Home Blog Page 1058

Kidnapped Journalists Express Hope In Nigeria

July 15, 2024

Mohammed Idris welcomes kidnapped Journalists

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has welcomed the release of two-Kaduna based Journalists who were abducted from their homes in the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.

Speaking when he received the two Journalists, AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspapers and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint newspapers, from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister commended Security Agencies for the speedy rescue of the victims.

A statement on Sunday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation stated that the two Journalists were released along with Mr Alabelewe’s wife and two children. Mohammed expressed sympathy to the two families

“We are most grateful of what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families.

“I want to urge Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies.

“The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom.”

Speaking earlier, the NSA said the five victims were rescued following combined effort of security agencies which led to swift search and rescue operation.

Responding, one of the rescued victims, Mr Alabelewe thanked the NSA and his team for the swift intervention.

“The rescue mission which brought us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping.

“I never thought that within a week of our kidnap we could get out.

“We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released.”

Governor Mbah Doles Out N50 Million Cash Gift, Other Incentives On Victorious Enugu Rangers International

Akinwale Kasali

July 14, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr Peter Mbah, Enugu State Governor has rewarded the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Champions, Enugu Rangers International for their triumph by splashing the sum of N50 million. The Club is State- owned Club.

At a reception organised by the State Government for the Football Team at the State Banquet Hall at the Government House Enugu, Governor Mbah announced the cash reward and other incentives, saying that the Team have etched Enugu State on the African and global map.

In his words, “We are indeed very proud of you. I cannot tell you enough what this NPFL title that you have brought right here before us represents and means to us.

“Rangers International transcends generations; it is a unifying factor for us. It is not just about winning a trophy or about making us proud. It is putting Enugu State in the hearts and minds of the people of this country and beyond.

“You have made us proud and we will in turn also make you happy. We are going to provide the sum of N50 million to you in addition to other non-cash rewards that will implant you in our state and immortalise you,” he stated.

Continuing, he said, “I commend the General Manager, who has guided this team with a deep sense of purpose and also fueled your optimism, reinforcing the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit that you are all known for. I thank most sincerely the coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, who through his professional ethics and consistency, has continued to do us proud. The captain and all the players, you are a true embodiment of the ‘Never-Say-Die’spirit. The fans are not left out. I also commend the Commissioner, who has shown deep commitment to the success of Rangers through his tireless efforts and sacrifice.

“However, recall that I had always said to you that success abhors complacency. We still have quite a huge space in our trophy cabinet. So, we still need more. I am sure we are all getting ready for the CAF Champions League and other tournaments. Let me assure you that we will never get tired of supporting you. If anything, we are going to double down and reinforce our support.”

The General Manager and CEO of Rangers International, Amobi Ezeaku, who went down memory lane, appreciated Governor Mbah for taking Rangers as his special pet project.

“For two years, the club played away from home, but in a twinkle of an eye, the club came back to the Cathedral. That is why 28th December 2023 when we returned to the Cathedral will forever be engraved in the hearts of not just Ndigbo, but all true lovers of Rangers and football.

“Today, we thank you for easing the stress of our trips, for approving for corporate sponsors to get on board, for coming to watch our matches, and for braving the turbulence of the weather on that day to fly to Jos to witness the lifting of this trophy.

“It is also under you that the Rangers’ jersey is proudly instituted at the FIFA museum in Zürich, Switzerland. It is under you that the Rangers’ jersey is now known at the headquarters of African Football in the 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt. And as we speak, Rangers have been nominated in many categories by the league bloggers award,” Ezeaku stated.

LASG Remains Defiant, Says Ban On Danfos, Korope, Okada On Lekki-Epe Expressway Stays

Akinwale Kasali

July 14, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has stated that it will not rescind its decision on the ban placed on Commercial Buses popularly known as Danfo, Mini Bus also known as Korope and Motorcycles also known as Okada in local parlance plying the Lekki-Epe road.

The planned enforcement banning operations of all unregulated commercial bus operations, specifically “Danfos” and “Koropes” along Lekki-Epe corridor, is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2024.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, maintained that the move is in line with the Lagos State Strategic Transportation Master.

The duo, therefore, called for the collaboration of Public Transport Bus Operators, such as Korope/Danfo bus drivers, as government releases the restructuring plans to improve commuting experience.

Giwa added that a stakeholders’ meeting had been held earlier with bus operators and Union Leaders in the State, on the need for compliance before the due period.

Giwa described the current state of bus operations on the corridor as chaotic, hence, the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the State’s Bus Reform Initiative using Lekki/Epe corridor as a pilot test.

He further explained that the Lekki Epe Corridor had been inspected by the Ministry of Transportation and Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA to identify limitations of seamless traffic flow along the Expressway and adjourning roads and had mapped out systematic framework to address possible challenges.

Some of the planned solutions, according to Giwa include the restructuring of the existing unregulated Public Transport Bus Operations on the Lekki Epe Corridor, deployment of High Capacity Buses on the corridor as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network, re-allocation and relocation of Korope/Mini buses to inner route, re-registration and recertification of all buses.

Others are: The Introduction of E-ticketing System, Provision of transport infrastructure (Layby, terminal, among others), regulation and standardization of bus operations, improved transportation services, that is; Safety and passenger comfort and promote the security of lives and properties along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Giwa further stated that the restructuring plan would be implemented in phases, urging transport operators who intend to key into the restructuring program to come to the Ministry of Transportation to register within the next two weeks.

He added that the registered operators will be allotted routes by the Ministry to ensure strict compliance to the strategy.

Giwa also warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations that will be implemented will be fined and will forfeit their vehicles in the event that they ignore the notice of their fines.

He declared that the State Government would not accommodate willful disregard of its existing Transport Sector Reform Law.

Addressing the concerns raised by members of the unions, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, had explained that the State Government is counting on them to fish out unregistered operators along the corridor, affirming that Lekki –Epe Expressway would be a pilot test for the Standardization of the transportation system in Lagos.

Police Dares NBA, Says Order On New Vehicle Paper Stays, “It’s Meant To Reduce Crime” – Force Spokesman, Adejobi

Ayodele Oni

July 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police has replied the Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) on the proposed new vehicle papers saying there is no going back on the Central Motor Information System Certificate, (CMISC).

Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, faulted the report that the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) has given the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, a seven-day ultimatum to reverse the Central Motor Information System Certificate issuance to motorists.

Vehicle owners have been given up the the end of July to obtain the paper from the police at a cost not less than N60,000.

Adejobi maintained in a statement on X.com on Sunday that no agency can take the police up on the initiative.

The statement revealed that the police have the right and powers to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria, as it is applicable in other climes.

It further revealed that the police have been issuing CMR for decades, so it’s not a new strategy or document.

The statement reads “This is unfounded, fake, and misleading. The NBA as a body will react to this. Stop spreading fake news. Who are those who made the statement or declaration, and in what capacity?

“I challenge you to share the press statement with me, then we can talk.

“Do your investigation on this. The police have the right and powers to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria, as it’s applicable in other climes.

“The police have been issuing CMR for decades, so it’s not even a new strategy or document.

“No agency can take the police up on this initiative. They will rather key into it, harmonise the system for the good of the country, and its citizenry.”

The NBA Section on Public Interest had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to Egbetokun to stop the directive requiring vehicle owners to register and obtain a CMRIS certificate for a fee of not less than N6,000.

Gov Oyebanji Pledges Support For Indigent Medical Students, Donates To UCH

Ayodele Oni

July 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that a Foundation, named after his late mother, Esther Oyebanji, would support ongoing infrastructure project at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan in addition to sponsoring some indigent medical students of the institution.

The aim is to assist such students realize their dreams of becoming medical doctors, which could have been halted because of inability to pay their school fees.

Oyebanji, disclosed this during the induction into the medical profession of the University of Ibadan 2024 set of medical graduates at the University College Hospital, (UCH), Ibadan on Saturday.

The governor, whose daughter, Dr Toluwanimi, was one of the newly inducted doctors, pledged to personally sponsor some indigent medical students, following the request to parents by the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof Olayinka Omigbodun at the event.

Prof Omigbodun, had pleaded with parents and well-meaning Nigerians to support the college as well as some indigent but brilliant students struggling to survive in the six- year medical programme.

Apparently moved by the request, Governor Oyebanji said in addition to supporting the college, he would also get his late mother’s foundation to sponsor some of the indigent but brilliant students.

“I will make a personal donation to support the College and I will also get my late mother’s foundation to support the college and also sponsor some indigent but brilliant students of the College so they can realize their dreams. Whatever we do will be on the name of the 2024 set.”

The Governor, who congratulated the new doctors urged them to make sure they contribute their knowledge and expertise to the development of the health care system in the country.

“I don’t want to advise you not to seek greener pastures abroad. But, like your lecturers have advised, it is important you acquire more knowledge and expertise and deploy such to the development of the country.

“The places we travel to were developed by some people. So, let us also develop our country.

“The University has given you its best. You should also give back to the system. You should endeavour to contribute your quota to the development of the health care system in the country.”

We Will Not Be Deterred, Nigeria Customs Vows Amidst Killing Of Personnel By Suspected Smugglers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Comptroller Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone B Kaduna of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ahmadu Shuaibu, has vowed to serve justice on those who masterminded the killing of one its personnel, Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo, while on lawful duties.

Elenwo ,an Inspector of Customs attached to FOU Zone B, was on Friday, July 12, 2024 ran-over by a suspected escaping vehicle smuggler at Achilafia, along Daura/Kano road while on a stop and search operation.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, July 13, by the Zone’s spokesperson Isah Suleiman SC, the incident occurred when a vehicle suspected to have been smuggled into the country hit the operative ,while trying to evade arrest.

“The late Hamza was rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the Doctor on duty.

The deceased has been laid to rest in Katsina according to Islamic rites .

Inspector Hamza an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers State ,was born on April 15 1985. He joined the Nigeria Customs service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) in the Transport and Logistics Unit on October 17,2013 and was promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs (I’C) in the year 2022.

He is survived by a wife and two children.” the statement stated .

Comptroller Shuaibu, on behalf of the Officers and men of the Unit extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased family, as well as prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead.

The FOU Zone B Comptroller, noted that the unfortunate incident highlights the level of desperation by smugglers, who will stop at nothing, even to kill, to protect their illegal business activities.

He equally said the development also shows how smugglers kill and maim personnel of the Service,in an attempt to evade arrest.

Comptroller Shuaibu however, added that the unit’s operatives would not be deterred and would remain resolute and unwavering in the fight against smuggling.

PDP Disowns Appeal Case In Respect Of Factional Rivers House Of Assembly

Ayodele Oni

July 14, 2024

Debo Ologunagba - PDP Publicity Secretary

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has dissociated itself from the purported case filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division Rivers state, in respect of Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024.

The party pointed out that it was reportedly listed as Appellant in the suit.

The appeal is challenging the Order of the Rivers State High Court restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State and the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly from receiving or acting on any resolutions from certain individuals pending the determination of a case before it.

PDP national spokesman, Debo Ologunagba in a statement on Sunday stated that “The attention of the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a purported Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division with respect to Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024 wherein the PDP is reportedly listed as Appellant.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN has ascertained that the Party did not file the said Appeal neither did it authorize any external solicitor to file same on its behalf. As such, the PDP cannot be listed as Appellant in the Appeal.

“The PDP states categorically that it did not file the said Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division challenging the Order of the Rivers State High Court restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State and the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly from receiving or acting on any resolutions from certain individuals pending the determination of a case before it.

“The PDP restates that only the National Legal Adviser of the Party has the exclusive responsibility of conducting the litigation, prosecution and defense of cases on behalf of the Party, including its Organs, Chapters and Officials as expressly provided for in Section 42 of the PDP’s Constitution (as amended in 2017).

“Our Party had in a Public Notice published on January 17, 2023 notified the public that nobody, Authority, Office or Organ other than the National Legal Adviser has the competence to file or engage external solicitors to file or handle cases on behalf of the Party.

“Such engagement must also be in writing under the hand of the National Legal Adviser specifying amongst other things, the nature of the case and other terms and conditions of the engagement.

“The PDP therefore dissociates itself from the purported Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division in connection with Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024.”

Cross Rivers Boosts Hospitality Business With N30 Million Grant

Ayodele Oni

July 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Hospitality Industry in Cross River State has received a boost as the State Government has doled out the sum of N10m grant to encourage owners.

For a start, ten hotels in the State central Senatorial District were the beneficiaries.

The State Government had earlier extended same gesture to ten hostels in Southern Senatorial district while those in the Northern Senatorial Zone of the State are waiting for theirs.

The initiative is part of an innovation package by the Cross River State Tourism Bureau tagged “Empowering Hotels, Investing In Excellence, Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism” aimed at resuscitating the industry.

Presenting the cheques at a ceremony held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, the Managing Director of the Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, explained that the incentive was in confirmation of the unwavering commitment of the Bureau to sustainable tourism and belief in the potential of local businesses.

“Today’s recognition is not merely a financial grant; it’s a vote of confidence in your commitment to excellence, service quality, and the advancement of our State’s tourism landscape.

“The ten hotels will be closely monitored in alignment with the grant criteria and the minimum requirements of industry standards.

“The package which started in the South with 10 hoteliers benefiting and now in the central, will be replicated in northern Senatorial district.

“We commend Governor’s promise to continue the gesture throughout his administration. We commend him for his dedication to fulfilling promises outlined in the “People’s First mantra.

“The award is a tangible demonstration of the governor’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment within the state.”

Stating the basis of the choice, the chairman of the selection committee, Mr Ugba Murphy said,: “These ten exceptional hotels in the central senatorial district were carefully selected based on their commendable efforts in staying up to date with licensing requirements and their potential for remarkable growth.”

Presenting the cheque to some of the beneficiaries, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, remarked that “The grant is a welcome development and promised that the Assembly will come up with strong legislation on security and cleanliness to boost the sector.

“We in the 10th Assembly will cooperate with the Tourism Bureau and work with stakeholders to ensure the success of the industry in the state.”

On his part, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Abubakar Ewa, advised the beneficiaries to make the most of what they have received and join hands with the government to move the sector from strength to strength.

Osun: Rescue Work Ongoing Where Uncompleted Building Collapsed

Ayodele Oni

July 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Rescue workers are at a site in Osogbo, Osun State capital where an uncompleted building occupied by hoodlums at the Sabo area caved in on Sunday.

Five persons were reportedly cooling off under the building when it collapsed.

Report stated that the uncompleted, abandoned storey building, is said to be occupied by miscreants, before its collapse.

Kehinde Adeleke, spokesperson of the Nigerian Security Civil Defense Corps(NSCDC), Osun State Command, confirmed the collapse.

Adeleke said: “Subsequent to our earlier report dated 10 June 2024 in which we reported on an uncompleted building used as residence by hoodlums by AUD primary school, Sabo Elegun.

“The building we reported was an eyesore and we recommended raiding by task force and the environmental body to sanitize the place. The said building collapsed at about 07:30 hrs today Sunday 14th July 2024 entrapping five persons.

“Two people have been rescued so far while the remaining three are entrapped under the decking that requires the use of a Crain.

“While we await the crain, people are doing all they can within the physical human capacity to break the decking and connected rods.

“The LGA chairman and his team were around and they have gone to see how the Crain can be brought down. On ground are the SSG who just arrived , NSCDC, Police commissioner and the team, OSEMA, and other government dignitaries.”

Scanning Machine Operators Frustrating Cargo Clearance At Seaports-Freight Forwarders Allege

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Authorities of the Nigeria Customs Service, have maintained that they will not be distracted from their onerous tasks of trade facilitation and revenue generation.

They insisted that the service is too focused on performing effectively its responsibilities to be engaged in frivolities.

The NCS reaction is coming on the heels of accusation of subversion and sabotage leveled against operators of scanning machines at the Western Seaports by the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAAFF.

In a formal petition at the weekend, the National Coordinator of NAGAFF’s 100% Compliance Team, Dr Ibrahim Tanko, accused the operators of “deliberately, purposely and maliciously subverting the original plan and purpose of introducing scanning machines in cargo clearing processes ,particularly at the country’s Western ports”

The body said the alleged actions of the scanning machines officials are done with an intent to force a reversion to the old and time- wasting physical examinations of cargoes at the nation’s seaports.

In the petition addressed to the National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the freight forwarders said the alleged actions of the scanning machine officials smacks of sabotage of the efforts of the Federal Government to properly secure the country, as well as undermining some agencies, Concessionaires and other public officers in the discharge of their duties at the ports.

” We write your good offices, regarding deliberate, malicious, and orchestrated methods through which the operators at the Nation’s seaports subvert the plan and purpose of introducing scanning machines in cargo clearing processes especially at the nation’s Western Seaports.

“You may recall that the rationale, purpose and original intention of introducing scanning machines principally was among other reasons to facilitate trade, by way of ensuring timely cargo clearing processes.

“The conventional method and/or idea was for freight forwarders or agents to bring in their container laden trucks to the scanning centre and after undergoing the statutory procedures and extant processes would exit the port.

If, however, the container fails scanning text ,the agent takes his truck to the physical examinations platform where the suspected infractions ,namely wrong declaration,concealment and other noticeable illegal acts are referred to relevant Government agencies or units for further action .

However, and unfortunately so, what we have, and experience now is deliberate circumvention of the near-perfect arrangements of COTECNA in scanning of goods and this is obviously for parochial or pecuniary interest” part of the petition letter reads.

But in an interview with The Source on Sunday July 14 ,2024, the National spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada CSC, described the allegations as vague, and baseless.

“The allegation is vague and without specificity, based on what we have seen.

“I don’t think we will waste our time responding to frivolities that might distract us from performing effectively our responsibilities of revenue generation,trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling.

“We are ready to provide answers when issues are placed on our doorsteps.” Maiwada stated

1...1,0571,0581,059...2,953 Page 1,058 of 2,953