All Posts in "Day: July 3, 2021"

Yoruba Nation Rally : Police Kill 14-Year-Old  Yoghurt Seller  Lagos

Stray bullets kill 14-year-old in Ojota – The Sun Nigeria
Bullets reportedly fired by a security operative dispersing Yoruba Nation agitators at Ojota, Lagos on Saturday has killed  a yoghurt seller, identified  as Jumoke.
The victim,14,was reportedly displaying drinks at a shop when the bullet hit her.
Her was covered with a piece of cloth as a crowd gathered at the spot.
The protest which took place on Saturday at Freedom Park Ojota, Lagos, started with singing and chanting, but later went  rowdy as the police engaged in sporadic gunshots and teargas shots, disrupting the protest.
 The commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu ,who spoke earlier with journalists said that the police were not there to disperse the protesters rather to provide security and ensure that hoodlums did not hijack the protest.
“We are not here  to disperse the protesters but we want to ensure that there is no breach of peach and that hoodlums do not hijack the protest to perpetrate crime,” he said
Odumosu,who also denied having received any letter within the last 48 hours from the conveners of the protest, notifying them officially about the protest. “In the last 48 hours no letter was communicated to us on this protest by the conveners.” Odumosi said.
The police who were reported to have stationed at the park very early Saturday morning with their vehicles positioned at strategic locations might have scared away the protesters as not many people made it to the park, as expected.
Situation became charged when some youths  engaged the police with their  complaints about the inability of the government of the day to meet the needs of young people and the fact that the government has alienated the young people from governance with rising unemployment.
The commissioner of police assured them that their grievances would be communicated to the right authority, but as the session became violent, the police dispersed the protesters’ with teargas and gunshots.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in News 0
AFEX  Seeks Safety of African Journalists

African Freedom of Expression Exchange – Promoting freedom of expression and human rights in Africa
 The Eighth General Meeting of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), a network of African freedom of expression and media development organisations which are members of the global press freedom advocacy network, IFEX, was held in Accra, Ghana recently.
The meeting forms part of the major events of the AFEX network held annually. The 2021 General Meeting was presided over by Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Chairperson of AFEX’s Steering Committee, who is also the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA).
The meeting discussed the crippling impact of COVID-19 on the media industry and expressed concern about the array of COVID-related laws, regulations, protocols and practices that unduly restrict freedom of expression, access to information and digital rights in Africa. The meeting highlighted the importance of access to the internet at affordable costs for all, as a pivotal enabler of other rights, especially during the pandemic and its aftermath.
Besides,the meeting examined existing and emerging threats to freedom of expression and media freedom on the continent and discussed strategies for combating them.
The participants discussed how to address the challenges related to the right of freedom of expression and access to information arising out the fight against COVID-19 and how to confront the entrenched culture of impunity for crimes against journalists in many countries and virtually all the regions.
They resolved to increase awareness about the need for African governments to be transparent in the management of resources allocated to the fight against COVID-19; to put in place monitoring and reporting mechanisms at the national and regional levels to promote the safety of journalists and access to public information, among other issues.
They expressed concern about the deteriorating media freedom and freedom of expression environment in Africa, as evidenced by a surge in attacks on journalists and the violations of the rights in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Guinea, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, and Guinea Bissau, among others, and the suppression of critical civil society voices through actions ranging from killings, other physical attacks, threats, arbitrary arrests and detention, to crippling fines and suspension of operating licenses, especially for broadcast stations.
They denounced the increasing resort to cyber security and cyber crime laws, the manipulation of anti-terror laws as well as COVID-19 related regulations that unduly restrict the work of the media, the harassment and jailing of journalists and civil society activists in an effort to suppress critical voices in various countries and undermine the free flow of information.
They also  expressed concern over  the phenomenon of African governments disrupting social media networks and platforms or the entire internet as a tool to further silence critical voices or prevent mobilisation of the public to protest against unpopular decisions or policies in Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Uganda, Congo-Brazzaville, Senegal, Algeria, Burundi, Egypt, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Sudan and Togo over the past two years alone.
They further condemned the indefinite suspension of Twitter in Nigeria and the Facebook ban in Uganda as a gross and unjustifiable violation of the rights of Nigerians and Ugandans respectively to freedom of expression and access to information.
They demanded that the governments of Nigeria and Uganda immediately and unconditionally rescind their decisions on banning access to Twitter and Facebook and any other social media platforms to media, journalists, and the general populace, and allow all persons to enjoy and exercise their constitutional rights of access to information and freedom of expression online, as enshrined in the countries’ constitutions and several other regional, continental and international treaties and protocols that Nigeria and Uganda are a signatories to.
·They condemned the killing of journalists across the continent including the killing in March this year of Jamal Farah Adan, a Somali broadcast journalist; two expatriate journalists killed in Burkina Faso in May 2021 and at least five killed in Nigeria since 2020 as well as the killing of Ghanaian journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale in Ghana in 2019.
They  condemned the growing trend of forced disappearances and the incidence of “missing” journalists in Tanzania and Mozambique such as journalist Ibrahimo Abu Mbaruco who has been missing since April 7, 2020.
They  condemned the deadly crackdown by security agents on protests in many parts of Africa including the violent crackdown on #EndSARS protesters in Nigeria that resulted in the killing of dozen protesters.
They  urged governments in Africa to establish coordinating multi-stakeholder national mechanisms to guarantee the safety of journalists and other media practitioners who remain the major victims of freedom of expression violations, at both national and regional levels.
They implored  governments in Africa to work towards formulating and implementing policies that promote the exercise and enjoyment of human rights on the internet and particularly meaningful and affordable connectivity as well as bridging the gender digital divide.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in Media 0
Shippers’ Council: Jime’s Appointment Well Deserved-Abatemi Usman

Buhari appoints Emmanuel Lyambee Jime as Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council | Nairametrics
A former Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has congratulated Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, on his appointment as the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC).
In a letter of congratulations, personally signed by Abatemi-Usman, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), he hailed Jime’s appointment describing it as well-merited.
He said Jime has what it takes to pilot the affairs of the NSC to an enviable height considering his wealth of experience and pedigree.
“I write to express sincere congratulations to you on your worthy and meritorious appointment as the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) by President Muhammadu Buhari, upon the recommendation of the Honourable Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
“It is indeed a well-deserved appointment considering your valuable contributions to the birth, growth and advancement of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). You have made significant impact in APC – Benue where you emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general election.
With your huge wealth of experience as an astute lawyer and consummate administrator, and your outstanding records of achievements from the previous positions you have held within the legislative and executive arms of government, I have no doubt that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by the President and the supervising Minister of the agency,” Abatemi-Usman, said in the letter addressed to Jime.
He added: “On behalf of myself and my family, I wish you a successful tenure in office as you take up the task of directing the affairs of the Nigerian Shippers Council to greater heights.
“Whilst we pray that God direct and guide you aright in this new assignment, please accept our congratulations.”
Jime, a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), was a member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency for two terms between 2007 and 2015, and Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly from 1992 to 1993.
His appointment, which is for a renewable four-year tenure, is effective from 23rd June, 2021.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in Maritime 0

The Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), has said that the percentage approved for the  oil bearing communities as their equity share in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) passed by the Senate is not only demeaning, but an insult for the environmentally degraded host communities.
Barrister Alaowei E. Cleric, the National President, Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), who disclosed this in Lagos,wondered what 3% could do to cushion the effects of the years of degradation and exploitation of the ecosystem.
He said: “When the bill was introduced by Yar’Adua government at the time of the militants’ agitations for equity and fair share in the production quota, 10% equity share was voted in the proposed bill for the host communities.
“The same was one of the bargaining lines of discuss to lull the restive Niger Delta people. We commend the House of Representatives for approving 5% in their version of the bill, even though we are demanding for the original 10% host communities share.
“The members of this 9th Senate seems to have forgotten so soon that the 10% equity share for the host communities in the then PIB was one of the reasons why the aggrieved Niger Delta people reluctantly accepted the presidential amnesty.
“The Federal Government cannot renege on its promise now that the region is peaceful. It is ridiculous that the Senate approved in the Bill a whopping 30% for the NNPC to explore oil across the country.”
He said  the Senate was more concerned about what they never see than what the naton have.
He added:“The host communities should continue to suffer from the environmental abuse occasioned by the oil exploratory activities without any environmental remediation?The communities should continue to suffer neglect and marginalisation on the altar of national infrastructure development without their interest being protected by the petroleum law?
“The House Joint Committee should look into the danger in passing bill into law. Niger Delta people need nothing less than 10% equity share as originally agreed.The National Assembly should strive to consider the interest of the people who bear the brunt in passing the PIB. 3% will sure resurrect agitations in the region.”
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in Niger Delta 0
Afreximbank  Plans African Medical Center Of Excellence In Abuja

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), a pan-African multilateral trade finance agency based in Cairo, Egypt, is planning to build an African Medical Center of Excellence in Abuja.
This was disclosed  during a visit to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) by a bank delegation led by Professor Benedict O. Oramah, President and Chairman, Board of Directors.
Receiving the  delegation,Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
He explained that the establishment of the Medical Centre in Abuja will not only attract people seeking medical attention from across the African continent to the Center, but also reduce medical tourism from Nigeria.
He added:“We feel highly honoured with your tangible presence in respect of the projects you are doing here, and we look forward to your investments either directly or as an enabler because, as you know, Abuja itself is a city that started from scratch and is still a work in progress,” Malam Bello said, praising Afreximbank for its various projects and investments in the FCT. As a result, we need enablers like you.”
He also urged  the bank to assist the FCT Administration with infrastructure development, particularly in the proposed location of the Medical Centre of Excellence and the powering of street and traffic lights around the city.
He spoke on electricity generation and possible areas of support from the bank, saying that the Nigerian laws made provisions for the Eligible Customer that consumes electricity in excess of 2 megawatts to independently source for electricity.
He expressed  that the FCT could explore this possibility with support from the bank.
He said” The power laws in Nigeria now allows for what we call Eligible Customer. Once your consumption is up to two megawatts and obviously the consumption of the city is far above two megawatts, that allows us to create a solution that is off grid, and then of course we look at renewable options”.
In his earlier remarks, Afreximbank’s President, Professor Benedict Oramah said the bank’s team was in the FCTA to brief the Minister on the progress made on the construction of the African Medical Center of Excellence and the African Trade Center in Abuja.
He also commended the FCT Minister for the tremendous support the bank has enjoyed from the FCTA, especially as it begins to implement some of its initiatives in Nigeria that are based in Abuja.
Speaking on the establishment of the Medical Center, the Bank’s Director Export Development and Ag. Director Project and Asset Based Finance, Oluranti Doherty said that the bank was working closely with leading international medical, human resource and construction consultants and expressed optimism that the ground breaking ceremony will be carried out by November of 2021.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in Health 0
Filing:FIRS Gives Taxpayers One Month Grace 

FIRS: Tax defaulters to pay 50% of disputed amount into court account before hearing | TheCable
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has granted a one-off one-month extension for the filing of Company Income Tax returns by taxpayers with December 31, 2020 accounting year-end whose statutory tax returns were due not later than 30th June 2021.
This extension was contained in a Public Notice of 30th June 2021 signed by the Service’s Executive Chairman, Mr Muhammad Nami and conveyed through a press statement of the agency’s spokesman,Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad .
He said:“This extension is to provide an opportunity to all taxpayers whose company Income Tax returns were due in June 2021 to file up to the 31st July 2021. This extension suspends corresponding Late Returns Penalty and interest for late filing for the period of the extension provided that the filing process is concluded on the FIRS TaxProMax Platform and the tax due is paid using the Payment Reference Number (PRN) on or before 31st July 2021. The extension also provides an opportunity to taxpayers to upload all unused WHT credit notes into the TaxProMax not later than 31st July 2021.
According to him,the FIRS granted the 30-day extension as a result of glitches experienced on its recently deployed TaxProMax Platform Solution by some taxpayers while trying to complete their annual filing processes.
Mr Nami stated that “the Service had taken note of the very good progress recorded in the implementation of the TaxProMax Solution which was introduced for ease of tax compliance in fulfilling taxpayers obligations”.
He expressed gratitude to the taxpayers and the general public for the encouraging acceptance of the Solution and the feedback. He then pointed out that a Situation Room for resolving issues on a “real-time” basis for improved taxpayer experience of the Solution has been established. Taxpayers and other stakeholders can make necessary enquiries from the Situation Room via email address: taxpromax.firs.gov.ng.
Mr Nami also stated that in response to the challenges experienced by taxpayers, “the TaxProMax has been upgraded as follows: Payment on Accounts: The upgrade enables taxpayers to make payment on account i.e. pay tax on account pending an assessment. The system will apply such advance tax payment to a future assessment; Validity of Payment Reference Number (PRN) formerly Document Identification Number (DIN): The PRN will remain valid until the due date of filing of the relevant tax returns; and Branch Payment: Companies can effect VAT & WHT payments using the “Branch TIN”. Note that the use of Branch TIN is only for VAT & WHT; the main CIT returns must be filed using the company TIN for the Tax Office hosting the main tax file.”
Mr Nami appreciated the taxpayers and the general public for their continued cooperation in generating revenue for the development of the country.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in News 0
TUC Seeks  Release Of Abducted  Member 

IWD: TUC seeks end to gender violence against women | GistAfri.com
The Rivers State chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria(TUC),has urged the Federal Government  and  Rivers State to facilitate the release of its affiliate member,Comrade Casmir Ojobor,from kidnappers’ den.
Ojobor,who works in Soku Gas Plant in Rivers State,was recently abducted by kidnappers on his way to work.
The chapter’s secretary of the union,Comrade Fortune Obi,said the TUC will use every means at its disposal to secure the release of her member if the two governments refuse to ensure the return of its members .
  He condemned the abduction Comrade Casmir Ojobor,saying it was uncalled work and a disservice for the labour union’s efforts to promote efficient workforce in the country.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in Labour/Human Resources 0
 Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victims 

Police arrest suspected kidnapper, rescue victim in Delta - Daily Post Nigeria
Oyo State Police Command have arrest a suspected kidnapper, and   rescued five victims in Ibadan.
The rescued victims were said to be on transit to Warri before they all  slept off shortly after their take off from Lagos Commercial Motor Park before they suddenly woke up and realised they were in Ibadan.
The command said  that on 29th June, 2021 at about 1200hrs, precedent distress call received from a concerned citizen about a suspected abduction incidence which lead to the arrest of one Emekume Augustine ‘m’ age 38 years a commercial driver, staffed at Dominion Park Management Lagos State, driving a white colored Sienna SUV, with Reg. No. GGE 61 GX, who left the park with three (3) male and two (2) female passengers supposedly enroute Warri, Delta State.
The command  maintained that the victims however attested to have all slept off at some point and surprisingly woke-up to the discovery that they were in an unknown location in Oyo State, from where they started raising an alarm, demanding an explanation from the driver which resulted to the driver driving recklessly as against stopping.
The  command stated that upon receipt of this information the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command in collaboration with other alerted citizens, gave the vehicle a hot chase resulting to the arrest of the suspect and rescue of the victims along Odo-Ona Elewe Area, Ibadan.
 The command maintained that Intensive investigation has since commenced and promises to be fact revealing.
Soliciting support of the  people of the state in  partnering with the police in dislodging criminal elements from their abode and destabilizing criminal network, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo state command, CP Ngozi Onadeko,assured  the citizens in the state of the command’s preparedness in curbing crime and criminality in the state  with a view to boosting  the already existing atmosphere of peace and tranquility enjoyed by all and sundry.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in Crime/Metro 0
 Award:We’ll Add More Value To Nigeria’s Economy-OVH Energy

OVH Energy Boosts Education Development In Nigeria With Scholarships - Oriental News Nigeria

OVH Energy (Oando Licensee), has been named Bulk Distributing Company of the Year at the recently organized Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Awards 2021.

Receiving the award, the Chief Executive Officer, OVH Energy, Huub Stokman, said OVH Energy would be further challenged by the recognition to be relentless in making significant contributions to the industry and the Nigerian economy.

Stokman said, “We are pleased that this award is a recognition of how OVH Energy has greatly enriched Nigeria’s downstream sector and established an unparalleled supply footprint. We are glad that our work is recognised by the industry.”

“Our journey to excellence as a leading downstream oil and gas company is hinged on the tremendous dedication and contributions of our staff and the strong support of our partners” he added.

2021 has been fulfilling for OVH Energy as the company continues to forge strategic partnerships and challenge the status quo in order to add value to all stakeholders through the trade, storage and distribution of gas.

 

He  promised that OVH Energy would continue to protect and enrich the lives, assets, and environments of their areas of operation through initiatives such as the OVH Energy University Scholarship Scheme (USS), which grants scholarships to underprivileged students in host communities.

Presenting the award,the  Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, said:“This award is in recognition of the distinguished service you have rendered in your field of endeavors. We identify with your accomplishments at setting a new agenda for a prosperous Nigeria and Africa.”

The FUPRE Awards are held annually by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in collaboration with the African Child Foundation to recognize the landmark achievements and activities of key players in the oil and gas industry.

Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in Oil&Gas 0
PIB:Senate President Sees Economic Prospects For Nigeria

The President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan,has said that the Petroleum Industry Bill will bring huge foreign direct investment into Nigeria when it is passed into law.
He spoke at the opening ceremony  of a meeting of the conference of Presiding Officers of Nigerian legislature with the theme “public perception of the role of the legislature: post legislative scrutiny and Independence of the legislature.
He  implored  Nigerians to monitor the executive’s implementation of the provisions of the just passed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) especially as it relates to funds allotted for Host Communities.
He also spoke on the relationship between the executive and  the 9th Assembly,insisting that the rancorous relationship between the executive and past Assemblies affected the budget circle and by extension, governance, the 9th assembly resolved to ensure harmonious relationship with the executive so that government can function for the good of Nigerians.
He cited  the recent case of a leaking roof in the National Assembly.
He said:“It was unfair to assume that the N37 billion that was initially budgeted for the rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex that was later slashed to N9.2 billion had been embezzled by members of the National Assembly when the money was actually domiciled in the Federal Capital Territory budget.
This is one demonstration and testimony of misperception of the legislature. As I speak, this is still going through the procurement process.
“But you know what, when there was leakage, some of these critics and haters and traducers of the National Assembly said the National Assembly had chopped the money. They have finished the rehabilitation. Look at what is happening. They didn’t even care to find out what really happened. So they went to town.
“Without this legislature, there is no democracy. The National Assembly and legislature across the country are people’s institutions. Not members of the National Assembly’s institution or State Assembly members’ institution. Its the public. It’s the people.
“So, I will always advise that members of the public, especially those minority who have access to media should please help our democracy prosper. Tell the true story. Inform correctly. Publicize rightly. We welcome criticisms,” Lawan said.
Online Editor by — July 3, 2021 in News 0