All Posts in "Day: December 3, 2021"

OVH Energy Marketing Bags Award

OVH Energy Announces O-Gas Giveaway to Reward Customer Loyalty
Nigeria’s leading indigenous marketer of choice, OVH Energy Marketing has been announced as the winner of the Forbes Best of Africa Downstream Company of the Year. The award presentation was held on the 21st of November at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, in conjunction with the Foreign Investment Network (FIN).
Through its awards, Forbes Best of Africa continues to acknowledge and celebrate exemplary leaders, institutions, top businessmen, political leaders, and dynamic personalities with records of making far-reaching impacts and positive contributions to the development of their respective countries, sectors, and industries.
Commenting on the award, the Chief Executive Officer, OVH Energy Marketing, Huub Stokman said, “we’re humbled to receive the Forbes Best of Africa Award and a big thank you to the Forbes team for this recognition and award. We owe profound gratitude to our customers for their unwavering patronage over the years”.
Stokman further explained that the award is an incentive to do more in the Nigerian downstream sector. “OVH Energy Marketing will continue to provide exceptional services to our customers, as our strong unrivaled heritage drives to impact our customers’ lives positively while distributing over 1 billion liters of refined petroleum products annually and providing trusted petroleum services including supply reliability and technical expertise nationwide,” he said.
The event was graced by dozens of the business communities, policymakers, entrepreneurs, politicians, opinion leaders, the media, Forbes’ partners and international investors, Forbes’ representatives in Nigeria, Foreign Investment Network (FIN) amongst others.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in Oil&Gas 0
EFCC Slams Fresh Money Laundering Charges On Fayose

Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Re-arraigns Fayose On Amended Charges – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has rearraigned  former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and his company, Spotless Limited, on amended 11 counts charge.
In the amended charge, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele, who is also standing trial on alleged money laundering offences before another division of the court, were alleged to have on June 17, 2014, took possession of N1. 219 billion, to fund Fayose’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State.
They were accused of committing criminal breach of trust, theft and stealing of public funds.
They were also alleged to have on the same June 17, 2014, without going through financial institutions, received the sum of $5 million USD, from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who was them Minister of State for Defence.
The EFCC accused Fayose to have on April 7, 2015, retained the sum of N300 million, in his fixed  deposit account number 9013074033, domiciled in Zenilth Bank Plc.
Fayose and his company, Spotless Limited were also alleged to have between June 17 and August 4, 2014, took control of the sum of N317 million, and deposit same in Zenilth Bank Plc account number 1010170969.
The former Ekiti State Governor was also alleged to have between June 26 and August 27, 2014, took control of the sum of N305, 760 million, which formed part of proceeds of unlawful act, and in his Zenith Banks’ account number 1003126654. While also accused of procuring Abiodun Agbele and a company, De-privateer Limited, to retain the sum of N719, 490 million in Zenith Bank’s account number 1013835889.
The EFCC further accused Fayose to have used the sum of N270 million and N1.151,711,573 billion respectively, to acquire properties at Plot 1504, Yedsema Street, Maitama, Abuja from one Rabi Kundili, and Chalets 3, 4, 6 and 9, at Plot 100, Tiyamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, in the name of JJ Technical Services.
Fayose was also alleged to have between October 16 and December 31, 2018, failed to declare his assets and properties, by not completing the declaration form during investigation.
The offences according to the EFCC are contrary to sections 15(2)(d); 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended, and punishable under section 15(3)(4); 16(2)(b) of the same Act.

He was also alleged to have acted contrary to section 27(1)(3)(c) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
Fayose denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all the 11 counts charges.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in News 0
Ooni Seeks Preservation  of Yoruba  Culture 

Ooni Seeks Protection Of Yoruba Culture At Oore First Coronation Anniversary – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has advised the descendants of Oduduwa to always respect and protect the Yoruba cultural values bequeathed to them by their forebears.
Oba Ogunwusi,who gave this charge during the first coronation anniversary of Oore of Moba land , Oba Adekunle Adeagbo emphasized the need for Yoruba  to promote the rich cultural values of the race and not allow civilization to erode the age-long  values.
He explained the importance of Oore stool to the Oodua race and  advised the inhabitants of the kingdom to support and join the monarch in his quest to ensure educational, economic and social development of Moba land.
 He expressed optimism that the monarch would attract tremendous development to his domain, “ because he is a forthright, dynamic and focus traditional ruler and I have no doubt in my mind about his commitment to development of Moba land.”
Ooni added:” There is need for people to promote and accord more respect to our culture in Yoruba land, we have rich cultural values which must not be eroded on the altar of westernization or civilization. No doubt we must be united as a race, this is very important for our economic development. We need peace in the entire Oodua race because with peace, we can get our rights and get what is due for us in a very peaceful way. “
He emphasized the need for people to work together in unity , noting that Yoruba race can achieve more in the country with unity of purpose and in the atmosphere of peace.
Speaking,  Oba Adeagbo commended the Ooni for his love to the people of the kingdom , assuring him of his continued support in ensuring unity and peace in the entire Yoruba land.
“All our sons and daughters, home and abroad should come to identity with us in the development of our land, this is the only Jerusalem we have. Let us see to the progress of our land and even the country and most importantly we should be mentors to our children,” the Oore said.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in News 0
NESG Unveils  Non-residential Fellowship Programme

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has unveiled its maiden Non-Residential Fellowship Programme (NRFP).
It explained that the launch was aimed at firming up ties between evidence-based research and policy advocacy, with the objective of deepening Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
At the virtual launch of the programme, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of NESG, emphasized the need for much stronger ties between evidence and policy making informed the creation of the non-residential fellowship programme, which would promote the dissemination of quality research output which fosters the nation’s socio-economic development.
He reiterated NESG’s commitment to playing a significant role in supporting the translation of high-quality research into effective policies in Nigeria.
He added:“This is why we are all here today. In order to make the right policy choices, the quality of evidence underlying the recommendations made must be ensured.
“This aligns with our role as watch dog, recognising that generating reliable evidence, using rigorous methods, is the first step to implementing the right policies.”
“It is important for quality research to find an outlet which guarantees its implementation.”
Also speaking, Project Director of the NFRP and Chairman, Presidential Economic Council, Dr. Doyin Salami, explained that the NESG had spent the past 30 years as an advocacy group, but deemed it fit to transform into a think tank, understanding the dynamic nature of the policy environment.
According to him, “It is in the context of becoming a think tank that this non-residential fellowship programme is to be situated.
“A think tank, as the name suggests, is about reflection, research, dissemination and influencing.
“We have to reflect on the problems that our country and indeed the world is facing.”
Salami stressed that NESG has always been, and through this programme, remains committed to serving Nigeria’s best interests.
“And I think it is important that we really should put that on the table… that for the NESG it is always about Nigeria’s best interests. Our definition of Nigeria’s best interests sometimes does not find immediate resonance.
“But one of the things we have found over the years is that eventually…with all the delays, some of the ideas that the NESG has canvassed have become the fulcrum of policy.”
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in News 0
FG:Bridging Payments For Fuel Intact

NMDPRA To Continue Implementing Petrol Bridging Programme – Extractive 360
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said it will continue to honour and process claims for bridging of PMS to ensure product availability in Nigeria.
Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, said this on Thursday in Abuja when delegates from the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) paid a courtesy call on the Management Team of the Authority.
Ahmed said the Authority was aware of the fact that the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), leading to the creation of the NMDPRA may have raised some uncertainty on the continuation of the bridging scheme; whether or not bridging funds will continue to be paid to beneficiaries.
He added that NARTO as well as other stakeholders should not panic because all verified bridging obligations will be honoured and paid by the Authority.
Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, the National President, NARTO, earlier informed the NMDPRA of the outstanding payments being owed its members by the Federal Government.
He expressed concern over the fact that some members were losing interest in the business of transporting PMS, which according to him, was no longer profitable. To this end, he made an appeal for the upward review of the bridging funds on the pricing template.
He urged government to put in place policies that will not only address the current dwindling returns on investment but will in addition, stimulate investment in the transportation and logistics of petroleum products in the country.
Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director, Distributions System, Storage and Retail Infrastructure, NMDPRA, urged NARTO to continue being patriotic and ensure that it plays its part in ensuring PMS availability throughout the yuletide period, regardless of its current challenges.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in Oil&Gas 0
Group Tasks Lawmakers On Passage of Whistleblower Protection Bill

NGO urges prompt passage of Whistle Blowers Protection Bill
 African Centre for Media and Information Literacy ( AFRICMIL ) has implored the National Assembly to speed up action and pass whistle-blowers protection bill into law before the end of  President Muhammadu Buhari
administration.
  It  also urged the federal government to provide appropriate mechanism to institutionalise the whistleblowing policy in the Ministries , Departments and Agencies ( MDAs) to enhance proper implementation.
The coordinator of the centre, Chido Onumah  disclosed this during the public presentation of report of survey on five years of the whistleblowong policy in Nigeria.
The report also examined the impact of the policy in combating corruption in Nigeria specifically how to build a level of consciousness and awareness among Nigerians for the purpose of accountability and transparency.
It also said:” From the assessment, the impact of the whistleblowing policy in curbing corruption has been minimal due to several challenges.  These challenges includes; conflicting compensation mechanism, lack of legal protection for whistle-blowers , prolonged period of investigation, data/miscarriage of justice, lack of public data on progress made so far and limited knowledge by states actors specific provisions in the policy.
” The findings revealed that an overwhelming majority ( 98.2% ) of Nigerians perceived corruption as a serious problem and menace in the country. Although majority of Nigerians are aware of the whistleblowing policy.
One quarter of the respondents are unwilling to report any form corrupt practices while 3 out of every 4 respondents have stopped reporting cases of looted funds due to nepotism, fear of victimisation/ stigmatisation, ,lack of knowledge on the kind of information to report and the appropriate channels to report and the feeling that no serious action will be taken by the authorities in charge even if a report is made.
” Findings revealed that legislative protection and monetary reward for whistle-blowers  were considered as key motivators for potential whistle-blowers.  Sadly only 1 out of every 4 Nigerians is somewhat satisfied with the available channel for reporting corrupt practices.  Television and radio jingles were considered as effective means of enlightening the public about the policy”
The report also identified lack of  political will , limited funding and poor reporting and widespread retaliation against whistle-blowers
as barriers militating against whistleblowing
policy.
While making  recommendations in tackling the  challenges  the centre called on Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN ) to mandate courts  across the thirty six states of the federation  to prioritise prompt  response to whistleblowing cases.
” The Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit ( PICA ) should collaborate with relevant stakeholders to have a comprehensive database of tips received, tips investigated , evidence of recoveries and compensation of whistle-blowers.
” All 36 states Governors nd 774 LGAs Chairmen should embrace whistleblowing and adopt multi- sectoral approach to institutionalise the policy and improve mechanism for reporting corruption and other corrupt practices in their respective states and local government”,the report added.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in News 0
MTN,Airtel Qualify For 3.5Ghz Spectrum Auction Bid

NCC approves MTN, Airtel for spectrum auction - P.M. News
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that three telecoms companies have qualified as approved bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum auction for the deployment of Fifth generation (5G) networks in the country.
The qualified bidders are  MTN Nigeria Plc., Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited.
The stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the Main Auction as well as in the mandatory Mock Auction process, which will come as a precursor to the Main Auction.
The commission has also reaffirmed the dates for the conduct of both the Mock Auction and the Main Auction. The Mock Auction is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 11:00 a.m., while the Main Auction will hold on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the same venue and same time.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in IT&Telecoms 0
172.7m Nigerians Live In Dirty Environment

Clean-up Nigeria (CUN), an international non governmental organisation, says 172.7million Nigerians live in dirty environment
The group revealed this in  its 2021 Cleanliness Performance  monitoring and evaluation study.
Prince Ene Baba Owoh Jnr, the National Coordinator, Clean up Nigeria, who disclosed the findings at a press conference in Abuja, said  two percent  improvement was recorded in the procurement of waste management equipment by some states and local councils in the country in 2021.
He said there was a significant drop in waste management equipment as most previously on ground became unserviceable.
He named Akwa Ibom State as the country’s cleanest state having scored highest in all the ratings.
He lamented  that 32 of 36 states, including the rest of FCT outside of Abuja City by the organization’s statistical study are rated as unclean states.
According to him,  the outcome of  the studies could be used as catalyst for the modernization of waste management services, and also increase citizenship knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices.
“In 2021 our studies further showed that less than four (4) States who scored above 40% can be considered to be clean, compared to 2020 when there were three (3) States (Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Bauchi States) and four (4) cities namely; (Abuja, Uyo, Bauchi and Abakiliki) can be said to be clean in year 2021.
“Performance indicators from our studies shows that over 172.7 million Nigerians in 2021 are living in unclean environment, compared to 170 million in 2020.
“Presently only four States in the country namely Lagos, Oyo, Abuja and Bauchi have sanitary landfills, while the remaining 34 States operate open dumping. This development is not only alarming but calls for urgent intervention in addressing the menace.
“As our graphic chart statistics on monitoring/evaluation of the States have shown only 7 States (Akwa Ibom, Abuja, Cross River, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Lagos and Kaduna) who scored above 15% out of the 30% on the streets/roads cleanliness  indicators have clean roads in the country.
“Vegetation/drainage control shows that only Akwa Ibom and FCT scored an average of 8% from the 20% marks have effectively managed and sustain vegetation /drainage control, in the country.
“On personal hygiene and sanitation only three States (Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Abuja City) scored above 3% of the 10% and can be said to come close to possession of good personal hygiene/sanitation practices in the country
“On the average, only four (4) States (Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Kaduna & Bauchi) can be considered to be clean having scored above 40% respectively.
“Painfully, 32 out of 36 States including the rest of FCT outside of Abuja City by our statistical study are rated as unclean States.
“As observed from our satellite imagery 95% of the States/Towns in the country recorded poor performance under the five (5) variables, in our performance indicators (street/road cleanliness, vegetation Control/distilting, waste management services, public opinion pool and knowledge and attitude and practice of hygiene and sanitation). Except States like Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Kaduna including Abuja metropolis however stepped up their environmental activities during the period under renew (2021)”.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in Environment 0