All Posts in "Day: March 29, 2021"

Enugu-Agidi Monarch Raises Alarm Over Threat To Life. 

Insecurity: My Life Is In Danger-Enugu-Agidi Monarch Cries Out As Thugs Overrun Palace
Igwe Michael Okekeuche, the Paramount ruler of Enugu-Agidi, in Anambra State  has cried out over threat to his life and those of his cabinet members.
He told newsmen in Abuja
 that his  life and those of my cabinet members and families have been threatened by the land grabbers  and their  cohorts.
He  adding that all efforts to get the Nigeria Police Divisional headquarters in Abagana as well as the  Anambra State Police Command to intervene in the crisis proved abortive.
 He  alleged  that the land  grabbers operate with the active connivance of a powerful retired senior police officer, precisely a retired DIG, who he claims takes royalty from their illicit sales of lands in exchange for police protection.
He said:“This crisis has been smouldering since 2019, and we have been doing everything humanly possible to manage and contain it. However, the crisis peaked on February 15, 2021 when some violent hoodlums sponsored by one Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor (Okekeonyeocha), Mr. Chidi Okoye and Chukwuebuka Onuorah just to name a few invaded the community and unleashed violence on hapless members of my community.
The armed hoodlums mounted multiple road blocks and went from house to house hunting down their victims who they inflicted with various degrees of injuries.
“My palace was overrun and my security guards overwhelmed. Over 17 youths suffered various degrees of injury. Today, both the victims and those that survived their attacks live in fear and despair.
“You may be wondering why the sudden eruption of crisis in Enugwu Agidi: The issue is that a certain Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor (Okekeonyeocha), Mr. Chukwuebuka Onuorah, Chidi Okoye and others constituted themselves into a deadly militia and cult group perpetrating all manners of  lawlessness in Enugwu Agidi. Their unwholesome activities were first noticed with concern in 2019. It is not surprising that since the commencement of their nefarious activities we have witnessed increase in the cases of rape, robbery, kidnapping and violence in and around Enugwu Agidi” he added.
He said“the most visible of their criminal activities  is land banditry. They habitually deal on ancestral lands without the mandate of the community and neither do they render accounts to the community. They use proceeds from these illicit transactions of sales of Enugwu Agidi lands to induce the police and  influence most of our youths whom they took to  shrines to swear  oaths of allegiance to fraternal silence.This by itself has created tense situation among the populace.
“To avert breakdown of law and order, the town union government after wide consultations with different stakeholders intervened by initiating a streamlined process governing the sales of lands over four (4) plots in Enugwu-Agidi part of which requires verification and authentication of rightful ownership of lands before sales. This arrangement did not go down well with the land bandits hence their threat to the peace and order of the town” he stated.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in Ndigbo 0
  Ogun Medical Science Varsity Excites NANS 

TASUED students protest over new medical fee, NANS gives university 72 hrs ultimatum - Daily Post Nigeria
The National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone, has declared its support for the proposed establishment of Federal University of Medicine and Medical Services, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, saying  it will improve medical profession in the country.
The student body,through its South West Deputy Coordinator, Oladimeji Uthman,also  said  the proposed varsity will improve admission into medical studies .
“From published research, Nigerian universities and medical institutes admits only 3000 out of over 160,000 students who apply to study medicine and other medical based courses across the country.
“This is barely two percent estimated number of applicants who are potential medical professionals that the country should be churning out annually.
“Now more than ever, the demand for medical related supports in terms of manpower (professionals), medical research and specialized medical facilities has seriously heightened.
“The doctor-patients ratio in Nigeria is alarming if compare to the WHO standard ratio. This implies that the number of practicing and resident doctors in the country can hardly cater for 10% of the country population.
“The Nigeria medical sector today is in a situation where it constitutes liability on the country’s economy more than its generated revenue.”
The students association implored  the Federal government and all concerned stakeholders to throw their weight behind the actualization of the proposed first medicine and medical sciences university.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in Education 0
SERAP To Buhari:Probe Misappropriation Of N4.5bn COVID-19 Fund By Kogi Govt.

SERAP wants Buhari to probe alleged misuse of N4.5bn COVID-19 funds by Kogi govt | Ripples Nigeria
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami,  and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate alleged misuse of the N4.5 billion donations, loans and support the Kogi State government obtained from the Federal Government, including N90,720,000 reportedly spent on software to track COVID-19 cases in the state.”
 The group in a letter dated 27 March 2021 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, said if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, anyone suspected to be involved should face prosecution, as appropriate.
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It said: “Directing the Attorney General of the Federation and appropriate anti-corruption agencies as recommended is constitutional, and would be entirely consistent with your promise in your inaugural speech to ‘ensure responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country.’”
The letter, read in part: “Although primarily a matter of concern for Kogi State, the allegations of misuse of COVID-19 funds drawn from the Federal Government have assumed such a proportion as to become a matter of concern to the federation as a whole, and therefore, to your government.”
“SERAP is concerned about growing allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds in several of the 36 states of the Federation, and the apparent lack of prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into these allegations, allowing suspected perpetrators to frequently escape justice.”
“Taking prompt action to probe the allegations would promote transparency and accountability, serve the common good, peace, order and good government of the federation (which includes Kogi State). It would help to enhance your government’s fight against corruption and contribute hugely to improving the public confidence and trust in your commitment to combat grand corruption.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request.”
“SERAP also believes that given the history of corruption in Nigeria, especially several unresolved allegations of grand corruption involving many of the 36 state governments, your government cannot and should not look the other way regarding the allegations of misuse of COVID-19 funds involving the Kogi State government. Such allegations in any state of Nigeria are of concern to every Nigerian, and should therefore be of concern to your government.”
“Taking the recommended measures would also show that your government is concerned with the overall well-being of the federation and willing and able to enforce important constitutional principles.”
“According to our information, the Kogi State Government in 2020 allegedly spent N90,720,000 on ‘COVID-19 software.’ The software was reportedly approved Governor Yahaya Bello, for tracking COVID-19 cases and prevent the spread of the disease in the state. However, the company that developed the software has reportedly stated that it costs only N300,000.”
“The software has reportedly stopped functioning just one year after it was installed. The N90,720,000 spent on COVID-19 software is part of the N4.5 billion donations, loans and support, which Kogi State reportedly obtained from the Federal Government.”
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in News 0

Dr. Shadrach Moguluwa,has been elected  as the new traditional  ruler of Nawfia community   in Njikoka local council area  of Anambra State Government has finally come
He defeated  former President-General of Nawfia town union Chief Nnonyelu Okoye with 111 votes against 102 in the keenly contested election .
In his post election speech Moguluwa thanked the people of Nawfia for their active participation in the build up to the election proper and promised to be father to all an all inclusive leadership.
He  commended the leadership of the Nawfia Progressive Union for their focus and tenacity.
He also appreciated the Board of Trustees of Nawfia Town led by Chief Beluolisa Nwofor whom he described as a great gift of God to Nawfia.
He thanked the governor of Anambra and visionary leadership in the state, and pledged to do all in his abilities to support his government to deliver good governance to the people.
He said: “I urge our people to embrace peace because war is an evil wind that blows nobody any good.This election is a new dawn for the people of Nawfia and a great beginning of great things to come to our town”.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in Ndigbo 0
 FG Assures Of Sufficient Sugar Production

2021 budget: Trade Minister Seeks N11.18bn For Industry — Economic Confidential
Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has tasked the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the National sugar Development Council (NSDC), Zach Adedeji to work towards the realisation of the Federal Government’s goal in ensuring self-sufficiency in sugar production.
He  spoke at the inauguration of Adedeji as the  boss  of the NSDC at the weekend in Abuja, where he also  said the Federal Government relied on him to work assiduously towards the realisation of the country’s self sufficiency in the sugar production.
He said  the appointment of Adedeji was based on his performance in his former positions, adding that the nation expected him to leave landmark achievements by the time he would be leaving office.
“You are therefore expected to discharge your duties in accordance with the rules and regulations as laid down in the Act establishing the council and other extant rules,”he said.
He urged him to create an atmosphere of a good working relationship with his staff, board and management to ensure a successful execution of his mandate.
In his remarks, Adedeji said Sugar is an important commodity in the global agricultural market, with an annual average production of 120.1 million tons, consumption of 118.1 million tons.
He said sugar is produced under a broad range of climatic conditions in some 120 countries and is one of the most heavily traded agricultural commodities.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in SME/Manufacturing 0
EU-UN Joint Spotlight Initiative Empowers 87 Victims Of Gender -Based Violence  

EU, UN team up to empower women - Talking Europe
The Joint European Union ( EU ) an United Nations ( UN ) Spotlight Initiative has empowered 87 victims and survivors of Gender Based Violence ( GBV  ) in different vocational training to enable them engage in productive life again.
The beneficiaries were enrolled and graduated in culinary art, fashion designing, beauty and SPA, event planning, decoration and baking.
The United Nations Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mohammed Yahya who spoke at the event said the training was aimed to recognizing and responding to the need for economic empowerment of women.
He said the beneficiaries were those who have experienced and suffered one form of gender based violence or the other, people living with disabilities and female sex workers.
According to him, the  scourge of gender based violence has been with us but because of Covid-19 pandemic it has gotten much worst than before.
” Women in Nigeria face two fundamental problems and one is economic and political exclusion. Women are not represented sufficiently. The overall percentage of women representation in the Nigeria political process is about 4%.
” We also deal with growing violence against women. For us we are working closely with minister of women affairs to support the agenda of government to ensure that women who are abused have the right avenue and to prevent further abuses”.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in News 0
We’ll   Turn Eleyele Waterfront To Tourists Hub-Commissioner

Eleyele Waterfront to Become Tourist Hub Before December – Oyo Govt | OyoAffairs.net
Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, has said that  Eleyele Water Front at Eleyele area of Ibadan will soon become a tourists attraction site for  lovers of nature from across the world.
Olatubosun,who disclosed this during the 2021 World Theatre Day, organized by the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Oyo State chapter, explained that the development was in line with  Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment towards promoting tourism in the state.
“By December, the Eleyele Waterfront will be a beehive of recreational activities as it would have opened to tourists from home and abroad for relaxation and rejuvenation of bodies and souls.
“Works are on to turn this vast water body to revenue-generating point for the government and the people of the State that are into hospitality and entertainment of tourists.
“The waterfront will serve the purposes, it has been there for so long without us tapping its potentials all the while, the present administration has taken interest in it and it will soon be in operation.”
He confirmed the support of a number of conglomerates on the new development, while reinstating the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde to  promoting the Cultural heritage of the people and developing tourism potentials, which informed organizing the upcoming ‘Omituntun Festival of Culture-Tourism in the State, which said would involve all the local government administrations across the State through various competitions.
He encouraged the Theatre Arts Practitioners to support the Engineer Seyi Makinde’s administration and  embrace unity and cooperation among themselves and other theatre groups.
In his remarks,the National President of ‘TAMPAN’, Otunba Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin), represented by Mr. Yemi Amodu, the National Officer in charge of National Research and Documentation, encouraged members to always embark on researches, innovations, self improvement for adequate future plans.
Mr Amodu, who described Oyo  as true pacesetter and a home for human development, urged the practitioners especially, youths to improve on their diction, and manner of articulation in their various projects.
The TAMPAN Governor, Oyo State Chapter, Nollywood Actress, Rose Odika, implored members of the association to always showcase love, unity, cooperation in both their works, ways of life, urging them as image makers of the world to always sue for peace and harmony in the state.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in Travel & Tourism 0
 FirstBank Reinforces Value In Promoting Women Empowerment

FirstBank convenes SMEConnect webinar, promotes growth of the educational sector - ElombahNews
First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has announced the fourth edition of its annual FirstGem conference
The 2021 event is themed ‘The Art of Negotiation’ and convened to provide women with insights on the secrets of wealth management, investment and savings. It is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 31 March 2021.
The product, FirstGem, is an account designed specifically to meet the needs of women, aged 18 years and above.
The product is targeted at a broad spectrum of women, working professionals, entrepreneurs or market women to promote their business through an array of benefits, from free business advisory services on business funding, specialized training on business development initiatives (online and physical), regular information or insights on business opportunities or openings in various sectors and industries.
 The guest speakers at the event are Mrs. Ibukun Awosika – Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Prof Pedro Videla – Prof. of Economics at IESE Business School and Prof Mehta Kandarp, Senior Lecturer, IESE Business School. They would respectively speak on the topics; the theme of the International Women’s Day “Choose to Challenge”, the current state of the Global Economy and how it Impacts Business Decisions and Negotiation as a Tool for Winning in Business & Career.
The bank’s  SME customers would be given the opportunity to pitch their business idea and stand a chance to get N1,000,000 seed fund to kick-start their business during the event.The business ideas would be judged by originality, feasibility, good presentation skills and sustainability.
 Speaking on the event, Mr. Francis Shobo, Deputy Managing Director, Firstbank said “The FirstGem 4.0 is the icing on the cake in the streams of initiatives and activities we have organised and participated in March as we join the world to celebrate women for the indelible roles they play in our society. Through these activities, we spearhead the call on the need to promote women inclusiveness in the country as the role they play towards the continued socio-economic growth and development of any given society cannot be overemphasized.”
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in Banking&Finance 0
IPOB’s ESN Responsible For Anambra Killings-Naval Chief 

Naval chief accuses IPOB's ESN for Anambra killings - Punch Newspapers
Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has accused the security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra, the Eastern Security Network,of being behind   recent killings and terror attacks on Anambra State and the whole of South-East .
Gambo ,who disclosed this during a visit to the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, at the Governor’s Lodge, Onitsha condemned the recent killing of four naval men in Anambra State.
Gambo  admonished naval officers  in the state not to be disoriented
He said:“I am here on an operational visit to the Onitsha Naval Outpost. We wouldn’t have been here but for expediency following the two separate incidents we had last week that led to the loss of some of our men and two weapons.Even though the attack was not limited to our men, because I understand that the correctional service team conveying a suspect to the court was also attacked.
“I’m here to reassure our staff at the naval outpost who have been here since 2010 to redouble their efforts and to be more alert based on the potent threats we’re observing now from the Eastern Security Network, the security arm of IPOB.We’re working in conjunction with the armed services and security agencies to ensure we bring lasting peace to this state, which has been peaceful for quite a long time now”.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in News 0
 Safety:Fuel Tanker Drivers Threaten To Down Tools

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has said its members will withdraw their services if the installation of safety valves is not made mandatory in all petroleum trucks with effect from May 1.
They conveyed the notice of industrial action  in a communique issued at the end of their meeting  in Ibadan, Oyo State,where they also observed with grave concerns the reluctance of the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners to negotiate the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for new working conditions for the petroleum tanker drivers.
“The meeting in session noted with deep pains that the expiring collective bargaining agreement has been in operation for the past six years even when the country has been experiencing spiralling inflationary trend that is further complicated by destructive powers of COVID-19 pandemic,”it added
The branch executive council  said it would no longer be able to guarantee the continued service of its members in the petroleum products distribution across the country if new conditions of service for PTD was not provided for in the next 14 days from March 27.
The council also faulted  the increasing rate of fire incidences involving petroleum trucks with accompanying massive destruction of lives and property of its members and the general public.
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in Labour/Human Resources 0