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  • Alleged N2.8bn fraud: EFCC opens case against Sirika, others

    Alleged N2.8bn fraud: EFCC opens case against Sirika, others

    Case
    By Edith Nwapi

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday in a Federal Capital Territory (FCT), High Court , Maitama opened its case of alleged N2.6 billion fraud against former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika and three others.

    The EFCC dragged Sirika alongside his daughter, Fatima; Jalal Sule Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, for abuse of office and contract fraud.

    They are standing trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji on a six counts.

    At the hearing, Azubuike Okorie, a subpoenaed witness of the EFCC testified as the first witness, (PW1)

    He said he was a retired staff of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, director, Procurement and Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister, Projects(2022-2023) and Chairman, Project Implementation Committee

    When led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN the witness said as Special Assistant, he was responsible for monitoring and evaluating projects.

    ” The Project Implementation Committee ensures the execution of projects ”

    When asked about what he knew about the contract to Al-Duraq Global Investment by Federal Ministry he said

    ” I was not involved in contracts and my committee is also not involved in awarding  contracts.

    When asked to tell the court how he got exhibit tagged “List, 2021 Projects” he said

    ” These documents were the ones the then Minister asked me to send to the Permanent Secretary and I did that by making photocopies.

    ” Let me answer it this way, these documents were given to me, I was not there when he wrote on it but I will assume, it is the minister(Sirika) that wrote in red pen because only ministers write in red pen. ”

    He said he saw N800 million against Al-Duraq Global Investment Limited and Apron Expansion and aware the contract was given to the above company.

    He added that before a contract is awarded, the users agency, in this case, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), would have secured the land.

    “Well, the team of the Project Implementation Committee came in contact with Al-Duraq in Kastina when we went for project monitoring and implementation at Kastina airport.

    “When we got there, because we had a list of other contractors who were supposed to be on ground including Al-Duraq, we did not find any of them on site then.”

    The witness further said that as of the time he left civil service in May 23, 2023 to the best of his knowledge, the contract was not executed.

    When asked if he was aware that 100 per cent payment was made to the fourth defendant before he left office?

    He told the court that he is only aware of the 30 per cent mobilisation fee paid to them.

    He added that as Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, he was not involved in payments.

    ” As aformer director, what I know is that payments were made in stages,” he said

    Jacobs told the court that, that was all for the witness.

    Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN counsel for Sirika (1st defendant) told the court that the was  just served with the papers today and needed time to go through it.

    ” I beg let’s come back tomorrow.”

    Mahmoud Magaji, SAN for Fatima (2nd defendant) Michael Numa, SAN for Al-Duraq Investment allied with him.

    The prosecution counsel, Jacobs did not object to their prayer.

    Justice Oriji then adjourned until Tuesday for cross examination and continuation of trial. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng )

    NEO/SH
    =======

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

  • Address oil pollution in N/Delta, stakeholders tell oil firms

    Pollution

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in host communities have demanded that oil companies be compelled to address adverse health impact of oil exploration in the Niger-Delta.

    The stakeholders made their position known on Monday during a public presentation of the research report on the impact of oil extraction on women’s health in Otuabagi community in Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Dr Emem Okon, Director, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, an NGO, championed the event.

    NAN also reports that Otuabagi community within the Oloibiri District in present Ogbia Local Government Area is where crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956.

    Okon said that the report highlighted the adverse consequences of oil extraction which had profound negative impact on health and livelihood of women in Otuabagi community.

    She said that research revealed that several of the participants had hydrocarbons in their blood sample more than World Health Organisation (WHO) threshold and therefore demanded for compensation from oil companies and government.

    “There is therefore a need to demand for compensation and restoration of polluted sites as well as health actions to keep us alive and to resist death, poverty and injustice,’’ she said.

    She said that the findings and data would serve as a tool for policy makers, community leaders and all those who strove for a more equitable and sustainable future.

    Meanwhile, Dr Bieye Briggs, a public health physician and head of the research team, said from the findings of the report, it was revealed that there was very high and unacceptable level of exposure of the people to hydrocarbons.

    Briggs advocated for the Federal Government to carry out health audit in Otuabagi community and other oil producing areas in the Niger-Delta region.

    He explained that such audit was with a view to instituting intervention program to halt and reverse the impact of oil exploration.

    Similarly, Chief Daniel Amangi, the traditional ruler of Otuabagi community, commended Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre for undertaking the project and urged the Federal Government to focus on developing the community.

    Amangi also called for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the research findings for the overall benefit of the people.

    In the same vein, Alagoa Morris, a stakeholder, lamented that life expectancy was lower in the Niger-Delta region than in other parts of the country due to the hazards caused by oil exploration.

    He called for compensation to be paid to host communities to ameliorate the health impact of oil extraction in the region.

    The ceremony also featured a drama presentation by Otuabagi women and panel discussion on the findings of the report. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    NN/DCO/CJ/

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tinubu greets Arthur Mbanefo at 90

    Tinubu greets Arthur Mbanefo at 90

    Congratulation

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Monday extended his congratulations to elder statesman, Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo, on his 94th birthday.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said this in a statement in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbanefo is Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former Pro-Chancellor of the Universities of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello.

    He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

    “President Tinubu salutes the accomplished accountant and administrator, and describes him as being from one of the finest stock and vintage class of Nigeria’s statesmen set apart by integrity, hard work, and patriotism.

    “The President prays for more years in excellent health for the elder statesman,” Ngelale said.. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Ondo Govt. assures private school owners on proposed census

    Census
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State Government has reassured private school owners that its planned enumeration of schools was not for tax purposes, but to adequately plan for education in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Laolu Akindolire, made this known during the training of enumerators for the 2024 Annual School Census, on Monday in Akure.
    Akindolire, who specifically appealed to  private schools in the state to cooperate, stated that the exercise would  enable the ministry generate accurate, timely and reliable data for adequate educational planning and development in the state.
    He said that relevant data on school system from all educational institutions (both private and public primary and secondary schools) in the state would be collated and carefully analysed for short, medium and long term development planning by the government.
    The commissioner, who was represented by  the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Folasade Adegoke, explained that the exercise was among conditions to attract funds from donor partners to the sector.
    “This is part of our initiatives to attract funds to the sector to complement the government’s efforts towards engendering accelerated development to the state educational system.
    “The task ahead of us is quite enormous, but with our collective determination, dedication and hard work, we will record a successful enumeration in the state,” he said.
    Akindolire enjoined other collaborating agencies of government and head teachers to give their best towards achieving the overall goals of the exercise for the benefit of the state.
    He asked  them to be on ground to attend to the enumerators by making all relevant records such as statutory, administrative and teaching-learning records among others, available for collation.
    “It is through your cooperation and support that we can produce credible and reliable data for the State education sector. The enumerators should not hesitate to report any challenge encountered on the field to relevant authorities for prompt action,” he said.
    Similarly, the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board( SUBEB), Mr Victor Olambimtan, said that school census was a crucial tool to help government to plan its programmes and direct its interventions properly.
    “School census helps government to know the population in both public and private schools and thus how to channel her interventions.
    “We are to note that it is very crucial to know every detail relating to every school in our dear state, ranging from the infrastructure, number of learners, teachers and location among others.
    ” It is lack of accurate information that causes the embarrassment of misinformation when schools are to be sited, be renovated, or supplied with material among many actions.
    “In most instances, the school management could not provide accurate information needed for the proper planning,” he said.
    According to him, it is  quite unfortunate that we have found it difficult to get accurate data to use in Nigeria.
    ” Every data you see is the one carried out by international organisations and I can tell you they are not comprehensive and most times not updated.
    “But with accurate census, we would be able to give the real information on the education sector.
    “This edition of school census is going to be done electronically across schools.
    “Let me implore all of you to see this crucial training as an important assignment which need to be handled with seriousness.
    ” I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedaiwa and the Hon. Commissioner for Education Science and Technology for their investment and interest in providing qualitative education for the citizens of this state,” Olambimtan said.
    The executives of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and  the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools ( ANCOPPS) in attendance at the training pledged their support to the exercise.(NAN)
    OKEO/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Dangote Refinery: Bode George advocates shareholding for host communities

    Chief Olabode George

     

    Dangote Refinery: Bode George advocates shareholding for host communities

    Dangote

    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has advised President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to ensure members of the refinery’s  host communities  benefit as shareholders.

    George ,in a statement on Monday in Lagos, urged Dangote to learn from the mistakes made by companies in the Niger Delta and not allow same to happen in the Ibeju-Lekki/Epe axis of Lagos State, which hosts his refinery and petrochemical projects.

    According to him, making communities  part owners will reflect inclusivity.

    George, while congratulating Dangote for his investment in Lekki/Epe through his various projects in the axis , described Dangote as a businessman and patriot.

    He said that Dangote had through his achievements and businesses  projected  Nigeria’s image globally.

    “I want to congratulate Alhaji Aliko Dangote. All Nigerians should be proud of him. But, let me advise him: What happened in the oil-rich Niger Delta should be avoided in Lagos.

    “I was told he is helping the indigenes of that axis by giving scholarships. This is commendable.

    “He needs to go further by ensuring that host communities housing the massive refinery project benefit as shareholders, which would reflect their inclusivity as part owners.

    “The project is so massive and is eternal that the indigenes of the communities deserve more than employments and trainings,” George said.

    According to him, it is through equity holding in the company that the people can truly have a sense of inclusiveness.

    He said by this, the people would know that their inheritance had not been taken away from them for nothing.

    He said: “Being a life -time business, pollution may soon start and the communities stand to lose from the degradation which the operations of the refinery would impact on the people of the communities in years ahead as the company continues in business.

    “This may result in the pollution of their water which will, in turn, affect their fishing activities.

    “The part ownership in the refinery is the only way to assuage the pains of indigenes of the host communities for the loss of their inheritances,” he said.

    George said that scholarships, training and other empowerment initiatives were good move.

    The PDP elder,however,said that  host communities  should be fully involved in  the business .

    He said that only part- ownership of the refinery would make a lot of sense in terms of inclusiveness.

    “That project is a very massive one, and is eternal, we are talking about the effect of the environmental degradation of the company’s operations which will be felt by the communities for several years by generations of people of the communities.

    “It is pertinent to accord the people of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki part ownership of the company.

    “I am looking at 0.1 per cent for Epe and same for Ibeju-Lekki. It can even be higher than this ratio, depending on the magnanimity of Alhaji Dangote and his team.

    “I am offering this patriotic advice because it is not only the immediate host communities within Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area that would be affected by the environmental impact of the refinery operations,” he said.

    He said that the impact of the refinery would be felt by coastal communities  in Epe Local Government Area.

    According to him ,several communities beyond Ibeju-Lekki will be affected due to the magnitude of the refinery operations.

    “For a massive refinery worth close to $20 billion and which is expected to produce 650,000 barrels of petroleum daily, one can only imagine the impact of environmental degradation that would be unleashed on the host communities.

    “So, this fractional percentage in terms of equity holding would be beneficial to the communities, whose commercial activities would be affected by the operations of the refinery,” George said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Jigawa Govt. releases N32m for adult radio literacy programme

    Jigawa Govt. releases N32m for adult radio literacy programme

    Literacy
    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
    Dutse, June 10, 2024 (NAN)
    The Jigawa Government has released N32 million for the implementation of its literacy programme by radio with 2, 700 learners for the 2024 session.

    Inaugurating the programme at Gidan Kwari Community in Dutse Local Government Area, the Executive Secretary, Jigawa Agency for Mass Education, Dr Abbas Abubakar, said the programme, designed for adult learners, was aimed at boosting the state’s literacy level.

    Abubakar further said that the programme also aimed at eradicating illiteracy, particularly among adults in rural areas.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2,700 participants received solar-powered radio sets, learning materials, including primers, from the State Government for the smooth take-off of the programme.

    He said that the programme would be conducted at 108 centres for the learners, including nomads in the state.

    “This includes the payment of airtime to Radio Jigawa for the programme, payment of  facilitators’ stipends as well as training the facilitators,” he said.

    The executive secretary also said that the agency was striving to move the state’s literacy level from 65 per cent to 71 per cent by the end of the year.

    In a remark, the Leader of a Fulani socio-cultural group in the state, called Kautal Hore, Muhammad Dubuntu, commended the agency for including nomads in its literacy programmes.

    Also, the District Head of Sakwaya, Alhaji Zaharaddeen Basiru, lauded the State Government for the programme.

    Sakwaya, who is also the Ward  Head of the area, said the programme would enable the women participants to ensure proper upbringing of their children.

    They said that it would ensure brighter future for all the beneficiaries.

    “Don’t sell that radio set and we will ensure proper and adequate supervision to ensure that you face your studies,” they said.

    A beneficiary, Birni Adamu, also thanked the agency for initiating the programme.

    “On behalf of my colleagues, I want to say thank you and promise you that we will do our best to excell,” Adamu said.

    On his part, the Special Adviser on Adult Education to Gov. Umar Namadi, Ibrahim Manama, advised the participants to reciprocate the gesture by being serious with their studies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • 35 Reps seek rotational presidency, single tenure of 6 years, others

    35 Reps seek rotational presidency, single tenure of 6 years, others

    Rotational

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 10, 2024(NAN) 35 members of the House of Representatives have proposed a Bill for an Act demanding the constitutional alteration to provide for the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones.

    This according to them is to ensure equal representation and reduce the desperation and tempo of agitation for the creation of states.

    The lawmakers led by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo), made the call while addressing a news conference at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday.

    He said that the lawmakers were also seeking the amendment of Section III of the constitution to provide for the recognition of the division of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones.

    He added that they were also seeking the provision of a single tenure of six years for the President and Governors in the country.

    “The bill is also seeking reduction in government spending and wastage, efficiency in governance, and national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors.

    According to them, we want the creation of the office of two vice presidents from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.

    ” The 1st vice shall be a succession Vice president, while the 2nd Vice president shall be a Minister in charge of the Economy, and both shall be Ministers.

    He added that, the financial autonomy and accountability of Local Government Councils by prescribing an independent Consolidated Local Government Council Account was germane.

    This, he said would be solely superintended by Local Councils and prescribing long-term imprisonment for any misuse of Local Government funds.

    He said that the bill would seek to amend the relevant sections of the Electoral Act to ensure that all elections at both Federal and State levels were held on the same day among others.

    The lawmaker said that the bill if become an Act, would ensure that all elections and election-related litigation were concluded within a period of six months.

    This, according to his is before the swearing into office of the validly elected person for the office contested.

    “Ours is a commitment to building a united, stable, and prosperous nation. Nigeria can and must become a great and modern nation.”(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Gov Mutfwang inaugurates chairman, members of PLASIEC

     

    Inauguration
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, on Monday inaugurated Mr Plangji Chishak, as Chairman and six other members of the State Independent Election Commission (PLASIEC).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had on June 4, forwarded the names of the appointees  to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.
    Speaking at the event in Jos, Mutfwang said that the appointees were carefully selected based on their track records and experience in public service.
    ”This is very important and significant because today marks a new dawn in the annals of PLASIEC.
    ”The last two local government elections in the state were the most shameful, disgraceful and one that gave us a bad name.
    ”This is why we carefully selected this calibre of persons, particularly the chairman, who has been in the business of conducting election for years,”he said.
    The governor, who charged the appointees to uphold the tenets of democracy through free and fair elections, said his administration would not interfere in its activities.
    ”I am a firm believer in the efficacy and effectiveness of the local government administration and so, we will allow the people to elect those who they want to lead them.
    ”This is why since we came on board, we have not misused local government funds, because we believe in having a credible leadership at the local levels.
    ”I want to assure Plateau people that we will raise the bar of credible and reputable local government elections; we will ensure that true democracy takes place at the local levels.
    ”You are coming at a time when the commission has trust deficit, I therefore, charge you to conduct local government elections in concomitance with global best practice,”he said.
    Earlier, the chairman thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointments and promised to rebuild the confidence of Plateau residents on the commission.
    ”We receive these appointments with every sense of responsibility and humility.
    ”I want to assure you that by the special grace of God we will ensure credible elections in the local governments,”he said.
    Chishak also promised that the commission would be open, fair and transparent in all its dealings.
    NAN reports that members of the commission include, Theresa Kaze, Deborah Akanle, Waziri Kwande, and Ado Adare.
    Others members are Audu Dorzhi, Dr Longman Pensiwan and Pam Davou, the Secretary of the commission.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/IU
    ========
    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • FRSC cautions motorists on speeding during Sallah

    Sallah

    By Ige Adekunle

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 10, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)  command in Ogun, has advised motorists against excessive speeding during the Sallah celebration to minimise crashes

    Mr Anthony Uga, the Sector Commander, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ota.

    NAN reports that Muslim faithful will celebrate Sallah across the country on June 16.

    Uga implored motorists in the state to be more safety cautious during the period as the volume of traffic would automatically increase.

    “The FRSC urges motorists in state to celebrate safely, we should remember that only the living can celebrate.

    “Motorists should check their vehicle tyres, they should also ensure that their wipers are effective, remember that this is rainy season,” he said.

    The sector commander further enjoined motorists to strictly obey traffic rules and regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of lives.

    “Do not drive when drunk, avoid wrongful overtaking to reduce mishaps during the period and beyond.

    “Many lives will be saved if motorists can adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations,” he said. (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)

    IGE/DCO/AZU

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification in polytechnics

    NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification in polytechnics

    Qualification

    By Funmilayo Adeyemi

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has introduced a  Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) as a graduation requirement for all newly reviewed National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula.

    This is as the board says the introduction is in line with global trends, especially as skill acquisition is now central to the training of young Nigerians in polytechnics.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by Hajiya Fatimah Abubakar, the board’s Head of Media.

    Abubakar explained that diploma holders would now graduate with a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) or its equivalent, as an additional certification.

    According to her, this means the MSQ is now a requirement for all diploma programmes and must be attained before graduation.

    She also explained that the NSQ was a certification system designed to assess and recognise the skills and competencies of individuals in various fields.

    According to her, it focuses on vocational skills and is typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved skill assessment bodies.

    “NSQ aims to bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs by providing individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market.

    “The dual certification of obtaining both an NSQ and an ND in Nigeria offers several benefits, including a comprehensive skill set, increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression”, she said.

    The NBTE head of media further said that the dual certification opens doors to career advancement opportunities as well as providing a strong foundation for upward mobility and career growth.

    ”The dual certification offers a competitive edge in the job market, enhances career prospects, and equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields.

    ”This dual certification is expected to significantly enhance employability. However, NBTE is aware of the limited skills training facilities in our polytechnics and is therefore allowing a phased introduction.

    ”The guideline provides polytechnic administrators with methods for implementing this new provision.

    “Quality assurance is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes”, she noted.

    She added that assessors would play vital role in this process, through evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields.

    According to her, their role will include assessing standards, learning outcomes, and the overall performance of Skills Development Centres (SDCs) in polytechnics and other TVET institutions.

    “Under the MSQ, HND level students who have acquired NSQ at the ND level can enroll in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training as an alternative to another NSQ.

    “The QAA certificate will be valuable in the workplace, as many industries require on-the-job training,” she said.

    She noted that Nigeria’s technical manpower situation was characterised by several challenges, including skill shortages, a mismatch between industry needs and training, and a lack of synergy between industry, government agencies, and TVET institutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FAK/DCO/SH

    ==========

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza