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Naval Chief scores military high on efforts to battle security challenges

Cadets

By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas, on Friday said that the Nigerian military has done creditably well in tackling the numerous security challenges that have confronted the nation in recent times.

This is contained in a press statement issued by spokesman of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major Abubakar Abdullahi in Kaduna.

The Naval chief made the remarks at the Regimental Dinner in honour of graduating cadets of the academy’s Regular Course.

Ibas was represented at the event by the Naval Secretary, Rear Admiral Fredric Ugwu.

He noted that the successes achieved, particularly in the fight against insurgency in the North East, was made possible by the selfless commitment of military personnel, some of whom had paid the supreme sacrifice.

Ibas called on the graduating cadets to justify the huge resources expended on their training which was carefully designed to equip them with skills and intellect to deal with the diverse challenges in the course of their career.

The naval chief reminded the cadets that military service requires unalloyed loyalty to the nation.

” Therefore I task you to be committed to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy and the ethos of the military profession.

“You should always strive towards protecting the unity of Nigeria and protecting her territorial integrity, as well as preserving the customs, ethics, traditions and core values of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

He admonished them to eschew flamboyant lifestyles that would put a strain on their finances and shun the pursuit of pecuniary gains that would dent their character and that of the military.

on the dinner, Ibas said it was cherished military tradition to promote discipline, orderliness, loyalty, regimentation, espirit d’ corps, and give the cadets opportunity to interact with senior military officers, gain valuable insights and inspiration.

“I hoped that this particular event will energize you ahead of a lofty career in the Nigerian military,” he added.

He commended the Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade for his dedication and commitment towards enhancing teaching and learning at the Academy.

He said that the NDA has justified the huge investment made by the country as it has graduated cadets that have helped to shape a better future for the armed forces.(NAN)

TJ/MZA

Ondo Cassava-Ethanol project to create 12,000 jobs- ODSG

By Ayodeji Alabi
Ethanol
Akure, Sept.21, 2018 (NAN) The Ondo State Government says its cassava-ethanol project, in collaboration with the Federal Government, will begin before the end of 2018, and create 12,000 jobs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project was signed less than two weeks ago.

Mr Bode Oyewunmi, the Special Adviser (S.A) to the Ondo State Governor on Development and Investment, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen during the site visitation to the ethanol project at Okeluse, Ose Local Government in Ondo State on Friday.

Oyewunmi, also the Chief Executive Officer, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), explained that the project would create 12,000 direct jobs while over 200,000 farmers would be fully engaged.

“We are here with the representatives of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a Chinese company called Complant.

“The site was acquired many years ago, however, the project was sort of moribund, but it’s now about to start.

“The processing plant would in turn be beneficial to millions of citizens within the state, country and diaspora,” he said.

Also, Mr Akin Olotu, Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on Agriculture and Agri-business, said the NNPC team were on ground to look at the terrain, and dialogue with the community.

He said the project would provide jobs for thousands of people directly and indirectly, while it was also an answer to the challenges experienced over the years in terms of industrialisation.

“It is an ethanol plant and we are looking at close to a million ton capacity mill plant. Imagine the multiplier effect on the economy of the state and individuals,” he said.

Earlier at the palace of the Arujale Ojima of Okeluse, Oyewunmi solicited the support and cooperation of the community throughout the establishment of the project.

Oba Adeyeoba Owasunloye, the Arujale Ojima of Okeluse, noted that his people must be carried along in the project and assured that his subjects were always favourably disposed towards strangers.

He observed that previous administrations had failed various promises to the town and appealed to Governor Akeredolu to make the project a reality.

Mr Wang Qing, the team leader of the Chinese representatives, said utmost importance was being given to the project and assured the monarch that a report of the visibility study would be provided fast.

He further appreciated Nigerians for the hospitality shown to his team since they arrived in the country. (NAN)
AYOD/UDO/AFA
Edited by Udochukwu Ifionu/ Felix Ajide

Shittu says he has not violated the Constitution by skipping NYSC

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Shittu

Abuja, Sept. 21,2018 (NAN) The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, has said that he did not violate the Constitution by not participating in the compulsory one year National Youth Services Corps (NYSC) scheme.

The minister stated this while speaking with newsmen on Friday in Abuja, arguing that his case could not be compared to that of the former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun.

The minister who is one of the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship aspirants in Oyo State, spoke after being interviewed by the APC screening committee.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the media had been awash with reports that the minister did not participate in the mandatory one year NYSC program after his graduation from the University in 1978. The compulsory NYSC programme began in 1973.

Former minister of finance, Adeosun resigned last week Friday following allegations that she forged the NYSC exemption certificate.

Shittu stressed that whereas the former Minister of Finance submitted a fake NYSC exemption certificate, he didn’t obtain any certificate.

He added that he considered his service at the Oyo State Assembly as, “a higher service”. He said that he had not infringed on any law in the country’s Constitution by skipping NYSC.

“Nigerian Tribune even reported that I left University in 1979, but in actual sense , I left in 1978 and left Law School in 1979.

“And the Constitution says anyone who qualifies to contest an election or who has gone through an election and wins, he is obligated to move through the House of Assembly which I did for four years.

“So it is a form of higher service as far as I’m concerned, and even now, I am still in service.

“I don’t think I have violated the law except someone has a superior argument and can prove it,”the minister said.

He stressed that his case was not like that of Adeosun, because according to him, there are differences.

“Unfortunately, Kemi had a fake certificate, I didn’t present any, I didn’t have one.

“I simply followed the constitutional requirement that if you are qualified to contest an election, it is compulsory for you to serve the nation in the capacity that you won an election,”he said.(NAN)

NAFDAC seizes controlled drugs worth N105.65m in Lagos

Drugs

By Mustapha Sumaila

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) operatives had raided a Lagos based cartel and seized controlled drugs worth N105.65 million.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC carried out substantive surveillance on nefarious activities of a cartel involved in illegal importation of banned and controlled pharmaceutical products.

She said that at about 1:00a.m on Sept. 14, the operatives raided a transit warehouse at Ijora Ororo, Lagos State and discovered 187 cartons of assorted Tramadol (120mg, 200mg and 225mg respectively.

She stated that more than 49 cartons of Diazepam (a controlled drug) concealed amongst household items including but not limited to bicycle, used tyres and
printers were also seized.

“The seized products, valued at N105.65 million have been evacuated from the transit warehouse for necessary action and further investigation.

“We are advising the general public to be watchful and should not hesitate to report any suspicious activities within their environment to the nearest NAFDAC office” she said. (NAN)
MS/IKU/AFA

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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Felix Ajide

CBN revokes Skye Bank’s licence
Licence
By Olawunmi Ashafa
Lagos, Sept. 21, 2018(NAN)The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Friday, revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank Plc with immediate effect.

The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this during a news conference in Lagos.

Emefiele said the decision was reached following the inability of the owners of the bank to shore up the capital of the distressed bank which had earlier received a N350 billion intervention in July 2016.

“Skye Bank requires urgent recapitalisation as it can no longer continue to live on borrowed times with indefinite liquidity support from the CBN.

“We have decided to establish a bridge bank, Polaris Bank, to assume the assets and liabilities of Skye Bank.

“The strategy is for AMCON to capitalise the bridge bank and begin the process of sourcing investors to buy out AMCON.

“By this decision the licence of Skye Bank is hereby revoked,” he said.

Also the management of the distressed Skye Bank would be retained to continue to manage the newly licensed Polaris Bank.

According to the CBN governor, given the good performance of the board and management, the CBN shall retain them.

Also, Emefiele said based on discussion with the Nigerian stock Exchange, the shares of the distressed Skye Bank would be suspended from trading on the capital market until discussions are concluded. The shares had gained 4.05 per cent to reach 77k on Friday.

The CBN took over Skye Bank Nigeria Plc on July 4, 2016,

The action led to the resignation of the Chairman, all Non-Executive Directors on the Board as well as the Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director, and the two longest-serving Executive Directors on the Management Team.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the takeover of the bank by the CBN and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) the bridge bank, Polaris Bank will be getting a single digit interest long term facility of N786 billion from the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Also, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim said the option of a bridge bank was to ensure that the depositors of the bank are taken care of and deposits are not lost.

Ibrahim said that the bridge bank would also ensure that there would be no job losses as Polaris Bank would retain all staff of the distressed bank under a new contract.

Emefiele’s Statement:

You will recall that on 4th July 2016, we took a regulatory action on Skye bank Nigeria PLC. Specifically, this action led to the resignation of the Chairman, all Non-Executive Directors on the Board as well as the Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director, and the two longest- serving Executive Directors on the Management Team

At that time the proactive action was informed by unacceptable corporate governance lapses as well as the persistent failure of Skye Bank PLC to meet minimum thresholds in critical prudential and adequacy ratios, which culminated in the bank’s permanent presence at the CBN Lending Window.

The focus of the action then was to save depositors’ funds and to ensure that the bank continued as a going concern, being a systemically important bank. Part of our intention was also to stem the imminent job losses to staff if a liquidation option had been adopted. These objectives have been fully achieved and the bank has been able to meet customer obligations, having curtailed the liquidity haemorrhage and restored depositor confidence.

Indeed, the bank’s performance has improved considerably compared to the pre-July 2016 era.

The result of our examinations and forensic audit of the bank has, however, revealed that Skye bank requires urgent recapitalisation as it can no longer continue to live on borrowed times with indefinite liquidity support from the CBN. The shareholders of the bank have been unable to recapitalize it.

As a responsible and responsive regulator and in consultation with the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), we have decided to establish a bridge bank, Polaris Bank, to assume the assets and liabilities of Skye bank. The strategy is for the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to capitalize the Bridge Bank and begin the process of sourcing investors to buy out AMCON. By this decision, the licence of the defunct Skye Bank is hereby revoked.

We wish to assure all depositors that under this arrangement, their deposits shall remain safe and that normal banking services shall continue in the new bank on Monday, 24th September, 2018, to enable customers to transact their businesses seamlessly.

Thus, all customers of Skye Bank shall be automatic customers of the new bank and their accounts and records duly purchased by Polaris Bank.

Given the good performance of the board and management, the CBN shall retain them. In addition, all employees of Skye Bank shall be absorbed by Polaris Bank under a new contract unless any employee decides to opt out.

We wish to assure the general public that the Nigerian banking industry remains safe and resilient and that the CBN will continue to live up to its responsibilities of promoting stability in the banking and financial system.”

About Skye Bank 

Skye Bank Plc which has metamorphosed  into Polaris Bank was a product of the merger of five legacy banks as a result of the banking industry consolidation and recapitalisation exercise of 2005.  The legacy banks were Prudent Bank Plc, EIB International Plc, Bond Bank Limited, Reliance Bank Limited and Co-operative Bank Plc.

Following the merger, the bank opened  three West African subsidiaries in  Sierra Leone, Gambia and Guinea.

In 2014, the bank won the bid to acquire the 100 per cent ownership stake of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in Mainstreet Bank Limited, a deal which made Skye Bank one of the top four banks in Nigeria. But the move, may also have undermined its books as the bank was taken over by the CBN in 2016.

The defunct bank  is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) with over 450,000  shareholders..

(NAN)
AWA/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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Recruitment: FRSC advises applicants to check email for guidelines

Recruitment
By Kelechi Ogunleye

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised applicants, who applied for the corps’ recruitment into the different cadre, to check their emails for updated information on the exercise.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem gave the advice in a statement signed and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the FRSC recruitment started on May 28, with the uploading of the application forms on the FRSC recruitment portal.

NAN also reports that the FRSC scheduled its screening and physical fitness assessment on recruitment for Sept. 24 to 29.

Kazeem said that applicants, who did not receive any information through their emails before the date of the exercise were advised to report to the screening centres chosen in their application forms with their printed summary data page.

He said that all applicants irrespective of Cadre applied for were to come along for the screening with their credentials.

“Come along with the originals of your credentials (for sighting), 2 sets of photocopies of credentials, medical certificate of fitness, and 2 passport sized photographs,” he said.

Kazeem however noted that succesful applicants were to appear at the screening centres in white shorts, white round neck T-shirt, canvass and socks for the screening and physical fitness exercise.

The screening will take place in all the state capitals. (NAN)
KAYC/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Flood: Over N9bn still required for response – NEMA

Flood

By Lizzy Okoji

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that over N9 billion was still required to respond to the current flooding that has affected 12 states across the country.

This was made known in the NEMA Situation Report No 1 made available on Friday in Abuja.

According to the report, NEMA will require N12 billion for the response; NEMA has already received N3 billion from the Federal Government, however, over N9 billion was still required for effective response.

The report also reveals that 327,052 people are already affected by the flooding; 77, 460 persons are internally displaced, 70 casualties have been reported so far and the numbers are expected to increase.

The report stated that twelve states have already been affected by the flood, four states are declared under ‘National Disaster’, eight states are under red alert.

It further stated that and 50 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been earmarked as frontline council areas to be affected by the flooding in Nigeria.

“On Sept. 17, a National Disaster was declared in the worst four affected States: Anambra, Delta, Kogi and Niger.

“As of reporting period, there are 327,052 people affected in the flooded States.

“National and Territorial Emergency Operating Centers (EOCs) are activated to facilitate the response in the States and collect information on critical gaps and needs.

“The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is leading the overall national response.

“Requests for food, medicines, Non Food Items (NFI) kits, mosquito nets and shelters are received from across the affected states.

“Damaged shelters are yet to be ascertained in some areas as the flooding has not yet subsided.

“There are reports of malaria and possibility of water borne diseases,’’ the report revealed.

The report also reveals that the floods have damaged agricultural lands as 60,208 hectares have already been affected.

The extents of the damages are expected to increase once the floods have receded, the report stated.

The report also noted, Power and telecommunications are reported to be down in some locations due to the flood.

According to the reports, displaced persons are currently being hosted in emergency shelters such as LGA offices, schools, stadiums, churches and an IDPs hostel built by the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation.

It stated that families who have relatives have opted to stay in host communities.

It, however, noted that the EOCs are providing reports daily on the situation in the different states and NEMA will continue to update this report as the situation evolves and assessment continues in the field.

It listed the EOCs labeled A to E and their responsibilities to include: EOC A, to be responsible for operations in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara States.

EOC B to be responsible for operations in Edo and Kogi States while EOC C to be responsible for Amambra and Delta States.

It listed EOC D to be responsible for operations in Benue, Taraba and Adamawa States and lastly, EOC E to be responsible for operations in Rivers and Bayelsa State.

According to the report, United Nations agencies and International organisations like the OCHA, WFP and the IOM have deployed staff to the NEMA Headquarters to support the current operations.

It stated that they would support in providing information management and GIS mapping. (NAN)

LIZ/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Businessman docked over alleged laptop theft

Laptop

By Ugochi Ugochukwu

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) A 29-year-old businessman, Abdul Wazo, on Friday appeared before a Lugbe Magistrates’ Court,  Abuja, over alleged theft of mini laptop, cell phones, and car battery worth  N401, 000.

Wazo of  Iddo Sarki village, Airport Road, Abuja, had pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of house-breaking and theft.

Prosecutor Ukoha Ndidi had informed the court that on May 5, one  Okoli Chinedu, a resident of Lugbe Zone 5 Abuja, reported the matter at the Lugbe Police Station.

Ndidi said that on the same date at about 2 a.m, Wazo criminally broke into the complainant’s house and stole one Samsung  laptop, Samsung galaxy 55 cell phone and  Samsung galaxy tab E.

She added that Wazo also stole one HTC desire320 phone, IPhone 5 and a car battery all valued at N401, 000.

According to her, during police investigation the Samsung galaxy tab E was recovered from the defendant, but he could not give a satisfactory account of the other stolen items.

Ndidi told the court that the offences contravened Sections 349 and 288 of the Penal Code.

The Magistrate, Mr Idharhi Samuel, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N300, 000 , with a surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned until Nov.2 for hearing. (NAN)

UGO/HS/OU

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Edited by Halima Sheji/Obike Ukoh

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Stabbing

Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Benin, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) A 30-year-old man, Chinonso Okereke,  was allegedly stabbed to death Thursday night at no. 19, Ekiosa St., Benin by his caretaker identified as Osazee, over the use of a bathroom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased was said to have been stabbed on the chest, shoulder, and head.

The pregnant wife of the deceased, Martha Okereke, 27, told journalists that the caretaker had been threatening to deal with her late husband even before the incident.

The widow who sobbed while narrating what happened said that the caretaker fled after killing her husband.

According to her, trouble started when she returned from the market and wanted to take her bath in the general bathroom.

She said the caretaker refused and told her to use the collapsing bathroom.

“I returned from the market and wanted to take my bath in general bathroom but our caretaker said I should not use it. The bathroom we used earlier was bad.

“He said that I and my husband would not use the bathroom again. My husband came back and demanded reasons why I had not taken my bath and I explained.

“My husband went to ask the caretaker why but he started shouting that he had been warning my husband and that he would deal with him.

“As he was shouting, he used pistol to hit my husband on the head.

“He brought out a knife and my husband ran away. He pursued my husband to our room and stabbed him on the chest.

“That was how my husband collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

“The caretaker ran away almost immediately and we have not seen him. I want government to look for him and make him face the law. My husband did not do anything,” she narrated.

Police spokesman in the state, DSP Chidi Nwanbuzor, confirmed the story and said that two persons had been arrested in connection with the incident.

“A tenant in the house, one Paul Simeon, reported the case at our station that the now deceased was fought by the caretaker and two others.

“In the process, the deceased was stabbed and later pronounced dead at the hospital where he was rushed to.

“However, this morning, it was reported that some hoodlums and friends of the deceased attacked the house and wanted to burn down the building.

“When this news was received, our men immediately swung into action and brought the situation under control,” he said. (NAN)

ESI/OOA/EMO
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Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Ejike Obeta

Sales representative in court over alleged breach of trust , theft
Breach
By Ugochi Ugochukwu Joy
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) A 22-year-old sales representative, Aniebiet Christian, was on Friday arraigned in a Lugbe Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, over alleged N210, 000 fraud.

Christian of Garden Hotel Lugbe, Abuja, is facing charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, cheating and theft.
The prosecutor, Mrs Ukoha Ndidi, had told the court that the matter was
reported at Lugbe Police Station, Abuja, on Sept 13, by one Emmanuel Ajeh of Garden Hotel Lugbe.
Ndidi informed the court that the complainant employed the defendant as a sales representative in Garden Hotel.

She alleged that between July1 to sept.13, 2018, the defendant stole the complainant’s N210, 000 and dishonestly converted the said money to his own use.
The prosecutor said during police investigation, the defendant
confessed to the crime and all effort to recover the money proved
abortive.
Ndidi said the offences contravened Sections 312 and 289 of the Penal Code.
The defendant pleaded not guilty, while the judge, Mr Idharhi Samuel,
granted him bail  in the sum of N500, 000, with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until Nov. 2 for hearing.(NAN)
UGO/OU

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Edited by Obike Ukoh

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