NO MORE SUBSIDY IN PMS IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government has officially ended the subsidy on premium motor spirit, popularly known as petrol. The latest Petroleum Products Pricing template, issued by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency does not contain the usual subsidy component.

The PPPRA is the government agency that regulates the prices of petroleum products in the country and its template has always offered insights into how the pricing of these products are determined by the regulators.

As of December 28 last year, the official pricing template for petrol by the PPPRA showed that the Federal Government subsidised the product by N6.45 per litre. The Expected Open Market Price at that time was N93.45, which was N6.45 higher than the then retail price of N87 per litre.

On the revised template, the Estimated Open Market Price set by the regulator is now N84.78 for NNPC fuel stations and N85.1 for stations run by other oil marketer companies.

The EOMP is the summation of the landing cost of petrol and subtotal margins. Such margins include transporter’s cost, dealer’s charge, bridging fund, administrative charge, etc. Our correspondent said that the EOMP, therefore, is the true cost of the product.

Before the release of the revised template, the EOMP was usually higher than the retail/pump price of petrol at filling stations. The difference between the retail price and the EOMP was what the Federal Government paid as subsidy to oil marketers.

However, the new EOMP is lower than the retail price of N86.5, which was set by the Federal Government as the amount at which petrol should be sold nationwide. The implication is that Nigerians are paying an extra N1.4 for the commodity whenever they buy PMS at non-NNPC run petrol stations and N1.22 extra for every litre of petrol bought at NNPC-run filling stations.

On the extra amount paid by consumers for the commodity, the Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, NNPC, Mr. Bello Rabiu, while explaining the template, told our correspondent that the negative subsidy would be remitted to the Petroleum Support Fund in line with the PPPRA guidelines.

He said, “The savings under such a regime could be domiciled in the PSF as a buffer to fund future subsidy (if any) that may arise during high oil price regime or invested by the industry in supply and distribution efficiency improvement projects such as decongestion of Apapa area, Single Point Monitoring in Port Harcourt and Warri, complimentary rail services, inland waterways, etc.”

The PPPRA, after getting approval from the Federal Government, had announced last Tuesday that retail filling stations belonging to the NNPC would from Friday, January 1, 2016 sell petrol at N86 per litre, while other oil marketers would sell the commodity at N86.5 per litre.

The Executive Secretary, PPPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, while announcing the new price of PMS in Abuja, had told journalists on Tuesday that the reduction in the price of the commodity was due to the implementation of the revised components of the petroleum products pricing template for PMS and House Hold Kerosene.

He said the template would be reviewed on a quarterly basis as it was geared towards ensuring an efficient and market-driven price that would reflect current realities.

Ahmed had said, “Since 2007, while crude oil price had been moving up and down, the template has remained the same. This made it necessary for us to introduce a mechanism whereby the template would be sensitive to the price of crude oil.

“However, the template is not static, as there would be a quarterly review and if there is any major shift, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources would be expected to call for a review, either upwards or downwards. If there is no major shift, the price would continue from January to March 2016. In addition, there would be a Product Pricing Advisory Committee that would be set up to advice the PPPRA concerning movements in the price of crude oil.”

On why the NNPC sold at a lower price than other oil marketers, Ahmed explained that it was due to the fact that it was cheaper for the corporation to import products, compared to the independent and major oil marketers.

Some oil marketers had told our correspondent that although it was possible to sell PMS at a “reduced price”, Nigerians might not be ready to absorb future fluctuations or modulations in the pump price of petrol.

The Corporate Affairs Manager, NIPCO PLC, an oil marketing firm, Mr. Lawal Taofeeq, said, “It is possible, but the issue that government needs to understand is that, should there be fluctuation in price, are Nigerians ready to absorb it? If the price of crude oil should go up again, will Nigerians be ready to pay the resultant increased cost for petrol? Thus, there is need for adequate education in this matter.”

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, on December 27 last year, had told journalists in Kaduna that the government was currently not paying subsidy on petrol.

“Today, there is no subsidy; we are selling the product at N87; in January, we will look at what the trend is, we will announce (a new) price if that is less than N87; we will announce it and if it is more than that, we will have to announce it,” the minister, who also doubles as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, had said.

http://www.punchng.com/fg-officially-stops-petrol-subsidy

FOREIGNERS STRANDED AT CALABAR

758 foreigners stranded at the Calabar sea port following the breakdown of a vessel conveying them from Gabon to Benin Republic have been evacuated by road to their various countries.

The Nationals from Togo, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Guinea were forced to terminate their sea journey in Calabar when a passenger vessel –Emiliana-Carneiro made an emergency berthing at the port when one of the engines malfunctioned and a leakage on the floor of the ship was observed.

Over 10 buses conveying the passengers were escorted by Immigration, police and other security agents.

While in the port facilities, the state government through its humanitarian outfit, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) provided them with food, water, blankets, toiletries and health needs for the sick and pregnant women.

The Director General of the agency, Mr. John Inaku, who spent time interacting with people wished them a safe transit through the state and the country to their various destinations.

He emphasized that the actions of the governor was a testimony of his magnanimity and sensitivity to the needs of people without an iota of ethnic, racial or color bias.

The Special Adviser to Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Victor Odo in his comment said that he was pleased with the dexterity of the management and staff of SEMA in the administration of the essentials to the stranded passengers.

Reacting Mohammed Buhari (36) from Niger said that the gesture of the Cross River State Government was overwhelming and that the negative pictures painted about Nigeria abroad lacked merit and truth.

He described Nigerians as friendly, accommodating and sensitive to the wellbeing of human beings.

Abdulsalam Isa (69)said that he was surprised that the state and the country of Nigeria could be so hospitable contrary to the wrong notion he had hitherto held.

According to him, even though it was not the fault of the Nigerian Government that they made an emergency birthing in Calabar, it did not deter the government from showing humanitarian gestures and love by their approach and dexterity to their situation.

Other passengers who spoke with our correspondent said that though they were angry with the development which caused them to miss the celebration of the yuletide with their families the action of the government and people of Nigerians has calmed their nerves as their interaction has portrayed the people of Nigeria as wonderful, friendly and accommodating.

www.today.ng/news/national/60373/758-stranded-foreigners-at-calabar-sea-port-travel-by-road

RIVERS PEOPLE WILL DECIDE WHO LEAD THEM

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2015 election in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state would in the next 31 days suffer “a political tsunami”.

Making a veiled reference to his case against the election of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Peterside charged his supporters yesterday to get ready for a rerun of the governorship poll in the state.

He spoke at the state APC secretariat during the celebration of his birthday and that of his running mate, Mr. Honorable Asita, stressing that the days of manipulation of election results were over.

The governorship candidate maintained that the people of the state would vote according to their conscience, explaining that he was humbled by the crowd that came to congratulate him and Asita on their birthday. Both Peterside and Asita share the same birthday of December 31.

We are not afraid if there is a rerun today in Rivers State. We look out for the best; we will look out for change in infrastructure development and change in empowerment.

“If you put the candidates of the major political parties and their manifestos side by side, definitely the people will go for a man of character, a reliable candidate that can realise the dream of our founding fathers.

“People will also look out for the make-up of our team; we do not have a team that is populated by militants and killers. The electorate will go for a team that has people with good character, a team that can make Rivers people to be a stakeholder in the governance of the state.”

Peterside later received over 120 defectors from the PDP led by a former governorship aspirant, Bekinbo Soberikon, and urged them to tell their friends to join the APC’s moving train.

But in a swift response, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, said the people of the state would not allow the same set of people that brought Rivers to its knees economically back in power.

He described Peterside’s claim that a political tsunami would soon hit the PDP as an indication that the APC governorship candidate was only trying the will of the people, adding that Peterside and his co-travelers would be disappointed.. The turn of event in the last few days make one think that the PDP as a party is not getting it easy fighting the course of survival  we want to thank God for Taraba State, one can still believe that the court is the fencing ground for the common man. 

RESOLUTION AND EXECUTION 2016

Welcome to 2016 a brand new year it is a common practice that a good number out there make out long list of resolution but before long those resolution is/ are thrown into a bin. Get advice from people with time of experiences over the keeping and executing of  year’ resolution. Richard of virgin is one of such great men of our time. Now,  It’s New Year’s Resolution time. If you are still debating whether to set one, then pick up a pen and go for it. If you are wondering how to stick to your resolution, I have one simple tip: write it down and rehearse over time.

The simple act of writing down your resolution will make it far more likely to stick. Possibly  you could let other people know, that can help too. But ultimately your resolution is for you – consider it a positive change you are determined to make in 2016.

Here are 10 simple steps for making a list that you will be able to stick to:

1.            Write down every single idea you have. No idea is too small, and no idea is too big either. Every achievement starts with an idea.

2.            Always carry a notebook. You need somewhere to write your ideas down, and while using a folder on your phone is better than nothing, a piece of paper is far more memorable.

3.            Find a list method that works for you. Doodles, bullet-points, charts what suits you best?  Some combination of short phrases and scribbled pictures works could be of important.

4.            Make a list of small, manageable tasks to complete every day. Cut your day up into chunks, and you’ll get lots more done. As much as you can reduce time wasting on a task.

5.            Mark off every completed task. There are few more satisfying things than ticking off a job well done.

6.            Make your goals measurable so you know if your plans are working. There’s no point setting targets if you don’t know if you are hitting them.

7.            Set far off, outlandish goals. Resolutions shouldn’t just have short-term endpoints. What do you want to have achieved in five years’ time? How about 50 years? At time resolution will have to transcend a year calendar. Just stick to it

8.            Include personal goals in your lists, not just business. There’s no real separation between work and life, it’s all just living. The same goes for lists.

9.            Share your goals with others. You can help motivate each other further and hold each other to account. But remember that, in the end, you are doing this for yourself.

10.          Celebrate your successes then make new lists of new goals. Let the cycle continues as you make more and more progress.

Your resolution should go around your eating habit stop those killing food and opt for some healthy foods.

You may also have to check and avoid those things that trigger your anger. We will love to hear from you

Stay at home.. we are at home 

READ THE FULL TEXT OF BUHARI'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Welcome to the beginning of a New Year of the continuation of CHANGE in our beloved nation. I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant hardships over the past months. Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings. I am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange.

These challenges are only temporary; we are working to make things better. When I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises. I wanted to be a leader who restores the people’s hope in those elected to serve them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring CHANGE.

I am still totally committed to being that kind of leader. Unforeseen circumstances and other distractions notwithstanding, I shall still do my utmost best to keep every promise I made to Nigerians during my election campaign. In the past seven months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, my administration has focused on laying the right foundation for the CHANGE you voted for during our historic presidential election. Nigerians will in due course begin to enjoy the fruits of all our ongoing work.

The effective and efficient implementation of our 2016 budget proposals will address many of the socio-economic issues that are of current concern to our people. One area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun to experience major CHANGE is in the war on terror. I commend our Armed Forces for significantly curtailing the insurgency which has ravaged the northeast of Nigeria over the past few years.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of security. Our Armed Forces will maintain, consolidate and build on their successes in the war against Boko Haram and violent extremism. This government will not consider the matter concluded until the terrorists have been completely routed and normalcy restored to all parts of the country that have been adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Our crackdown on corruption will continue to be vigorously undertaken. I urge the courts to support our efforts and help in the recovery of stolen funds by speedily concluding trials and showing that impunity no longer has a place in our country.

There is much work to do in other areas as well and I have charged all my ministers and other appointees to ensure that Nigerians experience positive changes in their lives in 2016. We must reduce our country’s reliance on oil. We must diversify our economy.

And we must do all we can to promote job creation. Our challenges are many but our determination to succeed is strong and unshaken. So too is our confidence in God. I wish you all a very”

Happy New Year.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Read more at http://www.theheraldng.com/full-text-president

DARIUS ISHAKU WON IN APPEAL COURT.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday reversed the judgment of the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had on November 7, 2015 sacked Governor Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party and ordered the All Progressives Congress’ governorship candidate in the state, Aisha Alhassan, to be sworn in in his stead. This happened to be  one of the judgments in resent times that has attracted opinion from many works of live  

In the lead judgment read by the presiding Justice of the five-man bench, Justice Abdul Aboki, the appeal court held that Alhassan and the APC had no legal right to challenge the alleged improper conduct of the primary which produced Ishaku as the PDP’s candidate.

Alhassan and his party had approached the tribunal challenging the declaration of Ishaku of the PDP as the winner of the April 11 poll with 369,318 votes against their 275,984 votes polled by them in the election.

In its judgment on the petition, the Justice Danladi Abubakar-led tribunal had, in its judgment on November 7, sacked Ishaku on the grounds that he was not duly sponsored by his party as required by law and ordered that Alhassan be issued a new Certificate of Return and be sworn in as governor.

The unanimous judgment of the tribunal held that the conduct of the primary which produced Ishaku as the governorship candidate of the party failed to satisfy the provisions of sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act 2010.

The tribunal anchored its judgment on, among other grounds, that the PDP’s primary was conducted in Abuja instead of Jalingo, the state capital, without approval by INEC and that the party failed to give the notice for the conduct of the exercise within at least 21 days before the date fixed for it.

But the tribunal had dismissed the other leg of the petition which alleged over-voting and substantial non-compliance of the conduct of the poll with the Electoral Act

ALEX OTTI The Governorship Election Appeal Tribunal sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has nullified the election Governor Okozie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

The court also declared Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, the winner of the April 11 and April 25 supplementary elections.

The five-member panel, headed by Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, annulled the election on the grounds of substantial non-compliance with the electoral law.

Delivering judgment in an appeal filed by Otti, the court said that the APGA candidate scored 164, 444 valid votes to defeat Ikpeazu who scored 114, 444 votes.

The court declared that Otti was the winner of the April 11 and April 25 supplementary elections in Abia State.

Omoleye said that the cancellation of the elections held in three LGAs of Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Isiala Ngwa by the returning officers after the results were uploaded to INEC was wrong.

“In the Electoral Act, the Returning Officer has the right to only declare results of elections and not to cancel elections.

“This panel discovered that the earlier results uploaded to INEC headquarters correspond with the correct valid registered voters in the three LGAs, while that awarded to the respondent, shows over voting and therefore null and void.”

Omoleye had while reviewing preliminary objections and issues raised by both parties, struck out the preliminary objections by Ikpeazu’s counsel to the effect that the appeal lacked merit.

She also turned down the objection raised by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that the members of the panel were wrongfully constituted and affirmed the arguments of Otti’s counsel.

The appellate court maintained that the lower tribunal erred by not handling all the issues raised.

“It was wrong for the court to insist that because the appellant failed to appear in person, his matter will not be given due attention.

“For not appearing in person, the first appellant did not abandon his case,” she said.

After nullifying the election, the court insisted that there was no need to call for re-run because the results of the April 11 and 25 polls clearly present Otti as the genuine winner of the exercise.

The court therefore, directed INEC to issue Certificate of Return to Otti and swear him in as winner of the election.

In his reaction to the judgment, Mr Oracle Nwali, a lawyer in Otti’s legal team, described the victory as “an end of the year gift to APGA,” saying Otti would not disappoint Abia people.

On his part, Mr. Charles Esonu, the PDP scribe in Abia, said that party and its candidate would study the judgment and decide on the next line of action.

CLICK HERE AND READ YOUR NEXT ACTION MAY DEPEND ON IT

It never ceases to  amaze us how at this time every year, the whole world goes into a tizzy and frenzy as a single point to demonstration of gratitude for warm  and affection  that has  been poured to every lovely one likewise you have shown us such enormous cares.

Enloghomes is strongly awed and wowed beyond words at this level of love. We enjoyed the ward relationship and useful contribution you have given us over the year. At this point we sincerely want to say a big thank you for being our friend  and continue would.

We have come to understand that without you there wouldn’t be any Enloghomes. Having this understanding therefore energized us to keep you at our mind as the only individual that matters as far as Enloghomes is concern.

For your patronage, we say thank you.  For calls, we appreciate all you time.

As we are crossover to take over 2016, more smiles on your faces, joy in your hearts, heave of relief and all round good natured sweetness.

The best gift of peace which the Prince of peace has given  shall multiply in multiple fold for all of us

Make sure you visit www.enloghomes.blogspot.com.ng at least twice a day for exciting information on recent events, lifestyles, technology, politics and more

Your contribution has been wonderful, we are looking forward for more as we cross over to 2016.

A prosperous new year to all of us.    

FROM ALL OF US IN THE HOME.

 REGISTER LET US HEAR FROM YOU AS WELL.  

AEDC BACKED NEW ELECTRICITY TARIFF

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) yesterday backed the new tariff review and fixed charge removal announced last week by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), saying on its part, it assured customers of improved services.

In a statement in Abuja, the company reiterated its commitment to mass metering project, which has commenced a few weeks ago.

The firm, which said the ongoing pilot scheme would enable it to assess all challenges involved for it to evolve a more robust way of deploying the new meters across its coverage area of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states, said the overall plan is to have all its customers metered within four to five years.

Head, Public Relations and Media of the firm, Ahmed Shekarau, said since the firm’s investment in the mass metering project has been captured in the new tariff regime approved by NERC, it would begin to roll out en-masse meters across its entire franchise area.

It said it has commenced assessment of the performance of the smart meters being installed in the pilot scheme currently ongoing.

Shekarau said: “To facilitate the mass metering project, the company said customer enumeration will commence early next year in order to obtain vital information that will be fed into each customer’s metering programme.

Besides, the company also reassured electricity consumers under its franchise of its renewed commitment to rapid improvement in the quality of its services to them, in line with the performance agreements it endorsed during the bid process.”

The company, which also pledged its commitment to fulfilling other obligations placed on it by the new tariff order in order to increase the amount and quality of supply to its customers, said it is working harder to raise the level of the investment so as to ensure better customer services across the coverage area.

GET the breaking from home...stay at home, we are at home.

NNAMDI KANU APOLOGIZED TO PRESIDENT BUHARI

“I unreservedly apologize [for my Buhari remarks] and will be doing so in a private letter to the President.”

Those were the words of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in a statement he made while in the custody of the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

The hand written statement which was obtained and published by SaharaReporters is reproduced below:

“I can confirm that I, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra worldwide is a legally registered and duly recognized body at the United Nations pursuing the rights of a specific indigenous people, in this case Biafra, to seek self-determination according to the said charter the reason for the formation of the Indigenous People of Biafra is to avail those referring to themselves as Biafrans the opportunity made available as a result of the United Nations Declaration to seek the peaceful re-Birth of Biafra in line with international laws, lack of holistic development in the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria, lack of youth employment, corruption in high offices, and economic repression.

“Opportunities no longer existed for the majority of the people, and especially young graduates to find meaningful employment in the job market, general hardship, brutal repression of civil and human rights coupled with system that shuns inward investment contributed to the thinking behind the formation of IPOB.

“The People of Biafra all over the world have particular emphasis on those residing in the diaspora it is not advised that those in Nigeria contribute. No contribution is accepted from those in political office or from organizations only individuals belonging to those organizations may choose to contribute if they wish to the volunteer force. IPOB is a group of people who may wish to group themselves together for the purpose of Evangelism or going out to the streets to distribute leaflets and preach the message of lawful existence of Biafra as stipulated in the UN Charter.

There is no armed conflict agitating and any reference to such is purely designed to stop the Nigerian Armed Forces ostensibly the police from coming out and killing innocent people

“IPOB volunteers are modeled on exactly the same tenet as the world renowned Salvation Army Front. Its ambitions are army but it does not carry any weapons. The same thing applies to the volunteers of IPOB. There is no arms training involved. I am the Director of Radio Biafra and solely responsible for the output the (genre?) of Radio Biafra is strictly to capture attention and imagination and not designed to incite anyone to violence.

“For very many years the Nigerian state and Nigerians in general have continued to witness poor economic management, fraud, corruption, and mismanagement of every sector of the economy. Therefore, as Radio Biafra programs were designed to wake up the public from their slumber and address the issues of the time, which is youth unemployment, lack of infrastructural provisions, poor electricity, an absence of rural development, and conspicuous absence of respect for human rights.

“The area as envisaged as Biafra are predominantly South-East and South-South territories having cultural, linguistic, traditional, and commonality in value system. Reference to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a terrorist, evil, and Paedophile is regrettable and uncalled for and for that I unreservedly apologize and will be doing so in a private letter to the President. Before PMP there was the administration of Goodluck Jonathan I also said some uncomplimentary things about him and Igbo elders as well, which I now recognize should have happened because it is un-African to be rude or insolent to elders. All I was trying to do is draw attention to the problems afflicting society and what society is doing about it.

“The areas intended for the Biafran being espoused by Indigenous People of Biafra are Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Anambra, Bayelsa Delta, Edo (but only Igbamke), Kogi (only Igala), and Imo States. The mission statement of Radio Biafra is dedicated to the defences of the rights of the indigenous people of Biafra and ultimately the restoration of the REpublic of Biafra in line with United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People

“Nnamdi Kanu

TEN LESSON FOR SUCCESSFUL MEN BY BUFFETT

The decision   to come with some  nuggets of  general wisdom that Buffett might have for success  in life  took over my mind. This, I was looking for advice that might be appropriate for my resolution and determination in 2016, or for the good friends of mind who will be success minded. Somethings that I know after all, Buffett is 85 years old and even if one were to somehow ignore the $61 billion in net worth he has amassed over his lifetime, it’s arguable that in many ways he has lived an exemplary life. reading about is success is what a good number has found interesting. Forbes chronicles the lives of  many successful billionaires but few are as admired and respected as Buffett  (by contrast think of the travails of Donald Trump and Stewart Rahr).  Buffett has a Jimmy Stewart quality – he is both ethical and humble.

Below you will find 10 of Warren Buffett’s “life” quotes that I think could benefit just about anyone—even those who have no interest in investing. In some ways Warren’s wisdom represents the wisdom of people born during the Great Depression in a nation, great mindset, great decision and action.

 “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you will drift in that direction

This is Warren coming down in favor of nurture in the old “nature versus nurture” argument.  It makes me think of the practice of “keeping the bar high” especially during the formative years.  One practical application would be to send  your children to the most competitive, rigorous school they can get into and you can afford. You will save no money in the long run sending your offspring to a college where she will not be challenged and is generally at a higher level intellectually than all of her peers

“Money to some extent sometimes lets you be in more interesting environments. But it can’t change how many people love you or how healthy you are.”
We all know people who neglect their families and health in pursuit of the hard currencies. Just think of 19th century miser, Hetty Green, once the richest woman on Wall Street. By most accounts she lived miserably, her children resented her and despite her goal of keeping her $100 million fortune in tact it was eventually dispersed and she has long since been forgotten

“What the wise do in the beginning, fools do in the end.”
Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” comes to mind for this one. When you set out to accomplish a goal, do your research first and lay the proper groundwork to succeed. Many investors for example, make impulsive stock buys, say for hot IPOs, and then sit down to do the hard work of assessing the actual value of the company after the stock is in their portfolio.

“The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say “no” to almost everything.
Buffett’s highly selective 60-plus year investing history is an excellent example. He and Charles Munger have turned down or “passed” on many more stocks than have actually pulled the trigger on.

“Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.”
No matter who you are dealing with, remember to consider motives of any person sitting across the table from you. Virtually everyone has their own agenda.

"I insist on a lot of time being spent almost everyday,to just sit and think.That is very uncommon in today's business. I read and think. So I do more reading and thinking, and make less impulse decisions than most people in business.”
We live in an “always on” world of acute information overload.  There’s a constant pressure to take action, hit reply, search, respond. Put down the smartphone, turn off the TV and just take some time out to think.

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”
This is especially important advice for young people who are tempted by short cuts and will sometimes cross ethical or legal boundaries either because they either don’t agree with them, or because everyone else seems to be doing it. I am reminded of a famous young man in the 80s got himself involved in trading scheme that in the end afforded him a mere $31,000 in financial gain. His career and any chance of ever working in the profession he loved was ruined, he spent nine months in a federal prison and has been forced to live and work in relative obscurity ever since.

“You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.”
This quote reminds me of advice former professional tennis player, coach and best-selling author Brad Gilbert gives in Winning Ugly. In the book he asserts that the most successful recreational tennis players are the ones who make the least mistakes on the court. This works in life too. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel or be the smartest guy in the room. Just avoid dumb mistakes.

“If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.”
Most of us, save the thrifty billionaires like Buffett, are guilty of accumulating unnecessary stuff. For some its designer shoes or handbags, for me it’s probably a few too many guitars.

“There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult.”
 This is Buffett's approach to investing in businesses with straightforward, easy to understand, business models.

Get insight into 2016...stay at home we are at home.