All Posts in "Day: January 3, 2022"

 Of Fake Prophets,Marabout’s And End-Of-Year DoomsDay Predictors

Opinion: Of fake Prophets, Marabouts and End-of-Year doomsday predictors - Vanguard News
BY CHIEF MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, OFR, Ph.D.
 As the year comes to an end, Nigerians will soon be regaled, entertained and gripped with the theatricals and Baba Sala’s Alawada Kerikeri histrionics of many fake Prophets, Imams and marabouts that generously abound in the Nigerian religious space today. Nigerians may not be irreligious nor unreligious, afterall. But, many are superficially religious without actually being religious, holy or Christ-like. Many are gullible and easily susceptible to the beguiling wiles, shemes and false prophesies dished out yearly by so called men and women of God. Some await these doomsday prophesies with relish, eclat and bated animation. Some do with fear,  anxiety and suspense. Once in a while, some prophesies appear to come true. Afterall a Minister that dies after a prophet globally ‘profesies’ that “a prominent politician will die”; and a Governor that defects from his now suffocating political party on whose platform he ascended to office, is attributed to the prophesy of a Prophet who had said,  ” I see a Governor crossing over from his political party ro another”. Pray, are these not mere educated guesses and conjectures? Who does not know that some prominent politicians must die, or that some Governors must escape from the asphixiating iron grip grip of their suffocating political parties, to breath some free oxygen of freedom and political liberation; or be with the ruling party at the centre to be EFCC-compliant ? So, most of these so called prophesies are false, alarmist and constitute mere analytical guesswork. They merely prey on the simple receptive minds of a suffering and conqered people looking for succor and comfort  zone from any source, howsoever.Karl Marx was right afterall when he once described religion as an opium of the masses.Religion intoxicates and inebriates like an afrodisiac, giving a false sense of grandeur of illusion.
In the holy Bible ( Matthew 7:15-20 ), Jesus Christ had warned his followers, “beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound  tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits”.
True to form,  many fake Prophets, Alfas, para-psychologists Imams, marabouts, star- gazers, seers, nichromansers, witch doctors and fake prediction peddlers use the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, or the holy Quran, or Ogun, the god of iron, to undesevedly elevate themselves to lofty heights and win unwary converts to their lucrative business centres, otherwise called churches, mosques and shrines. The situation is quite ugly.
There are people who suffer from the Stockholm syndrome, people who ironically show love and affectation to their traducers and repressors. There is also the story of  Stalin and the chicken, regarding how to Perpetually put a people down and repress them. It was in the last days of the collapsing Marxist experiment in the Soviet Union. Stalin was said to have called for a live chicken to make an unforgettable statement before some of his henchmen. Stalin forcefully clutched the chicken in one hand and with the other hand, he began to brutally and systematically remove the chicken’s feathers, until the screaming and struggling chicken was dropped featherless. Then, Stalin was said to have done the unthinkable. He told his audience, “now you watch”, as he placed the chicken on the floor and walked away. Stalin threw a handful of grains at the poor bird, which inspite of the excruciating pains, began to follow Stalin about. Shockingly, the bird bent down and began to eat the grains from his hand. Turning to his dumbfounded colleagues,  Stalin intoned quietly, ” this is how to rule the people..did you see how that chicken followed me for food, even though I had caused it so much torture? People are like that chicken. If you inflict inordinate pain on them, they will follow you for food the rest of their lives”.
Jesus Christ had seen this story about false prophets coming on board when he warned long ago, ” take heed that no one leads you astray.Many will come in my name, saying, I am he! and they will lead many astray.  And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet..And if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ or look, there he is! do not believe it. False Christs an false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed, I have told you all things before hand” ( Mark 13:5-7; 13:21-23; Matt 24:4-5; 24:11; 24: 23:26 ).
The Ghanaian authorities have just moved against such end-of-year peddlers of fake and alarmist predictions. This is therefore one area ( amongst many), where the Nigerian authorities have so far abysmally failed, and where Ghana now appears to have excelled.They have decided to bring to book through their law courts, any fake Prophets and false prediction peddlers that cause undue fear, alarm, panic and needless rockus in the society. Such people are not only disturbing the public peace; they are actually disturbing the souls and hearts of innocent citizens with their doomsday prophesies that rankle and terrorise the unwary. Such people who suffer thereby are entitled to legal remedies in our law courts against such doomsday prophets in civil actions.
Besides, such fake predictions are also criminal. Sections 114, 392, 399, 417, 418, et al, of the Penal Code which operate in the northern parts of Nigeria, deal with  publication of false news that may constitute offences against public peace; or excite hatred between classes of people; insult, annoyance, criminal intimidation; or breach of the peace. There are equivalent provisions in the Criminal Code that operates in the southern parts of Nigeria. Section 39 of the Criminal Code applicable to Lagos state is very loud and clear on it, as it prescribes two years imprisonment for those who publish rumours and false statements calculated to cause fear and alarm in the larger society.
Sections 1, 24 the Cyberimes Act also outlaws cyberstalking, offensive, obsene,  pornographic or menacing messages intended to cause annoyance, insult, obstruction, hatred, illwill, needless anxiety, inconvenience, danger, fear  of  death, violence or bodily harm.
Beyond the shores of Nigeria, section 505 ( 1) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, prohibit and criminalize the making,  publishing or circulating of statements, false alarm, warnig, rumour, or any report that are capable of causing fear,panic or alarm. Similarly, section 18 par 1038 of the US Code criminalizes hoaxes, false and misleading information.
Even section 46 of the  EFCC ( Establishment Act), 2004, criminalizes  any act which is a violation of the Criminal or Penal Code and which may endanger the life of a person, or intimidates, or causes fear, force, coercion or incitement.
Many Nigerian government officials, being largely superstitious and fearing their own shadows for grand larceny of our common patrimony, go nochodemusly, cap in hand at night,to secretly patronize these agents of doom. They hire and pay heavy sums of money to marabouts, Imams, Champlains, Alfas,  Evangelists, Witch doctors, Prophets and  Nichromansers, to predict the unknown bowels of tomorrow. These gullible thieving politicians forget that only God knows tomorrow. Ruben Abati, former presidential spokesman for former president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, once wrote extensively on Aso Villa and the types of looming spirits and apparitions that inhabit it. He told us some government officials even complain of loss of manhood.What Abati didn’t appear to know is that it is simple law of Karma that afflicts them. They were merely reaping the whirlwind of th wind they had sown.
So, Nigerians, I urge you to collate the avalanche of fake prophesies that would soon deluge us, for possible court actions.The law is clear: ” ubi jus ibi remedium” ( where there is a right there is a remedy”.
Wishing all of us, dejected, repressed, oppressed, denied, marginalized, brutalized,suffering, yet, smiling Nigerians, a blissfu yuletide, even in the midst of our individual and collective sweat, sorrow, pains, pangs and blood. Nigeria shall be great again, amen.
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in Opinion 0
 Ilana Oodua Faults Sunday Igboho Lawyer’s Resignation

Yoruba Nation: 'You Weren't Hired On Social Media', Ilana Oodua Faults Sunday Igboho Lawyer's Resignation - YGist!
Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, has faulted Pelumi Olajengbesi for tendering his resignation on social media.
Olajengbesi is the lawyer defending the aides of Chief Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho against the Department of State Services at an Abuja High Court.
The  group explained that Olajengbesi was not hired on social media and was wrong to tender his resignation on social media.
“We want to state very expressly that we did not hire Mr. Olajengbesi through the social media and it is not ideal for him to have resigned through the social media. Choosing social media to resign is an indication of his lack of understanding of the ethics of his profession. It clearly raises questions on his integrity and honour,” Ilana Oodua said its statement titled, ‘Response of Ilana Omo Oodua to the resignation of Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi as counsel to the Ighoho 12 & Yoruba Nation Self-determination struggle’.
In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Maxwell Adeleye, on Sunday, the self-determination group claimed the lawyer goofed by attacking its leader, Prof Banji Akintoye, over the New Year message announcing plans to boycott governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
Ilana Oodua declared that the lawyer would be stopped from representing Sunday Igboho aides in any case.
The statement said, “We, therefore, want to state that Mr. Olajengbesi’s so-called social media resignation is full of contradictions and a paradox. He said he was quitting every case that has to do with Sunday Igboho and the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Struggle, at the same time he said he will continue with the case of the Ighoho2 charged for terrorism by the DSS.
“You can’t approbate and re-approbate. You can’t be out attacking us on social media and still want to handle the Ighoho2 case. You can’t eat your cake and have it. The public embarrassment, humiliation, and opprobrium that has been brought to the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Struggle by Olajengbesi in the last 24 hours is enough.
“With the way he has conducted himself in the last 24 hours, we do not want him anywhere near our struggle anymore.
“Lastly, it should be on record that contrary to the claim of Olajengbesi, he is not a personal lawyer to Sunday Igboho, but a lawyer to the Yoruba Self-determination struggle. He was introduced to us by Chief Yomi Aliyu, SAN.
“The self-determination struggle hired, retained, and paid for the services of Pelumi Olajengbesi, not Chief Sunday Igboho.”
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in News 0
PIA Will  Boost Investment In Nigeria’s Oil,Gas Sector,Says NNPC

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited ,says the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), would stimulate investment in 2022 and beyond.
The NNPC,in a report said the birth of the PIA was a major achievement of the current administration in the oil and gas industry last year.
The report said: “The PIA culminated in the establishment of a commercialized NNPC Limited, entrenching accountability and good governance and promoting the exploration and exploitation of the petroleum resources in Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians as well as and foster the sustainable development of the host communities.
“It would ensure the efficient and effective technical and operational regulation of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the oil industry through the activities of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, among others.”
It noted that such investment would thrive as steps have already been taken toward the enhancement of Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE) in NNPC as a strategic roadmap to attaining efficiency and global excellence.
According to the report,NNPC partnered with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and others to ensure clarity of purpose in communication with its primary stakeholder, Nigerians, through transparency and accountability.
It said, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI), a multi-stakeholder coalition that promotes extractive transparency and accountability across the world commended the GMD/CEO of NNPC for his commitment to promoting and deepening the culture of transparency and accountability in the Corporation.
It added that the NNPC and its partners in the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL), namely DSV Engineering Limited and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) took the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the construction of the first-ever methanol plant in Nigeria at the cost of $3.6 billion.
The plant, an integrated methanol and gas project in Odioma, Brass Island, Bayelsa State, is scheduled to come on stream in 2024 with 10,000 tons of methanol daily output.
The facility, which would be the largest methanol plant in Africa and the first in Nigeria, also is expected to create 35,000 direct and indirect jobs and additional 5,000 permanent jobs during the operations phase.
Besides, the company that works towards the execution of a $260 million funding agreement for ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited (AGPC) among the NNPC, Seplat and a consortium of seven banks, added that the gas project would contribute to the realisation of the Federal Government’s initiatives toward increasing natural gas utilization in the domestic market.
According to the NNPC, the project would deliver 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and 1,200 megawatts of electricity to the domestic market while expanding gas infrastructure in Nigeria.
It launched the Nigerian Upstream Cost Optimization Programme (NUCOP), targeted at driving down the cost of crude oil production in the country so as to remain competitive in the global market.
The company also awarded the $1.5 billion contract for the Rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery, which has since kicked off was commended by the visiting Federal House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Downstream.
It further signed a gas development deal with Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Company (SEEPCO) to unlock 1.2 trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of gas in September 2020.
The company, which delved into the execution of OML 118 (Bonga) Agreements between NNPC & Partners (Shell, Total, Exxon and Eni) to pave the way for the renewal of the Production Sharing Contract, PSC for an additional 20 years, added that the deal marked an end to about 15 years of long-standing disputes over the interpretation of the fiscal terms of the production-sharing contract between NNPC and its partners.
It penned  the Shareholder Agreement for Brass Petroleum Product Terminal (BPPT), which when completed, would help close the infrastructure gap in the distribution of petroleum products which will consequently stabilise petroleum product prices in the riverine communities of the Niger Delta.
The company noted that, “the BPPT will also checkmate illegal refining and create over 10,000 jobs. The terminal will also serve as a strategic reserve for the country and is expected to provide a depot for a 50 million-litre facility, two-way product jetty, automated storage and automated bay for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK).
“The NNPC partnered with China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC) and General Electric (GE) to execute an Engineering, Procurement Construction (EPC) contract for the procurement of equipment for a 50MW Emergency Power Project in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“The company which 2020 Audited Financial Statement, AFS showed that group profit rose from a loss position of N1.7 billion in 2019 to a profit of N287 billion in 2020, for the first time in 44 years also constructed/rehabilitated 21 roads under Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.”
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
Nigeria’s inflation Rate May Worsen This Year– World Bank

 Nigeria may have one of the highest inflation rates globally in 2022, with increasing prices diminishing the welfare of Nigerian households,the World Bank has said.
 Nigeria,the bank said in its latest development update,,is projected to have one of the highest inflation rates globally and the seventh highest among Sub-Saharan African countries in 2022
“In 2022, Nigeria is expected to have one of the highest inflation rates in the world and the seventh highest in Sub-Saharan Africa,” it said.
It also said high inflation hampers the country’s attempt to achieve economic recovery and erodes the purchasing power of most vulnerable households.
It added:“High inflation is frustrating Nigeria’s economic recovery and eroding the purchasing power of the most vulnerable households. In the absence of measures to contain inflation, rising prices will continue to diminish the welfare of Nigerian households.”
The bank further  disclosed the adverse effects of inflation on Nigeria, which include pushing eight million Nigerians into poverty, and the possible disruption of consumption, investment and saving decisions, among other consequences.
“If inflation had been closer to the CBN’s goal of nine per cent in 2021, the average Nigeria’s consumption would have been 15 per cent higher, and eight million Nigerians would have not fallen into poverty.
“If double-digit inflation persists during 2022-2023, rising prices will distort consumption, investment, and saving decisions of the government, households, and firms, with adverse ramifications for long-term borrowing and lending.
“Over time, the disproportionate impact of inflation on lower-income households and those working in sectors with low savings (e.g, agriculture) will exacerbate inequality. Ultimately, inflation will not only negatively affect incomes, but also economic productivity and job creation, further constraining the recovery,” the bank said.
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in News 0
How NMDPRA Allegedly Paid  N200m Subscription To UK Firms  Without Vouchers-Senate 

Senate exposes how PPPRA (NMDPRA) paid N200m subscriptions without vouchers - News Express Nigeria
The upper chamber of the National Assembly has  revealed how P the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), paid N200 million subscription without vouchers to United Kingdom (UK) firms.
The chairman of  Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC), Senator Matthew Urhoghide, based the investigation on the 2016-2018 report by the Auditor General of the Federation, which is currently considered by the  panel.
He claimed that the contract fee was paid to UK firms without the letter of  advice from Ministry of Justice in line with circular Ref No SGF/PS/CIR/625/1227 which  states, “all Ministries Department and Agencies (MDA) of government entering into agreement on behalf of the Federal Government with foreign countries and their agencies to make reference to the Federal Ministry of Justice for necessary advice and vetting to x-ray all agreements which has financial political or social obligation on Nigeria.
The chairman,who identified companies as PLATTS and  PLATTS, Thompson Reuters,said they   rendered online patent right for data/information gathering such as crude oil/product prices, vessel freight rates and tracking.
He  said that NMDPRA must appear before the Committee and defend the allegations raised in the Auditor General’s report.
He stated that although the infraction was committed when the agency was known as PPPRA, but that does not mean that the agency will not answer for infractions because it has changed name.
But in its  written response to the Committee, NMDPRA said, due to nature of the service rendered, it does not require the advice of Federal Ministry of Justice.
“The Agency is allowed access to the site upon evidence of payment. In other words, payments are made upfront as soon as the Agency is invoiced for the next payment circle which is usually annual.
“Since the payments are in foreign currencies, the PPPRA 283 authorizes the CBN to effect such payments on its behalf and thereafter advises the Agency on the exchange rate used for the posting into our cashbook.”
The query reads: “RRN200,670,992.36 Financial Regulation 601 states, ‘All payment entries in the cash book/accounts shall be vouched for on one of the prescribed treasury forms. Vouchers shall be made out in favour of the person or persons to whom the money is actually due. Under no circumstances shall a cheque be raised, or cash paid for services for which a voucher has not been raised.’
“Circular Ref No SGF/PS/CIR/625/1227 requires all Ministries Department and Agencies (MDA) of government entering into agreement on behalf of the Federal Government with foreign countries and their agencies to make reference to the Federal Ministry of Justice for necessary advice and vetting to x-ray all agreements which has financial political or social obligation on Nigeria which are of scientific or technological import that requires ratification.
“We further observed that, the sum of N200,670,992.36 (Two hundred million, six hundred and seventy thousand, nine hundred and ninety-two-naira, thirty-six kobo) was paid to 2 companies Platts/McGraw International Financial and Informal UK Ltd as Subscription for intelligence gathering for the agency.
“No due process was followed in the engagement of these multinational companies as there was no evidence of contracts award and agreement.
“There was no payment voucher raised for the payments in contravention of Financial Regulation 601, as the CBN was only advised to make payment by transfer of funds in foreign currency on the prevailing market rate.
“The audit teams consider this open ticket operation as susceptible to financial manipulation as there was also no letter of advice from the Ministry of Justice in line with extant regulations.
“This anomaly was due to the failure of the Executive Secretary to ensure that internal control procedures are properly followed. Risk the Agency may incur unauthorized or unapproved expenditures for which payment vouchers are not produced for audit in line with the provision of the law. Such expenditures may not have been incurred in the public interest.”
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in News 0
Buhari,Former Oyo Governors Mourn  Olubadan 

A Visionary And Compassionate Leader' – Buhari Mourns Olubadan Of Ibadan – Channels Television
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled  to the government and people of Oyo State, the Royal Family, the Olubadan-in-council and the people of Ibadan on the passing of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The President, through a statement by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity on Sunday, affirmed that the late Kabiyesi was a visionary and compassionate leader, who used the spheres of his influence as a respected traditional ruler and a lover of the creative industry to advance the progress of his people, encouraging and motivating them to give their best in their vocation and to the nation.
He urged the people of Ibadan and Nigerians from different walks of life to honour the eternal memory of the deceased by imbibing the virtues he cherished so much: generosity, peace, tolerance and devotion to unity.
He trusts that the process of selecting his successor will be guided by wisdom, understanding and good judgment that exemplified the life he lived.
President Buhari prayed God to grant the soul of Oba Adetunji eternal rest and comfort the family, friends, associates and subjects he left behind.
Besides,former governors of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Deputy Governor of the state, Engr Rauf Olaniyan, Bada Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, have  paid last respect to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso I at his Popoyemoja Palace.
Others that attended the funeral rite at Popoyemoja Palace include the Deputy speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Abiodun Fadeyi, members of House of Assembly, Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mojeed Mogbonjubola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola, Abass Oloko and other prominent Ibadan Indegenes that cut across all sectors.
Speaking at the Palace the Deputy governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan who represented the government said Olubadan lived a fulfilled life despite his short period on the through.
According to him, “Oba Adetunji lived a fulfilled live despite his short period on the throne. During his time there was relative peace which attracted several development into the ancient city”.
According to Bada Balogun, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, “despite the well life spent by the first class monarch, his death is a great loss to people of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“Oba Adetunji was known for his consistent in promoting peaceful and harmonious co-existence, had respect for religions and diverse cultures in the state and country as whole.
“Oba Adetunji had successfully carried on with the legacies of his forefathers, dating back to the 16th century, with an intentional focus to uphold the beautiful traditions of hospitality, respect for authorities and communal development that has always defined the throne.
“He was a wonderful, excellent king who stood by with tradition during his tenure. He did not allow anyone to torpedo the Ibadan hierarchical succession plan of ascending the throne”.
The Ayingun Olubadan and lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Oloye Teslim Folarin expressed sadness over the dead of Oba Adetunji, he described him as the most  peace-loving monarch Ibadan has ever had.
According to him, “I received the news of the passing away of our highly revered royal father with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated with his demise.
“Baba’s contributions to unity of Yoruba Nation, impact and positive influence in the country will be greatly missed.
“He left indelible marks in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and also as an imperial king in Yorubaland. Baba was an honest, decent and forthright king”.
Oloye Folarin while praying for the eternal rest of the first-class king, commiserated with the Olubadan-in-Council, the Adetunji royal family, the people of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
In his message, Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams also described the death of Olubadan as a huge loss, even as he said the demise of the first class monarch had robbed Nigeria and the entire Yoruba land of a mature and peaceful monarch.
Aare Gani Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, expressed shock at the news,saying the late Oba Saliu  Adetunji was mostly loved by sons and daughters of Ibadanland,  having the most peaceful reign in Ibadan in recent times.
“I feel bad at the news of  Kabiesi’s death, however, I am happy he died a hero.The late Oba Adetunji, in his life, brought immense development to Ibadanland.He was very mature, pleasant and peaceful”
“The late Olubadan was never controversial. He was among the prominent Obas that graced my installation ceremony as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland in Oyo, in January 2018”,
“And he had a robust relationship with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, throughout his reign”.
“Kabiesi’s mature and peaceful life was in display throughout his reign and it was evident that Ibadanland had  peaceful and great moment in history during his reign.
“Very Pleasant, the late Oba Saliu Adetunji was a brave man with distinct records of successes. Kabiesi’s five years reign was a milestone and we  can hardly forget his immense contributions to the ancient town of Ibadan as well as the traditional institutions”,
With Kabiesi’s death, Yorubaland has lost a peaceful monarch and  symbol of humility. We have also lost one of our respected monarchs and a pillar of hope for our race.
“Olubadan’s death had also robbed us of a true ambassador, whose maturity and wealth of experience is next to none”
“Kabiesi died at a deservedly old age, and his strength of character was very noticeable.His imprints in Ibadan and the entire southwest was remarkable”
Iba Adams, however, prayed for the repose of the monarchs soul, stressing that Ibadan and the entire southwest will sorely missed the monarch’s forthrightness, strong voice and exemplary character.
“Olubadan’s death,though, shocking  brought to four, the numbers of prominent Yoruba monarchs that had  joined their ancestors in the last three weeks”.
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in News 0
Nigeria Won’t Be  Dumping Ground For Banned Products- NAFDAC 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has vowed that chemical products banned in other countries would not their way to Nigeria.
The agency refuted claims that 40% of registered brands (not active ingredients) of pesticide products used in Nigeria are banned or restricted for use in the European Union, putting humans, animals, and the environment at danger.
Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC,who  announced this during the opening ceremony of a two-day NAFDAC top management committee (TMC) meeting in Lagos,said her agency is  an ISO: 900: 2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certified organization that has established procedures to allow it  to make regulatory decisions about whether an active ingredient should be banned or restricted.
The statement read in bits; “NAFDAC (Nigeria) is a signatory to the international Convention that banned chemicals and pesticides such as the Rotterdam Convention, an international treaty designed to facilitate informed decision-making by countries with regard to trade in hazardous chemicals and Pesticides. Chemicals banned by international convention have been phased out and never entertained for registration or given import permits as raw materials for production.
“As a sovereign state, she noted that Nigeria has regulatory bodies empowered to regulate and control the production, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of such chemical products”.
She explained  that NAFDAC is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that chemical products produced in Nigeria and those being imported into the country meet the prerequisite in-country approval as well as international standards, adding that NAFDAC has a stringent requirement of ensuring that any pesticide to be imported into Nigeria is on the Market in the exporting country the current Free Sale Certificate is authenticated by the Nigerian Embassy in the exporting country.
The NAFDAC boss also stated that in order to ensure that only active ingredients approved by NAFDAC are allowed into the country, NAFDAC Appointed Testing Agents (CRIA) and Laboratories to conduct tests and forward results to the Agency before any Pesticide is shipped from countries that are major exporters of Agrochemicals into Nigeria.
The World Health Organization (WHO) names four toxicity classes of pesticides: Class I – a: extremely hazardous; Class I – b: highly hazardous; Class II: moderately hazardous; Class III: slightly hazardous; Class U: Unlikely to present acute hazard
‘’These classifications are for guidance purposes to enable users to take necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety of food, humans, animals, and the environment’’, she said.
She, however, assured Nigerians that adequate quality control tests are carried out by the Agency before granting certifications for all products that are either imported or manufactured within the country. In addition, she disclosed that the field trial evaluation is conducted in collaboration with research institutes in Nigeria to determine the safety, quality and efficacy of new molecules as well as inspection of manufacturing facilities to establish that a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is in place to ensure that product manufactured meets the quality standard specification for the intended use.
‘’Other regulatory activities include but are not limited to the issuance of authority to clear, continual sensitization and awareness exercises for relevant stakeholders on safe and responsible use of pesticides, Post-Marketing Surveillance to Mop-up fake/unregistered/expired products, and the Destruction of seized products’’.
According to her, the EU uses much lower Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs) than most other CODEX member countries, hence the EU raised observations for the codex secretariat and subsequently WTO to take note. With this, she explained that products with active ingredients that are accepted by other codex member countries including Nigeria are not allowed into the EU.
Prof. Adeyeye, however, pointed out that the lack of scientific data in Nigeria has been identified as a gap that explains why the country participants refrain from raising observations during codex meetings, therefore, have no choice but to go by the general Codex Alimentarius resolutions.
The DG has called on all relevant research institutions to generate enough data and make available such data for the Nigerian team that attends Codex Committee on Pesticides Residues (CCPR) to advance the country’s interest.
Prof. Adeyeye however, intimates that all the pesticides approved for use by NAFDAC are also in use in other parts of the world except Europe without any fuse, asking rhetorically why this campaign was not taken to the US, Latin America, or Asia where the products are also being used?
She  implored investors  to invest in Agricultural production in Nigeria,while  reiterating her determination to Nigerians that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that food products available to them for consumption are safe and wholesome.
She disclosed that the Agency in the last four years of her administration has been repositioned to effectively regulate all agricultural inputs such as pesticides, and agrochemicals amidst other NAFDAC-regulated products.
All these groups of inputs are known to have an impact on the food chain. The quality and safety of the inputs have a direct impact on the food from the farms and the health of humans, animals, and plants.
‘’In line with the federal government agenda and investment in agriculture, the Agency wishes to encourage investors to consider investing in agricultural production so that creation of jobs and ability to feed ourselves as a nation without depending too much on foreign exchange can be achieved’’ she said.
  ‘’It is noteworthy that a lot of regulatory activities have been carried out to ensure that all inputs regulated by NAFDAC required in the production of safe food are safe, efficacious and of the right quality.
She added that local production of food is highly encouraged stressing that NAFDAC, in the last four years, has reviewed her regulations, guidelines and strengthen collaboration with MDAs and stakeholders to ensure effective regulations.
 According to her, such collaborative effort has been recorded in agrochemicals regulation, adding that NAFDAC has reviewed the safety of all registered agrochemicals in Nigeria in consultation with relevant stakeholders, initiated four years’ phase-out plan for obsolete and some hazardous agrochemicals. ‘’Such phase-out plan is currently running for Paraquat, which will be phase-out in 2024 and Atrazine in 2025 while 100ml pack size of Dichlorvos (DDVP) is already banned’’ due to inappropriate use, she said. So far about thirty (30) pesticides have been banned in Nigeria. The general public is advised to visit the NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) for detail of banned pesticides.
‘’A prudent and responsible use of pesticides and agrochemicals is the paramount caution in the use of the products in Nigeria. The agency’s most recent effort in the support of advocating judicious use along with relevant stakeholders such as CropLife Nigeria and Nigeria Agro-Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) to train dealers/marketers of agrochemicals in Nigeria to be listed and in turn educate farmers on responsible use. This is extremely important to forestall the risk of mishandling, poor storage, unsafe exposure to the products and unregistered/banned agrochemicals in circulation. The Agency has over the years developed regulations in line with international best practices’’.
She noted that globally, regulation is done in the interest and safety of the citizen. She pointed out that the EU for instance, restricted/banned the use of some agrochemicals on some crops or agricultural products due to safety concerns or lack of enough data and have made provision for alternatives that are readily available, affordable and accessible. These alternatives are not readily available in Nigeria for use.
She said the action was taken to safeguard a class of the population that consumes such crops, insisting that in such case it will be unscientific to do the same in Nigeria, where the class of crops in question are not grown here and the agrochemicals in question are not used on similar fresh crops in Nigeria. She further disclosed that the agrochemicals in question are still being produced in the EU and residue still exists in their fruits and vegetables.
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in News 0
Bashir Tofa  Dies At 75.

Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, Presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the botched 3rd Republic in 1993  has been reported  dead.
The Kano born  politician had  contested with  presumed winner of that epic political battle, Chief Mashood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola before the military authority under General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida annulled the election
Family sources said the politician died in the in the early hours of Monday after a brief at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).
Tofa was born on June 20th,  1947 was an brilliant politician with vast in interest on major business concerns locally and internationally.
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in News 0
CBN Promises Increased Access To Credit Facilities In 2022

Bankers promise easy access to credit in 2022 - Tribune Online
The Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has said the banking sector will increase access to finance and credit for households in 2022.
Its Governor,Godwin Emefiele,who disclosed this in a statement  said the policy focus of the bank for 2022 is with a pledge to sustain improved access to finance and credit for households and businesses, mobilise investment to boost domestic productivity, enable faster growth of non-oil exports, and support employment generating activities,” he said.
According to him, the country had been able to contain some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.
He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work to build a more resilient economy that would be better able to contain external shocks, while supporting growth and wealth creation in key sectors of our economy.
He said a major lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic was that deliberate efforts must be made to diversify the base of the Nigerian economy,adding that  the country must do everything possible to reduce the importation of goods into the country.
“Proactive steps on the part of stakeholders in the private sector, in collaboration with the government in supporting the growth of sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, and infrastructure, will strengthen our ability to deal with the challenges of COVID-19, and stimulate further growth of our economy,” he added.
Online Editor by — January 3, 2022 in Banking&Finance 0