All Posts in "Day: February 13, 2024"

Tinubu To Commission Geometric Power Plant February 24

Mohammed Shosanya
President Bola Tinubu,will February 24,commission 188MW Geometric Power generating plant in Aba,Abia State.
The plant is expected to give an uninterrupted  power supply to people in Aba and  nine local government areas in the state.
Abia State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this to newsmen in Umuahia while fielding questions, described the commissioning of Geometric Power Plant as a dream that has come through for both the initiators and Abia State Government.
He said: “The State Government has worked assiduously behind the scenes to ensure that the project is realized because when that plant comes on stream, it will benefit our people”.
“The power project has underscored the commitment of the State government to boost the economic fortunes of the state through the encouragement of private sector   investment in infrastructure.
“Of course, you know what that project means to our people; it would help Aba residents, the business community and environs a great deal because power has been a great challenge to Aba and some parts of the state.
“Once that plant is commissioned, quite a lot of things will change in Aba business environment. It’s worthy to note that the birthing of Geometric Power Generation Company is somewhat fortuitous. His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR as the former Managing Director and CEO of defunct Diamond Bank PLC was involved with the Geometric Power Project right from its conception”
On security, the information Commissioner said efforts are on to enhance security around Umunneochi through the construction of a perimeter fence for the Lokpanta Market which will remain operational as a daily market.
According to him, in line with its commitment to facilitating business activities, government has issued 200 Certificates of Occupancy (CoO) in the month of January to property owners in the state, assuring that it will sustain the tempo.
The Abia Information Commissioner, who disclosed that renovation of three model schools selected in each of the three senatorial zone are ongoing, stated that the state government has directed principals and head teachers of public schools to refrain from renting out their premises for various events.
admin by — February 13, 2024 in Power 0
AAUA Murder: I Killed Her Because Of iPhone -Suspect

Mohammed Shosanya
The suspect arrested in connection with the murder Adekunle Adebisi Ifeoluwa, a Part 3 Economics student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has allegedly confessed to the crime.
Addressing journalists at the state Police Command headquarters, Alagbaka, Akure on Tuesday, the state Police Commissioner, Abayomi Peter Oladipo, said the suspect, Olubodun Sanni, a final year Geology student of the same institution has confessed to killing the 20-year-old Ifeoluwa because of her iPhone XR.
The suspect was said to have been tracked through the deceased’s iPhone which he had started using.
Olubodun, 21,was said to be squatting with someone living in the room facing Ifeoluwa’s in a private hostel.
He, however, told journalists when questioned that he knew nothing of about the murder of Ifeoluwa.
The Police Commissioner said: “The command within few days of my arrival has had its fair share of security related challenges and my men have been able to crack some of these cases via intelligence led policing to ensure crime does not have a free day in the state.
“One of the few achievements we want to showcase is the arrest of a murder suspect involved in the killing of a student of AAUA.
“On 2nd of February, 2024, a case of suspected murder was reported to the Police that one Adekunle Adebisi Ifeoluwa ‘F’ aged 20yrs, a 300level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko was found in a pool of blood at her off campus hostel and was rushed to the university health centre and later referred to a Specialists Hospital in Ikare-Akoko where she was confirmed dead.
“In the course of investigation, the police discovered that the deceased phone was missing.
“The police through the use of modern technology traced the phone to one Olubodun Sanni ‘m’ aged 21yrs, a final year student of the same school who is also a neighbour to the deceased in the hostel.
“The recovered phone led to further questioning of the suspect who gave details of what happened in his confessional statement, how he entered the deceased room, stabbed her on the chest with knife and he stole her iPhone XR.
“Suspect would be charged to court at the end of investigation.”
admin by — February 13, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Police Arrest Dismissed Soldier,Others For Supplying Military Equipment To Bandits

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said, one dismissed Air force officer, a civilian and their serving military affiliates have been arrested by operatives of the FID-STS while moving military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state precisely in Shinkafi LGA to supply to bandits.

It also disclosed that in the last two weeks, its operatives attached to Force Tactical Squads have arrested about 72 Suspects, 34 out of which are kidnap suspects, made 22 rescues and several other recoveries.

Parading the suspects at the IRT Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack and many other items have been recovered as exhibits from the suspects.

He also disclosed that, while the civilian suspects involved in the criminal acts are detained at the Police facility, as their serving military counterparts are being tried by the military.

According to Adejobi, “On 20/12/2023 at about 1230hrs the operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state precisely Shinkafi LGA.

“In the process, a spot search was conducted and the following items were recovered; 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets.

“The two suspects, namely Mushiri Abubakar ‘m’ age 28yrs and Ahmed Mohammed ‘m age 40yrs were arrested. Mushiri Abubakar is a childhood friend of one Airforce personnel attached to the Airforce base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar. Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji.”

The Force Spokesperson further disclosed that, one Anas Murtala, who belong to notorious motorcycle snatching gang that steals motorcycles and sold them to bandits was arrested with “Ladies’ Motorcycle and Mobile Phones.”

Adejobi said, “Operatives of the FID-STS acting on credible intelligence, went after a notorious gang specialized in attacking motorcyclists and dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

“The operation led to the arrest of one Anas Murtala ‘m’ of Markarfi LGA Kaduna State. Upon arrest and consequent interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of this notorious gang and also confessed to having received over 19 different motorcycles which he had sold. The suspect is cooperative and investigation is still ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.”

In his address,the image-maker reiterated that, the Force is committed to ensure public safety for all Nigerians.

He said: “Today, we gather to reel out our achievements in safeguarding public safety. As we reflect on our tireless efforts, we recognize that our success transcends mere statistics of arrests—it lies in the countless lives spared from the grip of crime due to our unwavering dedication and strategic actions.

“Amid escalating concerns over the nefarious activities of armed bandits and kidnappers nationwide, we reaffirm our resolve to combat kidnapping and banditry. Our mission remains steadfast: to rescue kidnapped victims unharmed, reunite them with their loved ones, and relentlessly pursue criminals to the farthest corners, restoring peace to our beloved country, Nigeria.

“Through enhanced tactical deployments of personnel and resources to troubled regions, we are swiftly restoring order. Collaborative efforts between the police, military, and other security agencies in joint operations so far in February have resulted in the successful rescue of numerous kidnap victims nationwide, who have joyously been reunited with their families.

“These achievements are testaments to our shared commitment to protecting lives and upholding the safety and security of our communities. Recently across the country, there have been several feats of achievements by the men and officers of the Nigeria Police”.

admin by — February 13, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Untitled

Chief Adebayo ADELABU , Nigerian Minister of Power & Kunle Kola Olubiyo,President Nigeria Consumer Protection Network; Member, Presidential Adhoc Committee on Review of Electricity Tariff in Nigeria ( August, 2020 ) & Member,National Technical Investigative Panel on Power System Collapses, System Stability And Reliability ( June, 2013)
admin by — February 13, 2024 in News 0
NIMASA To Install Modular Floating Dock

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration NIMASA has commenced preparations to deploy the Modular Floating Dock.

On Tuesday,the agency moved the Floating Dock to a jetty at the Standard Flour Mills in Apapa in preparation of its movement to the scheduled operational base at the Continental Shipyard, Apapa.

Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA,who disclosed this in a statement,said the heavy 50-ton cylindrical spuds, which are for anchoring the dock, are being prepared for installation.

“We are moving slowly but steadily to our destination. Today, we are lifting out the cylindrical studs to be prepared for piling at the Continental Shipyard where the Floating Dock is scheduled to commence operations. These spuds have to be firmly installed before we can tow the Floating Dock there. We assure stakeholders that very soon, Nigeria will save foreign earnings with the commencement of operations of our Dock”, the agency stated.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),had leased designated areas at the Continental Shipyard for the operations of the Modular Floating Dock last year.

The areas include; the Dolphin Jetty, waterfront of the jetty adjourning the slipway, an administrative block, a construction, welding and mechanical workshop and a civil maintenance workshop, among others.

admin by — February 13, 2024 in Business 0
Emir Of Kano To Remi Tinubu:Tell Your Husband Nigerians Are Suffering

Mohammed Shosanya

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado on Monday requested the visiting First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu to intimate her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Nigerians are facing difficulties of life.

Receiving the First Lady in Kano,said: “Although, we have several means of communicating to him on our needs and request, but yours is certainly a surest way to the President”.

He stated that ” I want to admit that you inherited this situation, but the horrific decline in standard of living under your administration is alarming that deserves urgent attention”.

He faulted the government over the relocation of key parastatals out of the federal capital Territory to Lagos.

Aminu Ado Bayero stated that”we are indeed suspicious on why Mr. President single handedly relocate key departments of CBN, and outright relocation of FAAN to Lagos”.

Ado Bayero revealed that:”we are receiving series of messages from my subjects, and most of them expressed concern over relocation of CBN and FAAN to Lagos.”

He admonished the federal government to “come out clean on this matter and talk to Nigerians in the Languages they would understand”.

Bayero,however,asked the President to: “Do more enlightenment on this matter, I for one cannot tell the actual intentions of the Government, we should be made to actually understand why the relocation of the CBN and FAAN offices back to Lagos”.

“The issues of Insecurity is another serious problems confronting us as a people, and of course, I know your Government inherited it, but something more seriously should be done to takes care of the threats”.

Aminu Ado Bayero commended Mrs Tinubu for her care on the wellbeing of the Nigerian children.

He advised on the need to actualize her pet Program under the Renewed Hope Agenda to accommodate the less privileged in the society.

Speaking on girl child education, Bayero asked her August visitor to look at the issue critically to ensure that it is tackled.

He further commended Oluremi Tinubu for supporting people’s of Plateau during the crises there, as he prayed that similar gesture to others in need.

admin by — February 13, 2024 in News 0
Naira Volatility: CBN Says Banks Will Fix Forex Rates

Mohammed Shosanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has permitted banks to sell foreign exchange at rates determined by banks in the country.

The Director, Financial Markets Department of the CBN, Dr Omolara Omotunde, said in a circular FMD/DIR/PUB/CIR/001/012 addressed to “All Authorized Dealers”, that the apex bank had decided to discontinue “any cap on the spread on interbank foreign exchange transactions and restrictions on the sale of interbank proceeds.”

The circular emerged on a day CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso told the Senate that the bank had suspended granting of Ways and Means to the federal government until the settlement of the outstanding balance.

Consequent upon the removal of the caps on the spread on interbank foreign exchange transactions, the banks are now free to establish their own prices based on supply and demand.

This allows the market to determine what it considers a fair rate for foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar.

The banks now have more flexibility to sell FX to anyone they choose, and this change according to some analysts, could result in a quicker and more convenient access to foreign currency for businesses and individuals.

The CBN said authorised dealers are to continue to conduct their foreign exchange transactions on a ‘Willing Buyer and Willing Seller’ basis and are to “strictly adhere to high ethical standards in their dealings in the foreign exchange markets. This includes but not limited to adopting appropriate price disclosures and transparency for transactions.”

The CBN is demanding transparency from the banks, requiring them to clearly display their prices, refrain from deceiving customers, and report all transactions to it (CBN).

It promised to continue to monitor the market and make adjustments as required.

The CBN expects this new approach to promote fairness and efficiency in the FX market, eliminate artificial distortions and ensure that everyone can access FX at a reasonable price.

admin by — February 13, 2024 in Banking&Finance 0
Shell Supplies 475,000 Barrels Of Crude Oil To PH Refinery

Mohammed Shosanya

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, through its Bonny Oil & Gas Terminal (BOGT), has completed supply of over 475,000bbls of crude oil to the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC).

The terminal resumed this supply last week after a prolonged outage of over five years,during which time the Refinery underwent rehabilitation and integrity activities on its supply pipeline from BOGT.

A statement on Monday quoted the Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Dr. Osagie Okunbor, as saying: “Teams from BOGT and PHRC worked through intensive preparations, collaboration, and dedication to make the project successful. This is indeed a significant step in the nation’s renewed efforts to utilise key infrastructures to assure the steady supply of products from the refining company to the Nigerian market.”

Okunbor said, “Future supplies from BOGT would be guided by the demand for the product.”

Bonny Terminal Installation Manager, Osita Nnajiofor, said, “Before implementing the supplies of the product to the refining company, the project teams first assured the integrity of pipelines relevant to NNPC Limited subsidiaries and integrity and maintenance activities on the BOGT refinery export pumps (which had been shut down for an extended period).”

He said, “These actions resulted in the successful and safe completion of the refinery supply with no harm to people, environment, or equipment.”

“The recommencement of crude oil supply from the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal to the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited is a significant achievement and a game-changer for the industry and the country and will support federal government’s aspiration of steady supply of petroleum products to the downstream market and other associated benefits to the economy of the nation,” he added.

admin by — February 13, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Labour Favours N1m As New Minimum Wage

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has stated that if the ongoing inflation continues unabated, organised labour might push for a new minimum wage of up to N1 Million for Nigerian workers.

Speaking during an interview with Arise News,he said the demand from organised labour would be influenced by the cost of living which has been increasing since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, notably due to the removal of fuel subsidy and other policies.

He said, “This N1 million may be relevant if the value of the Nigerian (naira) continues to depreciate; if the inflation continues unchecked because the demand of labour is equally dependent on what is happening in the society.

“You will remember that by the time we were contemplating N200,000 (as minimum wage), the exchange rate was about N800/N900 (to a dollar). As we talk today, the exchange rate is about N1,400 or even more.

“Those are the issues that determine the demand and it is equally affecting the cost of living. And we have always said that our demand will be based on the cost of living index. You will agree with me today that even a bag of rice is going for about N60,000/N70,000 or more.

“A bag of locally produced corn is about N56,000 or more. Foodstuff is getting out of reach, now are we going to get a minimum wage that will not be enough for transportation even for one week?

“You have to factor in these issues and that will determine the Federal Government’s commitment to this negotiation. It is not just that they want to give us a minimum wage.

“The old minimum wage will be expiring by April and ordinarily, the Federal Government ought to have set up a committee six months before that time so that negotiation would have commenced but the Federal Government didn’t do that until (recently when) they inaugurated a committee and the committee has not sat.

“It appears we are going to work within one month or two to agree on a figure and I doubt how those ones are going to… especially when you look at the people that the Federal Government assembled as members of the committee.

“They looked at some of the governors that are not paying even the existing minimum wage and even they have a minister of budget who didn’t implement his minimum wage as a governor.

“If you have these people in the government team on the issue of minimum wage, some of us have not seen a bright future in the work of this new minimum wage committee.”

.

admin by — February 13, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Crazy Billing: FCCPC Justifies NERC’s Action On Electricity Distribution Coys

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has commended the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for its recent action against eleven (11) Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) for non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.

A statement on Monday issued by Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, said this decisive measure aligns with the FCCPC’s mandate outlined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, particularly Section 17 (s), which empowers the Commission to protect consumers from obnoxious practices or unscrupulous exploitation by companies, firms, trade associations or individuals, and to demand redress on their behalf.

Abdullahi said: “We stand in solidarity with NERC in its commitment to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by DisCos.

“The capping regulation was a significant step towards ensuring fairer treatment for those without meters, and the FCCPC fully supports its enforcement.

“Furthermore, we urge NERC to consider even stronger measures to deter future violations.

“This could include increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and even the revocation of operating licenses for persistent offenders.

“Moreover, the FCCPC reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring a better deal for electricity consumers in Nigeria.

“Apart from its routine resolution of electricity consumer complaints, the Commission will continue to organise electricity consumer platforms across the country.

“These platforms have provided invaluable opportunities for consumers to voice their complaints and receive instant responses and redress from DisCos and regulators, including the FCCPC.”

He noted that FCCPC’s existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NERC aims to ensure more effective protection for electricity consumers through information sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions.

Abdullahi further stated that the Commission believes that fundamental reforms are necessary to address the systemic challenges facing the sector, including metering gaps, billing malpractices, and inadequate customer service.

According to him, “We encourage consumers who have been short-changed by estimated bills to come forward and lodge complaints with their respective DisCos, and escalate such complaints to NERC or the FCCPC, when not satisfactorily resolved.

“We are committed to investigating all legitimate complaints and securing redress for consumers.

“The FCCPC will persistently collaborate with NERC to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerian electricity consumers receive fair treatment, accurate billing, and quality service.

“We stand united in ensuring a fair and just electricity market for all consumers in Nigeria.”

admin by — February 13, 2024 in News 0