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  • EFCC arraigns TStv MD, executive director on money laundering charge

    EFCC arraigns TStv MD, executive director on money laundering charge

    Arraignment
    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned Bright Echefu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Telecom Satellites Limited (TStv) and three others on nine-count money laundering charge.

    Others arraigned alongside Echefu before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abua include the Executive Director of TStv, Felix Igboanuga; TStv and Briechberg Investment Ltd as 2nd to 4th defendants respectively.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    Upon their non-guilty plea, EFCC’s counsel, Tahir Sylvanus, SAN, prayed for an order remanding Echefu and Igboanuga in a correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of the case.

    Sylvanus hinged his application on the grounds that it took almost a year after filing the charge before the defendants could be arraigned.

    The lawyer, who said Echefu and Igboanuga were flight risk, alleged that the duo refused to turn up for arraignment after being admitted to adminstrative bail and the charge filed on June 9, 2023.

    He, therefore, asked for a speedy trial of the matter.

    But Eyitayo Fatogun, SAN, who appeared for the defendants, informed the court that bail application had been filed on his clients’ behalf in October 2023.

    He urged the court to admit them to bail, pledging that the defendants were ready to stand their trial.

    But Sylvanus disagreed with Fatogun.

    The prosecution lawyer said a counter affidavit was filed on Oct. 16, 2023 in opposition to their bail plea.

    He said though the court had a discretionary power to grant bail, the antecedent of the defendants had proven that they were flight risk.

    Justice Ekwo then asked if the defendants were earlier granted administrative bail and Sylvanus responded in affirmative.

    The judge consequently admitted Echefu and Igboanuga on the terms of the administrative bail earlier granted by the anti-graft agency.

    He ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registrar and not to travel outside the court jurisdcition without the prior leave of the court.

    Justice Ekwo, however, threatened to revoke their bail if they failed to show up in court for their trial.

    The judge, who adjourned the matter until June 15, June 16 and June 17 for trial commencement, threatened that Echefu and Igboanuga would remain in remand until their trial lasted if their bail is revoked.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants were alleged to have, on or about May 18, 2020, committed the money laundering offence, including tax evasion, unremitted Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax and Pay As You Eam (PAYE) deducted from the salaries of 165 staff.

    The offence is said to be contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act.

    In count five, Echefu, being the MD of Briechberg Investment Ltd on or about May 18, 2020 in Abuja, with intent to defraud, was alleged to have obtained the sum of N150 million from Mr Turaki Kabiru Tanimu, SAN, MD of Kalsiyam Farm.

    In count six, Echefu was also alleged to have defrauded Mr Tanimu, MD of Kalsiyam Global and also former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, the sum of N380 million.

    The monies were said to have been paid into Briechberg Investment Lid account number: 1015561485 domiciled with Zenith Bank Pic under the false pretence of representing loan advance to Telcom Satellite for the purpose of enhancing the acquisition of modern technology.

    Echefu was alleged to have misappropriated and converted the said monies to his personal use, among other counts.

    The offence is contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences, Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • CSOs push for improved water, sanitation services

    CSOs push for improved water, sanitation services

    Support

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN),  has pledged to support tiers of government in holding political leaders accountable for improving access to potable water and sanitation services.

    The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Benson Attah, said this at the opening of the sub-national stakeholders’ webinar on ‘Vote 4WASH Campaign’ advocacy efforts and progress on Thursday in Abuja.

    According to him, the meeting is aimed at tracking political stakeholders’ commitment towards improving access to potable water and sanitation in the country.

    He said the WASH Charter of Demand the need for budgetary allocations, institutional strengthening and political will in the sector.

    Attah said there was a need for prioritising WASH in the political agenda at all levels and to make WASH everyone’s business.

    “Today’s meeting is to enable us review the vote for WASH campaign to see how we’ve been able to engage political stakeholders to support WASH implementation in the country.

    “We cannot overemphasise the role of access to potable water and sanitation in the country, undermining WASH services in the country affects human development outcomes,“he said.

    Attah urged selected states and their coordinators to continue to work with key stakeholders through advocacy efforts to ensure WASH prioritisation.

    Ms. Bibian Ama from the NEWSAN secretariat, urged states to improve on their efforts as the Programme had a timeline that was running out and the need for progress to be made.

    Mr Musa Buba, Managing Director of  Taraba Water Agency and Sewerage Corporation (TAWASCO), commended the efforts of NEWSAN in promoting advocacy for sustainable water and sanitation services in the country.

    He said access to WASH cannot be overemphasised by anyone as it is central to sustainable development at all times.

    Buba  said the agency would continue to support the CSOs in the state for a cleaner and healthier environment.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five states of Osun, Gombe, Taraba, Plateau and Jigawa had representatives who spoke about advocacy efforts with commitment to do more in the coming days. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Human right organisation calls for religious tolerance

    Call
    By Thompson Yamput
    Kano, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Christian Solidarity World Wide Nigeria, aa human rights organisation, has called for religious tolerance among the faithful for the peace and development of the country.

    Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, Chief Executive Officer of the organisation in Nigeria, made the call on Thursday in Kano during a training workshop organised for journalists across the northern part of the country.

    Nmadu observed that the effects of religious intolerance, especially in the northern part of the country, had greatly affected the economic and social life of the citizens.

    “It’s no longer news that some communities are lacking in basic social amenities due to the religious intolerance existing among residents who are supposed to be united and doing things together for the common good.

    “Discrimination and hostility to one another due to religious differences are against section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

    “This is the more reason why journalists need to rise to the occasion to enlighten people on the Freedom of Religion or Belief contained in the constitution,” he said.

    He also said that for 16 years, the organisation had been carrying out advocacy programmes, meeting leaders of various religious bodies, community leaders and political office holders, on the best ways of harmonising better working relationships.

    He, however, called on those whose rights are being trampled upon to feel free to contact the organisation for assistance, no matter how serious or little the matter is, for immediate address to give room for peace and progress.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training workshop which began on June 3 will end on June 6.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • WASSCE: FG applauds smooth conduct as 1.8m write exam

    WASSCE: FG applauds smooth conduct as 1.8m write exam

    Examination
    By Funmilayo Adeyemi

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has applauded the smooth conduct of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    Mamman expressed confidence in the conduct of the examination during the monitoring of the examination at the Government Secondary School Garki, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The Minister said there was no incident reported during the conduct and he commended the examination process.

    He expressed dissatisfaction over the some infrastructure in the school saying that the right thing would be done to give the school the desired facelift.

    “We are here to check the ongoing WAEC examinations and the exams is going on very smoothly, we are happy with the nationwide exams and so far we haven’t had any incident in the exams,” Mamman said.

    Speaking on the examinations, the Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, said about 1.8 million candidates were sitting for the examination.

    Dangut said the 2024 examination had slightly more females above the number of males with the ratio of 51:49.

    He added that the examination is taking place in over 20,000 school centres nationwide, while commending the candidates’ comportment in the ongoing exercise.

    “This year’s exam has been very successful as there has been no report of any leakage whatsoever, so it’s going on smoothly.

    “As the minister has attested to it when moving round, you will see that there was calmness as the students were well comported and writing very well,” Dangut said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the May/June WASSCE which began on April 30, is expected to end on June 24.

    The examination is ongoing in four WAEC member countries namely, Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra-Leone and Liberia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FAK/ORO
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    Edited by Razak Owolabi

  • Gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba joins GNT, Mercy Chinwo’s record label

     

    Record

    By Joshua Olomu

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Fast-rising gospel artiste, Bidemi Olaoba, has joined Grace and Truth Nation (GNT) Nation, a record label co-founded by Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa and his wife, gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

    Uzochikwa, GNT Nation President, in a statement said the gospel singer’s arrival marks a significant milestone in the record’s commitment to advance the gospel of Christ through the transformative power of gospel music.

    “We are thrilled to announce that Bidemi Olaoba, a celebrated and anointed gospel artiste, has officially joined the GNT family.

    “Known for his unwavering dedication to the promotion of God’s kingdom, Bidemi Olaoba embodies the spirit and mission of GNT: raising the flag of Jesus Christ across the world.

    “Bidemi Olaoba is a name synonymous with spiritual fervor and musical excellence. His powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and profound lyrical depth have captivated audiences and inspired countless souls.

    “With a ministry deeply rooted in grace ,Bidemi has committed his talents to glorifying God and spreading the message of hope, love, and salvation through his music,” he said.

    Also, Olaoba said: “Our mission to spread the Kingdom work globally has reached new heights.

    “I am excited to announce the unveiling of my new projects with the Great GNT family. God is about to manifest powerfully. Stay tuned and get ready!”

    The  sensational singer  who recently held ‘In His Presence’ concert at the University of Lagos is a prophetic worship and praise Minister.

    The artiste recently sparked buzz on social media when he said he can never  perform in a white garment church during a live TV show.

    According to him, the reason he will never accept performing in any white garment church is because of the use of candles, perfumes, and some other spiritual materials during prayers and services.

    He, however, apologised, stating that he believes in the universality of the gospel and expressed regret for any misunderstanding caused by his previous remarks. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    JOSH/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Economic Hardship : Group seeks salary cut for NASS members

    Economic Hardship : Group seeks salary cut for NASS members

    Salary

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, May 6, 2024 ( NAN) An  advocacy group, Patriotic Volunteers for Good Governance, has called on the National Assembly members to take a pay cut that will reflect the present economic realities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group’s National President, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, made the plea at a news conference in Kano on Thursday.

    Alhaji said that politicians must lead by example by voluntarily reducing their salaries.

    He said the demand by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a minimum wage of N494, 000 was unfair and insensitive to the current economic realities.

    The president urged the NLC to accept the federal government’s offer of N60, 000 to prevent job losses.

    Alhaji emphasised that the NLC’s demand might not be sustainable and would drain the country’s resources, leading to hyperinflation and stagflation.

    He called on labour leaders to consider the fate of other Nigerians and the social and economic repercussions of their demands.

    Alhaji advocated for a drastic reduction in the cost of governance, adding that the cost drains so much of the country’s wealth.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/DE/JPE

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders

    CSC Usman Abba , the Head of Business Processes of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Trade Modernisation Project, explaining to Journalists how the its Unified Customs Management System would be deployed to facilitate trade , recently during a facility tour in Abuja.

    Trade
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN) The Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), will check the extortion of traders by facilitating the comprehensive tracking of their goods from the beginning of the trade process until delivery.

    This is through its Unified Customs Management System(UCMS), a software that would be deployed to monitor all stages of the transactions by traders.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS, to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

    It is also aimed at making it easy to obtain export and import clearances, and in paying duties and obtaining release of goods.

    NAN further reports that customs modernisation project, which has three phases, is a 20- year concession agreement.

    It was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and The Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

    Chief Superintendent of Customs, Usman Abba, Head, Business Analyst for the project, told NAN in an interview on Thursday in Abuja that  by using the software traders would be able to know when and where there were hitches in their transactions for redress.

    Abba said the system would eliminate fraudulent intent and expose those who take advantage of clients who cannot properly track their goods with the current system to extort them.

    “ This is the platform where the trader has access and is able to track all the stages of transactions, and know where the challenge or exactly the issue is untill the goods are delivered,“ he said.

    He said that the service had received numerous reports of agents attempting to extract additional funds from their clients, by falsely claiming that their goods had not been cleared by customs when the process had already been completed.

    According to him, the software, which will soon be inaugurated, is designed to have information on all transactions, including payments and goods clearance, to enable the trader to act as required.

    “ So the trader can log in and see where exactly the goods are, also after he makes payment, he can see through the system that the payment has been done, and even how much has being paid.

    “He can even see that the consignment have stepped out from the port, because we have the gate acknowledgement.

    “ It means that when the truck is moving out, the system will update that the consignment has been gated out because the system allows integration with the terminal operator ,“ he explained.

    He added that other agencies were also being integrated into the system to examine goods according to their constitutional mandates

    On the current stage of the development of the software, Abba said that all internal systems had been completed, and final touches were being done on stakeholders integration.

    “ What we are working on basically is the stakeholders integration. We are done with customs part and are just on the aspect of few stakeholders, just to show them the system and how to have them integrated.

    “ We have engaged the Central Bank of Nigeria,National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control,just a bit to finish up the system,“ he said.

    NAN reports that the TMP is targeting generating more than 250 billion Dollars in revenue over the 20 year concession.

    The project is aimed at bringing Nigeria at par with the rest of the world in the deployment of technology to facilitate international trade.

    It would also assist the Federal Government in achieving economic diversification by facilitating easier cross-border trading.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/YGA

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    Edited by Gabriel Yough

  • Olusi, Adedoyin bag LASU honorary doctorate degree

    Award

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo and Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State University (LASU) has awarded honorary doctorates to Prince Tajudeen Olusi (OON), Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Lagos and Prince Samuel Adedoyin, an Industrialist.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, announced this at the 27th convocation award of academic and professional doctorate degrees, conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and rank of Emeritus Professor on Thursday in Lagos.

    Olatunji-Bello said that Olusi was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature (History, Education and Community Development) Honoris Causa).

    “While Adedoyin received the award of Honorary Doctor, Humane Letters (Commerce,  Industry and National Development).

    “I congratulate these illustrious personalities on being found worthy of these awards by the Senate of this university for their contributions to the growth and development of the institution and society in general,” she said.

    Olatunji-Bello added that two professors were also awarded; Prof. Martins Anetekhai as an Emeritus Professor and Prof. Amidu Sanni awarded as a distinguished professor.

    “Today’s ceremony, therefore, marks the concluding event of this convocation and a symbolic moment of fulfilment and pride for 89 Doctors of Philosophy.

    “Sixty-six Professional Doctoral Degrees graduands who have demonstrated exemplary character and academic prowess to earn the highest degree of our esteemed university.

    “The convocations have been held annually without fail, a pointer to the stability and consistency that have sustained the finest academic tradition for which the university is renowned,” she said.

    The vice-chancellor said that in the 2023/2024 academic session, the institution admitted the first set of students into 20 approved programmes in five new faculties and schools.

    She said: “the faculties are the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, School of Library, Archival and Information Science, the first in West Africa and second in Africa.

    “The last faculty being the School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies.

    “We also secured approval to mount nine additional courses for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative STEM Education (ACEITSE) under the B.Sc Degree programme.”

    She assured that her administration was committed to positioning LASU as a preferred research and learning hub for thousands of prospective students yearning for the most up-to-date knowledge.

    “I call on other philanthropists and well-wishers, men and women of goodwill, to emulate this generous spirit by instituting an endowment, or donating projects to LASU.

    “To the graduands of today, I congratulate you once again and wish you the best in your future endeavours,” Olatunji-Bello said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/OAF/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

  • Insecurity: Group calls for enhanced civil, military relationship

     

    Insecurity: Group calls for enhanced civil, military relationship

    Security

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN) Cleen Foundation, a public safety and security non-governmental organisation has called on security agencies to enhance transparency and accountability in their operations to boost public trust in communities.

    Mr Gad Peter, Executive Director of the foundation made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a public presentation of a research findings on security dynamics, solutions and civil-military relations in the country.

    Peter said that there was the need for clearer reporting of the activities of security agencies especially the military in communities, adding that cases of abuses and violations of rights should be properly captured.

    “There is a need for enhanced transparency and accountability within security agencies, and this entails ensuring that mechanisms are in place to investigate and address abuses promptly and effectively.

    “Community engagement should take the centre stage in improving civil-military relations and building trust between security agencies and the communities.

    “Transparency and accurate dissemination of information, helps to dispel misconceptions and mitigates tensions that can arise due to poor communication,’’ he said.

    According to him, continuous dialogue and effective communication among security agencies, policymakers, civil society organisations and the public is paramount to a peaceful society.

    Peter commended the efforts of security agencies in significantly degrading the capacity of the extremists groups in the North-West and North-East part of the country.

    He said, though the military operations has positively contributed to enhanced security in crisis prone areas, the safety and protection of civilians should remain paramount during operations.

    “The military and the vigilance groups have supported the fight against insurgence, but there abound issues on how they relates with members of the host communities.

    “These issues are linked to the kinetic approach initially adopted by the military and other dysfunctional approaches adopted by the security agencies.

    “These created a vacuum in cordial civil-military relations in the affected areas.

    “Adopting a non-kinetic approach by the military and paramilitary security forces in the fight against insurgency is an urgent necessity to improve civil/military relations,” he said.

    Mr Paul Nyulaku, Country Director of International Alert, commended Cleen Foundation for the security research to underscore the ways security agencies performs with the aim to improve civil/military relations.

    Nyulaku called for community engagement programmes to facilitate open dialogue between security agencies and the civilian population.

    He  harped on the need to developing a gender-sensitive training programme for security personnel to address issues such as sexual violence and harassment, with a focus on respecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

    Nyulakus said that the organisation remains committed to supporting public safety and security initiatives that would foster development in the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DOM/FEO/JPE

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Joseph Edeh

     

  •  Environmental Day: N-HYPPADEC advises Kogi residents on tree planting

    Trees
    By Thompson Yamput
    Lokoja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has enjoined the residents of Kogi to cultivate habit of tree  planting to prevent flooding and environmental degradation.

    Kogi N-HYPPADEC Coordinator Joan Oguche made the call in Lokoja during inauguration of Tree planting exercise at Federal University Lokoja (FUL) to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day.

    Oguche warned against indiscriminate felling of trees without replacement and clogging of the drains with sewage.

    “Celebrating the Environment Day brings to our consciousness to appreciate the environment and make it a better place for habitation and better life

    “This is why the theme for this year’s celebration — “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience” — is carefully chosen,” she said.

    Kogi Commissioner for Environment Joseph Olusegun also applauded the choice of this year’s theme of the observance.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Jibrin Saidu, the commissioner said that planting of trees was one of the ways of curtailing deforestation and drought in a society.

    “That is the reason why we came here today with trees to plant so that we can help limit deforestation and drought,” he said.

    Dr Thompson Ekele, Kogi Chairman of National Environmental Society, also said that the best way to control drought and desertification “is by planting trees; we have come with the trees to plant to lead by example”.

    He urged the students to endeavour to plant trees and to encourage their parents to embrace the culture of planting trees to beautify and protect the environment.

    Prof. Yusuf Abdullahi, FUL Dean of Students Affairs, appreciated the partnership between the university and N-HYPPADEC, which he described as beneficial.

    “It will interest you to know that planting of trees is one of the cardinal objectives of the university to make the campus to look green and also assist in checking the perennial erosions that threaten the campus on yearly basis.

    “Therefore, these trees donated to us will go a long way in helping us at checkmating erosions and provision of shades for our students to take some rest after lectures”, Abdullahi said.(NAN(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan