Blog

Jigawa Revenue Board is determined to increase IGR – Chairman.

NAN-HE-6
Revenue
Dutse, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Chairman of Jigawa Revenue Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani, on Thursday said that the board was set to increase the state internally generated revenue in view of dwindling federal allocations.

Sani told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the state government was looking inward to raise revenue to meet its socio-economic responsibilities to the people.

He said that the board had blocked all channels of revenue leakages.

The chairman said that since his appointment a year ago, there had been significant improvement in revenue collection in the state.

Sani advised people and companies in the state to ensure that they collected original receipts for fees and other levies paid to government. (NAN)
AIS/AOS/TA

Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-75
Sentence
By Ugochi Ugochukwu

Abuja, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) A Karmo Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced an applicant, Kingsley Ebi,21, to two months imprisonment for attempting theft.

Ebi, who resides at Karmo village, Abuja, was arraigned on a one-count charge of attempting theft, an offence he admitted committing.

The Senior Judge, Abubakar Sadiq, however, gave the convict N10, 000 option of fine.

Sadid said that the punishment would have been more severe if Ebi had not pleaded guilty, and saved the court the pains of prolonged prosecution.

He warned him against taking to crimes again.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Dalhatu Zannah, told the court that on Oct. 24, one Oduma Paul of flat 21 Federal Ministry of Defence Quarters, Life Camp, reported the matter at the Utako Police Station.

Zannah told the court that the convict intentionally attempted to steal the complainant’s phone when he was driving at about 8.30 p.m.

He said that the convict was apprehended and handed over to the police.

Zannah said that during police investigation and interrogation, the convict admitted committing the offence.

The prosecuting counsel said that the offences contravened the provisions of Section 95 of the Penal Code.

Following the plea of the convict, the prosecutor prayed the court to try him summarily under Section 347 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. (NAN)
UGO/MO/AMY

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Edited by Morayo Omolade and Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-57

Employment
By Awaye Kuje
Lafia, Oct. 27, 2016(NAN) The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has offered transient employment to 45 graduates in Nasarawa State, under its Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP).

Mr Kunle Obayan, acting Director General of the NDE announced this on Thursday at the 3-day 2016 batch orientation course and enhancing employability training under the GAP, held in Lafia.

Obayan, who was represented by Alhaji Dauda Idris-Wase, Nasarawa State Coordinator of the NDE, said that the training, on enhancing the employability of GAP beneficiaries.

He explained that the training was designed to provide skills and personal attributes for the beneficiaries, as part of innovations to enable them meet current realities.

“This programme is essentially a stop-gap that gives transient employment to graduates who have completed their one-year compulsory NYSC scheme and these graduates are posted to public and private organisations relevant to what they have studied at school.

“It is also to prepare the beneficiaries for proactive and productive performance in carrying out their assignments in their various places of attachment that may lead to their retention or to re-discover themselves for self employment.

“ The resultant effects of this programme is that the engagement of these graduates takes them off the streets in search of jobs that are not available and the provision of an experience that will enhance their employability,’’ he said.

Obayan revealed that the 45 graduates employed from the state were part of the 1,665 graduates or participants engaged under the scheme nationwide.

He has also revealed that the agency had initiated a school-to-work scheme, as well as a smart- farmer programme, among others, in order to fight poverty, unemployment and boost national socio-economic development.

The NDE Acting Director General urged the participants to take the orientation lectures seriously and to discharge their duties effectively in their places of primary assignment, in order to be employed or retained by the organizations.

Earlier, the state coordinator of NDE, Alhaji Dauda-Idris Wase, represented by Mr Goar Rofgat, the agency’s Head of Special Works Department, recalled that the programme, over the years, had given succor to over 500 graduates of tertiary institution in the state.

Idris-Wase appreciated the state government for their continued support and cooperation with the agency and called for its sustenance.

He also called for collaboration with public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations towards addressing the employment challenges in the country.

Mr Bashiru Abdullahi and Lydia Joseph, who spokes on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked the NDE for the initiative and promised to use the knowledge gained to effectively contribute their quota to national development. (NAN)
AKW/PIO/PIO
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Edited by Idonije Obakhedo

Court fixes Nov. 29 for ex-Nigeria Airways pilot’s suit against FG

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Pilot
By Doris Esa
Abuja, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) The National Industrial Court Abuja has adjourned hearing in the suit filed by Capt. Njimogu Ezinwo, a pilot of the defunct Nigeria Airways against the Attorney General of the Federation for Nov. 29.

Joined in the suit are the Minister of Aviation and the Accountant General of the Federation.

Ezinwo is challenging his suspension from the defunct Nigeria Airways Ltd, the natinal carrier, in June 1982.

He is also asking the court to reinstate him since he had not reached the mandatory 35 years retirement age and payment of his accumulated entitlements from the date of his suspension.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, the court could not proceed with the case as Mr Imi Erahbor, Counsel to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Aviation, asked for an adjournment.

According to him, the adjournment will enable the officers to respond to issues raised by the claimant.

Counsel to Ezinwo, Lady (Mrs) Rose Mbah and Counsel to the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Yahaya Abubakar, did not object to the adjournment.

Mbah, however, requested for a N30,000 cost which the court declined.

Justice Isele Esele adjourned hearing in the suit to Nov. 29. (NAN)
ORD/HAS/DA
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Dele Akinsola

NAN-H-72

Information

Asaba, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) A former Minister of Information and Culture, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, has advised information managers in all tiers of government to be proactive in performing their duties.

Oyovbaire gave the advice on Thursday at the opening of the technical session of the 46^th meeting of the National Council of Information holding in Asaba.

He said that the internet and new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) had made the dissemination of information on issues and events almost instantaneous.

He said because of this, it had become necessary for government information managers to communicate government decisions and policies to the public as early as possible.

“We should always endeavour to tell the truth as effectively as possible and let the civil society know what the government is doing even when the policy appears to be harsh.”

The former minister said that the civil society should not be the first to interpret government policies and decisions before they were explained to the public.

Oyovbaire further called for adequate funding of the information ministry to enable it to discharge its duties effectively.

In an address, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture,  said information managers should fashion out strategies to exploit, harness and take advantage of the social media.

“This must be done at all tiers of government in a coordinated, effective and result-oriented manner.”

She said that the theme of this year’s meeting which is “Leveraging on Information and Digital Technology to Sustain the Change Agenda of Government,” was apt and timely.

“We are well aware that as information managers, we have a crucial role to play in communicating and publicizing the Change Agenda and other policy initiatives of government aimed at transforming the nation.”

The Delta Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Uka, also emphasised the need for information managers to take advantage of the social media to disseminate information about government programmes.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information, ALhaji Lai Mohammed, will officially declare the three-day meeting open Friday. (NAN)

CVU/EMO/NKO

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Edited by Ejike Obeta/Nkechi Okoronkwo

NAN-H-71
Investigation
By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Federal High Court has ordered the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to suspend its ongoing investigation into oil spillage and environmental pollution in the country pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola gave the order in Abuja on Thursday following when he ruled in an ex-parte motion filed by the National Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC).

NPDC is seeking judicial review of some actions of the commission.

Ademola said that the investigation should be suspended pending the determination of the substantive suit when the commission would be present in court to answer to the issues raised by the NPDC.

The court also asked NPDC to enter into an undertaking to compensate the commission if the order was wrongly made.

Mr Ayotunde Ogunleye, Counsel to NPDC, said that the commission was investigating and taking steps that were considered “quasi judicial” on oil spillage in the country.

He said that his client was of the view that issues relating to oil spillage were within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court exclusively.

The Judge fixed Nov. 14 for both parties to appear in court and make their cases.

The NHRC on Feb. 21 set up a special investigative panel on oil spills and environmental pollution in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, said the committee was set up following the myriad of petitions to the commission on oil spills and environmental pollution.

The panel began its investigation in July in Akwa Ibom. (NAN)
WS/MO/OFN
Edited by Morayo Omolade//Felix Nwadioha

NAN-HG-11

Problems
By Akeem Abas

Ibadan, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State chapter,  says the National Health Act, if implemented, will benefit the citizenry and solve the problems militating against the health sector.

Dr Omolola Oladele, the Chairman of the association, said this when he led a delegation to submit a letter on the issue to the Gov. Abimbola Ajimobi.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the National Health Act, which took 10 years and several readings at the National Assembly was eventually passed and signed into law in 2014.

Oladele said that the objective of the visit was to awaken the consciousness of the government to the implementation of the act and for the states to key in.

“The National Health Act is for everybody as every stakeholder will benefit from it.

“The Act proffers solution to the problems affecting the health sector in the country.”

According to her, the Act protects the right of healthcare users to receive treatment and not to be rejected in the case of accident.

Oladele said that the nation had all it takes to be great.

“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. We cannot sit back and watch the robust law that can turn around our healthcare delivery system dropped.

“There are lots of bill that has been implemented in the country with positive results.

“The Bank Verification Number (BVN) and Treasury Single Account (TSA) have received applause on implementation.

“The health sector deserves priority and attention from government.

“Developed nations of the world today are better because they gave priority to the health sector,” she added. (NAN)
TAA/KOLE/NKO
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Nkechi Okoronkwo

NAN-HE-7

Quotation

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lagos, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange on Thursday recorded another feat with the admission of commercial papers (CPs) of FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd (FSDH) worth N14.98 billion on its platform.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CPs represented Series1 and 2 under FSDH’s N30 billion CP Issuance Programme.

Commercial paper is a money-market security issued by large corporations to obtain funds to meet short-term debt obligations.

It is backed only by an issuing bank or company’s promise to pay the face amount on the maturity date specified on the note, usually within 270 days.

FMDQ Managing Director, Mr Bola Onadele, said the issuance of the CPs at this time testified to the increasing confidence in the possibilities of the Nigerian debt capital market (DCM).

Onadele said that FMDQ was very positive about the potential of a fully-functional DCM in building a sustainable economy.

He said the company would continue to support and streamline the
market processes and infrastructure to support issuers and investors toward achieving an operationally excellent and competitive DCM.

Mr Rilwan Belo-Osagie, the Managing Director, FSDH, said that the CPs were quoted on the FMDQ platform in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requirements.

Belo-Osagie said that the quotation would facilitate active secondary market trading of the CPs.

He said that FSDH was very active in the CP market prior to its suspension by the CBN in 2009.

Belo-Osagie said that the quotation of the CP served as an opportunity for FSDH to restate its presence and significance in the money market and participate in the development and deepening of the CP market.

“The establishment of FMDQ has contributed significantly to the growth in liquidity and transparency of the Nigerian fixed income market.

“FSDH is committed to supporting the growth of this market through the FMDQ platform,” he added.

Mr Kobby Bents- Enchill, Executive Director & Head, Debt Capital Market, Stanbic IBTC Capital Ltd., said that the company was excited about the growth of the CP market.

“Over the past two years, we have witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of issuances in the CP market and we are proud to be pivotal to the development of this market,” Bentsi- Enchill said.

He said that increase in the number of CP issuances on the FMDQ platform was vital to creating liquidity in secondary market trading of CPs.

“We are exceptionally pleased to have worked with FSDH in setting up
its maiden CP Programme and the successful debut issuance of N14.98bn across Series 1 and 2.

“We are also pleased to sponsor the quotation of the FSDH CP on the FMDQ platform.

“FSDH has demonstrated its commitment to the growth of the fixed income market by its decision to complement its funding requirements by accessing the money and capital markets in Nigeria,” Bentsi-Enchill said.

NAN reports that FMDQ has progressively continued to champion and effectively support initiatives aimed at boosting the growth and development of the Nigerian DCM and economy at large.

The company is actively collaborating with its varied stakeholders to realise it’s mandate of making the Nigerian financial market competitive globally. (NAN)
JNC/JI/TA
(Editing by Joseph Idika/Tajudeen Attitebi)

Asset declaration: Again, Court of Appeal strikes out Saraki’s appeal

NAN-H-54
Judgment
By Martins Odey
Abuja, Oct 27, 2016 (NAN) The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday struck out an appeal by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki challenging his alleged impropriety trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

in a considered judgment, Justice Abdul Aboki led other four justices of the court to hold that the appeal lacked merit.

Saraki is standing trial on allegations of false asset declaration.

Aboki said the appellant erroneously held that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) should have accorded him the right to enter a “written admission’’ on the oversight noticed in his Asset Declaration forms.

“The Section 3(d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau does not compel the Federal Government to give such action notice to suspects who failed to properly declare their assets.

“Persons charged for breaching any provisions of the Bureau are expected to file responses as evidence before the tribunal.

“In this respect, the Attorney General of the Federation has not erred in any ways for preferring charges against the appellant without prior notice,’’ Aboki held.

On whether the AGF’s mandates include bringing actions against alleged offenders of CCB’s Act, Aboki held in the affirmative, adding that an officer from the office could be mandated to also perform that role.

“The highest court in the land had decided on this very issue and as a lower court it is mandated to align with the decision precedent.

“The AGF, who is the Minister of Justice has the requisite right as provided by the 1999 Constitution to bring charges against anyone who allegedly breached federal laws or delegate such powers,’’ he said.

Aboki also dismissed the appellant’s argument that the tribunal departed from its earlier decision freeing ex-governor Bola Tinubu‎ on account that he (Tinubu) was not invited by the CCB.

The judge held that the courts were not sentimental about cases before them, adding that the tribunal was right to approach the two cases differently.

He also held that the fact that the charges were initiated 13‎ years after the offences were allegedly committed did not make any less potent.

“It is clear that the appeal lacks the basic substance to give it any life, it is therefore struck out for want of merit,’’ he said.

The appellate court also struck out a cross-appeal filed by the Senate President seeking for outright quashing of the charges against him.

NAN recalls that this is the second time the appeal court would be delivering judgment on the same subject matter of jurisdiction of the CCT to try Saraki.

The Court of Appeal had last year ruled against Saraki on the jurisdiction which was validated by the Supreme Court in February. (NAN)
OMO/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

US, Poland to promote Nollywood, says Opara

NAN-H-24
Nollywood
By Victor Asije
Lagos, Oct.27, 2016 (NAN) United States Consulate and Polish Embassy in Lagos have expressed readiness to support Nigeria’s Nollywood industry, according to the President, Eko International Film Festival, Mr Hope Opara.

Opara told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday that they were ready collaborate with the relevant bodies in the country to promote Nollywood as well as Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism.

According to him, such collaborations will help to develop and promote Nigerian films locally and internationally.

“It is important that we know that every film depicts a synopsis of what must have happened in certain areas.

“When you watch films from other countries you are already stepping into their culture and traditions and the same thing applies when people from other climes watch Nollywood films in their countries,’’ he said.

Opara said there was also a growing interest from Israel, France and India in working with the Nollywood industry in promoting film exchanges.

He said this year’s Eko International Film Festival had received and featured many films from the United States, Poland, India, Israel and France that depicted things about their countries.

On the state of the industry, Opara said the industry deserved more attention and support from the Federal Government than it was currently enjoying.

“Governments (state and federal) are currently not doing enough in supporting and promoting Nollywood films abroad.

“Government needs to know that Nollywood is contributing to Nigeria’s economy apart from providing jobs for youths.

“We need to see film as an instrument for promoting cultural exchanges and tourism across the world.’’ (NAN)

AVU/FF/DA
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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Dele Akinsola