All Posts in "Day: March 16, 2021"

Anthony Joshua, Fury Pen Two-fight Heavyweight Unification Deal

Joshua, Fury sign two-fight heavyweight unification deal: promoter | eNCA
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed a deal for two all-British world heavyweight title unification fights, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has  said.
He said: “The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper.
“But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.”
He revealed that the venue of the fight will be confirmed next month.
Reports said Saudi Arabia, where Joshua won a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, is the frontrunner to host both fights.
 Hearn,however said   he “already had approaches from eight or nine sites” across the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe and America.
“We’d like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month,” he said.
Both Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are expected to earn £100 million ($139 million) each, with the purse split 50-50 for the first fight and 60-40 for the rematch in favour of the defending champion.
Since avenging a shock defeat to Ruiz, Joshua has defended his WBA, IBF and WBO titles against Kubrat Pulev in London in December.
Fury has not fought for more than a year since defeating Deontay Wilder in February 2020 to claim the WBC title.
Joshua previously stated he hoped the fight could take place as early as June.
“(The coronavirus pandemic) is getting close to things being normal. We’re working on a date for around June,” the former Olympic champion told Sky News.
“I’m ready. I’m really looking forward to competition — all I want to do is fight, fight, fight.”
Fury has consistently made jibes at Joshua’s expense, claiming in January that he would knock out his fellow Brit within two rounds.
However, last week Fury said he had stopped training after becoming tired of waiting for the fight to be agreed.
“I’m not training anymore .I’m taking some time away from the game at the moment, because, like I said, I’ve been ready to fight since I beat Deontay Wilder last year. I’ve had no success in getting another fight.”
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Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Sports 0
Polaris Bank Complies With CBN Naira 4 dollar Scheme

Polaris Bank begins payment of N5 for every $1 of diaspora remittances
Polaris Bank  has begun  implementation of the regulatory Central Bank of Nigeria’s extra N5 for every dollar received into domiciliary accounts or as cash over the counter.
The Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Polaris Bank, Mr Innocent Ike,who revealed this in Lagos said evidence has shown a positive relationship between diaspora remittances and economic growth and as such, the bank will continue to contribute its quota to enhancing economic development in the country.
According to him,the decision was in line with the CBN’s directive and fully aligned with efforts to encourage the inflow of diaspora remittances into the country.
He said the  “CBN Naira 4 dollar scheme” as an unprecedented incentive for senders and recipients of international money transfers, adding that the scheme which took effect from 8th March, will run till 8th May, 2021.
“We have started paying extra N5 on every dollar to beneficiaries at our branches. This is in addition to the foreign currency they receive from their family and friends abroad,” he stated.
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Banking&Finance 0
APC Diaspora Forum Tasks NASS    On Inputs From Nigerians Living Abroad

APC Diaspora chairmen task NASS on collaboration Newsdiaryonline
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Diaspora Chairmen Forum has urged the National Assembly Committee on Diaspora to take up the clarification on inputs by  Nigerians in Diaspora to proceedings and other issues.
This was contained in a statement  jointly signed by Dr Philip Ideawor, Chairman of the forum and APC Chairman UK and  Mr Lawal Ayoola, Spokesperson of the Forum and  Chairman, APC Scandinavia.
The statement  was a communique of resolutions endorsed by the diaspora chairmen after an  emergency online meeting on Monday, on the issue of rights of Diasporas to send petitions to the National Assembly.
It could be recalled that controversy continued to trail a submission of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,    Ahmed Idris Wase  that Nigerians living abroad cannot submit petitions over some incidents which occurred in the country.
Wase stated this following a petition brought in by Mark Terseer Gbillah, a lawmaker representing Benue Gwer East/Gwer west Federal constituency.
Wase, who sat in for Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila during Thursday’s plenary, rejected a petition filed by “Mutual Union of the Tiv in America” on insecurity in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba.
Gbillah,  had presented the group’s petition bordering on resettling  Tiv people displaced from their ancestral land through various attacks.
Suing for calm, the diaspora chairmen   said the clarification was necessary to enable Nigerians in Diaspora know their limitations on presentations to the national assembly.
They emphasized  the need for Nigerians abroad to be heard in issues that affects them and their families in Nigeria.
“As Nigerians, there is no harm in making valid presentations to the national assembly if and when necessary on national or any issue.Diaspora inputs in discussions should not be jettisoned on grounds that those making inputs or suggestions do not reside in Nigeria.
“The National Assembly is made up of lawmakers representing all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and their opinions should be listened to  and deliberated on.Making inputs is not tantamount to orders or directives. Petitions are looked into and suggestions from them can go a long way in resolving face offs and disagreements,” it said.
They  said that the National Assembly should take a stand on the issue as soon as  possible  and come up with a legislation that should empower inputs from Nigerians living abroad.
They added that Nigeria stood to gain more  if the assembly allowed inputs from Diasporas that would move the nation forward.
The communique was  endorsed by  Ideawor (UK) who chaired the meeting, Ayoola (Scandinavia)  Mr Stephen Tella (Chairman, APC Spain) Prof. Adesegun Labinjo (Chairman, APC USA) Mr Charles Micheletti (Chairman, APC Ghana) and  Barr Adefioye Hammed (Chairman, APC Ireland).
Others were, Mr Olalekan Ogunwede (Chairman, APC Germany) Mr Olanrewaju Balogun (Chairman, APC France) Mr Elias Ebone (Chairman, APC Canada) Prince  Chima Ibezim Italy (Chairman Italy) and its  Emeritus Chairman,   Tony Isama
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Politics 0
DPR  Says Lagos Free  Of Fuel Hoarding 

Petrol price: DPR begins monitoring of Lagos filling stations - Path of Ex
The Department of Petroleum Resources, has given clean of health to Lagos  and environs saying it has not discovered any incident of hoarding of petroleum products therein
However,the agency said  its officials will continue to intensify surveillance on petrol stations.
Mr Ayorinde Cardoso, Zonal Operations Controller, DPR, Lagos, made this known after an inspection visit to some petrol stations located in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki areas of the state.
He said : “I want to assure the public that the sufficiency level in Lagos State is okay and for now we have not seen any hoarding of products.
”Surveillance is a regular assignment for us and our officials are going round everyday for that purpose. ”
Cardoso said the seven petrol stations inspected were selling fuel to customers between N162 to N165 per litre which was the approved price band.
“This surveillance visit is part of our regular function and we are coming out today to check product availability and product quality because we heard some information about water ingress in some of the tanks.
“We going out to check that. Also, we are looking at consumer protection so that they are not short-changed by under- dispensing.
“We have gone round to about seven stations and they are all selling within the approved pump price band,” he said.
Cardoso said the DPR sealed three fuel pumps that were under dispensing in one of the petrol stations, pending when they were rectified and re-evaluated by the regulatory agency.
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Oil&Gas 0
Why MDAs Should Be Audited Quarterly-AGF 

AGF advocates quarterly audit of MDAs by Auditor-General
The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris,has advocated for a quarterly audit of MDAs in order to make their duties simple and easy to tackle when financial reports are received from the MDAs.
Idris,who said this when the Auditor-General of the Federation Mr Adolphus Aghughu paid a working visit to the Treasury House,explained that the development will create cooperation, understanding and harmonious working relationship between Federal Auditors and MDAs.
He added that in order to curb the pile-ups of financial reports for Auditing, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation should carry out a quarterly audit of the MDAs and there is a need for renewed orientation on the concept and practice of auditing.
‘‘It is time we adopt modern Auditing techniques with ICT tools which make auditing quicker and most accurate. Auditors are not on a witch-hunt mission, they are to advice and give a positive opinion.
He noted that the OAGF and AUGF are two sister agencies with a similar mandate. He said: ‘‘we cannot have Audit without Accounts and we must sustain the cordial relationship for the good of the nation.’’
He spoke  on the submission of the financial statement for Audit, saying  his office has been able to reduce the four years gap of non-submission to only one.
He said:”As of today, the accounts for 2019 are ready for submission, except for the fact that we have been asked to wait till work is concluded on the 2018 report”.
He urged the Auditor General of the Federation to sustain the cordial relationship that existed between the two Agencies which he said is for the good of his office and the system; the good of the Nigerian people and the good of the Nigerian government.
 In his address, the AuGF, Mr Adolphus Aghughu, solicited  strong collaboration between the Treasury Audit Department of his office and the Consolidated Accounts Department of OAGF in order to timely resolve issues that may cause a delay in the completion of work on financial statements.
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Politics 0
Ekiti Pays N507.4m Compensation To  Farmers,EndSARS Victims’

About 700 farmers, whose lands were acquired for the construction of the airport project  have been given over N500 million compensation by Governor Kayode Fayemi
Besides,the governor presented a cheque worth N7.4 million to petitioners who were recommended for compensation by the judicial panel of inquiry handling cases of human rights abuses by the disbanded Special- Anti Robbery Squad (SARS).
He explained that government decided not to wait for six months expiration given the judicial panel of inquiry before starting payment to instil confidence in governance.
 He assured that his government will  embark on law reforms, policy change and institutional strengthening that can fight crime in Ekiti and ensure justice for all.
He  said: “In most cases, we pay attention to the offenders while not trying to remedy the emotional and psychological damage done to the victims. The House of Assembly has begun work on the Ekiti criminal code with the task of ensuring that victims of crime are put side by side with the offenders and get compensations while the offenders got punishment.
“I hereby apologise to the victims of human rights violations in Ekiti for the hurt and damage they had suffered emotionally and psychologically. These monetary compensations would help to alleviate your feelings and what you have suffered. Please accept my very best wishes as you continue the process of rebuilding your lives.”
The chairman of the panel of inquiry, Justice Cornelius Akintayo(retd) applauded Fayemi for approving the compensations to the petitioners, who are now beneficiaries of the State’s largesse.
“We thank the government for not waiting until we round off before starting paying compensations. This will instil confidence and trust in governance. If we recommend and there was no political will to implement, then nothing has happened,” he said.
Presenting  the cheques to farmers and owners of 4,017 hectares of lands acquired for the airport, Fayemi said the money will be distributed to farmers from Afao, Ago Aduloju, Araromi Obo, Ijan, Igbogun, Ogbese and others, to alleviate whatever they have suffered through the process of construction.
“The construction of the airport will in the long run create jobs, drive investments and our crops will be better marketed locally and international when operational.
“We have been able to surmount all initial problems and we have settled all issues with those whose farms were acquired in the construction. Ekiti is purely agrarian, this airport will help us maximise our gains in this sector,” the governor said.
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in News 0
MCSN Partners PMAN  On Improved  Welfare Of Musicians

MCSN, PMAN enter partnership to enhance living standard of musicians | Tribune Online
The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has entered into partnership with the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) aimed at  enhancing the living standards of Nigerian musicians and other creative people.
 Speaking at  the signing ceremony, the President of PMAN, Mr Pretty Okafor, explained  that the union decided to give its full support to MCSN because PMAN and the society have identical goals which border on the welfare and wellbeing of the musicians, adding that it makes sense for the two bodies to work together because the welfare of musicians is paramount to both.
He urged musicians  to give the initiative full support to ensure that it succeeds in its functions of collecting and distributing royalties on behalf of musicians in the country without any hindrance.
In his remarks,Chief Executive Officer of MCSN, Mr Mayo Ayilaran, said the agreement between MCSN and PMAN   underscores the fact that the musicians’ union has fully thrown its weight behind the society in its function of collecting royalties and creating a clear path for the creation of wealth and prosperity for the Nigerian musician and the creative industry at large.
“With this collaborative effort, collections of royalties from users of music will be a lot easier because the musicians who benefit from the royalty collections are now a part of it. And as a Society the only thing we owe the musicians is transparency, which will ultimately lead to prosperity,” he added.
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Arts/Entertainment 0
Oriental Energy Donates To Science  Akwa Ibom School

Oriental Energy Donates Palliatives to Akwa Ibom CommunitiesTHISDAYLIVE
 Oriental Energy Resources Limited,  has announced the donation of a state-of-the-art Science Laboratory Complex to Community Grammar School, Ebughu in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The commissioning and handover ceremony was a demonstration of Oriental Energy’s commitment to education and human capital development in Akwa Ibom State,the company’s Managing Director , Mr. Ignatius Ifelayo,was quoted as saying,adding that  said the complex is evidence of the company’s long-term dedication to human capital development in the state.
According to him: “It is now very clear that most jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of mathematics and science. At the same time, recent developments around the world point to the fact that scientific and technological innovations are becoming increasingly important in the 21st century. Therefore, in preparing our children for the future, we need to provide them with a conducive learning environment, where they can lay a good foundation, especially through the study of biology, chemistry, and physics. This is the main reason why we embarked on the science laboratory project at Community Grammar School, Ebughu, Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State
“It is our hope that the judicious use of the laboratory complex for teaching and learning will lead to better academic outcomes for students registered for examinations in the core science subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.”
The complex donated by Oriental Energy consists of Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories including teachers’ offices, toilet facilities and fittings, gas cylinders, and fire extinguishers; laboratory furniture including stools for students, teachers’ desks and chairs, white boards, shelves and storage facilities for reagents and chemicals. Other items donated include WAEC-standard equipment together with different types of reagents/chemicals for Biology, Chemistry and Physics practicals. Electricity supply within the laboratory building complex has been made possible by a Solar power system and inverter, which also pumps water from the borehole to the overhead tanks and solar water heating system.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet commended Oriental Energy Resources for embarking on the science laboratory project: “Oriental Energy Resources partnering with the State Government to promote education should be a challenge to other multinational companies, NGOs and individuals to join hands and build up the sector’’.
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Brands&Marketing 0
Consumption Of Illicit Drugs Worrisome-NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),has expressed concern over  the high consumption of illicit drugs,saying it the act is destroying the fabric of Nigeria’s society
The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed this  during the visit of the management team of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (rtd).
“Consumption of illicit drugs is a major problem in this country, ravaging communities and all categories of people and dispositions. As an enabler organization that is very conscious of what happens in our country, we are very interested in the containment of illicit drugs in Nigeria”, he said.
He assured that the NNPC would do everything within its power to support the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He said beyond the strict enforcement of the drug policy in the Corporation, there was need for NNPC to be sensitive to the ravaging effect of drug abuse in the larger society.
Speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (rtd), appealed to the Corporation for support in the fight against the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.
He commended the NNPC GMD for his progressive doggedness and result-oriented leadership.
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Oil&Gas 0
Estate Developer Writes FG,Sanwo olu Over Demolition Of Richland Estate.

Estate developer, landlords tackle Lagos over demolition – Punch Newspapers
A real estate developer, Otunba Steve Ajose, along with other landlords and residents of Richland Estate, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, over the forceful invasion of the Estate by policemen and Task Force operatives.
They have further threatened a court action should the invasion and demolition of their buildings continue.
In the petition written on their behalf by human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, they narrated the events leading to the invasion of the Estate by the armed policemen. Otunba Ajose acquired a vast area of land from the land owners of Shapati town in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
 He said necessary documents were executed in his favour, following which the land was fenced and developed into Richland Gardens Estate, for a period well over ten years now.
He said the land is also subject of judgment of the High Court of Lagos State delivered by Hon Jus M.O. Olokooba on November 22, 2016 and a warrant of possession was issued by the Court in 2019.
He added:”The events that led to the petition were that in the early morning of March 8, 2021, armed policemen led hoodlums and thugs with dangerous weapons and invaded the Estate. They started shooting sporadically into the air to scare people. They came with caterpillars and commenced the demolition of the perimeter fence of the estate. They then proceeded to demolish existing building foundations, daring anyone to challenge them. It later transpired that operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Land Grabbers also came with their Blakc Maria van and other vehicles. They blocked the entrance gate of a female resident, cut off her key and replaced it with another padlock and kept her and her family locked inside the building for four days. The policemen are still in forceful occupation of the estate.
“Under and by virtue of section 43 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, citizens are entitled to acquire and own land without the threat of forceful acquisition by the government. Without any court order, no one is allowed to demolish the building of any citizen. In this case, there is a subsisting court judgment that has validated the ownership of Otunba Steve Ajose over the land. The option is to file an appeal against such judgment if the government has any issue with it, and not to invade the Estate with force.
“I therefore appeal to the Inspector-General of Police and the Governor of Lagos State to forthwith direct the policemen and operatives of the Task Force to vacate the estate and thereafter offer adequate compensation for the buildings demolished illegally”
Online Editor by — March 16, 2021 in Property 0