All Posts in "Day: July 12, 2023"

Abia Confirms Nwankwo Kanu As Enyimba FC Chairman

Mohammed Shosanya

Nwankwo Kanu, the Super Eagles legend, has f taken over as the chairman of nine times Nigerian champions, Enyimba International of Aba.

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti confirmed the appointment of former Super Eagles captain as the chairman of the former African champions.

Kanu, who hails from Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state, was confirmed alongside other appointee: John Obuh as Abia Warriors Chairman and Boniface Alozie Uche as Abia Comets Chairman.

He will be replacing the club’s longest serving chairman Felix Anyansi Agwu who was in charge of the team for 24 years.

Under Anyansi, Enyimba became a household name across the continent as the first Nigerian club to win the continent’s most prestigious club competition, the CAF Champions League trophy in 2003 and 2004. The club also won the African Super Cup twice in 2004 and 2005.

On the domestic front, Enyimba won a record nine Nigeria Premier Football League title as well as four Federations Cup tittle among other laurels.

Kanu Nwankwo, a former Arsenal Star, managed Papilo FC to the NNL where they spent only one season.

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Sports 0

Mohammed Shosanya

The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the lynching of a 32-year-old man, Ebimotimi Freeborn, accused of stealing bread along the Tombia-Amassoma Road, in the Yenagoa area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, in a statement, identified the suspects as Preye Mathew, Theophilus Tiro and Famous Precious.

Butswat said, “The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the mob action by an unruly crowd, which led to the death of Ebimotimi Freeborn, 32.

“The suspects, Preye Mathew, 50, Theophilus Tiro, 28, and Famous Precious, 22, were arrested on July 9, 2023, around 5pm along the Tombia- Amassoma Road, after an angry mob lynched the suspect to death for allegedly stealing bread.

“The command condemns the action of the mob and warns members of the public to desist from taking laws into their own hands. The suspects are undergoing interrogation and would be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation.”

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Crime/Metro 0

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ogun House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed a resolution for the state to observe the Isese Cultural Day every August 20.

The majority leader, Yusuf Sheriff (APC – Ado-Odo Ota I),at the plenary moved the motion for the House to adopt the passage of the resolution, which was later seconded by Lukmon Adeleye (PDP-Odogbolu).

The state government will also declare the Day a work-free day,he said.

In his contribution,Adegoke Adeyanju (APC-Yewa North 1), who sponsored the motion, said the Day was meant to promote the people’s tradition and culture in the state.

He had earlier read the amended resolution, and it was seconded by Damilola Soneye (APC-Obafemi Owode).

Other members who spoke in support of the resolution opined that the Isese Cultural Day celebration would promote the cultural heritage of Yoruba land.

Speaking,the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo (APC – Ifo I), said that the Cultural Day would enable parents to transmit the culture and tradition of the kingdom to the younger generation.

“Isese is a Yoruba name that tells us what we inherited from our parents and it’s also a way to continually promote culture and tradition so they do not go into extinction,” he added.

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Oduduwa 0

Mohammed Shosanya

Bauchi State House of Assembly has adopted Hausa Language in addition to English in conducting business of the House.

Its speaker, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Suleiman, announced this at the plenary shortly after member representing Shira Constituency, Hon. Auwal Hassan, moved a motion, on Tuesday.

He said that the English is the official language adopted for conducting of governmental and nongovernmental institutions in Nigeria and the Section 97 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Order 3 Rule 8 of the Standing Orders of the Bauchi State House of Assembly 2017 provides that the proceedings and debates of the House shall be conducted in English Language, the house may conduct its business in one or more other languages spoken in the State.

According to him,Hausa being the most popular spoken language in Bauchi, used for communication purpose by over 90% of people across the State, should be adopted in addition to English as second official language.

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Arewa 0
Stop $5bn Freight Nigeria Pays Foreign Ship Owners, LCCI Tells Tinubu

Mohammed Shosanya

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry,LCCI,has implored President Bola Tinubu,to halt the revenue leakage of more than $ 5 billion Nigeria paid annually as freight to foreign ship owners.

The chamber also said other issues of revenue leakages, such as oil theft, should also be properly addressed.

Its President,Micheal Olawale-Cole,who conveys the suggestions in a press statement,said the development would ensure that the government can earn more revenue and that there will be less dependence on internal and external borrowings to fund the budget.

The chamber also said,the efforts will improve Nigeria’s revenue profile and create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment

The statement added that the chamber’s perspectives are in tandem with the Government’s need to check the over-bloated and inefficient workforce of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

On planned merger of ministries,the chamber advised the government to embrace critical stakeholders’ engagement and consultation, which we will provide further insights into charter-specific responsibilities and possibilities.

It said:”We understand the Government’s arguments on the proposed merger, which borders on improving efficiency in collecting all direct and indirect taxes and levies.The LCCI supports the Government’s desire to curb the rising cost of governance, its readiness to declare a state of emergency on revenue generation, and its resolve to tackle them headlong.

“The government should ensure that implementing the proposed merger does not impede the ease of doing business. It would also be necessary for the Government to ensure that the fallout of the proposed merger, such as staff rationalization, realignment of operating structure, accountability, and transparency, are adequately dealt with”

The chamber commended the government on the recently released Executive Orders, which,it said, will curb arbitrary taxation policies.

The executive orders,it said,demonstrate the listening ear tendency of the President,adding that,they further highlight the administration’s readiness to strengthen due process, willingness to follow established path, and readiness to uphold collective agreements while at the same time taking into serious consideration their economic growth impacts in general and the organized private sector in particular.

It said,the orders will also lessen the current hardship being faced by the households.

“With the new dates, the LCCI believes that they will afford the affected sectors enough time to rise to the expectations of the Acts.Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. Further, the recent appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms established to remove barriers impeding business growth in Nigeria is decisive affirmative action.

” It is clear by this pronouncement that the President recognizes the importance of a sound fiscal policy environment and an effective taxation system for the functioning of the government and the economy.

” The committee’s primary objective would be to enhance revenue collection efficiency, ensure transparent reporting, and promote the effective utilization of tax and other revenues to boost citizens’ tax morale, foster a healthy tax culture, and drive voluntary compliance. Your Excellency, it would be important for the committee to focus on expanding the tax net to avoid overburdening existing taxpayers

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Business 0
Nigeria Facing Energy Poverty -Kyari

Mohammed Shosanya

Nigeria is currently facing energy poverty as over 70 per cent of the population do not have access to clean cooking oil,the Group Chief Executive Officer ( GCEO) Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari,has said.

He also said,over 50 per cent of the population also do not have access to electricity in the country.

He disclosed these on Tuesday while speaking on the topic: ‘Nigeria’s Energy Landscape, for sustainable energy future’ at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja.

He said: “What are we talking about, it is about energy availability, affordability and sustainability. Everybody wants this not just Nigeria, not Africa but every part of the world thinks this same way: that energy must be available, it must be affordable and also it must be supplied in a sustainable manner. But where are we in our country today, in terms of availability, 70 per cent of our population do not have access to clean cooking oil.

“Over 50 per cent don’t have access to electricity. And that is the truth, so is energy available or is it a problem of affordability or is it that we have unsustainable framework. It is a combination of all of them, I think we are dealing with a combination of all of them. Energy is not available. It is not affordable, in very many sense, because of many of the structures that have been mentioned here earlier, pricing, many issues that have made affordability a matter of concern. You can’t even afford financing for it. Nobody is going to give you money for a project that you are not going to get back your money.

“And that is what it is, today, NNPC is exposed to all of you now. Not just the government, you supply gas you don’t get Payment for it. You supply power you don’t get Payment for it. So you can’t run any business this way. So it cannot be sustainable. You cannot create affordable energy and it will not be available. So there are some multiple issues that is for all of us”.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, said that a lot is happening in the petroleum industry, adding that whether anybody likes it or not, fossil fuels will still be here with us for over a 100 years to come, despite the raging campaign for energy transition.

He added that over 40 per cent of Africa’s energy mix comes from renewable energy, which he said is way higher than any other continent on the earth.

Meanwhile,Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has declared that it ready for the coming energy transition as it has not only invested hugely in the development of infrastructure in the Universities across the country but has also trained the teachers in line with dynamics of the energy solutions across the globe.

Dr. Bello Aliyu Gusau, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, stated this at the ongoing 16th Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE), a three day annual international conference with the theme: ‘Energy Evolution, Transition and Reform: Prospects for African Economies’ holding in Abuja.

Represented at the occasion by Mr Jide Adebulehin, the PTDF boss declared that the Fund is ready to provide required trainings for people currently in the industry such that they can be of better use in line with energy transition.

He added:”We not only in invest in infrastructure in the universities, we also train the teachers. We cannot continue sending people abroad. Sending people abroad is just for a short term Programme. And in view of the energy transition and it’s variables from one geopolitical part of the world to another, in PTDF we are ready for what could be proper for our geopolitical zone considering our energy security. And we are ready to train even people who are in the industry now so that they can be of better use in view of the transition”.

Dr. Gusau, reiterated that the Fund is never tired of partnering with stakeholders in finding solutions for better energy solutions in the country.

He noted that it has literally supported various universities in the country, stressing that apart from sending Nigerians abroad for capacity building, the Fund has developed facilities across the nation through partnership with local universities.

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Lagos Assembly Seeks Speedy Action On Creation Of State Police

Mohammed Shosanya

The Lagos State House of Assembly has implored the National Assembly to commence actions that would lead to the establishment of state police.

It also called on the state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently equip the state Neighbourhood Safety Corps so that its personnel could effectively perform the task of community policing.

These actions, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said, would stop increasing spate of insecurity in the country.

He noted recent attacks on communities in some states of the federation with many citizens losing their lives and belongings.

Recalling some of the latest attacks, the Speaker said he read about the killing of some residents in Plateau State. He also noted the abduction of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Paul Omotoso.

He said though the Lagos Assembly had consistently clamoured for the establishment of state police, it is an appropriate time for the Senate and the House of Representatives to begin an amendment of the Constitution to contain the creation of the alternative policing system.

“While I commend the ninth National Assembly for doing a lot to amend the constitution, there is a need for us to call on the 10th National Assembly to see it as a matter of urgency to make the issue of state policing a major factor of development,” Obasa said.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, commended the Speaker for bringing up the issue of state policing again.

“We remember very well that it was you that sponsored the bill on Neighbourhood Safety Corps and we see what it has done for our State and how other states are copying it,” Yishawu said.

Noting that President Bola Tinubu started well with moves to rejig the economy, Hon. Yishawu said security remains at the heart of a country’s progress urging for more focus this area.

The motion was supported by other lawmakers,who lamented the inadequate number of police personnel in Lagos and also suggested police reforms at the national level.

The lawmakers argued further that the establishment of state police would boost employment across the country.

admin by — July 12, 2023 in News 0
Illegal Bank Charges: Reps Kick, Begin Probe

Mohammed Shosanya

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Banking and Currency (when constituted) to investigate the issue of excess charges and illegal deductions by commercial banks in Nigeria.

The Committee will report to the House within four weeks for further action.

The Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure implementation was also mandated to ensure compliance.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Godwin Offiono on Tuesday.

The House noted that some Banks and Financial Institutions in Nigeria indulge in the unethical practice of fleecing their customers through excess charges and unauthorised deductions.

It also noted that customers of different Commercial Banks are groaning over excessive charges on their accounts.

The House said the financial institutions known as Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have reportedly introduced different deductions to increase their income, a development that is uncomfortable with customers.

The House said it was aware that apart from Stamp Duty, bank customers also pay Value Added Tax (VAT) charges applicable on all VATable transactions in their account.

It said it was also aware that Commercial Banks are charging outrageous interest on loans, and overdraft at a rate that is higher than the agreed rate in the offer letter.

“The House is further aware of the arbitrary increase in the interest rate on loans and overdrafts and increase in the other fees without notifying and getting customer’s consent as stipulated in the Central Bank /Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) guideline.

“The House is concerned that the creation of charges not recognized in the Central Bank Guide to Bank charges is a common practice by Commercial Banks.

“The House is also concerned about the wrong application of maintenance fees, banks overcharging maintenance fees, the inclusion of transactions exempted from maintenance charge, loan liquidation and bank-induced transactions amongst others.

“The House is worried that as affected customers attempted to lodge complaints to the Bank’s Customer Care they are treated as beggars without result,” the motion added.

admin by — July 12, 2023 in News 0
Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest, Three Others In Ebonyi

A Catholic Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike,was Monday, kidnapped in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Fr. Joseph, the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha local government area of the state,was kidnapped alongside three others on his way back from pastoral duties.

The kidnappers are said to be making financial demands before they could be released.

Meanwhile,the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki has called for prayers for the unconditional release of the abducted Priest and three others.

In a statement titled “Call For Prayers” which was signed by the Diocese’s Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, on Tuesday, the Church confirmed that the Priest was abducted close to his Parish.

The statement reads: “Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike who was abducted yesterday being Monday, 10th of July, 2023 close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.

“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was abducted alongside three other people. The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally”

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Crime/Metro 0
NCDMB, NLNG To Unveil Local Content Opportunities For Gas E-Market Place

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria LNG Limited are collaborating to roll out tender opportunities from the gas production and processing company on the Oil and Gas E-Market Place as a major step towards implementing a key provision of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

Speaking at the Nigerian Content Seminar at the Nigerian Oil And Gas Energy Week (NOG 2023) in Abuja, on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Simbi Wabote,disclosed that the rollout of the oil and gas e-marketplace project would be carried out in phases and is starting with the Nigerian LNG.

A statement by NCDMB’s Corporate Communications,quoted Wabote said that a joint working committee comprising members of the company and the board was formed to co-create the blueprint for the phase-1 implementation of the e-marketplace, while subsequent phases of the project will include members of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), and the other stakeholder groups.

He commended the management and staff of Nigeria LNG for their readiness to comply with the provisions of the NOGICD Act and for demonstrating genuine willingness to partner with the board in various initiatives, recalling that the Service Level Agreements (SLA) was initiated with the company in 2017 to drive the timely approvals of requests submitted to the agency.

He explained that the board uses the Nigerian content seminar to discuss the various elements of the NOGICD Act with industry operators, service providers and other stakeholders in the industry, noting that this year’s seminar provided a platform to clarify the provisions of the Act, the ministerial regulations, guidelines, tools and initiatives.

He also noted that Section 70 (h) justified the board’s assistance of local contractors and support of Nigerian companies to develop their capabilities and capacities in furtherance of Nigerian Content development in the oil and gas industry.

According to him, the clarity became necessary to correct the wrong perception held in some quarters that the NCDMB was acting outside its mandate by supporting and partnering companies in strategic business ventures, adding that “this provision is at the heart of developing local capacities and capabilities in the oil and gas industry”.

He further stated that the provision explains why the board embarked on several initiatives, including the funding support and other initiatives that were directed toward developing both human capital and infrastructure.

The NCDMB listed some of the initiatives to include the $300million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund with the Bank of Industry (BoI), the $100million Matched Fund with NEXIM Bank, the $50million R&D Intervention Fund and the $50million NOGAPS Manufacturing Fund.

Other support provided by the board to local companies include partnering with local businesses to establish modular refineries, gas processing plants, LPG storage facilities, Base Oil production plant, LPG depot and refilling plants, and others with clear exit plans once the target goals are achieved.

Wabote observed that there are severe challenges negating manufacturing in the oil and gas industry, which is why the board is developing the NOGAPS Industrial Parks to provide modern infrastructure using the “sites and services” model to support in-country manufacturing.

He reported that the industrial parks were at various stages of development in seven states namely, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo and Ondo states.

“The NOGAPS Industrial Parks at Odukpani in Cross River State and the one at Emeyal-1 in Bayelsa State are both at advanced stages of completion and will commence operations in 2024”, he said.

Appreciating the contribution of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Joint Venture and the ExxonMobil Joint Venture for their contributions to the industrial parks using the CDI programmes, Wabote confirmed that the board had commenced the allocation of manufacturing shopfloors and services plots at the Odukpani and Emeyal-1 parks to qualified applicants.

The Director Planning Research and Statistics, NCDMB, Mr Abdulmalik Halilu, while speaking at the panel session with the theme, “Exploring Emerging Opportunities for Local Content in Achieving Energy Security,” stressed the need to focus on manufacturing as a veritable strategy for promoting local content in the oil and gas industry as manufacturing accounts for 54 percent of the spend on major oil and gas projects.

He hinted that the board’s programmes for supporting manufacturing included developmental and monitoring interventions such as the Nigerian Content Manufacturing Initiative (NCMI) which he noted was the precursor of the Nigerian Content Equipment Certification (NCEC).

He said, “Those programmes are geared to compel original equipment manufacturers to rethink their business models and to begin the manufacture some components of their equipment in Nigeria. Other initiatives include the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS), which is designed to enhance efficiency of manufacturing and cut off entry barriers.”

admin by — July 12, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0