All Posts in "Day: February 24, 2023"

CBN Names Isa Abdulmumuni As New Spokesman

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has appointed Isa Abdulmumin as the Acting Director of Corporate Communications Department of the apex bank.

His appointment was sequel to the retirement of Osita Nwanisobi as the Director of the bank.

Isa Abdulmumin, a Deputy Director, who has been in the employ of the apex bank for several years, is reputed to be a hard working and efficient professional and a media personality.

Prior to joining CBN, he had worked as Senior editorial staff as well as manager in the Trust group of newspapers: Daily Truth, Weekly Trust and Aminiya (the Hausa version).

Retiring Nwanisobi had taken over in October 2020 when his predecessor, Isaac Okorafor, retired from the service of the bank.

He had earlier served as a special assistant to the Financial System Stability (FSS) Deputy Governor between 2009 and 2011 and also as a Special Assistant to the Corporate Services Deputy Governor from 2001 to 2009.

admin by — February 24, 2023 in Next Level 0
Nigeria’s Maritime Water Now Safe, IBF Declares

By Musbau Babatunde

The International Bargaining Forum, IBF,says Nigeria has been removed from the list of countries designated as risk maritime nations.

Osagie Edward, the Assistant Director, Public Relations of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explained that the removal is a confirmation of the improved global ratings of Security in Nigerian maritime domain as a result of sustained collaborative efforts of NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy.

The International Bargaining Forum, IBF, which is a body that brings together the International Transport Federation, ITF, and the international maritime employers that make up the Joint Negotiating Group, JNG, listed 5 designated risk areas and applicable benefits in the event of attacks leading to deaths and disability, mentioning the Gulf of Guinea as second extended war risk zone covering Liberia/Ivory Coast border to 00°N 005°E, to the Angola/ Namibia border.

Reacting to the report,the Director General of NIMASA Dr Bashir Jamoh,described it as a landmark achievement under the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“This achievement is a product of a well-structured multimodal policy which has been implemented over the years to fight piracy and other criminalities in Nigerian Waters. The Legal instrument called SPOMO Act signed into Law by President Buhari in 2019, the full implementation of the Deep Blue Project by NIMASA, expanded assets and capacity of the Nigerian Navy, enhanced cooperation between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, and the regional collaborative efforts under the umbrella of SHADE Gulf of Guinea midwifed by NIMASA, are all policies of the current administration and the benefits are gradually coming to fruition. We are focused on ultimately improving and reducing the cost of commercial shipping in Nigeria” he said.

Maritime institutions like the International Maritime Bureau, IMB, and the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, have lauded the reduction in piracy in Nigeria following enhanced patrol and relevant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered by NIMASA with other security agencies.

admin by — February 24, 2023 in Business 0
NLNG Begins 2O23 Nigeria Literature,Science Prizes Competition

The Advisory Boards for The Nigeria Prize for Science, The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, sponsored by Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited, have published the Call for Entries for the 2023 edition of the prizes, flagging off this year’s competitions.

The Science and Literature prizes, which are now in their 19th year, each come with a cash prize of $100, 000 while the Prize for Literary Criticism has prize money of $10,000,a statement said.

The Science Prize, which recognizes outstanding scientific achievements by Nigerians and non-Nigerians, will focus on Innovation for Enhancement of Healthcare Therapy this year.

The Literature Prize, on the other hand, will focus on Drama. The prize, which honours the author of the best book by a Nigerian, rotates among four literary genres, namely Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Children’s Literature.

The Literary Criticism Prize, which also aims to promote Nigerian Literature, will receive entries on works in literary criticism of Nigerian Literature, especially critical essays on new writings in Nigerian Literature.

The call for entries for the Literature prize and Literary Criticism will close on 31st March 2023 while the window for the science prize will close on 30th April 2023.

Professor Ameh Dennis Akoh will chair the panel of judges for this year’s Literature and the Literary Criticism competition. Professor Akoh is a Professor of Drama and Critical Theory at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State. He has over 50 publications in refereed local and international journals and books.

He is the former Editor of the Nigerian Journal of Indigenous Knowledge and Development, Nigerian Theatre Journal (NTJ), Co-editor of African Nebula and the UNIOSUN College of Humanities Monograph Series (2009-2016).

Other panel members include Professor Osita Catherine Ezenwanebe and Dr. Rasheedah Liman. Professor Ezenwanebe is a professor of Creative Arts, the University of Lagos.

She has written and produced several full-length plays. Dr. Liman is a Senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Advisory Board also announced Professor Victor K. Yankah from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, the University of Cape Coast, Ghana as the International Consultant.

The winners of the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, if any, will be announced at an award ceremony in October 2023 to commemorate the anniversary of the first LNG export from the NLNG’s Plant on October 9, 1999. The Science Prize winner will be revealed earlier in the year.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science are part of Nigeria LNG’s contribution towards helping to build a better Nigeria.

admin by — February 24, 2023 in Arts/Entertainment 0
Stop Declaring Election Results, NBC Cautions Broadcast Stations

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned broadcasting stations in Nigeria to stop declaring election results.

It said such power is only within the jurisdiction of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The commission ordered all broadcasting stations to end all partisan political programmes by 11:59 pm on Thursday 23 February, 2023.

Director of Broadcast Monitoring, NBC,Francisca Aiyetan, who conveyed the order in a statement,reiterated that stations can announce the result only after a formal announcement of the results has been made by the electoral umpire himself.

Reaffirming how stringent the order is,the regular implored all broadcasters not to flaunt the order. It, therefore, challenged them to ensure adherence to the ethics and codes of the commission by stopping every commercial on their stations 24 hours prior to election day.

“The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to underscore the enormous responsibility trust on Broadcasters at this period and therefore calls for strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Electoral Act in order to ensure a sane airwave that will enable a free, fair, credible and transparent Election,” NBC added.

It also stated that no station is allowed to broadcast any political campaign or advertisement on its facilities 24 hours preceding polling day or on polling day.

It added:“The Broadcaster shall not use any vote obtained at a polling station or from exit poll, to project or speculate on the chances of a candidate. The Broadcaster shall relay Election Results or declaration of the winner only as announced by the authorised Electoral Officer for the election.”

admin by — February 24, 2023 in Media 0
We’ve Intercepted N32.4m Meant For Vote-buying In Lagos, EFCC Alleges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,says it intercepted in Lagos the sum of N32, 400,000 (Thirty-two Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) allegedly suspected to be used for vote buying in Lagos.

The recovery was made by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Commission,it said,adding that the suspect involved has been taken into custody for further questioning

Wilson Uwujaren,Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC,quoted the chairman of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa,in a statement,as imploring all personnel of the Commission deployed for election monitoring duties to show courage and not give room for unscrupulous persons to undermine the integrity of the elections through financial inducement.

He said tactical team of operatives are currently on ground in all the states of the federation and the FCT,while telephone hotlines have already been circulated through social media for members of the public to share information regarding financial malpractices with agents of the commission.

He added:”Members of the public are encouraged to report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store. They can also reach the Commission through our social media handle, @officialefcc or by email, info@efcc.gov.ng”

admin by — February 24, 2023 in News 0
CBN Unveils eNaira On Bullnet To Stop Cash Crunch

The Central Bank of Nigeria has launched the USSD channel of the Central Bank Digital Currency tagged the eNaira on Bullnet platform to boost the usage of the platform.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer, Bullnet Bulletin and Enquiries Networking Services, Bayo Akintoye, said the USSD with the code *997*50#, would ameliorate the condition of Nigerians on account of the current scarcity of cash as it transitioned from cash-based economy to a cashless one.

“The CBN has collaborated with Chamsmobile Limited (a CBN licensed Mobile Money Operator and Super-Agent) to address challenges faced primarily by the unbanked, the underserved and those on the other side of the digital divide by developing the service known as ‘eNairaeNhanced Services’ via the eNaira USSD channel (*997*50#) which is fully run and powered by the patented Bullnet Platform.

“It is expected that Nigerians will proudly associate with this innovation and register to have the eNaira wallet. These wallets can be funded directly with cash-purchased vouchers (like the GSM recharge cards) or from funded bank accounts using bank cards via the web portal or using electronic payment with any authorized agent.

“Users can also transfer eNaira from one wallet to another simply by inputting the recipient’s phone number. The service also makes it possible for users to cash out by sending the eNaira directly from their wallets to an ATM and withdrawing the cash equivalent without the need for a bank account or bank card. The user can also send eNaira to a designated bank account for savings or further transactions”,he added.

According to him,in line with the cashless policy instituted by the CBN, the eNaira was established under the Project Giant initiative and launched by the President of Nigeria in October 2021.

He added that the network of banking agents across the country such as the Chamsmobile Super Agents and other mobile money agents, the POS agents and the growing eNaira adoption agents would now become eNaira extension workers who would be involved with eNaira agency, (selling vouchers to customers at a profit and onboarding new users), education and advocacy (creating awareness and education to the masses about the concept of the CBDC and its benefits).

Also speaking,the Project Coordinator, eNaira Project Giant Team, Otaru Abdulkadir, who represented the Co-ordinator, eNaira, CBN explained that,the eNaira was introduced to improve financial inclusion in the states, increase cross border transactions, diaspora remittances and the likes and also complement our payment infrastructure.

He added:“As it is today, we are able to transact on the eNaira with four methods; you can scan to pay, you could use your wallet ID that is when you onboard, and the eNaira it gives you a 10 digit number. And of course you can use USSD strength, and it is for everyone. It is available for everyone with a mobile phone. It doesn’t have to be a smartphone or any data phone.”

admin by — February 24, 2023 in Banking&Finance 0
MESL’s Acquisition Of Zungeru Power Plant Manifestation Of Distinction, Foresight- Power Group

 

By Tunde Sholanke

The Association of Power Generation Companies,has described the recent acquisition of Zungeru Hydro Power Plant (ZHPP) by Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited,as a mark of distinction and foresight.

Chief Executive Officer of the group,Dr.Joy Ogaji,disclosed this in a congratulatory letter to the company after it emerged the preferred winner for the power plant.

She said:”We believe your drive and dedication will make the business a success.We admire your courage, persistence and determination in pursuing this new and exciting path.We wish you all the success in the world as you embark on the new adventure”

The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) had Wednesday,announced the approval of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) as the preferred bidder for the concession of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power plant (ZHPP) for a fee of $USD70,000.25 per year for a period of 30 years.

The Council, chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo (SAN), which gave the approval at its 2nd meeting for the year 2023, held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja , directed the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to commence the negotiations and execution of the concession agreement with the preferred bidder.

MESL scored 1142 marks (94.3%) of the total 1,200 marks, thus surpassing the minimum benchmark score of 75% of 1,200 marks, having offered the highest concession fee of $USD70,000.25 to beat Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited Consortium (APPNLC) which scored 742 points.

The NCP at its 7th meeting for the year 2020, held on December 21, 2020, approved the concession of the ZHPP, consequent which the Federal Ministry of Power (FMOP) donated an irrevocable Power of Attorney to the BPE on June 30, 2021 for the implementations of the NCP’s decision.

The BPE published the Requests for Qualifications (RfQ) for the concession of the power plant in three national newspapers on October 27, 2022 which at the close of the deadline, 11 firms submitted bids. Three of them – Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited Consortium (APPNLC), Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL and North-South Power Consortium (NSP) were prequalified.

admin by — February 24, 2023 in Power 0
Polls : FG Shuts Land Borders

 

By Musbau Babatunde

The federal government has ordered the closure of the nation’s land borders effective 00:00 hours on Friday 25 to 00:00 Sunday 26, 2023 to secure the integrity of the election.

Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere who issued the federal government directive, equally mandated all Command Comptrollers, especially those in border States to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

admin by — February 24, 2023 in News 0
Polls:No Plan To shut Down Telecom Networks -NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has described as misleading information circulating in some social media platforms, insinuating there is a planned shutdown of all telecom networks and relevant ICT Units, including online transfer facilities of the banks, with effect from February 23, 2023.

Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs,who conveyed the clarification in a statement, advised the Nigerian public, consumers of telecommunications services, and all bank customers to ignore these or similar messages that insinuate deliberate network shutdown or disruption of services in the Nigerian telecom network.

He said,these malicious and subversive messages originated and are being circulated by fraudsters and unscrupulous elements in the society with the intent to cause chaos and panic among the populace.

He added:“The Commission has received unequivocal assurances from all the service providers to the effect that all the network services are currently in optimal performance, and will not witness any deliberate shutdown or disruptions, especially at this very crucial period of general elections in the country.

“Therefore, all users of telecommunications and banking services utilizing network facilities are assured of continued optimal service delivery before, during, and after the general elections in Nigeria.”

admin by — February 24, 2023 in News 0
87.2m Nigerians To Vote On Saturday -INEC

By Tunde Sholanke

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that 87.2 million voters may vote on Saturday on account of the number of Permanent Voters Cards Collected across the states .

The figure represents 93.3 % of the 93.4 million Nigerians that were captured during the voter registration exercise.

According to the figure,Lagos State which has the highest number of registered voters of over 7 millions , 6.2 million or 88% collected their PVCs.

Kano State with 5.9 million registered voters , about 5.5 million collected the PVCs representing about 94.5% .

Besides,INEC said,all states in the geopolitical zone witnessed over ninety percent PVC collection with Anambra leading the park with over 98% PVC collection.

Speaking on Thursday,chairman of Independent Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission is ready to go despite the sheer magnitude of the exercise involving over 93 million registered voters in 176, 606 polling units

He said:”This election is a huge logistical deployment. We have painstakingly procured, organised and delivered all the materials to the States for deployment. We commenced the delivery of non-sensitive materials over two months ago and they have been batched down to Registration Area/Ward and Pulling Unit levels.

“Sensitive materials have been delivered to the States and are presently being delivered to our Local Government Area offices. As such, these materials are only between one and two levels away from the Polling Units. We have achieved this by learning from our recent difficult experience with logistics.

“We have completed arrangements with the transport unions for the final leg of the movement of personnel and materials to the Polling Units. They have assured us of their readiness to provide all the vehicular needs of the Commission for the election.
Aside training the election staff, he said technology to be used for the polls have been tested and certified ready.

“Staff to be deployed for the elections have been trained, the last declaring that the “Commission shall carefully monitor the performance of all staff involved in the election and ensure that both recognition and sanctions are applied wherever applicable”.

“Let me reiterate that the procedure for voting as provided in the Electoral Act 2022, clearly makes the use of the BVAS mandatory. So also, the use of the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC). The NO PVC, NO VOTING rule subsists”.

He punctured the ugly incidence of vote buying in the country.

He added:”Vote buying remains a major threat to our democracy. We have worked closely with enforcement agencies to ensure that this is eliminated from our electoral process. We are convinced that our joint operations before and on election day will vastly reduce the prospect of voter inducement, which is not only illegal but immoral

“The ban on the use of mobile phones and photographic devices at the voting cubicles, is still in place. Some voters have used these devices in previous elections to snap their marked ballot papers for vote transaction. However, citizens are permitted to come to the Polling Units with these devices, as long as they do not take them to the voting cubicles.”

On the reported killing of Oyibo Chukwu, the senatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Enugu State by unknown assailants, Yakubu
disclosed that will invoke Section 34 of the Electoral Act 2022 to countermind the Enugu East Senatorial election for two weeks

Fielding questions during the first daily media briefing to herald the 2023 general elections,he said the law provides for such interventions and that the Commission will act according to prescribed law.

admin by — February 24, 2023 in Politics 0