AMAA AWARD 2013 WINNERS

The ninth edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Nigeria’s premium reward platform in film and cinema, took place yesterday at Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Artistes that performed at the event include P-Square, Flavour Nabania, Waje and Timi Dakolo.

The awards, of which winners are determined by a jury has an edge over other reward systems in Africa, because of the diversity in the panel, with members comprising seasoned film journalists, veterans in cinematography, experts in acting and production from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Nigeria.

Today, the AMAA train has moved across over 40 African countries, and nations like the US, Trinidad & Tobacco, the UK, Canada and Jamaica. The wide acceptance of the brand across the globe testifies to its unprecedented number of entries recorded this year. Over 671 entries have been received for this edition.

In this edition, AMAA has redefined standard within the industry, not only among the award portfolio but for filmmakers who make specific films and movies for AMAA. According to Chico Ejiro, a famous movie producer, AMAA has succeeded in driving consciousness into movie makers who hitherto believed that profit in terms of finance was the only thing that matters in the industry.

 list of winners below:

Best Actress in a leading role — Florence Masebe

Best actor in a leading role — Justice Esiri

Best actor in supporting role — Gabriel Afolayan

Best Promising Actor Award — Belinda Efah for Kokoma (Nigeria)

Best Screenplay — Heroes and Zeroes

Lifetime achievement award — Pete Edochie, Eddie Ugboma, Osita Okeke, Tunde Kelani

Best Film by Africans Abroad — Last Flight To Abuja by Obi Emelonye for his film

Best Documentary — Fueling Poverty (Nigeria)

Best Short Film — Akosua Adoma Owusu by Kwaku Ananse (Ghana)

Best Nigerian Film Winner: Confusion Na Wa

Best Costume Design — Blood And Henna

Best Achievement in Sound Winner — Nairobi Half Life (Kenya

Best Achievement in Soundtrack Winner — The Last Fishing Boat (Malawi)

Best Diaspora Feature Winner — Stones In The Sun (Haiti/USA)

Best Achievement in Cinematography Winner — Uhlanga, The Mark

Best Achievement in Editing Winner — Heroes And Zeroes by Niji Akanni

Achievement In Lightning Winner — Moi Zaphira

Best Actress in A Supporting Role — Hermelinda Cimela (Virgin Magarida)

Best Promising Actor (Joint Winner) — Joseph Wairimu (Nairobi Half Life)

Best Child Actor Winning Movie: The Ugandan

Best Director Winner: Niji Akanni for the movie “Heroes And Zeroes

Best Picture — Confusion Na Wa, By Kenneth Gyang

IG says ordinary Nigerians should not use tinted glass cars

What a case.... motorists in the country who have been lamenting their harassment by the police over the use of vehicles with tinted glasses have been accused of insincerity as they knew that “by all standards they do not deserve to have tinted glass vehicles”.

This was the position of the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr Mohammed Abubakar on Friday while speaking at a meeting with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of the 12 zonal commands in Nigeria.

He said that the police would enforce the ban as it was meant for the good of all Nigerians.

Abubakar said that to avoid abuse in the granting of the permit, the law only authorised the IG to issue it without delegating such power to commands commissioners of police.

“Do you know that most criminals use it (tinted vehicles) as hideout, to carry arms and ammunition, to carry IEDs, to throw bombs on innocent worshippers in churches and mosques and other places?

“We cannot continue to fold our hands and allow criminality to take place.

“Tell me what a commercial vehicle is doing with tinted glass, tell me what an ordinary Nigerian who has nothing to hide is doing with tinted glass.

“We appeal to Nigerians to understand this, that the essence of doing what we are doing is to ensure that  people are safe and that innocent people are not just unnecessarily attacked,” he said.

D'banj single and searching... Wants Mother to find a wife

 D’banj told Seun Apara of Thisday Magazine he’s actually searching for someone to settle down with but he has not found his choice yet, his words below:



have dated a lot of women but I don’t really want to talk about them because most of them have moved on and some are married. I don’t have any regret at all because I am still young and I am still a bachelor though my mum wants me to settle down.

She is proud of me and I do let her understand that it’s not that I don’t want to marry, I just haven’t found the right woman. If she finds the right one for me, she can call me,”

That’s curious…because in his January interview with Toolz on Ndani TV, D’banj said he was happily dating a very special lady who has been with him for a while. Fast forward to his interview today with Seun Apara of Thisday

TOP 50 Nigeria University by NUC

 National University Commission, NUC, has released the list of the Top 50 Universities in Nigeria for 2013 so far. The University of Ibadan tops the list, they are followed by University of Lagos, Unilag and University of Benin, Uniben in second and third place respectively.

2013 TOP 50 University In Nigeria, NUC
1. University of Ibadan, UI
2. University of Lagos, Unilag
3. University of Benin, Uniben
4. Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU
5. Ahmadu Bello University, Abu
6. University of Ilorin, Unilorin
7. University of Jos, Unijos
8. University of Port Harcourt, Uniport
9. University of Maiduguri, Unimaid
10. University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,
11. Lagos State University, Lasu
12. Federal University of Technology, Futo
13. Covenant University, CU
14. University of Nigeria, UNN
15. Federal University of Technology, Futa
16. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Unizik
17. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Esut
18. Pan African University
19. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. lautech
20. Modibbo Adama University of Technology
21. African University of Science and Technology
22. University of Uyo, Uniuyo
23. Bayero University Kano, Buk
24. Ambrose Alli University, AAU
25. Redeemer’s University,
26. Babcock University
27. Federal University of Technology,
28. University of Calabar, Unical
29. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,
30. Ajayi Crowther University
31. Bowen University
32. Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Rsust
33. Lead City University
34. Crawford University
35. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU
36. Abia State University, Absu
37. Usmanu Danfodio University,
38. Igbinedion University
39. Imo State University, Imsu
40. Niger Delta University
41. Bells University of Technology
42. Kwara State University
43. Nasarawa State University
44. Caleb University
45. Obong University Obong
46. Adekunle Ajasin University
47. Ekiti State University,
48. American University of Nigeria
49. Joseph Ayo Babalola University
50. Veritas University Abuja

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MQ-JAMZ "SHOW ME" VIDEO

Nigerian artiste Micheal Uche, also known by stage name M-QUE
 has stormed the street with the much anticipated video of his music
 jamz "SHOW ME" which was directed by "Don Dizzy" .The Video
 was shot at Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria.
 Michael Uche known to be qualified software Engineer finally decided
 to follow his childhood dream of being a musician and he's gaining his
 ground in the music Industry. To get a glimpse of this amazing video


http://qfs.mobi/f471147

Spain's Princess Faces preliminary Charges in a financial Corruption Scandal

 Spain's Princess Cristina faces preliminary charges in a financial corruption scandal involving her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, the office of investigating magistrate Jose Castro announced Wednesday.

CNN reported in January that Urdangarin was under investigation for allegedly diverting public funds that were earmarked for his foundation for private use.

Urdangarin was granted the title of Duke of Palma when he married Princess Cristina, the king's youngest daughter, in 1997

Wole Soyinka and others pay condolence visit to Chief Awolowo

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and a delegation of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, yesterday, paid a condolence visit to the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief HID Awolowo over the death of her only surviving son, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

Prof. Soyinka arrived at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos around 10.50 a.m., and held a closed-door discussion with the matriarch, before he signed the condolence register, where he urged the Awolowo family to “take heart” over the death of the family member.

Governors of Osun and Delta States, Rauf Aregbesola and Emmanuel Uduaghan, as well as former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, were also at the Ikenne home of the Awolowo family where they also paid condolence visits to Chief HID Awolowo.

Uduaghan while speaking with newsmen during the visit described the late Oluwole Awolowo as a Nigerian that promoted the unity and progress of the country, saying he developed some emotional attachment to the Awolowo family because of the achievements of the late sage in the area of education.

“He was like an elder brother. We know who his father was. Somebody who gave people like myself the opportunity to go to school.

“I grew up in a community where there was no light, where there was no water and no amenities but there was a school and I attended the school free of charge,” Uduaghan said.

Governor Aregbesola lauded Chief HID Awolowo for the spirit of endurance and strength of character displayed since the demise of her son.

“The moral here is the courage of the matriarch of this dynasty and her fortitude, her strength of character and spirit, her ability to endure this and I will pray that the Almighty will further strengthen her,” Aregbesola said.

Also present to pay their condolence were Chief Olu Falae, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Chief Korede Duyile, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Supo Sonibare, Mr. Yinka Odumakin,
Chief E. Babatope, Senator B. Olajumoke, among others.

IRAN COMPANY SET TO CREATE WORD RECORD FOR LARGEST ICE-CREAM TUB

A dairy company in Iran has claimed to have set a new world record for the largest tub of ice-cream.
Thousands of Iranians flocked to a ceremony on Monday held by Choopan dairy at the Tochal resort in Velenjak mountainous area north of the capital Tehran to unveil the five-tonne (11,023lb) chocolate dessert contained within a tub measuring at least 1.6 metres (5ft) by 2 metres.
"Right now, we are breaking the record which was registered in 2005 by Baskin-Robbins for about 4 tonnes," the event's organiser Khashayar Baheri told the state-run Press TV. "We're breaking that record by one tonne."
Choopan dairy's aim was to get into the record books. Organisers claim to have achieved their goal. Representatives from the Guinness World Records attended the ceremony, according to reports. But the organisation could not be immediately reached on Tuesday for any confirmation of the claim.
In September 2005, the US firm Baskin-Robbins set a world record by making a tub containing 4.02 tonnes of vanilla ice-cream.
Press TV's video dispatch showed a large crowd of Iranians attending the ceremony which was held during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a 13-day Zoroastrian festival celebrated as the most important holiday of the Iranian calendar. The crowd was later rewarded with free ice-creams.
"First, I came to this event because it gives me national pride for our achievement and then, of course I love ice-cream," one woman told Press TV.
"I'm here with my family to see the biggest ice-cream in the world in Iran and Iranians are making it and I think everyone is having fun," said another person attending the event.
However, the conservative website Baztab-e-Emrooz reported a different version of the events. According to the site, the crowd's initial enthusiasm turned into anger after the organisers refused to serve people with ice-cream from the big tub and instead handing out normal ones. This has led to suspicion on whether the ice-cream was healthy and if Choopan had indeed set a record.
Thousands of Tehran citizens took the long journey to Tochal in the hopes of eating ice-cream from the big tub, the site said, but instead organisers said it will be distributed for charity later. A group of people chanted: "Lying shepherd, where is our ice-cream?" Choopan translates as "shepherd" in English.
Baztab said it was not clear whether the compnay would make it into the Guinness World Records given the circumstances.
The Associated Press reported that Iranians eat an average 1.5kg of ice-cream a year.

53 yr OLD MAN MOLEST GIRL OF 2 yrs ...

A 53-year-old security man, Daniel Kura, of Aunty Alice, Mararaba, has been remanded in prison by an Upper Court in Maraba, Nasarawa State, for allegedly molesting a two-year old girl.

Police prosecutor, Mr Stephen Kwaza, told the court that the matter was reported by the victim’s father at Sani Abacha Police Station on April 1.

According to Kwaza, the accused deceived the minor and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her on Monday. He said the offence contravened provisions of the Penal Code.

The prosecutor also objected to the court granting bail to the accused because the matter was still under investigation.

Kwaza said the allegation against the accused was not a bailable offence, more so, the victim was undergoing treatment.

Kura however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Judge, Mr Vincent Gwahemba ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to April 29 for further mention

53 yr OLD MAN MOLEST GIRL OF 2 yrs ...

A 53-year-old security man, Daniel Kura, of Aunty Alice, Mararaba, has been remanded in prison by an Upper Court in Maraba, Nasarawa State, for allegedly molesting a two-year old girl.

Police prosecutor, Mr Stephen Kwaza, told the court that the matter was reported by the victim’s father at Sani Abacha Police Station on April 1.

According to Kwaza, the accused deceived the minor and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her on Monday. He said the offence contravened provisions of the Penal Code.

The prosecutor also objected to the court granting bail to the accused because the matter was still under investigation.

Kwaza said the allegation against the accused was not a bailable offence, more so, the victim was undergoing treatment.

Kura however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Judge, Mr Vincent Gwahemba ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to April 29 for further mention

FG SET TO SCRAP OUT NECO

Federal Government has concluded arrangements to scrap the National Examination Council

however jamb will not be scrapped
The government’s decisions, which would be made public soon via a White Paper, are based on the recommendations of the Stephen Oronsaye-led Presidential Committee on the Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies.

A government source told our  correspondent that the decisions were part of the recommendations made by a White Paper Committee set up by the government on the Oronsaye report.

The source added that upon receipt of the latest report, President Goodluck Jonathan has been meeting with Vice-President Namadi Sambo and a few top government officials to take final decisions on it.

It was in one of such meetings held on Tuesday that the final decision was taken.

Under the new arrangement, the source said in place of UTME, authorities of all tertiary institutions would now be at liberty to conduct their entrance examinations as they had been doing for post-UTME.

JAMB will however serve as a clearing house.

“JAMB will now be a clearing house like Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK. If somebody gains admission into three universities and holds down space, immediately such person picks his first choice, JAMB’s system will automatically free the remaining two slots for other applicants.

“JAMB will no longer conduct examinations but it will be setting the standard alongside the schools authorities,” the source said.

UCAS, which was established in 1993, is the British admission service for students applying to university and college, including post-16 education as of 2012. UCAS is primarily funded by students who pay a fee when they apply and a capitation fee from universities for each student they accept.

On NECO, the source said in arriving at the decision to scrap the examination body, the committee took into cognizance its huge facilities across the country.

But it was resolved that the West African Examination Council would absorb NECO’s members of staff and its facilities.

WAEC will also be empowered to conduct two Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations per year, one in January and the other probably in December.

Hitherto, only one November/December SSCE Examination is being conducted.

The May/June Senior Secondary Certificate Examination being organised by the examination body once in a year still stands.

The government source also said arrangements had been concluded to scrap the Public Complaint Commission, the National Poverty Eradication Programme and the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution among others.

FGN Spent US$ 31.45 Billion To Boost Nigeria’s Electricity Generation FOR A Mere 2,500 MW

The Federal Government in a bid to curtail the epileptic power situation in the country has spent about N5 trillion ($31.45 billion) from 1999 till date. But it has only been able to increase the country’s electricity generating capacity by about 2,500 mega watts over the last 14 years.
This is a far cry compared to its peers — South Africa and Brazil. Brazil recorded an investment of $58 billion in its power sector between 1994 and 2008, while it currently produces about 100,000MW of electricity. South Africa on the other hand, currently produces about 40,000MW of electricity, with plans to invest additional $37 billion over the next couple of years to triple current capacity.
Investments in power since 1999
Between 1999 and 2013, Federal Government’s budgetary provisions for power stood at N2.8 trillion of which over N2.326 trillion went into the National Integrated Power Projects, NIPP and various power intervention projects.
Specifically, yearly allocations as contained in statistics from the Budget.
However, these appropriations do not include investments by state governments, who have since been co-opted to intervene in their localities to improve the power supply situation, as according to the Nigerian Constitution, Power is exclusively the preserve of the Federal Government.
Recalled that the House of Representatives in 2008, confirmed that the Federal Government approved the sum of N2.544 trillion ($16 billion) for the power sector between 1999 and 2007, which led to a public outcry, as there was hardly anything to show for it, as the lights got dimmer instead of brighter.
The uproar led to further investigations in which it was discovered that only able to disburse N2.067 trillion ($13 billion) was disbursed in the eight year period, representing more than 81 percent funding.
Also, a Presidential Review Panel on the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, in a presentation to the National Economic Council, NEC, in 2009, revealed that as at 2007, the NIPP got N1.627 trillion, plus the N318 billion Federal Government’s counterpart funding for the Mambilla Hydro Power project, and N222.6 billion ($1.4 billion) for additional nine turbines.
The panel however revealed that  only N489.72 billion ($3.08 billion) was funded and scrutinised with advance payment guarantees from first class Nigerian banks and Letters of Credits issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. It also stated that over N238.5 billion ($1.5 billion) of the sum was still in the custody of the banks as at then.
In addition, Mr. James Olotu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, last year disclosed that the Federal Government is spending N1.26 trillion on 10 National Integrated Power Projects across the country.
He said about N492.4 billion ($3.12 billion) was budgeted for the first phase of the project, which started in 2006 and ended in 2007. This allocation covered seven power projects, while N920 billion ($5.82 billion) was budgeted to be utilized in the second phase starting from 2007. Olotu further disclosed that the funds were kept in the custody of JP Morgan and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, while N882.4 billion had been disbursed to the NDPHC till date.
According to him, four of the projects had been completed, while six others are at various stages of completion. He said; “In totality, Nigerians have contributed $8 billion to build 10 power generation plants, which after completion, will give a total of 4,774MW.
“We are also building substations, transmission and distribution lines, as well as gas pipelines to ensure that the plants get gas when they are completed.”
He listed the completed projects as:
Omotosho in Ondo State – 451MW
Alaoji, Abia State – 1,074MW
Sapele, Delta State – 451MW
Olorunsogo, Ogun State – 750MW
Those close to completion are:
Ihovbor power project in Edo State – 451MW
Geregu, Kogi State – 434MW
Egbema, Imo State – 338MW
Gbarain, Bayelsa State – 225MW
Omoku, Rivers State – 225MW
Calabar, Cross River State – 561MW
Concerns over funds’ utilisation
Despite the huge budgetary provisions, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Power still expressed concern over the poor utilisation of funds appropriated for the sector.
Mr. Patrick Ikhariale, the Committee Chairman disclosed that whereas the sum of N75 billion was appropriated less than half or N34.7 billion or 46 percent was released to the Ministry of Finance, while only N19.7 billion (56 percent) was utilised by the Ministry of Power.
He argued that this implies that the Ministry did not require as much funding as it demanded, especially as it lacked the capacity to implement its capital budget.
This contrasts sharply with constant claims by the ministry that the country required at least $10billion annually for 10 years to get power right.
*PHCN transformer
2,500MW added since 1999
Despite these huge investments, Nigeria has only been able to increase its electricity generating capacity from about 2,000MW in 1999 to about 4,500MW as at today.
There appears to be no end in sight to the sufferings of Nigerians as power supply remains epileptic at an average of between three to four hours daily.
Equally, industries, particularly the small and medium scale, SME sub-sect have closed shop on account of lack electricity to power their operations. Even businesses in operation record their highest operating costs from electricity, as many invest in multiple generating sets to run their tools.
Commenting on the funds allocated to the power sector and its impact on power generation, Mr. Michael Olawale-Cole, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Management, expressed concern that despite the huge allocation to the sector over the years, power generation is yet to record significant improvement.
He said, “Government’s sundry attempts at generating adequate power for the nation in the recent past have ended disastrously what with the scandals of monumental misappropriation of funds that trailed the various NIPPs across the country.
“There is no guarantee that the situation is going to change for the better in the near future,” adding that “the country seems to be at crossroads with the issue of power generation at the moment.”
He argued that “Once the issue of power generation and distribution is resolved, the nation’s firm match to greatness will be guaranteed.”
Underscoring how critical power is to economic growth, Prof. Rahamon Bello, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, lamented that in spite of the abundant energy resources in the country and significant government investments in the sector over the last ten years, electricity supply remains a serious challenge to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He said majority of Nigeria’s power infrastructure were built in the 1970s and 1980s and due to a freeze in investment in the sector, lack of maintenance and adequate expansion of the facilities over the years, Nigeria had to contend with epileptic and erratic power supply.
According to him, as at today, less than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population has access to the national grid due to inadequate transmission and distribution networks.
Impact of power on economic development
Steady power is essential for national development, especially as it positively influences socio economic activities as well as the living standard of citizens.
In addition, ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure, weak network configuration and overloaded transformers, result in frequent system collapse, high transmission and distribution losses among others.
Analysts are of the view that lack of access to electric power, and modern energy in general, also has a negative effect on productivity and has limited the economic opportunities available to developing countries including Nigeria.
This, they said, is compounded by the poor state of existing infrastructure, which creates the dual challenge of finding resources for maintenance of existing facilities and also to build new power plants.
They contend that improving access to modern energy is a necessary condition for boosting growth and reducing poverty in not only Nigeria but Africa in general.
In comparison to other countries, Nigeria’s installed capacity is grossly inadequate. As at 2010, only about 3,700 megawatts was available for a population of 140 million people due to various reasons including gas supply constraints, inadequate maintenance of equipment that stems from procurement constraints, dearth of skilled maintenance personnel and the dependence on imports of parts and foreign experts to carry out repairs and overhauls.
Bello, who is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, noted that in 2000, power generation capacity was as low as 1,500MW, due, mainly to lack of investment in maintenance and expansion programmes on existing power plants.
Way forward
Even as the implementation of the Power Sector Reform Programme is well advanced, Bello called for appropriate commercial framework to support private investments to the sector.
He maintained that to proceed with the reform programme, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive action plan to holistically implement the programme as encapsulated in the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, EPSRA, 2005
He further advocated for a feasible incentive scheme backed by policy to encourage private sector investment in generation and distribution.
“Financial institutions and market systems that will support power procurement between generation companies and distribution companies should be put in place. Empowerment should be given to the office of the market operator to commence shadow trading,” Bello added.
On his part, Olawale-Cole said, “It is a common knowledge that Nigeria has been backward in the areas of successful start-up businesses, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and industrialisation generally which are the core catalysts for real national development due to poor power generation.
“Many companies have continued to operate at just break-even point and below installed capacity while the ones that cannot cope under the harsh operating climate occasioned by ever-mounting overhead costs have since closed shop or relocated to smaller neighbouring countries where there is steadier power supply.”
He also reiterated that security is key to future investments in the economy, while calling on the citizenry to support government’s efforts in order to move the country to the next level.

North Korea is blocking the entry of South Korean workers into a joint industrial zone, in a move seen as further escalating tensions

Workers were being allowed to leave the Kaesong complex but not cross into it from the South, Seoul's Unification Ministry confirmed.

The Kaesong zone, which is a money-maker for the North, is seen as a key barometer of inter-Korean relations.

The move came as the US called North Korea's recent rhetoric unacceptable.

The joint industrial park is home to more than 100 factories. More than 50,000 North Koreans work there, as well as several hundred South Korean managers who request permission on a daily basis to cross into the zone.

"South Korea's government deeply regrets the entry ban and urges it be lifted immediately," Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Hyung-seok told reporters.

"Ensuring the safety of our citizens is our top priority and the South Korean government will take necessary measures based on this principle," he said.

The entry ban is not unprecedented - South Koreans were briefly denied access in March 2009 because of US-South Korea military exercises.

North Korea, which has been angered by UN sanctions imposed after its recent nuclear test and annual US-South Korea military drills, threatened to shut down the complex last week.

In recent weeks it has also threatened attacks on US military bases in Asia and South Korean border islands. On Tuesday it said it planned to restart its mothballed reactor at Yongbyon - the source of plutonium for its nuclear weapons programme.

Late on Tuesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry called recent North Korean actions "dangerous" and "reckless".

"Let me be perfectly clear here today. The United States will defend and protect ourselves and our treaty ally, the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," he said after talks with his South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se.

In recent days the US has responded to North Korea with a series of high-profile flights of advanced aircraft, including stealth fighters and nuclear-capable B-52 bombers, over South Korea.

Officials have also confirmed that the USS John McCain, an Aegis-class destroyer capable of intercepting missiles, has been positioned off the Korean peninsula.

A second destroyer, the USS Decatur, has been sent to the region.

Earlier on Tuesday UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had warned that the crisis had "gone too far" and called for urgent talks with the North.

"Things must begin to calm down, there is no need for the DPRK [North Korea] to be on a collision course with the international community. Nuclear threats are not a game," Mr Ban said

Foreign Airlines May Stop Flights Into Nigeria

The 24 foreign airlines flying into Nigeria are in dilemma on whether to stop or continue flights into the country as the Federal Government has yet to approve their summer schedule, five days after the commencement of the summer season on March 28, 2013.

It is illegal for any airline to fly into another country without getting approval for its winter and summer seasonal schedules from the host countries, aviation experts familiar with the situation have said.

The approval is usually given days ahead of the expiration of the current season’s schedule in order to avoid a situation where an airline has to ground its flight operations while waiting for approval.

Although most of the foreign airlines have begun implementing their winter schedule, which has yet to be approved by the Ministry of Aviation, a number of them are, however, worried that the delay in the approval process may put them in an unpleasant situation.

A country manager of one of the foreign airlines, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence because of the sensitive nature of the subject said, “We are in dilemma whether to stop our flights to Nigeria or not because we don’t know why the summer schedule has been delayed up till now. We started implementing our summer schedule since March 31, but we are very worried.

“This has not happened in a very long time. So, that is why we are worried. The approval comes usually days ahead of the commencement of the new season’s schedule.”

It was gathered that one of the numerous implications of not getting approval for the schedule before flying was that in the event of a crash or major accident, insurance companies might refuse to pay compensation to the affected airline and its passengers because such would be regarded as an illegal flight.

The development has generated concerns among the foreign airlines’ executives and top officials of the Ministry of Aviation, who felt that any further delay might force some of the carriers to consider halting their flight operations into the country so as not to find themselves in an unpleasant situation.

Findings revealed that the airlines’ winter schedules expired between March 28 and 31, depending on each carrier’s schedule.

It was further gathered that the proposed summer schedules of all the 24 airlines were currently at the ministry awaiting the approval of the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah.

Sources at the ministry, however, could not give reasons for the delay, saying the minister had the final approval.

According to them, the final approval is usually given by the Aviation minister based on the recommendations of the Schedule Approval Committee comprising officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and headed by a director in the ministry.

The chief executive officer of another major foreign airline said, “We don’t know the reason for the delay this time around. We have never experienced this kind of delay before. All of us are just keeping our fingers crossed, looking at what is going to happen.

“Well, we can’t stop our flights since they have not asked us to stop. Neither can we continue the former (winter) schedule because if we do so, our passengers from Nigeria will miss their connections in our hubs in Europe due to the time difference in the new winter schedule. And of course, Nigeria alone cannot be operating a winter schedule in a summer season.”

However, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Joe Obi, said Oduah had not refused to approve the foreign airlines’ summer schedules, adding that they would be approved very soon

Obi said, “The minister has not refused to sign the schedules. There is a procedure and all schedules are currently being processed. This is routine exercise and the minister has no reason to withhold or refuse to sign them.

“But the process must be followed. In a short while, all the schedules will be signed once the processes have been concluded.