Why Tanker Explosion Killed 90 Persons In Jigawa, 50 Hospitalized

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October 16, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Attempt to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker in Jigawa state has led to the death of over 90 people while 50 others hospitalized

Report stated that a petrol tanker crashed in Majiya village of Taura local government area of Jigawa State early morning on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at around 12:30 am with the tanker said to have fallen, making villagers to scoop fuel before the explosion.

Mr Shi’isu Adam, the Police Spokesperson in Jigawa, who confirmed this in an interview said: “Today (Wednesday) a petrol tanker from Port Harcourt going to Nguru in Yobe state reached Majiya village of Taura local government area at around 12:30 am the driver lost control at Majiya and fell down.

“The content in the tanker flooded gutters and drainages in the village. The villagers started fetching the fuel during which the petrol went into flame.

“As a result, 95 people confirmed died and 50 that have been hospitalized are receiving treatment.”

The spokesperson disclosed that the victims would be given mass burial on Wednesday.

He added that the injured were receiving medical attention at the Ringim General Hospital.

Steer Clear Of Apapa Port, Customs Warns Smugglers, Intercepts N1.1bn Drugs

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 16, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Apapa port Command, has announced the interception of illicit drugs with a street value of over N1.183 billion

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Usman Abubakar, CSC, Tuesday night, October 15, 2024, the seized hard substances were shipped into the country in four units of 40ft Containers.

Comptroller of the NCS Apapa Command, Babatunde Olomu, while giving a breakdown of the seizure noted that it was a direct consequence of due diligence, vigilance and zero tolerance for smuggling activities at the port .

Breakdown of the seizures shows that there were 236 ,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and barkadin cough syrup in a total of 2,174 cartons from two terminals under the Command, according to Comptroller Olomu.

He stated that three of the interceptions were effected at the APM Terminals, while one was made at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

“On the 11th of October 2024, our officers, during a joint examination of 1×40 container number MRKU0377493 found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles .

“The offensive importation was also found to have expired. The smugglers packed them in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton

“On the same day, during another examination in the same Terminal, a 1x40ft container TGBU8886020, was found to be laden with 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup packed in 100 bottles per carton.

“Another 1x40th container No TCKU6800526,dropped at APMT Container Terminal, said to contain Essential goods was examined on October 15, 2024, and after examination was found to contain a concealment of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chesty with codeine 100ml packed in 200 bottles per carton.

“At Kachicares Resources Terminal 1x40ft container NO SUDU8579006 said to contain kitchen wares was examined on October 15 ,2024 and found to contain concealment of Barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough in 100ml .They were packed in 1,584 cartons ” Olomu stated.

The Apapa port Comptroller, warned that much as the Command is irrevocably committed to seamless trade facilitations powered by a robust stakeholders engagement, it will, however, not condone any acts capable of undermining the economic and national interests of Nigeria.

“For the umpteenth time, I want to warn perpetrators of unlawful trade to steer clear of Apapa Port as our eagle eye officers relying on intelligence, technology and on-the-job experience are out to uncover all their smuggling antics” Comptroller Olomu said .

According to the Comptroller, these banned hard substances have been found to spur criminal activities and deviant behaviours which in turn set society backwards.

“Leave Me Out Of Kano NNPP Crisis” – Kwankwaso

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 16, 2024

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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, in the 2023 General Elections, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, said he would not want to be dragged into the ongoing crisis within the ranks of the Party in Kano State.

On Monday October 14, the otherwise subdued rumblings within the ruling party in the State permeated the public domain following the announcement of the suspension of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and Commissioner for Transport Muhammad Diggol, from the party.

Their shocking suspension was announced by the State Chairman, Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, a staunch crony of Kwankwaso.

Alhaji Dungurawa cited avalanche of petitions against the duo by their ward leaders and members as a major reason for their suspension.

Most of the complaints, according to the Chairman, border on anti-party activities,and alleged disrespect to the leadership of the party at both Ward and Local Council levels.

“The party cannot tolerate actions that undermine its leadership and structure” Dungurawa stated.

The Source reports that the suspension order slammed on the SSG and the Commissioner may not be totally divorced from their speculated plan to return to the All Progressive Congress APC, their immediate past political nest.

For one, the SSG’s sister had, penultimate week, while signing for the APC, hinted on the possibilities of her big brother following her footsteps in no distant time.

Besides, the SSG’s level of loyalty to the godfather has been a subject of intense doubt and scrutiny of late.

The Source authoritatively learnt that Dr Bichi has been among a few stalwarts of the party pushing for the party to respect its pre-Supreme Court agreement with the rival APC.

The kennel of the unwritten agreement between the two rival parties was that which Governor Abba Yusuf and the entire NNPP structure in the state will be collapsed into the APC after victory at the apex Court.

That agreement has not been honoured, together with the one that enjoined power sharing also between the two parties

The non- implementation. of the agreement said to be caused by Kwankwaso’s opposition ,is believed to be at the root of the internal convulsions rocking the NNPP.

The suspended SSG is believed to be highly amenable to the implementation of the APC/NNPP pre- court verdict pact.

Dr Bichi is said to be stridently selling the idea about the need to respect the agreement to the Governor and some other party and Government top shots.

The development is said, however, to be ruffling the feathers of some powerful conservative elements,] particularly the mentor himself.

Senator Kwankwaso ,a former Governor of the State, when cornered by the press on Tuesday over the developing crisis declined comment, preferring the party’s Chairman to continue handling everything about the situation.

“I don’t want to speak on the party’s crisis. I don’t want to talk please. Don’t drag me into what I am not supposed to be dragged into.

“The Chairman of the party has spoken and has been speaking, reach out to him” Senator Kwankwaso said.

EFCC’s Urban Radio Arrest Raises Press Freedom and Procedural Integrity Concerns

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The Source

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October 16, 2024

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By Tony Onyima, Ph.D.

The press statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today regarding the arrest of Favour Ekoh at Urban Radio, 94.5 FM, Enugu, raises concerns about procedural propriety, press freedom, and the balance between law enforcement and media independence.

At the core of this issue is the controversial method employed by the EFCC in pursuing Ekoh, a radio presenter accused of involvement in a Ponzi scheme. The EFCC asserts it had to conduct a “sting operation” at the station, implying urgency to prevent Ekoh from escaping. However, entering a media house to arrest a presenter during a live broadcast can be seen as an infringement on press freedom. Even if legal, such an approach may set a dangerous precedent by subjecting journalists and broadcasters to fear of interruption or abduction in their duties, undermining the Fourth Estate’s vital role in society. The agency could have waited for Ekoh to finish her presentation and arrested her as she exited the station.

In its statement, the EFCC defends the arrest as non-disruptive, claiming that Ekoh was not apprehended on-air and that no equipment was damaged. However, the ‘Prime Time’ programme was abruptly halted at 6:35 p.m., meaning there was some form of commotion in the broadcast studio. EFCC’s explanation sidesteps the more profound issue of integrity and public confidence. An arrest of a presenter from her workplace by force could quickly appear as an attempt to silence or intimidate media personnel, regardless of the circumstances. The mention of the EFCC being temporarily held within the premises may highlight a breakdown in communication and mutual trust between the agency and the station’s management. Still, it also speaks to a lack of effective coordination and transparency.

The EFCC’s appeal to the International Press Institute (IPI) and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to “investigate the conduct” of Urban Radio is particularly troubling. This call may be perceived as an attempt to redirect scrutiny away from the EFCC’s conduct, putting Urban Radio under the spotlight for alleged professional misconduct. Such a move can easily be seen as deflecting from the EFCC’s accountability for how it carries out its operations. Additionally, the assertion that Ekoh’s professional credentials are “questionable” is problematic; if the EFCC has evidence against Ekoh, it should be presented to the Ombudsman in a formal complaint or court, not implied through public statements that preempt due process.

Ultimately, the EFCC’s statement, while intended to clarify the facts, raises critical concerns about law enforcement’s respect for the rights of media practitioners. The public and the media community expect agencies like the EFCC to operate transparently and respect institutional boundaries, especially when dealing with members of the press.

Why We Carried Out Arrest At Urban Radio Enugu – By EFCC

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The Source

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October 16, 2024

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On Monday, October 14, 2024 a team of operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, comprising four officers were at Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu to invite one Favour Ekoh, host of Prime Time, a programme running at the Station.

Ekoh is being investigated by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC in an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme fraud involving about fifty (50) victims. According to the victims, Ekoh allegedly lured them into investing in a scheme “Life Trading” in a company, Leverage Index Limited, where they were offered returns on investment of 10 percent of their capitals after a period of time.

The victims alleged that after investing their money into the company located at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu State, the company closed its office with no return on investment or principal returned to the victims. Ekoh allegedly invited the victims into the business and she remained the only link the victims could hold.

At the Radio Station, operatives of the Commission, holding a warrant of arrest for Ekoh, identified themselves as officers of the EFCC. They informed the Managing Director of the Station, Bamikole Owoyomi, about their mission. However, in a rather strange twist, a staff of the Station called the Chairman of the Radio Station who ordered that the gate of the building be locked in and out, thereby holding the officers hostage. Faced with such hostility, they called for a rescue team which eventually arrested Omoyomi, Ekoh and the two security guards that locked them within the premises of the Station.

Ekoh had to be trailed to the Station for an arrest because the nature of the fraudulent dealings necessitated a sting operation that would foreclose her escape or going underground. She was neither arrested while on air nor any disruption of the lawful activities of the Radio Station took place. No equipment of the Station was tampered with and she has since been released after being allowed to make a Statement at the Enugu office. Owoyomi and the two security guards were arrested for obstruction of justice as they initially prevented the operatives from carrying out their official duty. They also made statements to that effect and had since been released.

The EFCC holds the media in high esteem both as the fourth estate of the realm and critical stakeholder in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, but the precipitate and unlawful obstruction of officers of the Commission from carrying out their duties, by staff of the Radio Station, is unacceptable. Besides, the professional credentials of Ekoh, a principal suspect in a Ponzi scheme to the tune of N700m affecting 50 innocent Nigerians, are questionable. The Commission hereby calls on the International Press Institute, IPI, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to investigate the conduct of the Station in the light of integrity and ethical professional practice.

Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
October 15, 2024

NIMASA DG Harps On PPP For Nigeria’s Infrastructural Dev

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 16, 2024

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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has asserted that adopting the Public Private Partnership, PPP, model is essential for the infrastructural development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The Director General, who made this statement while hosting Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission,ICRC, emphasized the importance of the Commission’s increased involvement in attracting private investors to develop infrastructural capacity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.M

Mobereola said; “We appreciate the Management of the ICRC for being responsive. However, you know that the maritime sector is capital intensive and government funds cannot solely put in place the required infrastructure. We need the ICRC to develop PPP based business models that will be attractive to the private sector both from within and outside the country. There is the need to streamline processes by the use of technology, as we will continue to count on the support of ICRC to help drive the Agency’s PPP projects for effective and efficient service delivery to our stakeholders”.

Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, who supported the NIMASA DG’s position, underscored the significance of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s economy. He noted that the PPP model would facilitate increased funding and expertise from the private sector, thereby accelerating the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime sector. Additionally, he stated that the ICRC is prepared to engage with the Agency on its projects and ensure timely execution.

“There is no time to waste; our country needs lots of funding for infrastructure and we need to create an enabling environment for activities to thrive. First, is service delivery, not revenue generation, and people will be willing to pay if they get the right services”, the ICRC boss noted.

Sanwo-Olu Assures Boys Brigade Of Continuous Support

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 16, 2024

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has promised the leadership of Boys Brigade Nigeria, Lagos Council of his continuous support. He made this commitment on Monday when the Council led by its outgoing President Elder Olusegun Ladega visited Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Ikeja. He applauded the contribution of the Boys Brigade community towards teaching young boys, the importance of godly behaviors.

According to His excellency, “as a government I want to assure you that we will support you. We acknowledge your efforts thus far. We will lend a hand of support directly or indirectly so you can continue to do that job you have been doing selflessly.’ Adding further, “Just for us to have a better society where we can nurture the boys into proper men. I see a collaboration, and this government has set up an economic agenda where youths, women and the challenged in the society are part of the cardinal point in our administration.’’

The Governor also expressed his happiness at the sense of ownership on the part of the leadership of the brigade and he called for more commitment and wants their activities to be more visible and they should also be accessible. He also commended the longevity of the association, having been in existence since 1908 as a Christian faith body.

” It has really earned its space, I have been a patron of a platoon, of a battalion, and the discipline and ethos of the Boys Brigade is not lost on me’ Mr. Governor added.

In his response, Elder Ladega who is the outgoing President informed that he wanted to use the occasion to introduce his successor, Elder Urum Eke and the new executive, and confirmed that the investiture ceremony comes up on the 20th of October at the Presbyterian Church Victoria Garden City, Lagos.

Lagos State Council of the Boys Brigade is the oldest state council in Nigeria. Over the past few years, the Council have been able to raise funds hoping to build a Boys Brigade centre which will be in an out of town location, a camp site and a training ground and also a demonstration farm so that members can learn about farming as a form of bringing back or highlighting the values that has been the bedrock of Boys Brigade.

Peter Obi Donates Bus, ₦5m to Grimard College of Nursing

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The Source

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October 15, 2024

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Peter Obi Donates Bus — Mr. Peter Obi presents the key to a coaster bus to Bishop Anthony Adaji, donated to Grimard School of Nursing Science, Anyigba, Kogi State, to aid their accreditation efforts.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on students of Grimard School of Nursing Science, Anyigba, Kogi State, to take their studies seriously global demands for healthcare. He made this appeal during a visit to the institution, where he fulfilled a promise made three months ago.

On his previous visit to the school in July, Obi donated ₦10 million to support the school’s accreditation efforts and infrastructure development. During that visit, the proprietor of the school and the Bishop of Idah, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Adaji, mentioned the need for a coaster bus for accreditation purposes, suggesting that a used bus might suffice.

Yesterday, Obi fulfilled his promise by presenting the school with a coaster bus and an additional ₦5 million to cover fuel and other logistical needs. Addressing the students, he urged them to remain focused on their training, emphasising that nursing and allied sciences are in high demand globally.

He further assured the school of his continued support, noting that Grimard is one of over 22 nursing and midwifery schools that benefit from his annual educational assistance.

Speaking at the event, Bishop Adaji expressed profound gratitude, praising Obi for his steadfast commitment to education and healthcare. “Obi is not here for political reasons,” the bishop remarked. “He is here to ensure that education thrives in Nigeria. He wants to see you succeed and lead in the future. Look up to him as a model of integrity in politics.”

The Provost of the school, Mrs. Usman Obonugwa, also expressed heartfelt appreciation, thanking Obi for his generosity and his ongoing contributions to the development of the institution.

Peter Obi’s donations and visit are further testament to his dedication to improving the educational and healthcare sectors across the country.

Edo: Gov Obaseki Inaugurates Members Of Civil Service Commission Few Days To Exit

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Ayodele Oni

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October 15, 2024

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Gov Obaseki Inaugurates Members Of Civil Service Commission

By Ayodele Oni

Few days to the end of his administration, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated the newly appointed members of the Civil Service Commission.

At the ceremony on Tuesday, the Governor described the event as a “watershed moment” for the state’s public service.

Obaseki highlighted the significant reforms the state has undergone to reshape the public service, noting that the swearing-in was a result of years of dedicated effort to improve the attitude, structure, and efficiency of the government workforce.

“The Civil Service Commission is tasked with nurturing, hiring, and training our civil servants, who are the critical assets of the government.”

Apparently fearing possible dissolution of the commission by incoming administration, the governor cautioned that “This agency should not be treated as another political structure,” urging the new members to maintain professionalism amidst any distractions they may encounter.

He also encouraged the Commission to provide sound advice to the government and expand its scope to manage all public servants effectively.

“The new members are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the public service continues to function as a cornerstone of governance in Edo State.”

Borno Airport Upgraded To International Status, Operation Begins January 1, 2025

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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October 15, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Unless there is a last minute policy change, the Muhammadu Buhari Airport Maiduguri Borno state will effective January 1, 2025 commence international flight operations.

This followed its upgrade to an international status by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The upgrade comes on the heels of complaints that a number of Airports in some state are idle, and hardly yield any revenue.

The upgrade was revealed on Tuesday October 15,2024 by the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.

Writing on his official site, Keyamo informed that the decision to upscale the status and operations of the Airport was officially announced on Monday October 14, during a working visit to his office by the Borno state Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum and the Senators from the State.

According to him, the Airport has been billed to start international flights as early as January 2025.

“His Excellency, Prof Umar Babagana Zulum the Executive Governor of Borno State together with Distinguished Senators from Borno state and other stakeholders, paid a working visit to my office yesterday (Monday ) where I formally announced the upgrade of Muhammadu Buhari Airport Maiduguri to a full fledged International Airport with International operations set to begin on January 1, 2025” the Aviation Minister stated.

Keyamo emphasized the significant positive impact the development will have both on the economy of Borno State and the country at large.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation quoted the Aviation Minister as saying that the Airport will serve as a gate way for international flights to and from the Middle East.

He, also, highlighted the fact that the dense population and rich infra structural facilities of Maiduguri will be an advantage to its new status .

“Establishment of an international airport in Maiduguri is strategic to receiving international flights coming in from the Middle East into this country.

It has the size population and infrastructure to support an international airport”, the Aviation Minister noted.

According to him, the new status of the Airport will unlock the huge economic potentials of the State, by impacting positively on its GDP.

Speaking on behalf of the Borno state delegation, Prof .Zulum while expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Aviation Ministry for the approval, and giant strides within the industry, also highlighted the happiness of the people over the development.

The Borno State Governor promised that the North East Governors will provide all the necessary support for the smooth operation of the Airport.