Business

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has faulted those describing Nigerians living in South Africa as criminals engaged in drug peddling and other forms of crime.

Contrary to the claims, he believes those making such allegations should be thankful to Nigerians, many of whom he says are contributing to the growth of the South African economy.

The former president stated this on Saturday during a session with reporters at his Presidential Library residence in Abeokuta, that Ogun State capital.

By Valentine

Chevron Plc, is to build a Mother and Child Hospital worth over N200 million in the oil producing area of Ondo State.

Mr Pius Orisabinone, the Chairman of the Amalgamation of Ilaje Ugbo Coastal Communities Association (AMAICOMMA), made this disclosure at a townhall meeting on Friday in Ode-Ugbo, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AMAICOMMA comprises oil producing communities in the LGA.

Niger has started construction on an oil pipeline that will link it to the coast through West African neighbor Benin, a project that Niger's president said will bolster the country's economic development.

President Issoufou Mahamadou called the 1,982 kilometer-long pipeline one of Niger's most important projects since independence and an important step in the Sahel nation's oil production. Nearly two-thirds, just under 1,300 kilometers, will run within Niger, the remainder in Benin.

The days of heaping 50-kilo sacks of rice across the saddle of their motorbike and slipping a few notes to a customs officer are now gone.

With Nigeria having snapped its borders shut, the legions of motorbike riders who used to satisfy the nation's hunger for imported rice are lucky at best to sneak through a few packets of Basmati.

The smugglers risk more than just jail time if they try force or sneak across the border.

"They shoot us and kill us like goats," said Adewole, who asked for his full name not to be published, stuttering with anger.