EFCC Investigates Dozie Nwankwo For Fraudulently Diverting CBN Covid-19 Grant

The member representing Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia federal constituency, Hon Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo is currently under investigation and will soon be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraudulently diverting CBN Covid-19 grant.

The investigation was sequel to a petition written by a Human Rights Lawyer, Jude Osuagwu. Barr Osuagwu petitioned the apex bank to ascertain the true number of beneficiaries of the funds allocated to Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia federal constituency in line with section 26 of the Freedom of Information Act. The petition was written after it was identified that Hon Nwankwo unlike his colleagues failed to prove that the names and account details he submitted for the grant were real.

Investigation showed how Hon Nwankwo used fictitious names and account numbers to divert over five hundred and fifty million naira (N550,000,000) from the NIRSAL microfinance bank facilitated grant. This was revealed when majority of the account numbers submitted by the lawmaker failed the BVN verification test.

More revelations equally showed how the lawmaker failed to execute the following projects in spite of release of funds. The projects include, Construction of Principal Quarters Nawgu (N200,000,000), Procurement of 250 Computer Units/Accessories for ICT Centre in Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency (N250,000,000), and Provision of Empowerment Items to Youths and Women in Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency. (N150,000,000).

The economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC) is also investigating Hon Nwankwo for gross misappropriation of public funds meant for several other empowerment programme.

Nwankwo was reported to have diverted about N3.3b constituency intervention fund. The amount is different from another sum of N1.1b the lawmaker purportedly spent on youth empowerment which there was no record of.

Nwankwo also reportedly diverted N600,000,000 which was meant to empower Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia women - there is also no record of this empowerment programme.

Sources from the ICPC have confirmed that the ICT centre the lawmaker is building in his hometown, Enugwu-Ukwu was built on a personal land which is not in accordance with the law. Budgetary provisions were made for the centre to be built across Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia LGAs, however that of Anaocha and Dunukofia remain unbuilt. It is expected that both the EFCC and ICPC will file a joint suit against Dozie Nwankwo.

The Federal Republic of Germany has pledged a sum of N48 billion (€101 million) in 2021 and 2022 to support Nigeria in its growth recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The disclosure was made during the end of a two days bilateral agreement between representatives of Germany and the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba.

In a virtual presentation yesterday, the Head of Division West Africa II, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Lars Wilke said the objective of the agreement is to create employment opportunities for youth and women.

Wilde stated the first priority of the agreement is to train and sustain growth by investing in vocational training and education as well as develop the private and financial sector.

He said the aim is to support inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria that leaves no one behind and support initiatives for reintegration of returning migrants into Nigeria, food security, agricultural development among others.

“The German government is promising for 2021 and 2022 a total amount of about €40 million euros for technical and financial cooperation. In addition, the German Development Corporation plans to provide additional funds of around 61 million for agriculture and food security for refugees and host communities and for the transitional systems that we have provided in the North East.”

He added that the fund would invest in climate and energy because renewal energy is important for sustainable economic growth.

On his part, the minister said the proposed spending aligned with President Buhari’s developmental priorities to bring 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.

He also disclosed that Germany pledged 1 million COVID vaccines to Nigeria.

https://www.akelicious.net/germany-pledges-n48bn-to-nigeria-for-economic-devt/

Arewa Group Urges Northern Governors To Seal Shops Closed In Solidarity With IPOB's Sit-At-Home



The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum(AYCF) has rejected the recent call by IPOB on Middle Belt people to join its sit-at-home campaign, warning that no section of the North should be party to "a deliberate, politically-motivated plan to undermine or worsen the nation's current security challenges".

In a statement signed by the group's National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the AYCF said the North has come a long way in understanding the use of constitutional and democratic means of channelling legitimate grievances, and cannot therefore be party to any undemocratic move".

AYCF, in the statement said since the governors of the Southeast seem to be satisfied with the activities of IPOB, "we hope they will continue with the sit-at-home for another ten years and we wish them the very best of luck. We know the southeast is IPOB's home but exporting their activities to the North will be faced with massive resistance from all lovers of peace in the North".

The group then declared: "We call on Northern Governors to step up action in order to ensure this outlawed terror gang called IPOB does not infilterate the region. We also expect the governors to ensure that any Northerner who shuts down his shop in solidarity with IPOB, should that shop sealed forever. And for the avoidance of doubt, we will not fold our arms and watch the North get further destabilized by a violent strategy, whether in Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Niger or any State in Northern Nigeria because our hands are already full with challenges of insecurity and we are praying fervently day and night to find lasting peace".

AYCF, in the statement, condemned what it described as the use of killings and arson to press home a demand that the democratic process in existence would have take care of.

They said: "We call on Northerners of good conscience to avoid any undemocratic means, including burning of government-owned structures, where fellow Nigerians legitimately work to feed their families".

https://www.akelicious.net/arewa-group-urges-northern-governors-to-seal-shops-closed-in-solidarity-with-Igbos-sit-at-home/

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have infiltrated many communities in some local government areas of Niger State, Akelicious reports.

They have reportedly directed residents to remove their children from formal schools, residents said and expressed fears that the onslaught would escalate in the coming days if nothing was done.

The terrorists had also directed the residents, both Muslims and Christians, to marry off their daughters at the age of 12 or face consequences, it was learnt.

The recent developments climaxed the arson by gunmen in Niger State, who were being described as “bandits” for a very long time. The terrorists had killed hundreds of people in Niger and contiguous states of Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi.

Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello on Sunday alerted of the presence of Boko Haram insurgents in Niger, citing recent security breaches in the state.

“We have every reason to believe that we are not dealing with bandits. From the latest operation, the way they coordinated and planned the attack has also confirmed to us that they must have had some kind of training,” the governor said.

Several bomb mines, allegedly planted by Boko Haram were uncovered in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

The governor had severally described the bandits as Boko Haram fighters.

For instance, after series of attacks on villages in Shiroro and Munya LGAs on Sunday, April 25, and Monday, April 26, the governor told newsmen that, “The attackers included not only bandits but also Boko Haram members and their next target would be Abuja, a mere two hours away by road.”

The governor claimed that in Kaure, a village in Shiroro LGA, the attackers had hoisted a Boko Haram flag and were in control of the area.

Akelicious recalled that members of the Ansarul-Islam and Darul-Salam were dislodged from parts of Niger State a few years ago.

https://www.akelicious.net/boko-haram-asks-niger-residents-to-flout-govt-orders-shun-schools/

Ten months after a series of high-level bilateral talks between the Nigerian government and authorities in Ghana aimed at addressing the nearly decade-long controversy that led to the closure of Nigerian traders’ shops in Ghana, the issues have taken a turn for the worse, Akelicious investigation reveals.

Dozens of Nigerians have lost their sources of livelihood because of the blockade even as they called on the federal government to deploy other options to resolve the impasse.
It was gathered that between September 20 and 24, members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) had locked up additional shops belonging to Nigerians as part of a purported protest against foreigners who operate retail shops in their country.

During the recent onslaught, retail traders located at New Juaben South Municipality were the target.

The attackers said relevant laws of Ghana do not allow foreigners to engage in the retail market.

Dozens of shops have been locked this time in addition to the over 250 shops belonging to Nigerians locked in December 2019, July 2020 and December 2020.

Many of the affected traders said they were stranded and had to beg to feed. They were however reluctant to come back home despite a window created by the federal government to facilitate their safe return.

They said there was nothing concrete to sustain them when they come back home. At the centre of the lingering controversy was a $1 million (N410m) levy imposed on Nigerian traders and other foreign investors to pay Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) before the shops would be opened.

Some of the traders said the levy was more than the capital they have and described the tax as a deliberate attempt to force them out of Ghana.

The conditions set by the Ghanaian authorities had triggered a debate in Nigeria and within the African sub-region, which many considered as a breach of ECOWAS’ trade protocols.

After receiving a formal complaint from its citizens at the onset of the imbroglio, the Nigerian government had set up a ministerial committee to find a lasting solution to the plight of the traders but it appeared not much had been achieved.

The committee was made up of representatives of the ministries of Interior, Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
After a meeting with a delegation of the Nigerian traders, the committee resolved to engage the Ghanaian government in every way possible to end the crisis, with a promise to evacuate any trader who may wish to return home.

Despite these efforts, the President of the Nigerian Traders Union in Ghana (NUTAG), Mr Chukwuemeka Nnaji, said there was hope in sight.

“Things are getting worse, members of the Ghana Union of Traders locked up more of our shops yesterday night (a fortnight ago),” he said.

“After the visit of the government delegation from Nigeria, the Ghana Ministry of Trade invited us for a meeting with GUTA and a task force was formed and inaugurated. We had second and third meetings and we could not continue because of the way the whole thing was going,” he said.

Full report details at https://www.akelicious.net/despite-diplomatic-interventions-ghanaians-resume-hostility-against-nigerian-traders/

Nigerian telecommunications giant, Globacom, has congratulated the government and the people of Nigeria on the country’s 61st Independence Day celebration.

In a statement issued by its head office in Lagos to mark the anniversary, the company commended the citizens at home and abroad for their unrelenting patriotism and industry, despite the challenges they may confront.

According to the statement, “There is every reason for the country to celebrate its independence anniversary, as the current challenges facing us as a country are not insurmountable. With unity of purpose, commitment, sacrifice, and continued patriotism, we shall overcome.”
The network company, which recently celebrated 18 years of operations, called on all Nigerians to join hands with leaders across the political, economic, religious, and traditional spectrum to accelerate the sustainable development of the country for future generations.

“History has shown that many nations passed through even more tumultuous and difficult periods in their journey to greatness, but overcame them. Nigeria won’t be an exception so long as we remain committed to building a prosperous nation where opportunities abound for all. On our part, we will continue to empower Nigerians with quality and affordable telecommunications solutions to enhance their progress,” the company added.

https://www.akelicious.net/nigeria-61-globacom-salutes-resilience-of-nigerians/

Manchester United forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has surpassed Iker Casillas’ appearance record in the Champions League.

The 36-year-old was selected from the start by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the visit of Villarreal on Wednesday night.

In doing so, Ronaldo made his 178th appearance in the competition, moving ahead of former Real Madrid goalkeeper, Casillas.

Ronaldo had equalled Casillas’ record when he started in United’s 2-1 defeat at Young Boys.

Paco Alcacer opened the scoring for Villarreal at Old Trafford, before Alex Telles drilled in from distance to make it 1-1.

With seconds left in the game, Ronaldo popped up at the far post to snatch the winner.

https://www.akelicious.net/ronaldo-breaks-champions-league-record-against-villarreal/

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Kogi State, Musa Wada has called on Yahaya Bello of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to start preparing his handover notes as he stood no chance of getting reelected.

Wada stated this at the weekend during the inauguration of the 600 PDP-member campaign committee. He said Kogi which was once vibrant and healthy, has been turned into a state of hopelessness and of beggars, due to non-payment of salaries and provision of social amenities by Governor Bello.

Wada assured he would provide quality service and restore the lost glory of the state in agriculture, sports, solid minerals tourism and culture. He urged the people to exercise their franchise correctly by voting massively for the PDP in the November election.

Wada said all parts of the state will enjoy dividends of democracy if he was elected governor, and he pledged to give priority to prompt payment of workers salaries and pension. State Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Samuel Uhuotu, tasked the committee to engage in issue-based campaigns and avoid engaging in hate speech and heaping of insults on opponents.

Uhuotu said Wada remains the candidate to beat, saying the poor performance of the incumbent Governor Bello made the election a walk over for Wada.



National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, urged the people use the election to liberate themselves from misrule, poverty and other forms of injustices.

Meanwhile, Director General, Yahaya Bello campaign organisation, Senator Smart Adeyemi has called on those opposing the second term bid of governor Bello to desist threatening they could attract the wrath of the ancestors. Adeyemi said Bello’s candidature was divinely sanctioned..

Adeyemi, who spoke at the weekend in Lokoja said traditional institutions alongside major stakeholders in western senatorial district had taken a stand to support Bello. Anyone who acts contrary in the zone fights the ancestors, said Adeyemi.

https://www.akelicious.net/kogi-guber-prepare-your-handover-note-wada-tells-bello/

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration has adopted a reformist agenda to transform the state’s healthcare sector with the Edo Primary Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP). Obaseki said this at an interactive session with healthcare stakeholders at Government House, Benin City, the state capital, on Friday.

The governor, who presented the state’s Health Improvement Programme (EDOHIP) to the stakeholders during the session, said the purpose of the interactive session was to have an honest and open discussion on how to make the state’s healthcare sector more effective and efficient. “Our healthcare system in Edo State must be restored. We want to make this state a destination for medical tourism.


I don’t want to see any patient passing through Edo to other states. Rather, I want them to stop in Edo State for treatment. “Our goal as a government is to ensure that by the time we finish with all the reforms in the health sector, Edo will become the healthcare hub of the nation.” He said he was championing a reformist administration that prioritises programmes and policies that make life better for the people of the state.

https://www.akelicious.net/we-are-adopting-edo-hip-to-revamp-edo-healthcare-sector-obaseki/

The Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment, Mrs Maryam Uwais, says the National Social Investment Office(NSIO) ensures a level playing field for all Nigerians in the execution of Federal Government’s Social intervention Programmes (SIPs).

Uwais, in a statement by Justice Bibiye, Communications Manager, NSIO, on Sunday in Abuja, said structures had been put in place to ensure that those who benefited from SIPs were captured based on merit.

The presidential aide addressed the Course II participants of the Kasshim Ibrahim Fellowship in kaduna, a mentorship programme designed to groom future leaders in Nigeria.

She told the group of budding leaders drawn from various parts of the country that gone were the days when a privileged few in the society benefited from a government empowerment initiative designed to reach out to the poor.


“All applicants are encouraged to engage with the processes in place if they need a job; the programmes are open to everybody.

“You don’t need to know anybody to get enrolled into N-Power, for instance.

“Same procedure applies to the cash transfer programme and other components.

“We have done similar programmes in the past but such efforts were not as effective because the drivers at the time did not establish mechanisms and structures that aim at targeting the poorest of the poor.”

Uwais revealed that the process of developing a reliable Social Register in each state of the federation and the FCT was ongoing.

She said that that well-trained people were being sent to the various communities to identify the socio-economic needs of the people based on their circumstances and peculiarities.

Uwais said that for the first time in a long while, a government in Nigeria had consistently budgeted definite amounts of money for its poor and vulnerable citizens, irrespective of their party affiliations and ethno-religious differences.

She said that poverty did not know culture, party affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

“ Majority of Nigerians who are poor don’t even have voters card or know what is happening in the political circles; but government has a responsibility to each and every one of them; you need to see how beneficiaries appreciate what we are doing.

“ A woman came with a big bag to collect just ten thousand naira; when we asked why, she told us she hasn’t had such an amount of money before and needed to be sure she could carry her money home, after payment.

“The cash transfer programme goes beyond cash payments, as community facilitators, who are staff within the LGAs, are trained to visit them every week, to teach them how to form savings groups, life skills, sanitation, nutrition and hygiene.

“Indeed, due to the fact that the mentoring and support is embedded within the communities, we have confirmed that these beneficiaries have so far saved over N500 million, and are investing their energy and monies in productive activities such as farming, animal husbandry, poultry farming and rehabilitating community infrastructure.”

She, however, regretted reported cases of extortion of a few cash transfer beneficiaries by people who take undue advantage of their vulnerability, limited knowledge of banking procedures and use of gadgets to defraud them.

Uwais said that because cash payments come with several hazards, steps were being taken to address this challenge.

According to her, the NSIO has started the process of mapping, to identify money agents and financial institutions that will facilitate the transfer of cash directly to the beneficiaries.

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, thanked Uwais for honouring the invitation to speak to the young ones.

El-Rufai described her as a woman of great conscience and one of the few accomplished women in Northern Nigeria, who had made outstanding contributions towards humanitarian efforts and social justice in the country.

The Kasshim Ibrahim Fellowship, a brainchild of Gov.El-Rufai, is a nonpartisan initiative with a mission to raise the next generation of leaders and prepare them for leadership through mentorship and a long period of exposure to the work environment

https://www.akelicious.net/no-shortcuts-to-enrolment-into-sips-uwais/

A Dangote truck carrying a full load of cement lost control and crashed into a BRT Bus on the other side of the road.

The bus driver is in a critical state and at least ten passengers were injured and have been taken taken to the hospital by the Lagos state rapid response team.

The driver of the Truck eloped immediately after the incident which has caused heavy traffic on both sides of the road.

According to a statement from LASEMA, recovery operation is still ongoing

“On getting to the scene of incident, a dangote truck fully loaded with cement had a brake failure and had a head-on collision with a Primero blue Mass Transit bus with registration number LSR-228XS conveying 40 seated and 20 standing passengers.

“All passengers on board suffered various degrees of injuries with one female passenger losing her life and the driver suffered severe life threatening injuries with his leg totally decapitated.

“The combined efforts of the Agency’s Assets (Medical Unit, Tiger unit,Papa Eagle and Cobra unit) are on ground working alongside LNSC, Nigeria Police, FRSC and LASTMA to ease vehicular movement and ensure a swift recovery of the accidented truck.

https://www.akelicious.net/one-die-many-injured-as-dangote-truck-crashes-into-brt-bus-along-ikorodu-road/

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dissociated itself from an alleged move by some party members seeking the withdrawal of the party from the governorship election petition tribunal, sitting in Umuahia.



Briefing journalists yesterday, the factional chairman of APGA in the state, Mr. Nkem Okoro, said the party was seriously standing with its governorship candidate in the 2019 election, Dr Alex Otti.


He said that the party’s resolve to reclaim the state from the hands of her enemies and redeem the people remained unshaken.



The group, led by a factional chairman of the party Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, had filed an application at the tribunal, seeking the removal of APGA as the first petitioner in Otti’s petition, challenging Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s election.



But Okoro alleged that the application was intended to scuttle the chances of APGA at the tribunal.

He said that APGA remained a petitioner in the matter and would stop at nothing to reclaim the state from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Okoro said that the party would not want to discuss anything that might appear subjudice, since the case was already at the tribunal.

“We would, however, gladly inform you that our team of eminent lawyers presented a watertight case, ladened with overwhelming facts of evidence, to prove that the election was a charade,” he said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/apga-dissociates-self-from-suit-against-otti-at-abia-tribunal/amp/

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Wednesday praised the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the support given to him during the 2019 governorship election in the state to ensure his victory for second term in office.

The governor also expressed appreciation to members of the party for their support, which led to the general victory for the party in the last general elections. “I thank all of you, from unit to wards and the chapters of the party.”



Speaking at an enlarged meeting of the party caucus held at the party’s secretariat at Atan Offot in Uyo, Emmanuel said he was overwhelmed by the success PDP recorded at the polls.

Promising the party members that better days lie ahead, the governor announced a sum of N120 million to the party to show appreciation for the support given to him during the election.

He commended the women, youths and elders for their steadfastness and the support that aided his re-election, assuring them that PDP would continue to garner more strength in the state.

“Today, I stand here as the man elected through the platform of this great party to re-echo my avowed commitment to the Akwa Ibom Project.

“I will channel all my efforts, which will be backed by your support, into the pursuit and actualisation of the completion agenda.

“Together, we will make Akwa Ibom the state we will be proud to bequeath to our children and the generations that will come after we have gone,” the governor said.

He urged the party faithful to continue to be steadfast, describing PDP as a religion in Akwa Ibom.

The State Chairman of PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, earlier commended the performance of Emmanuel and attributed the success to the commitment of all the stakeholders to the ideals of the party.

He equally thanked the people for not letting down the trust as demonstrated in the landslide victory for the PDP in the state, assuring the governor of the unflinching support of the party to his administration. He called on all members of the party both elected and those appointed into government to support the party in the building of its permanent secretariat.

Ekpo, however, cautioned members to refrain from acts capable of overheating the polity ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The meeting was attended by PDP National and State Executive members, serving and former national and state lawmakers, chairmen of councils and top government officials, among others.

https://www.akelicious.net/akwa-ibom-gov-assures-pdp-caucus-of-better-days-ahead/

In line with his vowed campaign promise to effectively promote operational security system of the state, Governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has said the security of lives and property in the state remains the cardinal agenda of his administration.



He noted that his administration has continued to make deliberate and positive efforts to deliver on his campaign promises, adding that part of the efforts is to wade off hoodlums and guarantee peace and unity in the state.

The governor stated this at the official launch of a joint security operation, code-named: ‘Operation Iron Gate’ held at Hero’s Square in Owerri, the state capital, yesterday.

The event had in attendance all security chiefs in the state; heads of traditional institutions, chairmen of Interim Management Committee of the Council Areas, top government officials among others.

Ihedioha reiterated the commitment of his administration to explore positive means to offer good governance, democratic dividends and overall development for the people, and called on Imolites to join hands with his administration towards rebuilding the state.

He commended the security chiefs, local government area chairmen and stakeholders who contributed to the realisation of the programme, adding that his government would also partner the private investors towards improving security with a view to enhancing investment and the economy of the state.

The governor said: “It is the sole responsibility of the government to provide for the welfare, peace and security of its citizens. Consequently, on assumption of office, we have taken very critical, positive and deliberate steps to ensure that we meet our people at the point of their needs.

“It is very imperative that we have to take deliberate steps against criminals who have begun to threaten the peace of our state.

“Also, our draft bill to set up a Security Trust Fund is ready, and we believe that the state House of Assembly will begin to deal with it immediately.

“The state government is appreciative of the battle-readiness of the security agencies to ensure total security in the state.”

Earlier, in their separate remarks, the Special Advisers to the Governor on Security, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Raymond Nkemdirim and Chukwudi Mayor Eze respectively, commended the governor for the initiative, assuring him that it will yield the expected result for the good of the people and state.

The Chairman of the State Security Committee and Imo State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo, lauded the governor for his attention to security matters since assumption of office, and assured him on behalf of all the security agencies to give their best in guaranteeing security and overall development in line with the vision and agenda of the state government.

Major highlights of the event were the official launch of the security operation and distribution of the vehicles to the 27 council areas of the state and security agencies to aid effective operation and performance.

https://www.akelicious.net/ihedioha-inaugurates-new-joint-security-outfit-as-he-vows-to-secure-imo/

Kano State Government says it is planing to convert five forests to grazing reserves for herdsmen in the state.

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State announced this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Abuja.

Ganduje said that his administration had inaugurated a technical committee on farm settlements for herdsmen in the state.

He said further that the proposed settlement would assist in boosting socio-economic ventures in the state.

“We will provide social amenities such as hospital, veterinary clinic, market, security post and schools, so that herdsmen will enjoy facilities just like other Nigerians,” Ganduje said.

According to him, herders settlement should not be a national issue, it should be state issue because they live and flourish in every state.

He said that his administration would redouble efforts to ensure that farmers enjoy more intervention programmes and projects to boost agriculture in the state.

https://www.akelicious.net/kano-to-convert-5-forests-to-herdsmen-settlements-ganduje/

Fortune has smiled on a Port Harcourt-based estate agent, Emeka Cephas, who won N50 million after staking with just N13, 000, sports betting firm, Betway Nigeria, announced yesterday.

In a statement by the Marketing manager, Lere Awokoya, Emeka played a 10-game accumulator to win this sum.

He equally affirmed that this win is the second biggest payout in Nigeria’s sports betting history.

“Nigerians appreciate our love of the game and commitment to prompt payment. Having been operational in the Nigerian market for almost two years, we are here for real. As a measure of our commitment, we will always keep our promise.


“We are a premium International brand, with fully localized operations in Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that the Betway WinBoost feature played a major role in Emeka’s fortune, saying, “he actually won N40 million with total odds of 3,077, but the WinBoost fetched him an additional N10m, bringing his total win to N50 million.”

Awokoya disclosed that the cheque presentation would be done today in Lagos.

Emeka joins a Ghanaian, Kwame Fosuhene, who won GHc 990,000 (N66m) from Betway Ghana recently.

https://www.akelicious.net/port-harcourt-based-estate-agent-wins-betways-n50-million/

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Thursday promised to provide operational and logistic supports for the successful hosting of the 2019 Badagry Diaspora Festival.

Sanwo-Olu made the promise when the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, visited him to solicit for his support as the chief host of the festival.

The Nigeria News Agency reports that the festival is tagged: “Door of Return” slated to hold sometime in October.

The governor said it was heartwarming that there were still people who have passion and believe in the national heritage, adding that the festival would open Badagry corridors for tourism.

Responding to the request of including the festival in Lagos Tourism calendar, Sanwo-Olu said the modality and well detailed plans would be looked into when the Commissioner for Tourism comes on board.

He appreciated the commission for the visit and thanked the Badagry Community as well as stakeholders for being receptive to tourists.

Earlier, Dabiri-Erewa said that the 2019 festival would mark 400 years of the history of slave trade in Africa.

The commission chairman said that they were taken out of Badagry through the point-of-no return.

She said the purpose of the visit was to intimate the governor on the project.

According to her, the festival will enable the commission to build a permanent “Door of Return” platform to further promote tourism in the area and as well in the state.

Dabiri-Erewa said that the festival would showcase Africa to the world in good light and on a positive note.

https://www.akelicious.net/gov-sanwo-olu-promises-successful-hosting-of-badagry-diaspora-festival/

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna Command, said it had arrested four criminal suspects on Aug. 8, in Jere town of Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State.





The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Orndiir Terzungwe, made the disclosure in a news briefing on behalf of the Commandant, Mr Babangida Dustima.



He said the four criminal suspects were arrested in connection with conspiracy, vandalism and theft in a Farm Centre on Kaduna-Abuja expressway .



“The four suspects criminally conspired, broke into and vandalised a store container at a Farm Centre, SCC, Jere belonging to Replenish Farm and the incidents were reported by the store keeper and supervisor.



He disclosed that the items carted away by the suspects include: 40 bags of NPK fertilizer, 132 litres of Atrazine chemicals, 108 litres of striker and nine sachets of caterpillar force.



He added that the total net value of the items was N813,300.



The Corps PRO also disclosed that the exhibits recovered from the suspects included Hacksaw, Padlock, three mobile telephones and empty cartons of Atrazine and caterpillar force.



He said that after investigation the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.



He appealed to Kaduna citizens to continue to cooperate with the security agencies and always give useful information for proactive measure.



Nigeria News Agency reports that the four suspects ages are 25 years, 30 years, 37 years and 40 years, respectively.

https://www.akelicious.net/nscdc-arrest-4-suspected-vandals-in-kaduna/

Actor and former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, Richard Mofe-Damijo a.k.a. RMD has lamented how he was abused by those who had easy access to him.

Sharing his experience, RMD recounted how he often got requests from people who wanted to have relationship with him in different capacities.

“I never take it lightly, which is why I’m usually not quick to jump in on mentoring or being a father or brother figure, because I have been a victim of relationship abuse where people take their unlimited access to me for granted, forgetting that relationship is a currency.

“Relationships, irrespective of what type, have the power to serve as a capital. There are relationships that give you leverage, some people have gotten ahead in life because of who they married, who they worked with or for. One respected person’s endorsement could do more than financial capital, so it is important not to enter into relationship with the intent of giving nothing in return, there’s no way that would work, you must be willing to service whatever relationship you have,” he said.

RMD added: “Be skillful in relationship building by being selfless, unassuming and not feeling self-entitled. Respect boundaries, don’t be a user, be humble, accountable and have integrity. Have respect, more for yourself than the one you latch on to, because it is self-respect that restrains you from behaving in ways that put you in bad light.”

https://www.akelicious.net/ive-been-a-victim-of-relationship-abuse-rmd/

The take off of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) got a notch better yesterday, when the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, signed a $4.8 million institutional support grant to the African Union (AU) for its implementation.
The grant, earlier approved by the Group’s on April 1, 2019, forms part of a series of interventions by the region’s biggest development lender in its role to accelerate implementation of the free trade agreement, seen as a major force for integrating the 55-nation continent and transforming its economy.

AU’s Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Albert Muchanga and Andoh O. Mensah, who represented the bank’s Director of the Industrial and Trade Development Department (PITD), sealed the deal that signaled the startup of the implementation.African leaders met in Niamey, Niger, on July 7 and launched the implementation phase of the free trade area agreement established in March 2018 after it became operational at the end of May this year.


Currently, 54 states have signed the deal and are set to begin formal trading next July.“The AfCFTA is going to work and we are confident that by July 1, next year, all the 55 countries would have been state parties – meaning, they would have signed and ratified the agreement and intra-African will start,” Muchanga said.

While urging the countries to use the one-year period to complete the parliamentary processes, leading to ratification, he commended the AfDB’s strong and consistent support to ensure smooth implementation of the agreement.He said the grant would be used judiciously for the rollout of various protocols relating to the structure and mandate of the AfCFTA secretariat.

The AU currently has an interim secretariat, tasked to provide the organisational structure for the permanent administrative body, its work programme and related issues, including its budget.The Niamey summit announced the siting of the AfCFTA secretariat in Accra, Ghana.

The Continental Free Trade deal has the potential to create the largest free-trade area in the world– uniting 55 African countries with a combined gross domestic product of more than $2.5 trillion.It is a major force for the continental integration and expansion of intra African trade, currently estimated at around 16 per cent.

The agreement is expected to expand intra-African trade by up to $35 billion per year, ease movement of goods, services and people across the continent’s borders and cut imports by $10 billion, while boosting agriculture and industrial exports by seven per cent and five per cent respectively.

Mensah pointed out that the deal will help to stabilise African countries, allow small and medium sized enterprises to flourish, promote industrialisation and lift millions out of poverty.

“If AfCFTA is complemented by trade facilitation reforms, reduction in non-tariff barriers, improved infrastructure and policy measures to encourage employment and private sector investments, it will stimulate poverty reduction and socio-economic development across Africa,” he said.

He added that the goals of AfCFTA are aligned to the AfDB’s flagship High 5s initiative- light up and power Africa; feed Africa; industrialize Africa; integrate Africa; and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.


https://www.akelicious.net/afdb-offers-au-5m-grant-for-afcfta-implementation/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Wednesday, arrested 29 men suspected to be involved in internet-related fraud.

The suspects were arrested at Akoto Estate, Elebu area in Ibadan, Oyo State.



They were rounded up during an early morning raid carried out by operatives of the Commission.

Earlier, the team had conducted a series of surveillance, gathered intelligence on the activities of the suspected ‘Yahoo Boys’.


The preliminary investigation was found to be credible, leading to the sting operation.

Among the items recovered from the suspects are eight exotic cars, many costly phones and laptops, as well as documents suspected to be used for their illicit dealings.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

https://www.akelicious.net/efcc-arrests-29-over-internet-fraud-in-ibadan/

Nigeria has been ranked second among countries practising open defecation globally, says the United Nations Children Fund.

Dr Geoffrey Njoku, Communication Specialist, UNICEF made this known at a Two-Day Media Dialogue in Calabar State on Wednesday.

The theme of the dialogue “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” is aimed at creating awareness to end the habit by 2025.



According to him, findings from the 2018 Water sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping survey reveals that 24 per cent of the population, about 47 million people, practise open defecation.

“This campaign is trying to see what we can do not to be in the number one category of open category.

“There is need to create awareness about Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet campaign and mobilise resources to sustain the national movement.”

Njoku, however, called for behavioural change and policy reform through community dialogue, advocacy and engagement with policymakers.

He added that it was also important to drive cross-sector collaborations, especially with the private sector to improve investment in the sanitation sector.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Enugu, Mr Ibrahim Conteh said that by 2030, Nigeria should be able to achieve adequate sanitation hygiene while also paying adequate attention to the needs of women and girls.

Conteh said stakeholders must, however, join forces towards improving adequate sanitation facilities in the country.



” The Federal Government has declared an emergency on the sector in 2018 and have taken steps to achieve this.

” This partnership will yield tremendous result in achieving this goal.”

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigeria government in 2018 launched a national campaign to jump-start the country toward becoming Open Defecation Free.

Nigeria is however second to India in open defecation, a situation that needed urgent attention to reverse.

https://www.akelicious.net/nigeria-ranks-second-in-open-defecation-unicef/

An Ifa Priest in Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Chief Adebola Adetimehin, has threatened that the Ijebus would go spiritual to curb the invasion of their areas by suspected herdsmen, kidnappers and bandits.

Adetimehin, who is the Oluwo Ifa of Ijebuland, said he and other traditionalists in Ijebuland would no longer fold their arms, adding that the rising cases of killings and kidnapping have become unbearable in the Ijebu axis of Ogun State.

According to Daily Post, the Oluwo Ifa charged all Ijebu indigenes to fortify themselves with charms to prevent being killed like chickens by herdsmen or bandits.

He further said this does not negate any religious belief, adding “God is the creator of leaves and other things used in preparing local charms.”

The Ijebu leader expressed sadness that the entire area had been invaded by “Fulani herdsmen”, who he said have been making the area insecure.

“We are no more secure in Ijebuland. Fulani herdsmen have invaded our land. There are villages where they have totally taken over. Even on our major roads, they put ‘cattle crossing’ symbols. What an insult!

“Look at the way kidnappers and bandits are operating on our highways too. This is becoming unacceptable. Time has come to make use of what we inherited from our forefathers to combat these killer herdsmen and kidnappers. We will make use of charms, Ijebu metaphysical powers,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/ifa-priest-vows-to-attack-killer-herdsmen-bandits-with-charms/

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has advised other state governors in the country to understudy Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade’s industrialisation policy.
The NBC board members, who were in Calabar for their yearly summit, stated this after a tour of factories at the industrial park established by Ayade, saying that with Ayade’s achievements, hope is not lost yet on Nigeria.

A statement from the governor’s office yesterday said the Director-General of the commission, Malam Kawu Modibo, was of the view that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum should institute a peer review mechanism to share ideas, compare notes and learn from each other.He said: “I want to tell Nigerians that what we have seen here is real and a major contribution to the economic development of our dear country. We have seen the rice seedlings factory, the pharmaceutical factory, the Chicken processing plant, the Garment factory and the noodles factory. We have seen that young people are employed in hundreds, especially in the garment factory for the production of clothes.

“It is a fact and not fiction. It is not a conjunction or theoretical issue.”Also, a former Director-General of the commission, Danladi Bako, said he had fair knowledge of Cross River and was happy Ayade was tapping into the agricultural potentials of the state to industrialise it.

“I have had the privilege of seeing the industries at the industrial park, a brain child of Ayade. I am conversant with Cross River’s agricultural and infrastructural potentials having been a board member of the Cross River Basin Authority. I am happy Ayade is tapping the agricultural and infrastructural potentials of the state using his background as an academic, as an environmentalist and as a professor.

“He has shown us that he is also a visionary, one who can drive projects to fruition,” the former NBC DG stated. Bako, who compared factories at the industrial park to what is obtainable in Malaysia, China and Thailand, urged other governors to take a cue from their Cross River State counterpart, adding: “You are a governor in Nigeria and you have not been here, then you should not bother about governance. I encourage other governors to come and see what Ayade is doing. I am not saying they should copy but let them just come and see, and then make up their minds.”

https://guardian.ng/news/nbc-charges-other-governors-to-emulate-ayade-on-industrialisation/amp

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it has no plan to relocate its subsidiary, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) outside the Niger Delta region.

The spokesman of the corporation, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, reassured the host communities and all stakeholders in the region that nothing of sort was in the plan of NNPC.

He described as unfortunate a statement credited to the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege where he reportedly condemned the purported move by NNPC to relocate NGC headquarters from the region.

Ughamadu called on the NGC host communities and other stakeholders to disregard the relocation rumour which it described as absolutely false.

“The corporation maintains that the Deputy President of the Senate might have either been misinformed or was quoted out of context.

“The subject of relocation of NGC was never on the table for deliberation by the NNPC management,’’ he added.

The NNPC spokesman said that the focus of the current management of the corporation under the headship of Mallam Mele Kyari was to ensure harmonious relationship with stakeholders and host communities.

This, he said, would enhance a win-win scenario for all.

https://www.akelicious.net/no-plan-to-relocate-ngc-outside-ndelta-nnpc-assures/

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to address concrete issues of misgovernment and devastation his administration has caused Nigerians. Atiku asked Buhari to stop intimidation and campaign of calumny against the judiciary and opposition elements.



Reiterating his resolve to continue “to stand up and speak for millions of countrymen and women who have become victims of his (Buhari’s) misrule and grand cluelessness”

The former vice president’s comments were in response to allegations by the Presidency on Saturday that he was playing up negative developments in the country and raising harmful sentiments in pursuit of his ulterior motives.

The Presidency had described Atiku’s swift reaction to the allegation of secret burial of 1,000 Nigerian soldiers in hollow graves by Wall Street Journal as a ploy to influence judicial decision in his ongoing challenge of Buhari’s election, “because he’s blinded by unbridled ambition.”

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement titled, “Atiku’s Unrelenting Appeal to Emotion: A Gambit Doomed to Fail,” accused the former vice president of merely appealing to emotion in a bid to whip up sentiment and influence the decision of the judiciary on his petition before the Presidential Appeal Tribunal.

But reacting, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said his sustained interventions on the state of the body politic were to provide a voice for millions of victims of Buhari’s misrule. He said Nigerians were reawakened by the United Nations to the brutal reality of how poorly the president had managed the country’s economy with a damning verdict that 98 million Nigerians live in multi-dimensional poverty.

Atiku said, “Like it is typical of General Buhari and his handlers, they didn’t make any comment about the scary statistics coming from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Perhaps, one reason they didn’t want to comment on the report is because it is factual – Nigerians in the past four years indeed live in multi-dimensional poverty.
“Quite regrettably, too, the administration has been groping in the dark since 2015, the reason majority of Nigerians decided not to reward their failures during the February 23 presidential poll, consequently, leading to the heist that characterised the conduct of that poll.

“The other plausible reason they didn’t deem it fit to respond to the report is because Atiku Abubakar has yet to make a remark on the report.”

The statement also said, “If the only reason why the Buhari administration will react to the affliction it has brought on Nigerians is for Atiku to call the nation’s attention to how bad things have gone in the country under the slumber of General Buhari, Atiku will more than always be ready to stand and speak up for the millions of countrymen and women, who have become victims of his (Buhari’s) misrule and grand cluelessness.

“A Commander-in-Chief, who fits the bill, will not act unconstrained about reports from a reputable media organisation on welfare and wellbeing of troops at the frontline of combat. Shamefully, however, up till this moment, the Buhari administration won’t cause even a blinker on the damning report.”

According to Atiku, “Like is the case with other dysfunctional aspects of the system, his (Buhari’s) administration prefers to live in denial, relying on propaganda – the only machine that they know how to operate without a glitch.

“We need to restate that Atiku Abubakar respects the practical purpose of the judiciary as an arm of government saddled with the responsibility of dispensing justice.

“Therefore, for the Buhari administration to call out the judiciary on how they might choose to do their job is not only an emotional blackmail to the bench, it is also very disrespectful to the integrity of the honourable justices of the court of law.”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/08/04/atiku-to-buhari-i-speak-for-millions-victims-of-your-governance/amp/

The Federal Government has said it is working towards amending the Marriage Act.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, said in Lagos on Thursday that the amendment became necessary in order for the ministry to “adequately meet the needs of citizens in the 21st century.”



Ehuriah said this while delivering the keynote address at a stakeholders’ conference with the theme, “Achieving harmonious compliance in the conduct of statutory marriage in Nigeria,” held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Ministry of Interior and local government areas had been locked in legal battle over who has the statutory power to conduct and issue marriage certificates.

Ehuriah said on Thursday that by the provisions of Sections 24, 30(3) and 30 of the Marriage Act, only the Principal Registrar of Marriages was authorised to print and distribute marriage certificate to places of worship throughout Nigeria.

“The implication is that any certificate not printed by and delivered by the Principal Registrar of Marriages is illegal and cannot serve the desired purposes,” she said.

She, however, said the Ministry of Interior was making arrangements to give couples whose marriage certificates were not issued in line with the Marriage Act opportunity to bring them to conformity.

Ehuriah added that the Ministry of Interior was making moves to “appropriately advise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the legally-acceptable (marriage) certificate for the guidance of foreign embassies in Nigeria and Nigerian missions abroad.”

While disclosing that only 314 out of the 4,725 places of worship licensed by the Ministry of Interior to conduct marriages had renewed their licences, Ehuriah called on places of worship who had not renewed their licences to do so to avoid invalidating marriages conducted by them.

“The implication of this is that marriages conducted in unlicensed places of worship are not in line with the Marriage Act and cannot serve legal purposes when the need arises; and as such, unlicensed places of worship are operating contrary to Section 6(1) of the Marriage Act,” Ehuriah stressed.



The Permanent Secretary also said the Ministry of Interior had secured the necessary approval to establish Ikoyi Marriage Registry Annex “while arrangements are in advanced stages to establish Marriage Registries at Ikeja and Ibadan.”

“These, we hope, will, to a good extent, address some of the challenges being faced at the registry,” Ehuriah said.

https://punchng.com/well-legalise-unlicensed-worship-centres-marriage-certificates-fg/amp/

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly committee investigating non-payment of June salary, said about N60 million was saved from eight of the 13 local government areas of the state.

The chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Alkali (APC-Lafia North) revealed this on Wednesday while briefing newsmen shortly after a meeting with the local government chairmen in Lafia.

He said the meeting was aimed at getting situation reports from the chairmen regarding the screening of staff for June payment.

According to him, the chairmen of the eight local government areas that presented their reports of salary payments are Lafia, Toto, Karu, Kokona, Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, Obi and Awe.

He decried the inability of Doma Local Government Area for not screening their staff before the payment of June salary.

The committee chairmen gave Doma council 10 days to conduct the screening and report to the house.

He also urged other remaining local government areas to complete their screening exercise and report to the committee accordingly within the time schedule.

Alkali, however, expressed dismay over sour relationship between some local government chairmen and their overseers, noting that such is not healthy for the system.

The committee chairman called on staff and directors of the various local government areas to be more proactive in discharging their duties.

Alkali also called on staff of local government to be patient with the present situation, adding that the system would be rejuvenated after the exercise.

He emphasised that the committee would ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law at the end of the screening.

The committee chairman further said that the committee would ensure that the challenges facing local government in the state are resolved.

The Nigeria News Agency said that council chairmen took turns to give their situation report from their local government areas.

https://www.akelicious.net/8-lgs-save-n60m-from-staff-screening-in-nasarawa/