wouldn’t be able to do anything but worry.

3. You Go Unnoticed In Her Presence
It’s a good thing as well as a bad thing. If you have a nonpareil beauty standing right next to you, it’s quite obvious people might not notice you. You might always fade into the background. If you overhear people saying things like “What’s she doing with HIM?” you know it’s time for you to get away from that place.

4. She Wants You For Money
Maybe not…or maybe! People love to gossip and they might assume that such a beauty is with you just because you are loaded. Now, we hope that’s not the case. But going by experience, anecdotes and what not, she just might be after your money. Don’t reveal details about your hidden treasure chest yet!

5. You Will Have Trouble Trusting Her
She’s not the problem. The problem is with us. Sometimes, we don’t want to believe even when we know there’s no fault of hers. You are insecure, and hence, you find it difficult to trust that stunner. Jealousy, over-possessiveness and trust issues-you know the problem points. Now work on them.

6.Her Ego Could Be A Problem
She’s sexy and she knows it. And the world will leave no leaf unturned to make her realize so, especially when she’s around you. She’s perhaps used to compliments since she was 10. If that leads to an inflated ego, who do you blame? No one, right?
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