All Posts in "Day: August 2, 2024"

NDDC Begins Channelisation Of Blocked Creeks In Bayelsa, Rivers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC,is ready to commence the channelisation of Kolo Creek connecting Okarki-Otuogidi-Ogbia communities of Rivers and Bayelsa states.

The NDDC Director, Community and Rural Development, CRD, Engr. Theophilus Allagoa,disclosed this during a two-day Needs Assessment/ Town Hall Engagement with various leaders and youths at Emeyal II in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State,a statement from Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director, Corporate Affairs said.

The statement quoted him as saying that the project followed a recent appeal made by the Paramount Ruler of Ogbia kingdom.

Allagoa,who was represented by the Deputy Director, CRD, Mrs. Ebi Morowei Ake, explained that the channelisation of Kolo creek along communities in Bayelsa and Rivers states was a response to a passionate appeal from the traditional head of Ogbia kingdom asking for urgent intervention to remove the blockages that could lead to havoc if not urgently addressed.

He further said that the interaction with the people was hinged on a Needs assessment, expressed the commitment of the people to the success of the project, noting: “We, officials from community and rural development of NDDC, are here today on the directives of the Managing Director to get the Needs assessment and also feel the pulse of the people and then take back reports to the Commission”.

In his remarks,the Paramount Ruler of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Waba who was represented by Chief Augustine Nari Okeu, described the channelisation of the creeks from Kolo to Okarki by the NDDC as a great achievement of the present leadership of the Commission under Dr Samuel Ogboku.

He further stated that the channelisation project will help to reduce the threat of cholera disease and other health challenges associated with water borne diseases, improve aquatic life, boost trade and other economic activities among the people of Nembe, Brass, Ogbia, Akassa among others.

Also speaking,the Traditional Head of Okarki, King Elijah Hari Adua from Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State gave a thumbs-up to the leadership for NDDC for taking the bold step to address problem.

He stated: ” We are delighted as a people and have come together to celebrate the Managing Director of NDDC for his decision to come to our aid by initiating the clearing of the blockages in the various creeks and linking them to pave way for free flow of water that will definitely boost our economic activities.”

admin by — August 2, 2024 in News 0
N2.9bn Debt:Kaduna Electric Disconnects Kaduna Govt House,Others

Mohammed Shosanya

The Kaduna Electric has cut off electricity supply to the Kaduna State Government House and other state government accounts due to unpaid bills.

The power firm announced the disconnection after extensive efforts to resolve the issue through consultations and reconciliations.

The outstanding balance for electricity consumed from January 2024 to July 2024 alone amounts to a staggering One Billion, One Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-One Naira, Eighty-Seven Kobo (N1,166,856,991.87),a statement said on Friday .

This figure, including the historical debt has left the State Government with a huge debt that currently stands at a total of Two Billion Nine Hundred and Fourty-Three Million Sixty Thousand One Hundred and Sixteen Naira Seventy-Seven Kobo (N2,943,060,116.77).

It added:”Despite a recent payment of N256,920,963.88 made on May 9, 2024, for electricity consumed between September 2023 and December 2023, the Kaduna State Government’s debt remains significantly high.

“This payment, though substantial, has not been enough to clear the accumulated arrears.

“Kaduna Electric’s decision to disconnect power came after repeated attempts to address the payment issues, including several consultations with state officials,the statement said.

In contrast, other states under the Kaduna Electric franchise, namely Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, have maintained their accounts in good standing, regularly meeting their electricity payment obligations and other repayment obligations with Kaduna Electric.

A disconnection notice was formally issued on July 21, 2024, and was received by the Office of the Governor on July 22, 2024. The move reflects the company’s need to meet its own financial obligations amidst the broader challenges facing the electricity sector.

Kaduna Electric has emphasized that the disconnection was a last resort after all other avenues for resolving the payment issue had been exhausted.

The company is now focusing on fulfilling its commitments to the electricity market and ensuring stability in its operations and sustainability as a company.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had previously intervened in the Disco by installing an Administrator and Special Board to oversee the Company during a transitionary period prior to an official takeover by the current investors.

The Administrator of Kaduna Electric had committed to an agreement with the Kaduna Inland Revenue Service to pay N20 million monthly, this includes statutory monthly tax payments as required, this agreement has been honored since takeover by the current management.

The situation has highlighted the urgent need for improved financial management and timely payments by government entities to avoid disruptions in essential services.

The public and stakeholders await further developments on how the Kaduna State Government will address the arrears and restore power to the affected government offices.

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Power 0
Day Onyeka Onwenu Came For The Kill

Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

The sonorous songstress Onyeka Onwenu has just pased, but my duty here is to add the human angle to the legend of the goddess.

Onyeka Onwenu, inimitable singer, ace broadcaster and classy actress took no prisoners in all her undertakings.
Back in 1986, in the early days of the defunct THISWEEK magazine, Onyeka was billed to feature in the colourful “People” page of the trailblazing weekly that was then printed in London on Sunday and sold on the Lagos newsstands every Monday.

The young lady journalist chosen to interview Onyeka was educated in the United States just like the celebrated musician.

It was a case of things flowing smoothly in all dimensions as the camera-ready magazine was sent to London and landed in Lagos in arresting resplendence.

Onyeka was indeed a beauty to behold once the magazine hit the newsstands because her bold smile was like a charge of electricity on the page.

Now this: Onyeka Onwenu stormed the 113 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere office of the magazine in shorts, and the anger on her face could have been visible to even Stevie Wonder!

The question that shot out of Onyeka’s mouth was straight to the point: “Where is that young lady who interviewed me?”
As the street homeys would say: “Alarm don blow!” There was panic in the air, and there was no escaping the clear and present need to put the young interviewer out of harm’s way before undertaking the task of pacifying Onyeka.

What could have gotten Onyeka so annoyed?

Let’s get to grips with the background of the matter so that there would be “one love” at the end of the story.

The lady who interviewed Onyeka was a class act, and not your run-of-the-mill junk journalist. She was the well-schooled daughter of the best friend and classmate of Chinua Achebe in Government College, Umuahia, and University College, Ibadan.

To give the journalist her due, she faithfully reported all that Onyeka had told her without adding any ingredients whatsoever.

I need to report here that there were too many mad characters in the THISWEEK newsroom who refused to be gentlemanly like me.

One of these characters of the newsroom was a guy who attended the elitist Kings College, Lagos only to end up living with Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in Kalakuta Republic!

This Kings College alumnus who doubled as Fela’s buddy knew everything in Lagos because he was like James Hadley Chase’s Al Barney who had “An Ear to the Ground”.

It was the guy who revealed to us that Onyeka Onwenu was married and had a husband whom she did not want to reveal to the public.

The story got even sweeter with the information that the sweet Igbo Christian lady Onyeka Onwenu was married to a Yoruba man and a Muslim to boot!

Call it the mother of all scoops, there was a compelling urge to add the hidden Onyeka husband matter to the story.

It had to be eventually decided to put in just the name of Onyeka Onwenu’s husband without adding the ethnic politics in Nigeria issue since we were not Professor Okwudiba Nnoli.

Onyeka Onwenu ranks quite high as a leading liberated Nigerian woman who would not be bordered with parading as a Mrs. Somebody.

In the manner of committed feminists she dared to carry on and win laurels based on her capabilities without advertising the appendage of a man.

The fact that THISWEEK magazine ventured into terrains where angels feared to tread by revealing not just Onyeka’s status but the name of her husband was akin to touching the tiger by the tail.

The songstress who another mad reporter in the magazine had nicknamed “The Elegant Stallion” was geared up for an epic battle.

The arrival of Onyeka Onwenu in the magazine premises had to be tackled with immediate strategic actions such as hiding the supposedly offending young journalist and getting the singer to cool her temper somewhat.

The best plan of action that manifested was to lead Onyeka Onwenu into the office of the editor of the magazine, the ever charismatic Sonala Olumhense.
Trust Sonala to work magic in short seconds because when one re-entered the editor’s office after a while it was a smiling Onyeka Onwenu that was on parade.

The photo-journalists had to be summoned to take promotional pictures of Onyeka Onwenu posing with copies of the magazine, stickers and sundry mementoes.

She sashayed as only she could and the entire staff of the magazine got carried away with the sensational ways of the personable superstar.

No mention was ever made again of the hurt that was inflicted on her through the reportage of the magazine.

This recall here is my little way of celebrating my big sister Onyeka Onwenu, the lionized daughter of “Ochie Dike Nnem” who has just crossed over, singing into the night.

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Opinion 0
New Pencom Boss, Omolola,Assumes Duty

Mohammed Shosanya

The new Director-General of the
National Pension Commission,PENCOM,Omolola Oloworaran,has assumed duties at the Commission,to serve
in acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate, in line with the provisions of Section 26 (1) of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

She is poised to explore new frontiers in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) by sustaining pension assets on the growth trajectory, ensuring increased CPS membership and
supporting coverage expansion initiatives,a statement said on Wednesday.

The statement quoted that the new boss of the commission,is committed to the expeditious payment of retirement benefits while deepening the pension investment horizon for enhanced returns to contributors and
retirees.

A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
(ACCA), Omolola brings to PenCom over 20 years of experience in the
financial services industry.

“She is an accounting graduate from the University of Ilorin and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Manchester Business School. She has worked extensively in renowned investment and commercial banks in Nigeria until her current appointment”,the statement added.

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Next Level 0
Protest: MRA Seeks Protection Of Journalists

Mohammed Shosanya

The Media Rights Agenda,MRA,has implored the Federal Government and security agencies to protect journalists covering the protests scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.

The group stressed that as citizens exercise their democratic right to protest unpopular government policies and actions, it is imperative that journalists are able to report on the events without fear of harassment, obstruction, or violence targeted at them.

In a statement issued on its behalf by Ms Esther Adeniyi,a Programme Officer, MRA urged the government and security agencies to adopt and implement specific measures to protect journalists during the protests, including ensuring their physical safety, respecting their right to gather information, and preventing any form of intimidation or violence against them.

According to her, the call became necessary due to recent events where journalists have faced undue harassment, obstruction, and violence while performing their duties with relevant authorities taking no steps or measures to ensure their safety, including during critical moments of public demonstrations.

Citing Principle 20 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in November 2019, which it said had been given judicial seal in Nigeria by a Federal High Court in Abuja, MRA said the Government has an obligation to take measures to prevent attacks against journalists and other media practitioners as well as to take effective legal and other measures to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of such attacks.

Shedding light on the scope of the government obligations, Ms Adeniyi insisted that journalists must be granted unhindered access to cover the protests and other public gatherings in general and that obstructing their ability to report in any way constitutes a direct violation of press freedom that also undermines the public’s right to be informed.

She said: “The right of journalists to cover protests is fundamental to a functioning democracy. As Nigeria braces for significant protests in the coming days, it is crucial that journalists are allowed to perform their duties safely and without interference. We call on the Government and security agencies to take immediate action and proactive measures to protect journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom.

” In particular, the Government and security agencies should respect the role of the media and allow journalists to report freely and without hindrance; take proactive measures to ensure the safety of journalists covering the protests, including protecting them from physical harm, harassment, and unjust arrest or detention, as well as promptly investigating and bringing to justice anyone who threatens, attacks or harms any journalist.”

Ms Adeniyi also called on members of the public, including protesters, to recognize the important role that journalists play in a democracy and, therefore, support and protect them as they report on critical events affecting the nation.

She urged journalists to implement personal security plans as they go about covering the protests given the documented instances of harassment, intimidation, and violence against media professionals during previous protests.

She also advised them to report any incident of attacks or harassment that they encounter while covering the protests through MRA’s hotline – 0806 524 0610.

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Media 0
Grounding Of Arik Air: Festus Keyamo Has Done a Marvellous Job

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has done what many political officeholders don’t have the courage to do—comply instantly with a court order.

Yesterday, the Minister ordered the grounding of Arik Airline’s operations. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said the grounding of the airline’s service was in response to a court judgment, stating that in order to prevent the aircraft from being taken out of the country, the airline had to be grounded, thereby justifying the minister’s directive.

An Abuja court recently ordered the sale of Arik Air’s aircraft to offset debts owed to Arthur Eze and others by the airline. The debt is $2.5 million.

The judgment creditor registered the judgment of the Lagos State High Court in the High Court of FCT, and on the 26th of June, 2024, Honourable Justice O. A. Adeniyi, then sitting in Court 8, Maitama, Abuja, made an order after hearing Motion No. M/9785/2024 filed on behalf of Atlas Petroleum, attaching all the moveable properties belonging to the judgment debtor, including the debtor’s aircraft with Registration Nos. B737-700/5N-MJF, B737-800/5N-MJQ, DASH8-Q400, and 5N-BKX, in satisfaction of the judgment debt.

The court had ordered the sale of aircraft, hangars, and movable assets belonging to Arik Air Limited. The court had specifically ordered the sale of aircraft bearing registration numbers B737-700/5N-MJF, B737-800/5N-MJQ, Dash 8-Q400, and 5N-BKK.

Minister Keyamo is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), thus he knows the law. His actions are highly commendable, and industry players have hailed him.

This is a lesson to all airlines that have huge debts and are not willing to settle them; soon the hammer of the law will reach them. Well done, Keyamo, for doing the right thing at the right time.

Zayyad Muhammad writes from Abuja

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Opinion 0
Mahmood Emerges UK Varsity’s Global Student

Mohammed Shosanya

A Nigerian youth, Abdullahi Mahmood has emerged as the Global Student of the Year at the University Academy 92 (UA92) in the United Kingdom after clinching First Class Honours in Computer Science.

Celebrating the graduating Class of 2024, co-founder Gary Neville in an nspirational speech implored them to continue to represent the university with outstanding feats in the global community.

He stated that the impressive wins from the students made it a day to remember.
He also announced Mahmood’s feat at the event.

“Special shout out to our students for their prize wins: Global Student of the Year Abdullahi Mahmood from Nigeria for outstanding academic achievement.

“Joint winner of Student of the Year – Wendy Huyen Do from Vietnam chosen by her UA92 peers for her contribution to student life. We can’t wait to find out what our students do with their Lancaster University degrees,” noted Neville.

In his remarks, Mahmood who could not contain his excitement said, “I’m excited to share that I’ve graduated from University Academy 92 (UA92) with a First Class Honours degree in Computer Science! This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support system I had around me. A massive thank you goes out to the staff at UA92 who challenged and inspired me every step of the way. A huge shoutout to my classmates who were a source of inspiration and constant encouragement throughout our academic journey.

“To my surprise, I was also awarded the Global Student of the Year award during the ceremony. I’m still incredibly humbled by this recognition,” said Mahmood.

The young Nigerian has gained professional knowledge in machine learning, web development, and data science.

“These are just the tip of the iceberg for me. I’m eager to learn and grow, so if you’re looking for someone passionate about the future of technology, feel free to reach out!”

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Next Level 0

Mohammed Shosanya

The President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio,has launched a Youth Internship Scheme initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for 10,000 youths of the Niger Delta region.

Akpabio,who spoke during the NDDC Executive Management Engagement with Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities and Selected Stakeholders in Port Harcourt, declared that the proposed nation-wide protests by some youths would not take place in the nine states of the Niger Delta,describing the region as a protest-free zone.

A statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director,Corporate Affairs,NDDC,quoted the Senate President as saying that the 10,000 youths would be engaged in the programme designed to improve their skills, noting that the beneficiaries in the first phase would be paid N50, 000 naira monthly.

Akpabio,according to the statement, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to the development of the Niger Delta region.

He noted that following a Presidential directive, the NDDC recently inaugurated five flagship projects covering roads, bridges and electricity, across the region.

He commended the NDDC for restoring some damaged sections of the East-West Road and assured that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project would not only commence from Lagos but would also start simultaneously from the Niger Delta.

Akpabio said that despite the challenges of developing the Niger Delta region, the NDDC had executed several projects that had improved the lives of the people, promising that henceforth, the Commission would be getting its full share of its statutory allocations.

In his opening remarks,the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, assured that the Commission would continue to focus on completing capital projects that would add value to the Niger Delta region.

He noted: “Our commitment is to work towards transforming the region, in line with the 8-Point Presidential Priorities, as well as in accordance with the demands of the NDDC Act of 2000.”

He thanked members of the National Assembly for expeditiously passing the 2024 budget of the Commission which would set the tone for the implementation of projects and programmes that would benefit the people of the Niger Delta region.

Also speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, remarked that the people of the Niger Delta region had since transited from militant agitation to intellectual struggle, noting that the region was now reaping the benefits of the struggles.

He said: “We have given more opportunities and hope to Niger Delta youths through our Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, HOPE, meant to identify interests of the youths for skills training.

The NDDC boss said that the Project HOPE had helped the Commission to develop a comprehensive digital repository, comprising important information about the youths of the Niger Delta region; including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and current employment status.

Ogbuku remarked that the NDDC was working with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce in the training of youths and young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region.

He explained that the Commission would collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the region and ensure the sustainability of youth development programmes.

He added: “We will also partner with the Bank of Industry to fund projects and support businesses and facilitate the success of our empowerment programmes. We will provide all the necessary support for youth entrepreneurship schemes.”

Ogbuku urged Niger Deltans not to be lured into any protest that would destabilise the country, as such action was bound to hinder development and further impoverish the ordinary people.

In his goodwill message, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, emphasised that it was only in unity and peace that progress could be achieved. He lauded the Board and Management of the NDDC for working hands in gloves to develop the Niger Delta region.

Speaking,the National Chairman of PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, acknowledged the numerous achievements of the NDDC and appealed to Niger Delta youths to disregard those calling for protests.

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Ambassador Jonathan Lopkobiri, maintained that Niger Deltans had no business with those who were inciting youths to anarchy.

He observed that demands of the protesters said nothing about the long-neglected East-West Road.

He commended the NDDC for providing a temporary reprieve for the users of the road, which he noted was still being threatened by flooding.

admin by — August 2, 2024 in News 0
Steel Ministry Too Weak To Drive Ajaokuta Steel Vision-Senate

Mohammed Shosanya

The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals faulted the lack of a will by the Ministry of Steel (Supervising agency) to make the Ajaokuta Company Limited to work.

At a public hearing on Tuesday in Abuja, the committee lamented that even after about four decades and several attempts at revamping it, the complex has failed to work.

Chairman of the Ad-hoc committee, Senator Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire (SAN) wondered how Ajaokuta will ever work when the Ministry of Steel, which directly supervises Ajaokuta presented only “a 2-page watery memorandum” to the Senate committee saddled with the enormous job.

“How can Ajaokuta work? You have not presented something that will make Ajaokuta work. Tell us the problem and the steps you have taken to make Ajaokuta work. What you presented shows the ministry is not on top of the situation.

The upper chamber was also told that the privatisation and concession of the company was not in the best interest of the country.

The concession agreement between the Federal Government and GINL provided for GINL to import capital into the company but didn’t bring a dime.

Nigeria paid a whopping sum of $496 million to Global Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (GINL), the company Ajaokuta was concessioned to as out of court settlement.

This infuriated the Senate investigative panel when it was clear that GINL did not bring in a dime as investment.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) represented by Hamisu Abdullahi, Director Banking Services presented evidence of payment of $496 million to GINL with a mandate from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

He said the source of the money was FGN independent revenue account from where$250 million in settlement agreement was paid in September 2022 and the balance paid from FGN Bonus Account in installments $49.32 million.

Mr. Abdullahi confirmed that there was no capital importation by GINL.

The Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta, Engr. Sumaila Abdul Akaba who described ASCOL as a strategic company said the state of the plant is still intact.

Engr. Akaba told the committee that the line plant, which has been completed and will be ready in 6 months, can meet the lime needs of the 36 states.

The Sole Administrator faulted the notion in many quarters that ASCOL is obsolete by saying that all the steel companies in India and China are built by this Russian technology like Ajaokuta.

Engr. Akaba also justified the retention of staff of the steel company and the N4.2 billion in the 2024 budget for salaries which Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) criticized.

He said those staff who are maintaining the plant are the only reason “we still have what we call Ajaokuta today”.

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Business 0
Hardship Protest:Embrace Dialogue, OPSN Begs Parties

Mohammed Shosanya, Babatunde Solanke

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN),has reiterated the need for dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens to stave off the hardship and rising inflation in the country.

The group expressed this in a joint statement signed by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

The group said,it has carefully considered the planned protest by certain citizens in response to current challenges affecting public welfare.

The OPSN,it said it prioritises the importance of dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens on the strength of its apolitical nature.

It said,open and constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and encouraging the desired changes.

It said:”We urge all parties to embrace this path of dialogue to achieve meaningful and lasting solutions for the benefit of our country. “However, should the decision to protest be made, we earnestly appeal for it to be conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere.

“A peaceful protest will ensure that citizens can express their concerns without infringing upon the rights of others or disrupting legal and lawful activities. It will also allow the government to respond appropriately and facilitate a productive engagement that could lead to future collaboration on the outcomes of such engagements.

“As representatives of the business community, we are acutely aware of the potential economic impact of mass protests. Our members are crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation; therefore, any disruption to business operations could have significant repercussions on the economy and the livelihoods of the people.”

admin by — August 2, 2024 in Business 0