All Posts in "Day: July 17, 2023"

Food, Urban Inflation Push Consumer Price Index To 22.79% In June- NBS

Mohammed Shosanya

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Monday said that Consumer Price Index for the month of June continued northward propelled by food and urban inflation,representing the sixth consecutive rise.

Headline inflation closed the month at 22.79 percent from 22.41 percent a month earlier, after urban inflation jumped 5.23 percent to 24.33 percent; and food inflation closing the period at 25.25 percent, a 4.65 percent growth from the level in May,the report said.

The sharp increase in food and urban inflation was due to the sudden removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) by President Bola Tinubu in his inaugural address on May 29,this year

According to the report,food inflation rate in June 2023, was caused by increases in prices of oil and fat, bread and cereals, fish, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fruits, meat, vegetable, milk, cheese, and eggs.

“The average annual rate of Food inflation for the twelve months ending June 2023 over the previous twelve month average was 24.03%, this was 5.41% points increase from the average annual rate of change recorded in June 2022 (18.62%),” it added.

The headline inflation for June represented a 0.38 percent increase, when compared to May 2023 headline inflation rate, while on a year-on-year basis, up by 4.19% from the 18.60% rate in June 2022.

Month-on-month basis, Headline inflation rate in June 2023 was 2.13%, this was 0.19% points higher than 1.94 percent in June 2023 the rate recorded in May 2023, while percentage change in the average CPI for the 12 months period ending June 2023, was 21.54%, showing a 5.00% increase compared to 16.54% recorded in the same period of last year.

The report said,rural inflation rate for the period stood at 21.37% on a year-on-year basis; a 3.25% growth from 18.13% recorded in June 2022.

It added that,core inflation (All items less farm produce), which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 20.27% in June 2023 on a year-on-year basis, up by 4.53% from the 15.75% recorded in June 2022, driven by increases in prices of passenger transport by air, gas, vehicles spare parts, liquid fuel, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment, medical services, and passenger transport by road, among others.

A breakdown of the data showed that headline inflation year-on-year was at its peak in Lagos where it stood at 25.75%; followed by Ondo, 25.40%; and Kogi, 25.23%; while Borno recorded the slowest rise of 20.44%; followed by Zamfara’s 20.93%; and Ekiti, 21.06% on a year-on-year basis.

Food inflation for the period was highest in Kwara, 30.80%; Lagos, 30.37%; and Kogi, 29.71%; while Zamfara recorded the slowest rise with 21.38%; Sokoto, 21.60%; and Borno, 21.75% YTD.

admin by — July 17, 2023 in News 0
Court Sentences Prophet,Boyfriend To Death For Killing LASU Final Year Student

CMusbau Babatunde

An Osun State High Court in Ikire has sentenced Philip Segun of Cherubim and Cherabum Church, Solution Chapel, Ikoyi-Ile for killing Lagos State University final year student, Favour Daley-Oladele.

Justice Christiana Obadina also sentenced her boyfriend, Owolabi Adeeko, 23, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of the final year Sociology student after cajoling her to Ikire from Lagos while his mother, Bola, 46, was convicted for eating human flesh.

Owolabi and Favour had been dating for about a month before he lured her to Ikire under the decoy that she should come visit his uncle while Owolabi, his mother and Prophet Segun had concluded arrangement to use her for money ritual.

Favour was later killed in the church after Owolabi smashed her on the head with a pestle and her organs used for ritual before her remain was buried in a shallow grave outside the church on December 8, 2019.

Few weeks later the body was exhumed by the police after arresting the suspects who confessed to the murder and they were first arraigned before the court in November 15, 2021 on two counts bordering on conspiracy and murder contrary to sections 324 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap. 34 Laws of Osun State, 2002.

The prosecution team from the Ministry of Justice led by Mrs Adekemi Bello,had during trial invited nine witnesses, including the police investigating officer and tendered several exhibits before the court, while the convicts testified in their respective defence without calling any other witness.

In her verdict,Justice Obadina said that prosecuting counsel has proved her case convincingly and found Prophet Philip Segun and Owolabi Adeeko guilty for murder and conspiracy, while Bola Adeeko was convicted for eating human flesh which is against the law of the land.

She sentenced Prophet Philip and Owolabi to death by hanging for murder and 14 years imprisonment for conspiracy.

She judge also sentenced Owolabi’s mother, Bola to two years imprisonment for eating human flesh.

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Law/Human Rights 0

Mohammed Shosanya

A 32-year-old drug addict, Samson Sikiru, Sunday,reportedly strangled his mother to death in Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State.

The suspect,who was said to have been on drugs for some times and being managed by his deceased mother, finally killed her at Itanrin area of Ijebu Ode.

His younger brother who was a night guard and was returning from his night shift alerted the neighbours when he noticed the lifeless body of the mother.

The suspect was away for some years,but returned to celebrate the last Ileya festival with the mother two weeks ago.

Samson was arrested after the neighbours discovered that he was behind the death of his mother and subsequently handed him over to the police.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Omotola Odutola,who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday, said the suspect was also a neuropsychiatric patient.

According to the PPRO, occasionally family members used to tie him up
to avoid him injuring himself or anyone.

The image maker added:”He had remained with his mother whom he visited during the Sallah celebrations, even though he is known for his retard tendency, but his condition was being managed to the best of the knowledge of his mother.

“It is not yet clear if there was any provocation by his mother, but preliminary investigation revealed that earlier same day he was tied up in the house, only for him to loose himself and descended on his mother and strangled her.

“The body was seen laid on the bed on arrival of SP Murphy, the DPO but, on closer observation, marks of violence were found around the deceased mother.Laceration were discovered, found around her right legs, proving that there was force and violence.

“Samson Sikiru is still in the police custody, but, nothing much has been gotten from him, as he has not answered any coherent questions put across to him.”

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Crime/Metro 0
Customs Seizes 31 Smuggled Firearms, Ammunition In Lagos,Ogun

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said it has seized 31 smuggled arms and several rounds of ammunition from smugglers in some command and border axis in Lagos and Ogun states.

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who announced this at a press conference in Lagos on Monday,said since he assumed his current ,his officers and men have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their responsibilities.

He said:”Their diligence and perseverance have been the cornerstone of our operations. Our actions within the NCS have been driven by a deep sense of purpose and guided by the mantra of renewed hope, which underpins the current administration’s vision.

“We recognize the significance of our role in contributing to the overall objectives of the President Tinubu-led Administration, as articulated in the Road Map of the Policy Advisory Council document. The declaration of a state of emergency in revenue generation and national security has further aligned our activities with the government’s overarching goals.

“I stand before you today to highlight the recent achievements of the NCS in our ongoing efforts to suppress smuggling and safeguard national security. Some of our dedicated and diligent officers uncovered some smuggled arms and ammunition while on duty at various Commands and formations.”

Speaking on the arms seizure, the Acting CG said that on the 5 July 5, 2023, during a joint operation with the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security, the National Drug Law Enforcement and Administration, and the Customs Intelligence Unit at the Ports Terminal and Multi Services Limited Command, a thorough physical examination of a 40ft container was conducted.

He said the examination revealed the concealment of 10 dangerous arms and various rounds of live ammunition inside plastic drums

These include three new pump action rifles and one new unit of an armed rifle, 6 new different makes of pistols: One new millennium G2 pistol,one new sarsilmaz SAR-9X pistol, one new Lugger Security-9 pistol and one new Taurus Banbridge G3C pistol.

Others are one new SCCY CPX-2 pistol, and one new Taurus (63 pistol).

Besides,he said 14 empty magazines and 442 rounds of live ammunition were seized.

“The clearing agent, Mr Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Ltd and Mr Joseph Nwadiodor, who was expected to take delivery of the container, are currently detained as suspects in connection with the seizure,” he disclosed.

He added that within the same period, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Service, while acting on credible intelligence; a 1x40ft container was also subjected to 100% physical examination with the relevant security agencies at the ports.

The physical examination, according to him, uncovered 18 arms, packets of cartridges and rounds of live ammunition inside plastic drums.

The details include: 6 different makes of pistols, two Sar9 Sarsilmarz Pistols, one Ruger American Pistol and three Taurus G3c – Bainbridge Pistols.

Also, 12 different makes of riffles, five Rz17hd Rifles, one Gamo Rifle, five Pump Action Rifles and one (1) Rz17 Tactical Rifle were intercepted and seized.

Others are 10 packets of cartridges, 2 packets of 9mm ammunition, 100 rounds of 9mm Winchester ammunition,1 carton of Frontier cartridges and two packets of buckshot ammunition.

“Again, during a routine patrol along Owode/Ajilete axis of Ogun State by officers of the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, on Wednesday , July 12, 2023, intercepted an unregistered Toyota Camry loaded with six sacks of charcoal, which was used to conceal three (3) pump action riffles with 174 live cartridges.

“The driver of the vehicle, who knew the content he was conveying vis-a-vis the attendant consequences of his action before the law; jumped into the bush and escaped arrest.”

He added that in all, thirty-one rifles were intercepted within the first two weeks of July 2023.

He said:”Investigation into the seizures is inconclusive. The outcome of our investigations together with the seizures will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

“Illicit arms obtained by non-state actors have boosted the proliferation of small arms and ammunition across the country. This accounts for the increase in violent kidnappings, robberies, and mass killings in society.

“Let me state at this point that the Service has re-strategized its operations, while our officers have raised their levels of professionalism, and have keyed into the mantra of renewed hope aimed at facilitating legitimate trade. In doing this, we are assuring all compliant traders and importers that they have nothing to fear.

“We have re-injected new tactics to tackle the economic and security menace caused by recalcitrant importers and their agents. The Service’s human resources and logistics are collectively harnessed to combat and prevent economic sabotage”

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Business 0
SNEPCO Boss Seeks Attractive Fiscal Terms In Oil Sector Investments

Mohammed Shosanya

The Managing Director of Nigeria’s leading deep-water oil and gas company, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo),Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, has advised the Nigerian government to replicate the Petroleum Industry Act’s (PIA) good fiscal terms for onshore oil projects and to put in place positive fiscal terms for gas projects that are not associated with oil projects.

She spoke at a panel session at the Nigeria Oil and Gas conference and exhibition held in Abuja recently.

According to her,the PIA has provided better terms for onshore oil reducing tax and royalties, but action was still required to enact terms for gas that is not associated with oil drilling.

She emphasized the need to put in place fiscal terms that will attract investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

She added: “Capital has no emotions at all; it will flow to where it will get the highest returns. It will then begin to bear fruits, lots of fruits and that’s certainly what any investor is looking for.

“Favourable fiscal terms will also boost investors’ confidence, encouraging them to implement projects in the industry. There are factors that will drive oil and gas projects and first is around the fiscals which is very critical; so there must be right and clear fiscal terms to support the execution of projects.”

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Planned Hike In Electricity Tariff Ploy To Discredit Tinubu Govt -OPC

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has flayed electricity distribution companies over and to increase tariif,saying such move was
aimed at discrediting the new regime of President Bola Tinubu.

Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, OPC President in a statement signed by its General-Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Fasehun,said the planned hike was anti-people, oppressive, unjustified too.

He implored Tinubu to stop the electricity price increase, adding that the move had earlier been rejected by workers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and industrialists under the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

He noted that Nigerians were still grappling with the scrapping of fuel subsidy, and that increasing the cost of electricity would be adding to citizens’ burden and paint the Tinubu administration as uncaring.

According to him, the power distributors would increase their earnings if they stopped incessant power cuts with their poor attitude to rendering services.

He added:“Today, citizens are the ones buying their own poles, transformers, cables and prepaid meters. DISCOs have turned themselves into rent-takers and blackout distributors.

“Especially, DISCOs should be told to supply prepaid meter meters free-of-charge, something they have refused to do so far because they enjoy sending crazy bills to customers who suffer darkness and power failure all the time,”

He advised the DISCOs to borrow the example of the telecommunications companies that had reduced the cost that consumers paid for calls and data.

Reminding the companies that they had inherited the backbone and infrastructure of the old NEPA and PHCN for a small amount, Afolabi said that in comparison, the telecom companies independently made colossal investments in laying underground, underwater and fibre-optic cables, antenna and electricity generators, and they were reaping the profits today.

OPC questioned the distribution companies to justify the hundreds of billions in public funds that past regimes had pumped into the sector, even when the distribution segment of the electricity value chain had been privatised.

According to the organisation, it had become clear that the DISCOs wanted to reap where they did not plant, because the generation and transmission companies were largely discharging their responsibilities while distribution remained problematic.

Afolabi said: “President Tinubu should tell distribution companies that if they cannot deliver with the current tariff, they should submit their licences and close shop.

“Moreover, the government should scrap this territorial monopoly, where only one DISCO has commandeered a service area and allows no competition. Consumers in any area should be able to choose and transfer to other DISCOs as currently obtains in telecommunications and in other countries.

“That will create competition and push DISCOs to render quality service in order not to lose customers to competing suppliers.”

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Power 0
Nigeria Records First Anthrax Case

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed anthrax case in Niger State, Nigeria.

A statement on Monday by Dr Columba Vakuru, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria,
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, explained that on 14th of July, 2023 the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria was notified of animals manifesting symptoms of suspected case of anthrax in a farm in Suleja, Niger State.

According to him, the case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

He disclosed that a Rapid Response team comprising federal and states One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals. Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years and after the report of an outbreak of anthrax in Northern Ghana few weeks ago.

He said all animals affected in the farm have died.

According to the statement, “Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats but can also infect humans who come into direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat, wool, or hides.

“Inhalation anthrax may occur through the inhalation of spores, while cutaneous anthrax can result from contact with contaminated materials or through open wounds.”

He further added that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Niger state government has taken proactive measures to ensure the outbreak is controlled and contained quickly in Nigeria.

This include;Quarantine of the affected farm; Deployment of anthrax spore vaccines to the affected and adjoining farms to vaccinate in-contact animals;educating the farm workers of the affected farms on symptoms, preventive measures and what to do when encounter with suspected case.

He noted that plans were also underway to conduct nationwide vaccination of cattle, sheep and goats against anthrax, adding that surveillance of anthrax will be heightened in livestock farms, markets and abattoirs.

He said public awareness campaigns on anthrax would be intensified.
Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, therefore urged all livestock owners to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious illness or deaths in their animals and avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their products.

He enjoined the public,”To Exercise caution when buying animals – cows, camels, sheep, goats, and other livestock – from Nigerian states bordering Benin, Chad, and Niger, and from Ghana and Togo via waterways.

“Not slaughter animals at home, rather make use of abattoirs or slaughter slabs. To avoid contact with meat/bush meat or animal by-products such as skin, hides (“kpomo”) and milk of a sick or dead animal.

“Not slaughter sick animals. Slaughtering the sick animal can expose the anthrax spores which can be inhaled by humans if the animal is infected with anthrax. Not eat products from sick or dead animals.

“Hunters should not pick sick or dead animals from the bush or forest to be sold for human consumption. Report any incidence of sudden death of animals to the nearest veterinary authorities or the State Ministry of Agriculture.”

He stated that:”Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax in livestock. Consult with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule suitable for your specific livestock.

“Use personal protective equipment (gloves, facemasks, goggles, boots) when handling sick animals. Regularly monitor livestock for any sign of sickness or unusual behaviour.

“Immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers. Note: The blood of an anthraxinfected animal does not Clot.”

He assured that all necessary steps would be taken to contain the disease and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services would continue to provide updates on the situation of the disease.

Anthrax image

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Health 0
NUPRC:Revenue Losses From Crude Oil Will Soon Stop

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said that the commission has come up with a policy framework that will enhance proper monitoring, transparency and ensure accountability of crude oil taken from the country.

It also said that the new regulatory framework known as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, 2023 in line with the PIA, is a new initiative that will create a paradigm shift in oil-related revenue generation in the country.

Chief Commission Officer, NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe disclosed this at a two-day National Anti-Corruption Conference organized by HEDA Resource Centre and Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CFTI) in Abuja.

According to him, the policy will also address the issue of overloading and dispensing oil from the source, which invariably gives rise to making money from the illicit process.

He added: ‘‘While it’s critical to follow and recover illicit financial flows, it’s perhaps more critical to prevent illicit financial flows . One is reactive while the later is proactive.

“The commission is focused on proactive corruption prevention and elevation of transparency in hydrocarbon accounting in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. stressing that wrong hydrocarbon accounting practice has pervaded since 1956 oil discovery in Nigeria. So, NUPRC is poised in a revolutionary move to stop the corrupt practice .

‘’The idea is to stop the illicit financial flows from the source. When that happens it will make the work of the EFCC, and ICPC very easy”

The regulation will ensure a licensee or lessee has a metering plan approved by the commission for the measurement of petroleum production from its producing license or lease area.

According to the policy document,the Measurement equipment and metering systems deployed by a licensee or lessee under a metering plan shall conform with the standards and prescribed in a regulation, guidelines, or directives issued by the commission.

Besides, the policy document stated that a lessee shall carry out the installation of metering equipment and metering services under a metering plan through a licensed metering services provider in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations. Thus, a licenced metering services provider shall be an original equipment provider (OEM) or its agent, approved by the Commission.

It also reads:” A measurement equipment and metering systems deployed by a licensee or lessee under a metering plan shall conform with the standards and specifications prescribed in a regulation, guidelines or directives issued by the Commission.

”The standards and specification referred to in subregulation of this regulation shall relate to the design, fabrication, manufacture, installation, calibration, operation, maintenance, upgrade and inspection or any other requirement as may be determined by the commission”

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0

Mohammed Shosanya

The India High Commission in Nigeria has assured of his country’s preparedness to collaborate with the Nigeria energy sector in ensuring its smooth energy transition agenda.

India High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Shri G. Balasubramanian stated this while on a tour of Indian pavilion at just concluded NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition 2023 in Abuja.

He said that India is playing a good role in renewable energy ,adding:‘we have some expertise on it and we hope to collaborate with Nigeria on it. I know there are huge opportunities for both countries to leverage on.

He said:”We are excited to participate at this year’s NOG. Indian has a good number of participations this year. India has about 48 exhibitors this year, this is an increase compared to last year’s conference.

“The layout is very organised. The layout is very easy to navigate. The exhibitors have very good and prime positions which would help them in attracting more customers to their own item which they’re exhibiting. All in all, I believe that this is a very well organised exhibition,” Shri G. Balasubramanian stated
He said that Indian companies exhibiting are well grounded and technological driven companies with quality and affordable products and services. Trusting that they will find business opportunities in Nigeria.

On the growth of Indian economy, he affirmed that innovation , investment banking and technology are key drivers of the Indian economic growth. He noted that in the past few years a lot of innovations are taking place in the country through which the economy has been propelled from where it was to where it is today .

“For us we still believe there are a long way to go, we are still an emerging economy and there are still need for the government to continue to support innovations , Fintech, new startups .

‘For example In two years we have had more than 100 unicorn startups, a unicorn is a startup company that has an asset value of $1billion , and more that 5000 thousand startups have being created in about four to five years now.

“We are heavily investing in Agriculture, Pharmaceutical and energy and we are willing to collaborate more with Nigeria in many fronts. This NOG exhibition is to showcase the technology and innovation from India for our mutual benefits’’ he stated.

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Naija Super 8: Organisers Fines Remo Stars Coach N250,000 Over Misconduct

Tunde Sholanke

Head coach of Remo Stars, Daniel Ogumodede, has been fined N250, 000 by Naija Super 8 organisers for inappropriate conduct in the final match of the tournament on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

This was announced in a statement issued by the organisers, Flykite Productions, on Monday.

The fine, Flykite Productions said in the statement, is because of Ogumodede’s decision to order his players off the pitch over an officiating call he disagreed with.

The players, however, ignored the order, electing to continue playing the match, which they lost 2-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

It added:”We find unacceptable the conduct of Mr. Daniel Ogumodede, head coach of Remo Stars, in ordering his players to leave the pitch in protest against an officiating decision in the final match of Naija Super 8.His conduct, which displeased many top football authorities in attendance, was witnessed by a continent-wide audience watching on television.

“While we understand that there may be grounds for disagreeing with refereeing decisions, ordering a pitch walk-off is an inappropriate way to address such.The rules and regulations document handed to every participating club states the process for disputing such calls and does not include leaving the pitch in protest.

“Mr. Ogumodede’s club acknowledged the receipt of the document, which also prescribes sanctions for officials deemed by the Naija Super 8 Technical Advisory to have erred.

“Had the players not shown maturity, which Mr. Ogumodede should epitomise, the tournament would have been brought to an inconclusive endand into disrepute as well creates a potential for fan violence.In view of this, we have imposed a fine of N250, 000 on Mr. Ogumodede for his inappropriate conduct”

admin by — July 17, 2023 in Sports 0