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Tunji-Ojo Receives Presidential, Royal Commendations On Birthday

May 2, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As workers world over were marking their day on May 1, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was in ecstasy as he spent the day receiving best wishes on his 42nd birthday.

Among those that celebrated with the youthful minister was President Bola Tinubu, Oba Luyi Rotimi, a first class monarch in Ondo state, state governors and political office holders.

The Minister boasts impressive credentials in ICT, engineering, and public policy, and has twice served as a representative for Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the House of Representatives, setting a notable example for youth participation in governance.

Tinubu, in his birthday message to the Minister, issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity lauded Tunji-Ojo’s commitment and effectiveness in his role as Minister of Interior.

He acknowledged the evident reforms within the ministry and its affiliated institutions.

Wishing the Minister continued strength and success in his national service, the President encourage him to persist in his efforts.

Oba Rotimi, Olujigba of Ijigba who also felicitated with the minister at 42, wrote “On behalf of my Kingdom, I heartily congratulate the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, a young man with a very bright future, who is also a source of inspiration and hope for his generation.

“A former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, who represented the good people of Akoko North East and Akoko North West Federal Constituency and served meritoriously as the Chairman House Committee on NDDC, with great and substantial development to Ondo state and impacted his people unprecedentedly as he turns 42.

“May the God of all grace grant him the grace and mercy to continue to wax stronger in good health. May his sun never set at noon. I pray that God will give him the heart of praise and thanksgiving, and to teach him to number his days, that he may cultivate and bring to him a heart of wisdom.”

CBN: Bank Customers Lament As Regulator Freezes 2m Accounts

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 2, 2024

Over two million bank accounts have been closed by the federal government in the first quarter of 2024, as a result of failure by owners to link such accounts with their National Identity Number, NIN, according to the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System, NIBSS.

The closure was in compliance with the directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN last December.

The magazine reported that the apex bank warned customers in a circular that all accounts not linked to BVN and NIN will be placed on “Post no debit or credit” effective April I, 2024.

The circular dated December 1, 2023, and addressed to all commercial, merchant, non-interest and payment service banks; as well as Other Financial Institutions, OFIs, and mobile money operators, was jointly signed by the CBN Director, Payments System Management Department, Chibuzo Efobi and Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Haruna Mustafa

The Yemi Cardoso-led bank had said the decision was part of the CBN efforts to promote financial system stability in the country.

In spite of the warning, the magazine learned that many bank customers failed to comply, a situation that has forced the closure of such accounts which have seized to be operational since April.

Some customers who spoke to The Source complained about the closure of their accounts. According to them, they expected that the deadline would be extended by the CBN, adding that they expected more than the three months timeline set by the apex bank.

Also, it was learned that many accounts that have now been rendered operational by the CBN were used to commit fraud by the owners, many of such accounts had been opened without BVN and NIN, according to sources in the apex bank.

Effective April 1, 2024 such accounts were not expected to record deposits, withdrawals, transfers or point-of-sale transactions.

Meanwhile, the NIBSS said in the report the number of inactive bank accounts grew to 19.7 million in March 2024 from 19.3 million in February.

LASG Discovers Partitioned 86 Rooms Beneath Dolphin Estate’s Bridge Where Occupants Pay N250,000 Per Annum

Akinwale Kasali

May 2, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government is set to demolish not less than 86 Partitioned Apartments measuring 10×10 and 12×10 on Lagos Island beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi.

It was gathered that the occupants of these apartments pay a whopping sum of N250,000 annually.

Making this disclosure is the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the discovery remains shocking to the Lagos State Government, which is set to demolish these rooms and return sanity to the area.

Wahab made this known on his X Handle (formerly Twitter), that all structures—including a container used for several illicit activities—had been successfully removed from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources’ enforcement squad.

“A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge. They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources”.

Also confirming this development is Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu on Environment, who revealed that squatters from beneath the bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi are currently being evicted over illegal settlement and environmental violations.

Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI.

“ Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI). These people created their illegal settlements under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.

He also confirmed that the bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.

“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he wrote.

Edo Fmr Deputy Gov, Philip Shuaibu, Plots Against PDP Candidate Ighodalo, Says Not Homeboy

Ayodele Oni

May 2, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, may have moved on in his political career following his unceremonious removal by the state House of Assembly as he resumed political meeting with Senatorial members.

During one of the meetings at Irrua, Shuaibu advised leaders of the senatorial district to think seriously before voting for a preferred candidate during the governorship election.

He stated that any governorship candidate that cannot speak or understand his dialect cannot govern the state.

Shaibu, who spoke ahead of the Edo 2024 governorship election, added that he would only support a “homeboy” to become the governor.

According to him, any candidate who needed the help of an interpreter did not qualify as a homeboy because of his inability to speak the dialect of the Edo people.

“Today, we have decided that a homeboy that we know will become the governor of Edo State. You already know that Edo born in Lagos State is not a homeboy.

“Is somebody who comes here with an interpreter a homeboy? So, if that is a minus it means we will look for a homeboy.”

Although Shaibu did not mention the particular candidate he was referring to, it was apparent that he was throwing a jibe at the governorship candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo.

Ighodalo had drawn flaks from stakeholders in the state after he hired an interpreter to announce his intention to his kinsmen at a ward in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state earlier.

Ighodalo was seen in a video when he met with his kinsmen during his campaign to secure the PDP ticket then, and he addressed the crowd in English Language to seek their support while an interpreter translated his words into the Esan dialect.

CG Customs Service Vows To Fish Out Killers Of Officer In Katsina

The Source

May 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ,has reiterated the determination of the service to fish out and prosecute all those behind the dastardly murder of one of its operatives, Auwal Haruna CA II

Late Haruna was allegedly killed on April 17 2024 ,by yet to be identified elements at the Gamji Makaho check point in the Dankama area of Katsina state .

This is even as the Customs CG has once again sent his heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen CA II Haruna

In a statement issued by the Service’s Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Wednesday May 1 2024, Adeniyi said the Customs Service is working assiduously in concert with other sister security agencies to arrest and bring to justice the alleged perpetrators of the reprehensive act .

” Violence against our officers is utterly unacceptable and we will pursue every avenue to bring those responsible to justice.

“The safety of our personnel and the security of our borders remain paramount .We are committed to working with traditional rulers ,Government bodies and sister agencies to combat this heinous crime against our personnel.

“Under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi ,the NCS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and other cross- border crimes .

“The Service will not falter on its mission to uphold the law and protect the interests of the Nigerian people.

“Intelligence available to us indicates that certain unpatriotic community members are harbouring suspected accomplices in this heinous crime .

“We implore these individuals to embrace patriotism by aligning with the law and refrain from condoning illegality . It is in the best interests of our communities and nation to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to root out criminal elements and ensure justice prevails”, part of the statement reads.

Hajj 2024: Kano Insists On Pre Hajj Medical Examinations

The Source

May 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Intending Muslim Pilgrims for 2024 Hajj has been called upon to be actively involved in the ongoing medical examinations process to guarantee their fitness and readiness for the exercise.

The Director General of Kano state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu Danbappa, who made the call on Wednesday, May 1 2024, in Kano emphasised the importance of ensuring the determination of the health status of intending pilgrims to the successful observation of pilgrimages.

The Source reports that the decision to subject intending pilgrims to medical examinations ,resulted from many avoidable deaths recorded in the Holy Land during pasts exercises due to poor understanding of the health status of health challenged Pilgrims by Medical personnel.

The deaths were believed to have been as a result wrong prescriptions and treatments by medical personnel , during health challenges .

Besides, many who were not physically fit to withstand the rigours of the exercise, had lost their lives during past pilgrimages,a development which forced stakeholders, including Saudi authorities to insist on pre Hajj medical check ups for intending pilgrims.

A statement issued by the Board’s spokesperson Suleiman Dederi ,insisted that the medical check up exercise is aimed at assessing the physical fitness and overall health status of intending pilgrims to provide necessary medical interventions and recommendations .

“It is imperative that all pilgrims prioritize their health by attending the ongoing medical check up exercise.

Ensuring the health care of our pilgrims is a top priority for the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board ,and we urge all participants to cooperate fully with medical personnel to facilitate a comprehensive assessment.” the statement noted .

Further explaining the imperativeness of the medical examinations, Hajia,Binta Yusuf, the Board’s Coordinator on Health Matters noted that through the exercise, pilgrims will be contributing to the smooth and successful conduct of the pilgrimage ,as well as safe guarding their own health and wellbeing .

EFCC Chairman Discloses How His Bank Account Was Hacked By 17-Year Old Fraudster

Akinwale Kasali

May 1, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

A surprised Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Boss, Ola Olukayode, said he was in shock when his bank account was hacked before him by a 17-year old fraudster.

Narrating how the teenager was able to hack into his personal computer and bank account right in his presence at his Lagos office, Olukayode said he was forced to invite the young man to his office to personally interrogate him after hearing his escapades.

He disclosed that the boy opened his locked computer and told him he could move up to N10 million from any account at once.

Olukoyede said he was deeply concerned about how some young Nigerians are deploying their talents in a negative way.

He added that the 17-year old boy is an undergraduate student of History and Anthropology who never had any science background.

According to the EFCC boss, the young lad was able to get his BVN, account number and bank details on the spot with just his phone number.

He said the EFCC is developing new measures to deal with the psychology and mental orientation of young people who commit crime. The measure will involve punishment, deterrence and rehabilitation that would ensure their future is not wasted or destroyed by the evil pathway they had chosen.

Olukoyede argued that even though the talent in the boy was deployed to defraud and commit crime, he was also looking at the human angle and what could motivate a young boy into such criminal enterprise.

He said “I brought in my Lagos office a 17-year old boy who is studying history and athropology. He is at 200 level. He is not doing anything science. The guy sat in my office in Lagos and demonstrated some things to me on my laptop. He asked for my number, I gave him my number and through my number, he got my BVN. He then mentioned the name of my account number to me at the bank. I didn’t tell him anything.”

He said it was important that the country do everything possible to dissuade such young people who if they continue would eventually end up in jail or even lose their lives.

“The problem is, I see crime in that, I also see opportunities in it. So, if you leave these guys, we don’t make them know that what they are doing is wrong, if you leave them, they will continue to see it as a way of life to make money.”

He said the EFCC has to investigate them, prosecute them, but at the same time, dissaude them from choosing crime as a career.

He said because of their young ages, the EFCC would punish them for crimes committed with light sentences for them but would work to change their orientation.

He said “What joy will I derive in sending a 17 year old boy to jail? You have destroyed his future. You have destroyed his career. Most times, they give them options of fine and all of that. So we bring them back, we lecture them, we talk to them.”

He said the 17 year old boy when he was done said: “look oga, I can make 10m now. I will demonstrate it to you. I will move money from your account to mine.”

He said he told him not to do so.

“I said no, don’t do that in my office and he was ready to do that. In fact, when he opened my laptop, I didn’t give him the key to my laptop and he had access. He forgot that he was even in my office. He forgot I was around him. He was just lost in the act. I said okay, why did you do this? He said both parents are farmers. They couldn’t go to the farm because of security and he has two younger ones. One is in JSS2 and the other in SSS2”, he stated.

The boy is the one feeding his parents and responsible for the tuition of his younger ones.

“So what do we do? In as much as I want to do my job, like I said, I saw a Bill Gate in that guy, ” he said adding that the EFCC is working to turn around their world view and make them useful to the society after they have been punished.

He said the commission is coming up with a cyber crime research center as part of the projects in the commission’s néw academy where young people will be captured and trained on cyber crimes detection and prevention

“I said okay from today, if you are able to get out of this, we will do our work and whatever happens, I will take responsibility of your schooling. I told my family, we are going to do that.”

He said he spoke to one of his friends who is also ready to take up the schooling of the boy’s sibling in SSS2.

“These are the challenges we are facing. So, for people to sit out there and begin to condemn EFCC, they don’t even have an idea of what we are doing.They don’t have understanding of the enormity of the problems. They do not. Now, we are coming up with what is called the Cyber Crime Research Centre as part of our projects in our new academy where we will bring some young boys during vacation.”

He said the EFCC will help arrested teenagers to shift from drime to a new way or life that would benefit the society.

Three University Professors Lose Job For Plagiarism

Ayodele Oni

May 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Management of the Modibbo Adama University, Yola, (MAU) has dismissed three Professors for alleged plagiarism and unethical conduct.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Abdullahi Tukur, disclosed the development in Yola at the 28th pre-convocation press conference for graduates of 2022/2023 academic session.

Prof Tukur explained that the sanctioned academics were found guilty by an internal investigative panel set up by the University Council noting that stiff measures awaits any erring staff and students that breach laws and regulations guiding the institution.

On the 28th proposed Convocation, Tukur explained that the University would be graduating a total of 5,545 students, stressing that 4,282 with Bachelor’s degrees and 458 with diploma certificates.

He added that 53 graduating students will be awarded first class,1,143 second class upper, 2,376 second class lower as 682 with third class, while 28 with pass degrees.

According to him, in higher degrees category, 41 postgraduate diploma would be presented as 630 masters degree awardees will get their certificates, and 134 Ph.Ds candidates in various disciplines.

“This year’s ceremony, the 28th convocation, points to our return to the annual ceremony as the event is holding just about a year after the previous one and a pointer to relative stability we are maintaining in our academic calendar.”

The Vice Chancellor who announced that the forthcoming convocation ceremony would be the last under his leadership as VC, urged the Federal Government to review the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy describing it as a huge challenge militating against operations of public Universities in the country.

He, however, opined that decentralization of the Universities accounts will provide for better accountability and frugality.

“All stakeholders need to thoroughly examine the impact of the TSA policy particularly as it relates to the operations of a University.”

“Thank You For Your Sacrifices In Liberating Abia”, Gov Otti Tells Organised Labour, Set To Clear Over 35 Months Salary Arrears.”

The Source

May 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To address the injustice of unpaid salaries, and right the wrongs of the past, Governor Alex Otti, has assured that all inherited salary arrears from past administrations will soon be cleared.

This is just as he has reaffirmed that payments of monthly salaries and pensions will be top on the perking order of payments schedules of all categories of Government employees ,including political office holders .

Governor Otti,who spoke at the Umuahia Township Stadium on the occasion of Worker’s Day, May 1 2024,,said the policy thrust of his administration is that the welfare and interests of the workers ,past ,present and future will come before the demands of the political class, noting that ever since he mounted the saddle ,he has remained faithful to the policy.

“The Commitment to paying workers ,their legitimate entitlements was not borne out of charity,but on the understanding that it is irresponsible to owe any body that has worked to earn his/ her wages .

*Importantly, connection between regular payments of workers and the performance of the economy in reality cannot be lost on us” Governor Otti noted .

The source reports that as at the time the administration came on board in May 2023 ,the strength of salary and pensions arrears was hovering around 40 months on the average ,with the state’s parastatals,the most affected .

The Abia State Governor stated that with the settlement of all matters relating to pensions arrears ,his administration is set to tackle the issues of salary arrears in a few weeks time.

“To address the injustice of unpaid salaries and pensions ,we went to work shortly after assuming office,setting up various teams to look into the record books ,interface with the leaders of the affected personnel and advise the Government appropriately.

“Not too long ,we cleared the arrears of pensions accumulated since 2014 ,following a template agreed upon with relevant stakeholders which saw the Government pay out close to # 10 billion to our senior citizens.

“We are presently in discussion with the staff of a few other institutions with outstanding salary issues pre-dating our adminstration for settlement.

“Within the next few weeks ,i am sure that the payments of the backlogs of salaries accumulated before May 29 2023 will be done in line with our determination to right the wrongs of the past”Governor Otti assured.

The Abia State Governor ,while expressing solidarity with the State Workforce ,described this year’s Workers’ Day ,as a veritable opportunity for an interface with their own people- Labour.

” Today’s event is very significant to us in the state for a number of reasons The first is to note that it is our day because we are a Labour Government elected through the popular support and good will of thousands and millions of people who do honest day’s work so that they may be able to fend for their families ,build their dreams and ultimately go to bed each night fulfilled that they have given their best .

“We have, therefore, come to say thank you to our comrades who work in the organized ,formal or in the informal sectors of the state’s economy.

“The State is deeply grateful for your sacrifices, your diligence and for your continued support to the. Government as we strive to rebuild our land from the ruins of the past”, the Abia State Governor noted.

NANS To Stage Nationwide Protest Over Fuel Crisis, Epileptic Power Supply

Akinwale Kasali

May 1, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The crippling fuel crisis in the country and the epileptic power supply have prompted the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, to mobilize students to embark on a nationwide protest.

In a statement, the Senate President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, and its zonal coordinators, opined that the situation in the country is becoming unbearable.

Apart from Akinteye, others who signed the statement were Comrade Bilal Lawal Kurfi, Coordinator Zone A (Northwest), Comrade Daniel Friday Egga, Coordinator Zone C (North Central), Comrade Alao John, Southwest Zone D Coordinator of NANS, Comr. Chidi Nzekwe

Southeast Zone F Coordinators and Comrade Bappa Hassan, Coordinator Zone E (North East).

“In response to the dire circumstances inflicted upon Nigerian students by the ongoing fuel scarcity and electricity crisis, we are mobilizing for a nationwide protest. Our primary objective is to demand the removal of key officials whom we hold accountable for exacerbating these issues.

“We are calling for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and Honorable Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister for Power. It is evident to us that their leadership has contributed to the mismanagement and mishandling of vital energy resources, plunging the nation into turmoil.

“To amplify our message and ensure widespread participation, we have strategically organized the protest to take place across various zones of the country. Each zone will host its demonstration at designated locations to maximize visibility and impact.”

The association listed roads where its members would converge to include Abuja Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Airport Road in Abuja, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Onitsha-Asaba Head Bridge and Wuntin Dada along the Bauchi-Jos Road.

It added, “It is a collective stand against the systemic failures and neglect that have perpetuated the cycle of hardship and suffering among the populace.

“We firmly believe that the removal of Mele Kyari and Honorable Adelabu is essential to address the root causes of the fuel scarcity and electricity crisis. We demand accountability, transparency, and decisive action from the government to alleviate the plight of the Nigeria students.

“ As students united in our resolve, we urge all Nigerians to join us in this protest and stand together in the fight for a brighter future for all.”

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