All Posts in "Day: July 27, 2023"

We’ll Prosecute Comedian Cute Abiola For Tarnishing Image Of Nigeria Police Force-Image Maker

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force will investigate and possibly prosecute Comedian Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as “Cute Abiola for his disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the Nigeria Police uniform.

Force Spokesperson, CSP, Olumuyiwa Adejobi conveyed this in a statement to newsmen on Thursday .

He said:”In as much as the law grants Nigerians the right to enjoy their fundamental human rights, the same law prohibits an individual, under whatever guise, from rubbishing the police institution or grossly violating its provisions with regards to the use of uniforms.”

He also said the Force strongly condemned the act.

He added:”We, therefore, vehemently condemn the contemptuous act displayed by comedian Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as “Cute Abiola,” in two recent skits posted on his social media handles on 20th and 24th July, 2023.

“The skits in question show a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform, an action that is in direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law.

“Such acts are not only offensive but also undermine the integrity and dignity of the men and women who wear the uniform in service to the nation.

“Abdulgafar Abiola will be investigated and possibly prosecuted for his deliberate acts as the NPF had already warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating its uniform or accoutrements.

“The Force is committed to upholding the sanctity of the uniform and will pursue due legal process to ensure accountability for any individual or entity that seeks to bring disrepute to the uniform or the institution it represents.

“We call on all members of the public, including media personalities, to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and avoid engaging in actions that could erode public trust in our revered law enforcement institutions.”

admin by — July 27, 2023 in News 0
Extend Anti-Corruption Crusade To States,LGs, CSOs Urged

Mohammed Shosanya

Stakeholders in the country’s civil space has implored civil society organizations to extend their anti-corruption advocacy to states and local government areas in Nigeria.

They said,doing so will enable the organizations to develop a new comprehensive and robust conversation around anti-corruption fight in Nigeria,as such critical advocacy need not be limited to the federal government alone.

Rising from a recent National Dialogue on Anti-Corruption in Nigeria organized by Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice,ANEEJ-SCALE project,the stakeholders implored the CSOs to endeavor to tell their good stories and engage with government development programs as they affect the populace especially the success aspect of use of the social register for Cash Transfer Program.

In a communique issued at the end of the confab,the stakeholders advised the CSOs not to be discouraged about criticism or attacks by those in position of authority.

David UgolorAfrica Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ;Mohammed Attah;Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative and Adekunle Lukeman Adefolahan;21st Century Community Empowerment for youth and Women Initiative signed the communique.

They urged the media to work more closely with the civil society organizations to develop and build their capacity on key areas of development needs as well as around whistleblower protection law.

According to the communique,CSOs should engage in more strategies and learning principles that will enhance their capacity to engage critical issues of corruption, especially as it relates to ethics and standards expectations in public procurement and good governance.

The stakeholders reasoned that though a lot has been done, there is need to do more in the areas of judicial reforms through case management of corruption and criminal cases as well as advocacy for credible practitioners such as lawyers and judges in the system.

The communique stated that development partners, donors and CSOs should unite in supporting weak CSOs to deliver on key issues of development, such as anti-corruption and to build their capacity for effective engagement.

The CSOs leaders should encourage and provide more space for government as partners in the fight against corruption by carrying out more advocacy to enlighten the government on the importance of the issues,it added

It advised the federal government to ensure the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the Proceed of Crime Act.

It added that:”The Nigerian Government should provide leadership for Africa Union in the implementation of the AU Common Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) and the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Principles”.

admin by — July 27, 2023 in News 0
Naira Marley:Why I Speak Yoruba Fluently

British-Nigerian singer Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has disclosed why he speaks Yoruba fluently despite spending his early life in London, the United Kingdom.

Marley,who stated this in an interview with Cool FM Nigeria in Lagos,disclosed that his dad banned the speaking of English in their house while allowing only Yoruba.

He also said: “What made it easy for me [to blend with Nigerian street music] is that I grew up in South-East London, Peckham to be precise. That is like small Lagos, you know what I mean?

“And all my life in England, my dad banned speaking English in the house. So, we had to speak Yoruba and all these Yoruba stuff. I still listen to Fuji. We eat African foods. Even though I’m in England, it was like I’m still in Nigeria. Yeah, it was easy for me. When I came back [to Nigeria], people didn’t really know I came from London.”

admin by — July 27, 2023 in Arts/Entertainment 0

Mohammed Shosanya

Axxela Limited, sub-Saharan Africa’s leading gas and power company, has retained its “A-” corporate credit rating by Agusto & Co. for the third consecutive year.

The development follows a successful corporate rating report, which affirmed the “A-“/Stable rating assigned to Axxela and its Series 1 Bond.

The company said retaining a solid credit rating underscores the company’s robust and sound financial standing and the viability of its investments across the natural gas value chain.

Its Chief Financial Officer at Axxela, Timothy Ononiwu said:”Over the past three years, Axxela has consistently maintained its ‘A-’/Stable corporate credit rating. This consecutive accomplishment once again validates our business model and reflects the excellence and fundamentals of Axxela’s commendable business operations as we expand our natural gas pipeline footprint and access to innovative energy solutions that have the potential to address rapid industrialisation and economic growth on the continent”.

admin by — July 27, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Customs Apapa Command Explains N502bn Revenue

Mohammed Shosanya

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS),says it earned N502,987,516,219.26 between January and July,this year.

It also made 16 seizures of goods worth a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.4 billion within the same period.

Customs Area Controller of the Command , Comptroller Auwal Baba Mohammed, described the revenue collection and seizures made as fallouts of increased compliance to rules and regulations which enhances smooth trade facilitation.

He tasked officers to redouble their efforts in revenue collection, trade facilitating and strict enforcement of anti-smuggling activities.

“The command made a collection of N9.2billion on July 20, 2023. This feat is the highest daily collection it ever achieved in its existence since the port was established,” he added.

On anti-smuggling activities,he said the seizures made within the period comprised of prohibited drugs, used tyres, rice, vegetable oil, and sundry items.

He added:”It is noteworthy that the command made a seizure of two pistols inside one groupage cargo. One suspect is arrested, and the matter is undergoing investigation.”

On trade facilitation,the Command under the leadership of Compt. AB Mohammed achieved an increased level of compliance by importers, exporters, and their agents through deliberate system profiling and manifest tracking.

Under his direct supervision,dedicated officers of the command were using the system profiling yardstick to gauge the integrity levels of importers and consignees.

This, according to the command,has helped in treating traders in line with their previous transaction records, which is reassuring that compliance pays through time saving and cost efficiency.

He implored port users to be compliant,adding that non compliant traders spend more time and money paying for terminal spaces due to demurrage in addition to higher costs due to DN”s and penalties.

admin by — July 27, 2023 in Business 0
NNPC/MPN Launches Host Community Trust In A’Ibom

Mohammed Shosanya

Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil and operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)/MPN Joint Venture, in compliance with the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act has launched two Host Community Development Trusts in Akwa Ibom State.

The Trusts are the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (Eket, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Esit Eket and Eastern Obolo communities), and the Incorporated Trustees of NNPC/MPN JV Ibeno Host Community Development Trust (Ibeno community).

Speaking at the unveiling ceremonies, General Manager, Joint Venture Operations of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mark Fraser, said the inauguration which begins a new era of organic and sustainable community development, is a significant milestone for the NNPC/MPN JV and its host communities in Akwa Ibom state.

He said:“With the inauguration of these Trusts, our communities in Akwa Ibom State will now be in the driver’s seat and determine the pace, nature and impact of community development projects and programs in the respective host communities.

“We are delighted that the collaborative efforts involving our company, partner, communities, regulator and state government have resulted in the success we are witnessing today. We are confident that with the quality of individuals selected by the communities to serve on the Trusts, the people will enjoy the benefits as envisioned by the framers of the Petroleum Industry Act.

“The ultimate objective is for the Trusts to help enhance peace and further accelerate development and prosperity in our host communities”.

He explained that the Joint Venture has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the host communities and has continued to play its part through significant revenue contributions and community development initiatives.

He added that the JV has remained the highest private sector employer of labour in the state.

Manager, Stakeholder Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Julie Utang, representing the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Bala Wunti, lauded the stakeholders for successfully harmonizing various interests, culminating in the eventual incorporation of the two Trusts.

She said:“As we get into the next phase, we should remain guided by the provisions of the enabling Act and regulations, ensuring we sustain our collaborations to derive optimal value”.

admin by — July 27, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Meet Ashleigh Plumptre, Falcons’ New Defensive Member

Ashleigh Plumptre was born in Leicester, England on May 8, 1998, to English parents but her Nigerian roots can be traced to her grandfather, a Yoruba man. Plumptre has played for England’s U-15, U-17, U-19, and U-23 teams but she publicly declared her interest in playing for Nigeria in 2021.

She told the BBC, “What it will mean for me as somebody who is British born but with Nigerian heritage is huge. People look at me and they think I’m tanned and that I’ve been on holiday, they don’t think that I’m Nigerian,” she added.

“I don’t think that should be significant in saying whether somebody is Nigerian or not because it’s in your blood, it’s not about what you look like.”

The NFF spokesperson, Ademola Olajire commented on the nationality switch to the BBC by saying, “It was only possible because of her commitment and dedication. She made the federation’s work a lot easier by providing all the requirements in quick time.

“Her professionalism and unflinching desire to play for Nigeria is honestly heart-warming. That big move on her part obviously helped a lot and prevented the long wait for the FA’s response.”

Plumptre revealed to the NFF that football means a different thing to her now to when she was younger.

“The biggest thing in my life is my family, pretty much. So my sister and I bonded about our Nigerian heritage during the COVID lockdown in 2021. She is 11 and she has had experiences I have never had and now I am taking her on this journey with me.”

She also disclosed that African football is so different from European football. “I have a British mentality at times like I can allow myself to get frustrated but unlike in Britain, where everybody gets frustrated and are cursing, here, people just get on with it.”

The 23-year-old began her career as a midfielder before transiting into a defender, which enables her to be calm on the ball and to drive forward from her defensive position. Plumptre was named Leicester’s best player last season as she led the team to the top tier.

Her previous clubs include Birmingham, Derby County, Notts County, and the University of Southern California (USC), with which she won the NCAA IN 2016. She has helped her team to 10th place in the league. She has played 17 matches in all competitions and scored two goals.

Ashleigh Plumptre started for Nigeria for the first time on Friday, February 18, against the Côte d’Ivoire women’s national team at the MKO Stadium in Abuja.

Her performance was solid and she largely contributed to the clean sheet that allows the Falcons to take a two-goal lead to Côte d’Ivoire next week for the second leg.

admin by — July 27, 2023 in Sports 0
Accountants To DisCos:Shelve Planned Electricity Tariff Hike

Mohammed Shosanya

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has advised the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and electricity distribution companies to shelve the implementation electricity tariff hike in the country

Nigerians are still grappling with the effect of macroeconomic policy decisions such as the removal of petrol subsidy,unification of the foreign exchange rates and increasing electricity tariff now will unsettle them,Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, President of the Institute,said in a statement on Thursday.

ICAN,he said,has reviewed the applications for a minor review of electricity tariff by seven Discos (Electricity Distribution Companies), and presents its findings on the challenges faced by the Discos as well as areas for improvement in their application.

The Institute has also presented its recommendations on how to improve transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electricity sector.

According to him,the increase would significantly increase the cost of doing business; particularly for small and medium enterprises and that these enterprises may be unable to pass on the additional costs to their customers.

The development will increase the risk of business closures, and further worsens unemployment rate in Nigeria,he said.

He also stated that the government and NERC should consider additional short-term tax breaks and other incentives to the Discos, as a form of production-focused subsidy (rather than consumption-focused subsidy), as an alternative to rate hike.

He added:“The Discos would however need to demonstrate better accountability and transparency in governance and reporting. This is an area in which chartered accountants can provide valuable support.

“The Discos should invest further in their distribution network to reduce technical losses and build a platform for sustainable electricity distribution.

“Our members possess the expertise and experience to support the Commission and Discos in providing deep insights on the inputs, market conditions and assumptions related to the proposed price increases.

“The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria stands ready and offers its support to the commission in its efforts to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electricity sector”

admin by — July 27, 2023 in Power 0