All Posts in "Day: July 28, 2021"

FG Approves New Law School In PH

FG Approves Nigeria Law School Campus ,Port Harcourt | CKN News
The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School,  Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, has announced  that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a new campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
He spoke on Tuesday at a ceremony to admit  880 law graduates,into the Nigerian Bar.
The Bar final exams
He explained that the Federal Government’s approval followed a request from the Rivers state government to build, equip and hand over a brand new campus of the Nigerian Law School to the Council of Legal Education in the state.
He also announced that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has recently given approval for the construction of 1, 500 seating capacity auditorium and two 900 bed spaces of male and females hostels for the Yenogoa Campus of the Nigerian Law School.
He implored the new wigs to adhere strictly to the norms and ethics of the legal profession.
Speaking,the chairman of Body of Benchers and Life Bencher, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour,urged the new lawyers to refrain from any act or conduct that will obstruct or adversely affect the course of justice.
“You must adhere strictly to the provisions of the rules of professional conduct and maintain best practices at all times” he said.
He warned that the Legal Profession and Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) will not hesitate to any discipline erring lawyer whose conduct negate the sacrosanct standards of the legal profession or amount to infamous conduct.
He expressed optimistism that the future of law practice in Nigeria s bright with the advent of legal analytic soft wares and the internet, which has provided a complete range of legal information and source materials, including judicial decisions.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in Law/Human Rights 0
Nigeria Records 325 Deaths From Cholera 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),says Cholera is currently posing severe  health crisis in the country.
The Director of the agency, Chikwe Ihekweazu,disclosed this at a pre-conference workshop ahead of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Conference of Applied and Field Epidemiology (NiCAFE), the director of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu
He said in  the first quarter of this year alone, a total of 14, 343 suspected cases of cholera leading to 325 deaths, including 345 laboratory-confirmed cases have been recorded by the NCDC.
Though the cholera outbreak this year is yet to be declared a national emergency, health experts fear its repercussions on the country’s health infrastructure already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said his agency is working to strengthen infodemics management as part of national emergency preparedness and response framework.
He noted that the NCDC is working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in that regard.
Also speaking, WHO’s Infodemic Management Consultant, Abdulraman Danjuma, said that the outcome of collaborations among the national and sub-national governments as well as with partners and the private sector was to have an integrated Infodemic management system in the country for addressing public health response.
During the panel session on infodemics, the NCDC director of Prevention Programmes and Knowledge Management, Chinwe Ochu, emphasized the need to train the media on ways to manage infodemics during epidemics.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in Health 0
NAPTIP Jails 550 Traffickers  

NAPTIP convicts 442 traffickers, rescues 17,000 victims — Okah-Donli
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP),has disclosed that  it rescued over 17,000 victims of human trafficking and jailed over 550 traffickers.
Its Director-General, Sen. Basheer Muhammed, who disclosed this  during a joint briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2021 World Day Against Human Trafficking, assured that the agency would continue to rescue, counsel, rehabilitate, and empower victims of human trafficking and ensure that offenders were prosecuted with a view to ending the menace.
He added that, “As at last count, over 550 traffickers were jailed, with many cases at various prosecution stages in courts across the country.Over 17,000 victims were rescued and a good number of them were trained and empowered.”
He said that as part of the 2021 World Day Against Human Trafficking, the agency would unveil the ‘Strengthing Nigeria’s Criminal Justice Response to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants-PROMIS’ project, supported by the Netherlands.
In addition, the ‘Strenthening Trans-Regional Action and Responses against the Smuggling of Migrants-STARSOM’ project supported by Canada would also be launched, to be implemented by the UNODC.
The NAPTIP boss revealed that the harmonised Screening and Reporting Tools for identification of Victims of Human Trafficking developed with the support of the IOM would also be launched.
According to him, the projects will help in addressing identified gaps in the criminal response to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIP/SOM).
He said it would also strengthen capacities to prevent, investigate and prosecute TIP/SOM cases, combat activities of migrant smuggling networks and enhance law enforcement and judicial responses.
Mr Joseph Sanwo, the Senior Project Officer, FIAPP A-TIPSOM, said that the organisation, in partnership with  the European Union (EU), donated forensic equipment to NAPTIP to support investigation activities to curb trafficking and migration.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in News 0
 Court Dissolves Ex-Soldier Marriage  

Court dissolves 28-year-old marriage over wife's plan to kill husband
A 73-year-old retired soldier, Kalid Ayanlaki, who dragged his wife, Funke, before an Igando Customary Court in Lagos was on Tuesday granted divorce on grounds of ”lack of love” after seven years.
In his verdict,the President of the Court, Adeniyi Koledoye ,maintained  that since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several interventions, the court was left with no option other than to grant his wish.
He held:“The court hereby pronounces the marriage between Mr Kalid Ayanlaki and Funke dissolved today.Both of you henceforth cease to be husband and wife.Each of you should go their separate ways. The court wishes both of you well in your future endeavours.”
He ordered Ayanlaki to pay N150,000 as severance fee to his wife and also pay N200,000 for her to get a new accommodation.
Ayanlaki, had earlier sought a dissolution of his seven-year-old marriage, claiming he no longer loves his wife.
“The love I once had for my wife has vanished. I am tired of her and I want her out of my life and house.
“Please, terminate the marriage for us to go on our separate ways,” the petitioner said.
But,the 52-year-old fashion designer, Funke Ayanlaki, challenged her husband to produce the corpse of their only child before she agrees to a divorce.
“I will never agree to the divorce unless he gives me the corpse of our child.He took the corpse of the only child I had for him and vanished into thin air. I do not know what he did with it.
“I want the corpse back. That is the only condition on which I will accept the dissolution of our marriage.
”I have suffered and experienced so many strange sicknesses in the marriage and I also lost my child mysteriously. He cannot just used and dumped me.”
She accused her  husband of deceiving her into marriage.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in Crime/Metro 0
Bolt Launches Cash Withdrawal Option For Drivers

Bolt launches early cashout option to improve drivers' liquidity – WorldStage
Bolt, a ride-hailing company,has introduced a cash withdrawal option for its drivers in a bid to improve access to their income on the platform.
Femi Akin-Laguda, Bolt country manager, explained that the income include earnings from cashless payment methods, drivers bonuses and discounts.
According to him,the  new feature would enable drivers to easily withdraw earned cash when needed thereby boosting liquidity.
He  added that the feature will improve drivers’ satisfaction as well as customers experience.
“Drivers are core to our business, and we must continue to retain the trust and loyalty we have earned over the years by fulfilling our promise to keep improving the overall experience for every driver,” he said.
“The early cashout option improves liquidity for our drivers by ensuring that they have easier and faster access to their earnings; this will include fares for trips paid with cashless options like cards, driver bonuses and payments for passenger discounts.
“Our aim is to ensure that our drivers have flexibility in how they access their earnings while passengers will be more confident to request rides with any payment method they wish.”
Akin-Laguda said the early cashout service is available to drivers once a day with a transaction fee of N15 paid to the bank.
He said the feature is active for existing drivers who have been on the platform for up to two weeks and have completed at least 25 trips without any irregularities.
He added that the cashout product processes payments directly to drivers’ bank accounts.
“The cashout requests during business hours will be processed in less than an hour, while requests outside these hours on business days will be processed on the same day,” he said.Furthermore, early cashout requests made on weekends and holidays will be processed on the following business day.”
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in Motoring 0
 CBN Retains MPR 11.5%

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Mr. Godwin Emefiele ,says that the Monetary Policy Committee members has again retained the Monetary Policy Rate MPR at 11.5 per cent, retained  the asymmetric corridor of +100/-700 basis points around the MPR; retain the CRR at 27.5 per cent and retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent.
He explained that the MPC made the decision to hold all policy parameters constant; adding that the development will enable the continued permeation of current policy measures in supporting the recorded growth recovery and macro-economic stability.
Emefiele,according to the communique issued at the end of the meeting of the committee, said that the economy has been gradually reopening following the effect of the global pandemic noted that it was far from over and therefore continued to hinder the recovery.
He implored the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to intensify efforts towards procurement of more vaccines to ensure that herd immunity is achieved in Nigeria.
He added  that the MPC was concerned about the broad level of insecurity across the country, noting its impact on business confidence and overall economic activities.
According to him,the  persisting insecurity in key commodity producing areas and urged the Federal Government to intensify security surveillance in farming communities to ensure uninterrupted farming activities.
He  said that the committee members expressed optimism about the likely moderating impact of the forthcoming harvests on food prices, as this would contribute to the ongoing broad reduction in headline inflation.
He also said said that the  apex will continue to release maize from its strategic maize reserve directly to feed-millers as part of its strategic response to address rising food prices and moderate the price of maize across the country.
He added  that the members highlighted the contribution of poor infrastructure to rising domestic price levels, tasking the Federal Government to prioritize investment in public infrastructure such as improved transportation networks, power supply and telecommunication facilities.
He explained that the complementary role these bonds would play to boost foreign exchange supply, improving accretion to reserves and easing the exchange rate pressure.
MPC, therefore, encourage the Bank to continue using its existing administrative methods to rein-in inflation by the use of its discretionary CRR policy to mop-up liquidity from the banking system as the need arises.
He also said that the Committee was of the opinion that there was a need to continue to put in place policy measures that will further and faster drive down inflation, while at the same time accelerate output growth to levels above population growth rate.
The committee also encouraged the Bank to continue the use of its intervention mechanism to deploy funds to output-stimulating and employment-generating sectors of the economy, such as, the Targeted Credit Facility, AGSMEIS, Agriculture and Manufacturing.
According to him, “The Committee noted the gradual recovery in output growth following positive growth in the first quarter and improving PMI in subsequent months, expressing confidence that the second quarter output result will show further improvement.”
“It commended the continued effort by both the monetary and fiscal authorities as well as public health agencies in stemming the Pandemic and its impact, thus, returning the economy to a path of recovery.”
He said that the Committee encourages Nigerian banks to extend more credit to consumers and firms to enhance consumption and production activities necessary to strengthen the recovery.
The committee members noted the persistent reduction in remittance of oil revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, stemming largely from rising levels of cost under-recovery and other obligations, particularly to Joint Venture Contracts.The Committee thus, urged the Government to continue to explore additional sources of non-oil revenue, as this would reduce the over dependence on a single revenue source.”
“Members applauded the efforts by the Federal Government to encourage the use of gas in motor vehicles and the payment for conversion of 1 million Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-driven vehicles to gas-driven, to reduce overall cost of PMS consumption.The committee encouraged the participation of private sector initiatives to develop and expand modular refineries while it frowned at cross-border smuggling of PMS.”
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in CBN 0
 NCC Boosts Broadband Penetration  To 45% 

As Broadband Penetration Hits 45% in 2020, Could Nigeria Achieve 65% by 2024?
The Nigerian Communication Commission  (NCC) has increased broadband penetration in Nigeria from less than 6% in 2015 to 45% in 2021,its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta said.
He announced this in his key note speech at a panel session during the 2021 virtual conference and exhibition on information communication and technology organised by the Lagos Chamber of commerce and Industry (LCCI).
 According to him: “There still exist access gaps which the Commission is making efforts to bridge. It is noteworthy that the hitherto existing access gaps of 217 identified in the country have been reduced to 114 through increased collaboration between the Commission and stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem. Hence, the InfraCo project being implemented by NCC and other similar regulatory initiatives which has PPP component are in line with policy expectations of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025; the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030; the NCC Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-2024, as well as a number of regulatory instruments and frameworks which envisioned the PPP model as a central organising principle for fast-tracking the development of Nigeria’s telecoms industry.
“Besides, the NCC is renowned for its tradition of engaging in robust stakeholder consultation on the development of its various regulations and policy initiatives. The Commission consistently engages private sector organisations, in clear expression of its PPP philosophy, to carry out specific tasks, notably, in carrying out cost-based studies, whose outcomes have been used by the Commission to improve regulations and policy decision that have far-reaching positive implications on the economy.
 He disclosed that the agency  has also engaged in a number of PPP engagement through such initiatives as Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF), a multi-sectoral committee of private and public sector institutions whose collaboration with the Commission has bolstered Commission’s determination to continually improve on all principles of protection of telecoms consumers from an array of service challenges as well as incidences of frauds and other associated risks of online transactions.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in IT&Telecoms 0
Lagos,First Bank  Collaborate  On Primary Health Care

Lagos, First Bank partner to provide PHC for community -
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has collaborated  with First Bank of Nigeria in providing a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) at Ijeododo Community in Lagos State.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, explained  at the groundbreaking ceremony that PHC would improve the standard of living of the residents of Ijeododo in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, explained that the ‘One Community At A Time (OCAAT) ‘ initiative was an integrated, inter-sectoral and community-based programme that would achieve sustainable improvements in the lives of people living in underserved communities across Lagos State.
According to him,the initiative was the brainchild of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Folashade Jaji, which was approved by the State Executive Council on January 18, 2020.
He said that in spite of the deficiency, the state had risen to the challenge of fighting COVID-19, reducing the impact of the disease on the citizens and keeping the economy open.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the import of providing functional PHCs to fight COVID-19 and other diseases, especially,  in the underserved communities.
He added that the state will transform its health infrastructure through the use of quality and medically suitable building materials to ensure the sustainability of the structures.
He commended First Bank for supporting his administration’s quest in building resilient healthcare in the state and increasing residents’ access to quality healthcare.
Speaking ,Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the Managing Director, First Bank, explained that supporting Government through the building of the PHC was part of the bank’s resolve to spread kindness across various communities.
He  said that the bank had advocated  this through its philanthropic Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week, an initiative held yearly to promote acts of kindness.
According to him,  the initiative tagged ‘SPARK’ an acronym for: Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness, gives expression to the bank’s commitment to improving the health and welfare of members of various communities.
He maintained the bank’s commitment to continue to support the government in its developmental projects, adding that First Bank through CACOVID assisted the government in its fight against COVID-19.
He  advised residents of Ijeododo community to take ownership of the PHC by maintaining it, while stating the bank’s commitment to supporting the community through the process.
Chief Jelili Ododo,  the leader of Ijeododo Community in his response, commended the state government and First Bank for the decision to build the PHC in his community.
“Our pregnant women used to give birth inside cars on their way to the nearest General Hospital at Igando.
“This PHC will bring relief to my people.  I plead with the government to start the project on time and also ensure its early completion,” he said.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in Health 0
I75MW Of Power Idle In Egbin Plant Since Last Year

Egbin Power plans additional 1,750MW - Punch Newspapers
Egbin Power Plc,an affiliate of Sahara Group,says the plant  had been unable to utilise 175MW of its available capacity due to gas and transmission constraints since last year.
The Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Mr Kola Adesina, disclosed this during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Privatisation, led by its Chairman, Senator Theodore Orji, to the power station in Lagos .
He  said, “At the time when we took over this asset, we were generating averagely 400MW of electricity; today, we are averaging about 800MW. At a point in time, we went as high as 1,100MW. Invariably, this is an asset of strategic importance to Nigeria.
“The plant needs to be nurtured and maintained. If you don’t give this plant gas, there won’t be electricity. Gas is not within our control.
“Our availability is limited to the regularity of gas that we receive. The more irregular the gas supply, the less likely there will be electricity.”
He noted that if the power generated at the station was not evacuated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, it would be useless.
Adesina said, “Unfortunately, as of today, technology has not allowed power of this size to be stored; so, we can’t keep it anywhere.
“So, invariably, we will have to switch off the plant, and when we switch off the plant, we have to pay our workers irrespective of whether there is gas or transmission.
“Sadly, the plant is aging. So, this plant requires more nurturing and maintenance for it to remain readily available for Nigerians.
“Now, where you have exchange rate move from N157/$1 during acquisition in 2013 to N502-N505/$1 in 2021, and the revenue profile is not in any way commensurate to that significant change, then we have a very serious problem.”
According to, at the meeting of the Association of Power Generation Companies on Monday, members raised concern about the debts owed to them.
He added, “All the owners were there, and the concern that was expressed was that this money that is being owed, when are we going to get paid?
“The longer it takes us to be paid, the more detrimental to the health and wellbeing our machines and more importantly, to our staff.”
Adesina lamented that the country’s power generation had been hovering around 4,000MW in recent years.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in Power 0
N69bn Debt:AMCON Takes Over Jimoh Ibrahim’s Insurance Firms

N69bn Debt: AMCON takes over Nicon Insurance, Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation – Blueprint Newspapers Limited
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigerian (AMCON),has taken   over Nicon Insurance Limited and the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation (Nigeria Re)over an alleged N69.4 billion debt.
AMCON has changed the board and management of the two firms to enhance their smooth running, efficient and effective management.
The agency disclosed that its agency’s action has been approved by National Insurance Commission.
AMCON said in a statement that:“The reason for the changes in the board and management of the two insurance firms is sequel to the takeover of the major investor’s interests in the two organisations by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) is working in partnership with AMCON to bring the much-needed stability in the operation of the organisations,” AMCON said in a statement.
The new board of NICON Insurance Limited has Lamis Dikko as its Chairman, Henry Ationuas, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and John Oyidih as Executive Director, Finance & Admin.
The insurance firm also has Alexander Okoh, the Director-General of Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) as Non-Executive Director and Ahmed Modibbo FIBA ACIS as Non-Executive Director (Independent).
“Similarly, the board and management of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation has Mela Nunghe as Chairman, Olugbenga Falekulo, serves as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Olusegun Ilori comes in as Executive Director, Finance & Admin. Alexander Okoh, the Director-General of Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) comes in as Non-Executive Director while Yvonne Isichei, FCIB joins as Non-Executive Director (Independent),” AMCON said.
It added that the reconstitution of the board and management team of two insurance institutions is to ensure that the firms continue in their quest for transparent and accountable management of insurance in the country, and continue to deliver value to its stakeholders.
Online Editor by — July 28, 2021 in Insurance&Pension 0