Absence of defence counsel stalls trial of coordinator of illegal school
Suit
By Joy Kaka
Abuja, June 11, 2024( NAN) The absence of a defence counsel, Odu Emmanuel, on Tuesday stalled the trial of Saturday Igwe, coordinator of Akwa Ibom Polytechnic campus in Nyanya, Abuja,.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) charged the defendant with eight counts bordering on obtaining by false pretence.
At the resumed court sitting, the prosecuting counsel, Micheal Adeshola told the court that he had a witness in court but that he received a letter from the defence counsel.
” The defendant’s counsel sent a letter for an adjournment on the grounds that he has another matter in the Court of Appeal.
“In this circumstance, we pray for an adjournment, “Adeshola said.
Justice Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf adjourned the matter until July 17 for hearing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecution alleged that the defendant, while being the coordinator of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Osurua Nyanya, Abuja, satellite campus made false statements to officers of ICPC, Denham Aida and Tunji Jabar in November, 2012.
He alleged that the defendant said he was not aware that the campus had been proscribed by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education which was not true.
The prosecution said that the defendant defrauded one Helen Joseph of N162,000 under the pretence that the National Diploma and Higher diploma programme of the campus was valid and approved.
He said the defendant defrauded one Ude Obiageli of N250,000 for the said purpose and forged the Polytechnic’s Higher National Diploma Statement of result, issued it to Joseph and forged a provisional admission letter and issued to Obiageli.
The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of section 1(1)(a)and punishable under 1(3)of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related Offences Act, 2006.
The prosecution said the offence also contravened the provisions of sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.
The defendant however pleaded not guilty.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Kathmandu, June 11, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Nepalese soldiers have retrieved four bodies and a skeleton from Mount Everest and the neighbouring peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse during a cleaning operation.
The recruits collected 11 tons of rubbish since April, according to the army.
Mount Everest At 8,849 metres, is the highest mountain in the world.
It has also gained the sad notoriety of being the world’s highest rubbish dump.
Tonnes of broken tents and clothing, food packaging, cookers, empty water bottles, beer cans and oxygen bottles lie there, left behind by thousands of adventurers.
There is also a lot of human waste and dozens of corpses, some of which mountaineers even use as trail markers.
When people die on the mountain, they are often left behind.
This is because recovering a frozen corpse is difficult and expensive it costs between 30,000 euros to 60,000 euros (32,000 dollars to 64,500 dollars).
This is according to U.S. mountaineer and blogger Alan Arnette.
In most cases, a team of six to 10 experienced Sherpas with oxygen cylinders were deployed and a helicopter flies the body off the mountain.
However, some families also left their deceased loved ones there because they loved the mountain so much. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
British organization avails Nigerians of strategic leadership opportunities at Manchester meeting ∞
Participants at TEXEM UK’ Manchester programme
Programme
By Abigael Joshua
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) TEXEM UK, the United Kingdom based leadership development organisation, recently concluded its customised executive development programme titled “Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World” from May 27 to May 30 at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester.
The event was an outstanding success, bringing together senior leaders and executives from various sectors to hone their strategic leadership skills in today’s complex and rapidly changing global-local (glocal) environment.
The programme which also brought together Nigerian participants, began with a compelling session on “Leveraging Cultural Diversity for Success,” facilitated by Dr. Alim Abubakre, British Nigerian founder of TEXEM.
Abubakre highlighted the importance of cultural diversity as a strategic asset, demonstrating how cultural intelligence can drive innovation and provide a competitive edge.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions and activities, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead.
The first day concluded with a picturesque boat ride along the River Thames, offering a unique opportunity for networking in a relaxed setting.
This serene experience allowed participants to forge connections and reflect on the day’s insights amidst Manchester’s scenic beauty.
Day Two commenced with an insightful session by Prof. Rodria Laline, Visiting Professor at Harvard, INSEAD, and IESE.
Focusing on “Global Trade Dynamics and Strategic Leadership,” Professor Laline guided attendees through strategies for navigating international trade regulations and customs processes.
The session was followed by an enriching tour of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, where discussions revolved around, Leading businesses through post-Brexit regulatory changes, and
Developing strategies for successful international trade operations.
Building and managing networks with overseas partners was also among important topics discussed.
The programme’s content was comprehensive, covering critical topics such as market expansion, innovation in international business, and economic integration.
Participants explored, Effective communication strategies in multicultural environments, Techniques for managing market research to inform expansion, and Innovative solutions for complex trade processes.
Another area of focus was, Supporting local businesses in the global economy and fostering sustainable trade practices.
Utilizing a blend of interactive tools such as games, group discussions, assessments, peer-to-peer learning, self-reflection, observation practice, and visits to tourist destinations and companies, the programme provided an immersive learning experience.
Participants benefited from the expertise of renowned thought leaders.
These are, Prof. Rodria Laline, Chair of Intrabond Capital, Prof. Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space, and Prof. John Peters, former Prisoner of War and Chair of the Association of MBAs.
Key sessions and highlights included that of Day Three when Peters led discussions on “Leading Resilience: Thriving Amid Uncertainty,” focusing on building personal and organizational resilience and developing impactful GLOCAL leadership strategies.
On Day Four which was the grand finale, Griffith led discussion which covered “The Role of Innovation in Navigating Change,” emphasizing pragmatic leadership approaches and developing actionable leadership plans in uncertain times.
Participants lauded the programme’s impact and structure.
One Nigerian executive Ibrahim Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer, Tawada Nigeria Ltd commended the programme.
“I’ve been to so many leadership courses, but honestly, I found this one to be excellent and one of the best, the instructors, the content of the course is excellent.
“And I have learned a lot… this course has really changed the way I view things a lot… I will go review and also try to apply all the things I’ve learned here,” Ahmed said.
Also, Femi Asenuga, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc. another participant in the programme, was full of praises.
“I got a lot of validation of knowledge and also, some more insights into how to navigate the leadership journey.
“And for me, I’m going away with some profound life changing practice, tips that will enable me to, you know, continue to pilot the affairs of my business…we got some exposition as to how to be creative.
“The program has been an exceptional one, very practical program. We had a very good mix of, you know, theory with practical … illustrations and examples,” Asenuga said.
Another attendee praised the networking opportunities, saying, “The diverse group of leaders and unique settings, like the boat ride, facilitated deep connections and valuable exchanges of ideas.”
Abubakre, TEXEM founder asserted that
the programme successfully met its objectives which is equipping leaders with strategies to navigate macroeconomic turbulence and enhancing organisational agility.
He said other objectives are, fostering resilience, cultivating impactful leadership skills, encouraging innovation, and developing pragmatic leadership strategies for sustainable growth and success.
According to Abubakre, “Strategic leadership is crucial for nation-building, especially in uncertain times. This TEXEM programme empowers Nigerian executives to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth”.
He said that by developing visionary leaders, “we can build resilient organisations that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic and social progress”.
To many observers, TEXEM UK’s “Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World” has set a new standard for executive development programmes.
It has empowered leaders to thrive amidst global uncertainties and local challenges, fostering a new generation of agile, innovative, and impactful leaders ready to guide their organisations towards sustainable success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The nation’s aggregate Company Income Tax (CIT) for Q1 2024, is reported to be N984.61 billion, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says.
The figure is contained in the NBS Company Income Tax (CIT) Q1 2024 Report released in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the report, the figure shows a growth rate of -12.87 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N1.13 trillion recorded in Q4 2023.
The report said local payments received were N386.49 billion, while foreign CIT payment contributed N598.13 billion in Q1 2024.
It said on a quarter-on-quarter basis, activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded the highest growth rate with 330.42 per cent.
The report said this was followed by administrative and support service activities with 33.18 per cent.
“On the other hand, activities of manufacturing had the lowest growth rate with –70.24 per cent, followed by electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply with –69.14 per cent.”
In terms of sectoral contributions, the report showed that the top three largest shares in Q1 2024 were mining and quarrying with 20.94 per cent.
“This was followed by financial and insurance activities with 18.73 per cent and information and communication with 12.56 per cent.”
It said on the other hand, the activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded the least share with 0.02 per cent.
“This was followed by water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities with 0.07 per cent and activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies with 0.24 per cent.”
The report, however, said, on a year-on-year basis, CIT collections in Q1 2024 increased by 109.93 per cent from Q1 2023.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal High Court (FHC) will, on July 23, begin its annual vacation.
The FHC Assistant Director of Information/ICT, Dr Catherine Oby-Christopher, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The statement was titled: “Notification of Federal High Court Annual Vacation for the Year 2024 and Vacation Roster For Judges.”
It reads in part: “By virtue of the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honourable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, KSS, FCIArb.(UK) announces its 2024 Annual Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges.
“The vacation will commence from Tuesday, the 23rd day of July 2024 to Sept. 13.
Normal court sitting, it added will resume on Sept. 16, 2024.
“This is in order for judges to enjoy their well- deserved rest and to prepare for the tasks and activities of the New Legal year.”
The statement advised the litigating public to approach Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt divisions of the court for matters of extreme urgency during the period.
Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja division; Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu for Lagos division and Justice A. T. Mohammed and Justice P. M. Ayua for Port- Harcourt were appointed vacation judges .(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TOA/SH
Smugglers
By Ige Adekunle
Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 11, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has warned smugglers to drop any plan of bringing illicit goods into the country during the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
The Area Comptroller, Mr James Ojo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ota, Ogun, warned that anybody who tried it would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Ojo said that many smugglers had been arrested several times, adding that they would continue to be arrested, especially those engaging in smuggling rice into the country.
The area comptroller reiterated that the Federal Government did not want any illicit or banned good to come into the country in whatever form.
“We are warning smugglers to desist from dealing in illicit goods as customs is not relenting in dealing with such acts and I want to assure them that we are equal to the task.
“In addition, we are at our best in customs and we will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that smugglers are brought to book,” he said.
Though Ojo stated that the staff strength in the service might reduce now due the Muslim personnel celebrating Sallah, he, however, said adequate deployment would be made in strategic locations to beef up security. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IGE/CHOM/WAS
Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq
Nigeria recorded N1.43trn VAT in Q1 2024, says NBS
Vat
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said the aggregate Value Added Tax (VAT) stood at N1.43 trillion in Q1 2024.
This is according to the VAT Q1 2024 Report released in Abuja on Tuesday.
The report shows a growth rate of 19.21 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N1.20 trillion recorded in Q4 2023.
The report also showed that local payments recorded were N663.18 billion, while foreign VAT payments contributed N435.73 billion, while import VAT contributed N332.01 billion in Q1 2024.
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the report showed that accommodation and food service activities recorded the highest growth rate at 59.15 per cent , followed by the activities of administrative and support at 47.79 per cent .
“On the other hand, activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies had the lowest growth rate at –57.01 per cent , followed by human health and social work activities at –27.73 per cent.”
In terms of sectoral contributions, the report showed the top three largest shares in Q1 2024 were manufacturing at 26.72 per cent, information and communication at 17.42 per cent and mining and quarrying activities at 15.42 per cent .
“On the other hand, activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded the least share at 0.01 per cent.
“This was followed by activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies at 0.03 per cent, and water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities at 0.05 per cent.
On a a year-on-year basis, it showed that VAT collections in Q1 2024, increased by 101.65 per cent from Q1 2023. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CASWI establishes cassava processing plant for Cameroonian refugees in Calabar
Officials of Cross River government and CASWI inspecting one of the grinding machines in the plant
Plant
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Care for Social Welfare International (CASWI) has established a five ton per hour garri processing mill for selected Cameroonian refugee women in Calabar.
The initiative which was implemented by CASWI with funds from Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) and technical support from UN Women was titled “women household empowerment project.”
Inaugurating the plant on Tuesday in Calabar, Mrs Eyoawan Otu, Wife of the governor of Cross River said that the initiative was beautiful adding that it was all about the women.
Represented by Dr Inyang Asibong, Special Adviser to Gov. Bassey Otu on Gender Mainstreaming, she said the plant was teaching the women to fish and not just giving them fish.
“This is an economic empowerment and economic sustainability for the women and we really appreciate CASWI for the project while hoping they do more.
“The women have mentioned some of their challenges and areas that can make the project even better for them, so, I call for more support so that this project can be scaled-up,” she said.
Meanwhile, His Highness Esimfam Kasuk Efficient Ntiero, Village Head of Kasuk community in Calabar Municipality, where the plant is located said he had to donate the land for the project because he believed in the empowerment of women in the society.
Ntiero said his father did something similar so many years ago when he donated a parcel of land to the government to build a hospital which did not only serve his community but all the neighbouring communities as well.
“This project is important because we have to start helping people, if we don’t, we will be making our society more unsafe as we see today with the growth of street children popularly called “Skolombo” for the boys and “Alakasera” for girls,” he noted.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Esther Akun, a Cameroonian refugee and a cassava farmer said she was very grateful for the project as she could now harvest her cassava from her farm and easily process it in the plant.
While appreciating CASWI for the project, she appealed for a truck to be provided for the women to enable them transport their cassava from the farms to the plant and also a borehole in the plant for constant water supply.
“Paying trucks to move cassava from the farms to the plant is very expensive, the women will not be able to afford it.
”Constant water is also needed for easier washing of the cassava and very importantly a toilet around the plant for the women to ease themselves,” she said.
Speaking on the project, Mr Ifeanyi Damian, Project Manager, CASWI, said the project was borne out of the desire to ensure financial independence for selected refugee women.
Damian said this would in turn increase their voices and participation in peace building and economic recovery in their host communities.
He appealed to other stakeholders to support the initiative and the women who had been divided into three separate groups with starter kits such as raw cassava besides the ones to be provided by CASWI. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Defence ministry staff protest alleged manhandling of colleague
Protest
By Deborah Coker
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Civilian members of staff of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Tuesday protested against alleged inhuman treatment of their colleague in Lagos by some military personnel.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesting workers locked the gates to the ministry preventing staffers and visitors from entering or exiting the premises.
NAN also reports that the protesting staff displayed banners with inscriptions such as ”we say no to military brutality”, ”they brought in dogs to intimidate us”, “civilians are not slaves to the soldiers”, among others.
A source, who spoke with NAN on the condition of anonymity, said the protest was in connection with the treatment meted out to a staff in the Lagos office.
“A civilian, a staff in Lagos, interfered when he saw some soldiers punishing some students by making them roll in muddy water.
“He was recording the incident when an army officer demanded for his cell phone. He refused and insisted that the phone was his personal property.
“Some soldiers with the army officer said his (staffer)’s action was disrespectful to their superior and started beating the man.
“The man is currently hospitalised in Lagos, That is why Staffers of the ministry here are protesting in solidarity with our counterpart in Lagos,” the source told NAN.
The source recalled that a civilian staffer died not long ago after being tortured by some personnel of the Nigerian Navy in Lagos.
“We are saying enough is enough,” the source said.
He said that the management of the ministry had promised that such would not happen again.
“But with this recent incident, it means that the promise was just mere talk.
“This is the reason that the latest assault is being met with anger. We are feeling really bad about this Lagos incident,” the source said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Women farmers split from AFAN over exclusion, leadership issues
By Tosin Kolade/ Bukola Adewumi
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) has announced its decision to dissociate from the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) due to the exclusion of its members.
Ms. Omolara Svensson, the National Coordinator and President of NWAPDI, in a press conference on Tuesday, said this move was necessary following the ongoing leadership tussles within the organisation.
She stated that during her tenure as Head of Women in Agriculture for the Oyo State AFAN chapter, she made several efforts to address these issues.
“After careful consideration and deliberation, we have decided to part ways with AFAN.
“However, despite my initiatives, the persistent lack of meaningful inclusion and recognition of women within AFAN undermined NWAPDI’s core objectives.”
According to her, the continuous leadership disputes within AFAN created an unstable and counterproductive environment, making effective collaboration increasingly challenging.
She noted that NWAPDI, established as Nigeria’s foremost organisation exclusively for women in the agricultural sector, aims to empower and support women across production, processing, trade, and commerce.
She also emphasised that the organisation focuses on ensuring that women have a significant and influential role in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
“By standing independently, we believe we can more effectively advocate for the interests of women farmers and drive meaningful change within the agricultural sector,” she said.
“NWAPDI will continue its efforts to support and uplift women in agriculture through various programs, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, aiming to contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s agricultural industry.”
Svensson stated that NWAPDI remains committed to its mission of fostering a robust and inclusive agricultural sector where women play a leading and decisive role.
On improving the lives of rural women farmers, the national coordinator mentioned significant strides made in empowering women in Katsina and other geopolitical zones by providing essential resources.
“In Lagos, where aqua farming is prevalent, the organisation supplied women with vegetable seedlings, fish feed, and chicken feed.
“Similar initiatives have been carried out in Kwara State, and plans are underway to reach Ekiti and Osun States soon.
“Additionally, empowering women farmers have been active in Imo State and are preparing to launch programs in Kogi State.
“A key initiative includes a safety training program scheduled for tomorrow, in collaboration with other associations.
“This training aims to address the financial losses women face due to inadequate safety measures on farms and in processing plants.”
She commended the First Lady’s efforts in promoting small home gardens, saying this had encouraged both youths and mothers to engage in home gardening, regardless of their professional backgrounds.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that AFAN has seen series of crises in the past due to leadership tussle involving some members of the board of trustees, leading to the emergence of factions. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
