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Nigeria’s Vast Ocean Resources Largely Unexplored- Minister

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Gboyega Oyetola
Gboyega Oyetola

As part of efforts to harness the Blue Economy sector for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is set to host a global workshop on Deep Seabed activities. This initiative is in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

The event, scheduled to take place in Abuja from September 17-18, 2024, will feature several presentations. These include “An Overview of the Deep Seabed: Prospects for the Blue Economy” by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, and “An Overview of the Extended Nigerian Continental Shelf Claim” by Surveyor Adamu Adaji, Director General of the National Boundary Commission, NBC, among other scholarly presentations.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that Nigeria’s hosting of the international workshop will help build in-country expertise by equipping policy makers and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage deep-sea resources sustainably.

“This workshop will offer hands-on training for Nigerian researchers and stakeholders, allowing them to engage directly with international experts and advanced technologies. Nigeria has vast ocean resources that are still largely unexplored and we have taken into consideration the recent extension of Nigeria’s continental shelf. I hope this workshop will provide a platform to launch the machinery to tap into these resources sustainably, balancing economic growth with environmental protection,“ he said.

Oyetola noted that the seminar would provide an opportunity for professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector to collaborate with the Federal Government in harnessing the resources of the seas and oceans, while also creating jobs and wealth for the country.

Corrupt Bank CEOs To Face EFCC Probe

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Ola Olukayode - EFCC Chairman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  says corrupt chief executive of commercial banks in the country will soon be probe for various infractions.

EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the 17th annual conference of the Chartered Institute Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN.

The agency boss accused some CEOS of aiding money laundering, illegal forex transactions, imposing fraudulent charges on depositors, saying those found culpable of the act  will be prosecuted soon by the commission.

According to him, thorough investigations have already been carried out, and documents are being prepared to charge them to court for prosecution, noting that such unwholesome acts have affected the integrity of the nation’s financial sector.

Olukoyede said, “Operators frequently devise means to circumvent regulations and rules in a desperate bid for higher yields and bottom line.

“Sharp practices such as forex trading, defrauding of depositors through phantom charges, and complicity in money laundering and illicit financial schemes involving politically exposed persons continue to undermine the integrity of the sector and, by extension, the nation’s economy.

“We need to just do something drastic to bring everybody in line and to make us do the right thing. It’s extremely important. In a system where there is no penal sanction for criminal infraction, that system will never survive.”

How Organized Labour Aborted Sale of Refineries To Dangote, Otedola – FG

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

The Federal Government has alleged that the sorry state of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries is attributable to the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC. It said that but for the stand of the two Labour Unions, the two refineries could have been working and Nigeria saved the billions of Naira wasted on Turn Around Maintenances and, perhaps, a permanent stop  on perennial scarcity of petrol.

The Government made this allegation in its response to the allegations against it by Labour  Leaders in  the United Kingdom.

Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, was arrested on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Department of State Services, DSS. He was on his way to an official assignment where  he was to represent Nigeria’s Organized Labour at an event organised by the Trade Union Congress, United Kingdom.

His arrest, which put a stop to his trip triggered outrage in many quarters and was slammed at the TUC event in the UK which accused the Nigerian Government of gross human rights abuses.

But in a strongly worded statement  issued by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Adviser, in response to the allegations of human rights abuses against the FG, the Presidency noted that not only is Ajaero not above the law, both the NLC and the TUC, were stumbling blocks to a couple of steps which could have helped Nigeria’s economy  and so the masses.

The FG specifically pointed out how the NLC and TUC stopped the Federal Government from selling the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries to  businessmen and serial entrepreneurs, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola. The Billionaire-friends made moves and, almost, bought both refineries but it was aborted, according to the Presidency, because of the protest by NLC and TUC.

The statement pointed out the irony in the Organized Labour congratulating Dangote on the completion of his refinery in Lekki when it stopped him and Otedola from buying the PH and Warri Refineries.

Onanuga: “It is worth reminding Nigerians and the Global Community that the Federal Government recognises that the Labour Movement exists to protect and defend the interests of its members.

“What is, also, worth noting is that Labour, in most cases, only advances ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.

“Many ideological stances of the Labour Unions in Nigeria in the past have only stunted the economic growth and development of the country and even compromised the material well-being of the Workers and the poor people they protect.

“A case in point was the strong opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Seventeen years after the Labour Movement forced the successor Government of Umar Yar’ Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four Government-owned refineries worked.

“In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos.

“The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges. It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens.”

Ajaero was in the custody of the DSS for 15 hours on arrest on Monday. He was released about one hour short of the 12.00 midnight deadline given by Labour for his release.

His international passport was, however, seized.

No Plan To Rig LG Election, Says Imo Govt, Brands PDP Failed Party

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Imo State Government has declared that it has no plan to rig the forthcoming local government election as alleged by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The Government further declared that going by the popularity of Governor Hope Uzodimma based on his quantum people oriented projects scattered across the State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will post overwhelming success in the election.

The State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy,  Hon Declan Emelumba said it was very insulting for PDP to accuse the Governor  of “smuggling an already written results to ISIEC.”

Emelumba who was responding to a press statement by PDP through its publicity secretary, Lancelot Obiaku to the effect that the government was set to rig the election, dismissed the PDP as a failed party, now in tatters, that is ill prepared for the election.

“PDP is in tatters.  It is best remembered in Imo State today as a failed party. They know already that they can not win a single ward in the State,  that is why they are crying wolf, trying to discredit an election that is yet to hold, ” he submitted.

The Commissioner berated PDP for always raising a false alarm to attract sympathy instead of going to the field to campaign.

He noted that APC was not only strong in Imo State but very formidable and impregnable as evidenced in the superlative performance it posted during last November’s  governorship election in the State.

“APC won in all the 27 local government areas of the State.  PDP could not even win the local government of their governorship candidate. After dragging APC to all the courts, the Supreme Court still affirmed that His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, won fair and square.”

He said no Governor with such a record will descend low to rig a local government election, more so when APC is firmly rooted in the grassroots of the State.

Emelumba also made it clear that ISIEC remains truly independent and would therefore conduct a credible, free, and fair local government election come September 21, 2024.

He said those entertaining doubts as to the credibility of the State electoral body already know that they will lose the election.

“It is a well-known  trademark of PDP to  raise false alarm about imaginary rigging of an election because failure is their constant companion,” he said.

He called on the Imo electorate to ignore the antics of a “drowning Party” and vote massively for APC as a guarantee to more democracy dividends in the State, especially at the grassroots.

No Imposition Fines On Use Of Solar Panels, Generators – Imo State Government

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

The Imo State Government has debunked news reports that it was imposing fines on those who use solar panels or generators in the state.

It noted that while the government has the responsibility to ensure the environmental safety of citizens, it has never contemplated sanctioning anyone for using either solar panels or generators.

The State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy,  Hon Declan Emelumba deplored the unprofessional manner the authors of  the fake story set out to tarnish the image of Imo State government for no just cause.

He noted that the story which had been trending on social media ” lumped Imo State with another state which categorically instituted that policy ”

” Of course ,the publishers of the mischievous story could not attribute  it to any official of Imo state government because we don’t have such a policy in place,” he explained.

According to him, ” the story merely mentioned an imposition of two million Naira fine on one Nneoma bakery for various environmental infractions accumulated over the past three years without being specific ”

Emelumba described the publication as the figment of the imagination of the authors to attract attention to themselves ” and in the process,” devaluing the practice of journalism ”

The Commissioner disclosed that the state government has even gone beyond who uses any alternative source of energy as it is on the verge of providing uninterrupted power supply to the people of the state.

Said he” we have gone far in our bid to provide power supply 24/7 across the state for us to bother with who uses solar panels or generators  ”

He therefore urged the public to disregard the misleading story as the government at no point in time imposed any levy on those using alternative energy sources.

Stop Getting Involved In Land Matters, PSC Chairman Warns Police, Threatens Sanctions

By
The Source
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Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

Chairman of the Police Service Commission,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, has warned that serving Police Officers who are found involved in civil matters such as land, rent and marital disputations will henceforth be sanctioned and their promotions suspended.

DIG Argungu noted that the failure of the Police will obviously be the failure of the Commission and said the Commission will no longer condone serious abuse of Office by serving Officers.  He said Police Officers should stay clear of civil matters and allow the Civil courts to do their duties.

He spoke when he received in audience a delegation from the Justice Research Institute  led by Mr. Ade Ipaye.

The PSC Chairman declared that he will run a transparent, open and corrupt free administration in the Commission stressing that all funds received by the Commission and spent must be accounted for stressing ” I will never spare thieves wherever I am. We are here to assist  the Government  fight corruption “.

“I come to work before 8am and I am the last person to leave the office, that is leadership,  I have not changed and will never change; I know that leadership is everything.  My mandate is not to come here to embezzle money, I must ensure transparency  and openness  and I will fight to the last.”

DIG Argungu assured the visiting team that the Commission will partner with them in the area of training so that staff of the Commission will be exposed to local and international trainings.

Mr. Ipaye expressed his happiness that they have a partner in the PSC Chairman who wants to fight corruption adding that transparency  in government has always been a rare commodity.

He said they were in the Commission to assist drive its Constitutional mandate to improve the workings of the Police.

He said they will provide opportunities for the staff of the Commission to be trained to understand  their role as a supervisory  body of the Nigeria Police Force. ” We will ensure that the PSC is trained  and that the staff are good enough to discharge its statutory disciplinary functions”.

The PSC Chairman had earlier at a Staff Management Meeting announced the setting up of a Joint Oversight of Recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force. This he said is to ensure a seamless and transparent recruitment process.

The PSC Chairman and the Inspector General of Police  according to him will jointly oversee the recruitment process.

He also announced the establishment of Police Recruitment Secretariat  at the Police Service Commission  headquarters.  The Secretariat he said would serve as the central hub for coordinating all recruitment  activities, ensuring communication, proper documentation,  and efficiency across all stages of the process.

He noted that the portal for recruitment  to be accessible  for the stakeholders  will be domiciled at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters.

Ajaero: FG Tackles UK, Insists NLC President Breached Law, Describes UK’s Allegation As Spurious

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bola Tinubu and Joe Ajaero

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has insisted that President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is not above the law.

Reacting to allegation of human rights abuses, the Federal Government pointed out that claims by Labour Leaders in the United Kingdom, (UK) against government was unsubstantiated.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga stated that: “The Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom opened its conference today in London with its leader making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.

“Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.

“Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation.   Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution.

“We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, Trade Union Leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.

“In the United States, for example, former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions in Courts in several States since he left office. Mr. Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States, has been the subject of a lawful investigation by the FBI.

“We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.

“Besides, the Nigerian Government is being led by a pro-democracy activist President who will do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.

“There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the Government.

“While Labour Unions and the Government may not always agree on policy direction, the Government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship.

“Contrary to the erroneous impression being created, the invitation extended by the Department of State Services to Mr. Ajaero has nothing to do with his role as the President of NLC.

“As a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr Ajaero should honour any invitation from our security agencies and resolve any issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies.

“It is worth reminding Nigerians and the Global Community that the Federal Government recognises that the Labour Movement exists to protect and defend the interests of its members.

“What is, also, worth noting is that Labour, in most cases, only advances ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.

“Many ideological stances of the Labour Unions in Nigeria in the past have only stunted the economic growth and development of the country and even compromised the material well-being of the Workers and the poor people they protect.

“A case in point was the strong opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Seventeen years after the Labour Movement forced the successor Government of Umar Yar’ Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four Government-owned refineries worked.

“In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos.

“The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges. It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens.”

“Your Diversion of Palliatives, Forced President Tinubu To Form A New Distribution Committee” APC Tells Kwankwaso, Gov Yusuf

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, Kano State has insisted that the untidy, and opaque manner that characterized the disbursement of past Federal Government  palliatives by the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP-led State authorities forced a re-think on the part of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Source reports that last weekend, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, NNPP Presidential candidate in the 2023 election and Governor Abba Yusuf’s political godfather, had taken a swipe on the decision by the Federal Government to route future palliatives through the a multi-Party committee in Kano.

For one, past palliatives distributions channelled through the State Government had been mired by allegations of diversions by some highly placed Kano State Government functionaries.

About two months ago, the APC in the State, raised the alarm concerning the alleged diversion of Federal Government branded rice meant for the vulnerable, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Shehu Sagagi, and other top Kano State Government officials.

The Federal Government has since constituted an all-inclusive distribution  committee, to henceforth receive and disburse palliatives meant for Kano State.

Head of the Committee and Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau, last weekend informed that  President Tinubu had been uncomfortable with the avalanche of complaints coming from Kano concerning the disbursement pattern of palliatives, hence the decision to form the committee.

However, to ensure fairness and justice, some of the Committee members were also drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and the ruling NNPP.

In a statement on his official site on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Kano State Chairman of APC, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, accused the NNPP-led State authorities of deliberately sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government in ameliorating the hardship being experienced by the people.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s. allegation that palliatives distribution in the State has now been taken over by the APC, Prince Abbas insisted that the decision to review the existing disbursement template was as a result of President Tinubu’s dissatisfaction with the way the NNPP-led Government, controlled by Kwankwaso was mishandling the exercise.

According to the APC, the new distribution Committee, has already fashioned some templates to ensure that the palliatives get to their targets evenly irrespective of political party affiliations

He noted that before now, several palliatives  measures approved for the vulnerable in Kano were mindlessly diverted by some officials of the NNPP-led Kano State Government.

The Kano APC Chairman admonished Kwankwaso to, instead, of condemning the decision of President Tinubu to re-route the palliatives, investigate allegations of diversions leveled against the adminstration of his chosen Governor.

AFCON 2025: Rwandan Goalkeeper Frustrates Super Eagles

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Fiacre Ntwari, Rwandan Goalkeeper, was undoubtedly the Man of the Match. He made nine fantastic saves to deny the Super Eagles of Nigeria a second victory in the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Nigeria and Rwanda stifled themselves to a scoreless draw at a refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday, but the Super Eagles retain leadership of their qualifying group courtesy of the 3-0 whiplash of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday.

Libya’s Mediterranean Knights, playing the Cheetahs in Abidjan some hours later, would only be able to dislodge the Eagles if they win by three goals.

The draw was typical of two earlier encounters between both teams in Kigali, as Nigeria forced a 1-1 draw in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match also at the Amahoro, and both teams drew 0-0 in a 2013 AFCON qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen made only one change from the squad that defeated Benin Republic last Saturday, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru taking the place of Alex Iwobi.

Defender Bruno Onyemaechi should have put Nigeria ahead after only three minutes, but he miscued his shot after a great pass by Ademola Lookman. Two minutes later, midfielder Wiflred Ndidi’s shot went straight to goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

Bonheur Mugisha and Kevin Muhire took turns harassing the Super Eagles’ defence as the game wore on, but Nigeria could have been up by a goal after 22 minutes as Lookman headed into the net.

But Moroccan referee Karim Sabry ruled that a Nigerian player had pushed a defender in the build-up.

Bayer Leverkusen Football Club of Germany striker, Victor Boniface wasted a glorious opportunity in the 25th minute, and in the 37th minute, Onyemaechi failed to capitalize as Boniface’s shot rocked the upright and bounced back into play.

Four minutes to half time, Onyemaechi, getting into scoring positions easily, headed wide when he received a cross from the right by Olaoluwa Aina.

Eight minutes into the second half, substitute Moses Simon’s shot from William Ekong’s floater was blocked by an imperious Ntwari.

Jojea Kwizera could have put the Wasps in front on 68th minutes as the home boys broke forward, but his shot flew away from goal.

With 19 minutes left, Lookman was almost celebrating a goal, only to see his volley from Aina’s cross punched out by Ntwari. Mugisha, undaunted, unleashed a rocket from 22 yards with two minutes, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali punched into safety.

Substitute Raphael Onyedika could have struck in the 89th minute, but again, Ntwari was on hand to block his shot, just as he held firmly to the ball from substitute Victor Osimhen’s header in added time.

The Super Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October, but top the Group with four points from two matches.

Imo Legislators Want Uzodinma To Name Imo International Conference Centre After Iwuanyanwu

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Hope Uzodimma

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

As a way of immortalizing the fallen President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and prominent son of the South East Region, the Imo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to name the Imo International Conference Centre, IICC, after Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Chief Iwuanyanwu, until his death about two months ago, was the leader of the apex Igbo  socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and a well- accomplished business tycoon and philanthropist.

The Imo State  Lawmakers noted that apart from serving to engrave the name of the iconic leader, it will also be a constant and eternal reminder to the people of Imo, South-east and Nigeria of the onerous contributions of  the late Ohaneze Ndigbo President General to the growth and development of Nigeria.

Presenting the motion before the House, Innocent Ikpamezie representing Mbaitolu State Constituency emphasized that Chief Iwuanyanwu was an accomplished, and illustrious son of the State, South-east and Nigeria who gave his all to the service of humanity.

According to the legislator, the late Ohaneze Ndigbo leader left an indelible mark as well as contributed through various human endeavours in the upliftment of Imo State.

He recounted how late Iwuanyanwu, deployed his resources for the betterment of several Imolites, and the State as an entity.

Hon Ikpamezie particularly relished the efforts of the fallen elder statesman towards the successful establishment of the Imo Cargo Airport.

“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as an international entrepreneur, played a significant role is setting the pace for economic development in the South East region and the nation at large.

His philanthropic works in Nigeria worth billions of Naira remain unforgettable. He provided good roads,water, homes for destitutes ,as well as awarded scholarships to many students at secondary and University levels”, Hon Ikpamezie noted.

According to him, Iwuanyanwu, having died in active service, both as the Ohaneze Ndigbo leader and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly, deserves to be  honoured

The House, after contributions from some members, unanimously adopted the motion.

The late Ohaneze Ndigbo will be laid to rest on November 1, 2024, at his country home in Attah, Owerri Zone.

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