Following the claim that former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan handed over a prosperous economy to the Buhari administration, the Special Envoy on Diplomacy & Good Governance of the International Peace Commission of the UN, as well as Global Vice Chairman, Advocacy for Good Governance Network, Amb. Hussaini Coomassie has come out to debunk the claim by former aviation minister, Osita Chidoka that President Jonathan handed over a prosperous economy to the Buhari led administration.

According to him, if GEJ had handed over $5bn to Buhari as claimed by Chidoka, how come was he borrowing to pay salaries?

He also added that if truly president Jonathan left behind a massive chunk of $5.6billion Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Dividends and a 2015 budget of over N4trillion along with a total of $2.2billion in Excess Crude Oil Account to president Buhari, why was Jonathan borrowing to pay salaries?

"In a May 2015 report by Premium Times, it was revealed that the Federal Government borrowed about N500bn to pay salaries and to fund the 2015 budget. Okonjo-Iweala said that the government resorted to borrowing as a result of a decline in oil revenue. This revelation by Okonjo-Iweala is in sharp contrast to the picture that Chidoka was trying to paint in his response to Amaechi’s remark.

"Even though Amaechi may not have been 100 per cent accurate in what he said (politicians like to exaggerate the failures of their rivals), but things were not as rosy as the former Minister of Aviation wants us to believe. The economy was bleeding under Jonathan and the administration was desperately looking for funds to keep the government running.

"Another evidence that the economy under Jonathan was in a mess was the fact that from 2014 to May 2015 when Buhari took over, the GDP was in constant decline. It was not until 2017 that Buhari was able to arrest the decline and the economy recorded its first quarterly growth since 2014.

"Indeed, Amaechi was not far from the truth as GEJ handed over to Buhari an economy that was in terrible shape as well as high rate of insecurity," he concluded.

https://kakaakireporters.com/2021/12/31/stop-misleading-the-public-amb-hussaini-coomassie-to-fmr-aviation-minister-osita-chiduka/

Remy Martin Salute Play Network CEO Charles Okpaleke, As He Marks 14-years Of Greatness

It was the gathering of the crémé dela crémé of the society and showbiz industry when famous personality and businessman who doubles as Play Network CEO, Charles Okpaleke was celebrated by popular brand Remy Martin and well-wishers.

It is said that “Behind Every Success, There Is A Collective Story.” This is the inspiration behind Remy Martin’s tagline, "Team Up for Excellence," and it is in this spirit that the brand celebrates its most illustrious partners who represent this ethos of excellence in enterprise through collective effort.


Receiving this honour at the 14-year anniversary ball in an atmosphere filled with excitement and grooving was Play Network C.E.O, Charles Okpaleke, the ever easy going and classy lifestyle personality.

Themed "Heavenly Bodies, Fashion, Angels and Stars," the event was held at the prestigious congress hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on the December 18.

Some of the famous faces on hand at the event were industry stakeholders, socialites, celebrities such as Nengi Hampson, Idia Aisen, Cross Da Boss, Kim Oprah, George Okoro and a host of others.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a Customized 24 carat gold Decanter of Remy Martin XO special edition to Mr Okpaleke by Miss Anthonia Emeagwali, a friend of the network. Mr Okpaleke went on to invite key partners and stakeholders of the Playnetwork Group, Jeffery Okpaleke (CEO, BeardxButter), Elvis Okpaleke (CEO, The Observatory Lagos), Emmanuel Halliday (CEO, Gecko), Emeka Mozie (MD, Veltor Cigars), Dike Osu (MD, Play Nightlife), Arafat Bello- Osagie (Head of Strategy, Play Network), DJ TTB (MD 345 Nightlife), Nonso Ebubeze (MD, Play Homes) and a few other core members of his team to share in the accolades, as excellence can only be achieved through a shared vision and teamwork.

For the past 14-years, the Play Network group has led the industry as the leading pan African social network of young professionals drawn from all over the continent, with investments in Film, Music, Nightlife, hospitality and advocacy. Play Network has shown consistent growth and has birthed some of the finest talents in Nigeria’s lifestyle and entertainment circles.

The Event opened with the Abuja Opera choir serenading guests with Christmas Carols in true spirit of the season. Comperes Big Mo of Cool FM and Idia Aisen served as hosts for the evening and ushered in the Eclectic Made Kuti who had guests enraptured with his mastery of the saxophone and keyboard, performing classics from his Grandfather the Late Great Fela Kuti’s Catalogue and his original material.

Guests were treated to a one of a kind experience which ran till the early hours of the morning.

For more information, please follow the hashtag and handles

#TeamUpForExcellence, @remymartinng

https://leadership.ng/remy-martin-salute-play-network-ceo-charles-okpaleke-as-he-marks-14-ears-of-greatness/

Insidenaija:


Source: https://newspremises.com.ng/john-terry-returns-to-chelsea/

Great guy.

When you need Chelsea to play, they behave like chickens

It may be the most drawn-out divorce in Hollywood history -- but after 10 1/2 years, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver are single again.

It went down Tuesday morning in L.A. Superior Court ... TMZ has learned. The divorce had been mediated by a private judge and that judge signed off on the divorce earlier this month, but it needed to be entered into the court system by a sitting judge, which happened this morning.

As for why this divorce took so long, it's a combination of lack of motivation and a very complicated property settlement agreement. As we reported, both Arnold and Maria moved on years ago ... they both have been in relationships but stayed cordial with each other ... and often had family gatherings with their 4 kids.

The rupture in the marriage occurred more than a decade ago, when news leaked that Arnold had fathered a child with the family's housekeeper. That child -- now an adult -- Joseph Baena, is now a college grad with acting ambitions, and he has a leg up because he's the spitting image of his dad.

As for the property settlement ... well, it's all confidential. But, we know there was a ton of money -- an estimated $400 million -- and our sources say things pretty much got divided down the middle. There was no prenup.

Arnold and Maria were married in 1986, so it was a long run.

As for the divorce, Laura Wasser repped Maria, while Kristina Royce repped the former Guv.

Source: https://www.tmz.com/2021/12/28/arnold-schwarzenegger-maria-shriver-divorced-money-prenup/

...says group are sponsored to tarnish AgCG's image

Following the news making rounds that a group know Nigeria Diaspora Alliance For Good Governance (NDAGG) has indicted the acting CG, Isah Jere Idris, Amb. Hussaini Coomassie, a retired Immigration Officer and forensic experts has called the claim and publication and group people seeking for attention.

According to him the publication was made online December 27, 2021 by the NGO in one of the daily newspapers in a bid to bring the Acting CG hard earned reputation to disrepute.

Dr. Coomassie who's also doubles as Special Envoy on Diplomacy & Good Governance of the International Peace Commission of the UN, as well as Global Vice Chairman, Advocacy for Good Governance Network explained that NGO’s have now become a political tool for witch-hunting and rumour peddling.

"We have in recent times had one too many uncorroborated, unsubstantiated and cooked up accusation raised by NGO’s that turned out to be false. These NGO’s have a complete disregard to the concept of he who assert must prove. And where a crime is alleged to have been committed then the standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt.

"Perhaps, if one of them is sued it will serve as deterrent to others who allow themselves to be used by mischief makers to promote their opulent wickedness.
Whilst we entreat that you use your NGO’s with restraint towards the intemperance of these bandwagons of mischief by making a thorough finding and verifying the motives behind this irksome trend in the society in furtherance to this government’s commendable campaign to eliminate all manner of vices cum disobedience to rule of law," he stated.

Amb. Hussaini Coomassie further advised the group to embrace social justice for all instead of sitting and waiting for who would empower them to vilify hard working Nigerians.

"I urge NDAGG and other NGO’s to tow the path of integrity they are preaching instead of collecting kickback payment to tarnish and dent the image of innocent people such as NIS leader. Advocacy for Good Governance Network, Global Movement for Social Justice, Diaspora Stakeholders, Buhari Campaign Organization (Diaspora Awareness Campaign Group), Nigeria First Initiative & Support Coalition Initiative have all rendered their voices in a collective chorus to condemn and fault the allegation made by Oduma Akor led faceless and highly suspicious organisation of rumor mongering.


"In his remark, Barrister Bello Mohammed of Buhari Campaign Organization stressed that if the so called NDAGG are sincere in their investigation they should proceed to court instead of trying to whip up public sentiment with unfounded and baseless accusations/threats.

Amb. Hussaini Haruna, who is a retired Immigration officer, while faulting the accusation, cited that the service should not be dragged in the mud with baseless allegation. He pointed out that NIS is a regimental agency therefore total loyalty is required and no arm of the agency can operate without the consent of the overall boss.

" I wonder how you expect Jere to act without the directive of his erstwhile boss (Retired CG Babandede)."

He further added that the allegation became a self-centered witch-hunt and cynical fight from the intonation of NDAGG’s so called allegation which he noted never mentioned or indicted Babandede being the allodium of power then, and not the DCG finance, who approves or initiate contract only at the behest of his boss.


"Where was your so called NDAGG when flimsy and inflated contracts were awarded Under Babandede’s epoch. Where were you when the staff welfare was zilch under the previous administration. When foreign postings were made under the man-know-man basis and mostly favoured people from 2 out of 774 local governments of Nigeria (Kibya & Hadejia), the facts/record speak for itself; res ipsa loquitor.

"Where was your noble and holier than thou organisation when favoritism, abuse of office, indiscipline was the bane of the previous administration under the leadership of your puppeteer and or pay master. Were you in slumber or hibernating when plethora of atrocities were committed in other agencies such as NPA, NIPC, PENCOM, FAAN, NRC, and other corrupt government agencies or did you only suddenly grew conscience and decided to don your hats and glove and become Sherlock Holmes apprentice.

"Where were you when CERPAC fee was fraudulently inflated from $1,000.00 to $2,000.00. How about when the so called corrupt related express passport processing center, managed by a private company was launched in Maitama-FCT, with multiple charges, instead of expanding the rudimental passport offices nationwide.

"Where was NDAGG when Socket Work & Iris Technology controls and still control the printing of Nigeria travelling documents in faraway Malaysia and you do not see them as saboteurs but Idris Jere who took over less than 3 months ago is a threat to our rule of law? The above posers should serve as a beacon to you to know where to expend your investigative energy if you are truly independent," Coomassie fires back.

Amb. Hussaini Coomassie said while the group called themselves a pro-Buhari organisation, they are going around instigating Nigerians against the government and it's policies.

"Your myopia in mentioning that appointment of CG should come from outside like in the case of Customs underscores your fermenting handicap in knowledge that NIS and NCS do not share the same Act. How about the 11 DCG’s & ACG’s who were shortlisted for screening into the office of CG?

"In your fancy and frolic, they are not qualified but an outsider who ruled for 5years should be the one reappointed right? Its glaring and crystal clear that you are sponsored because your allegations is not worthy of wasting court papers on so you went for a cheap score through the media.

"I challenge you to publish what you claim to have, or petition the anti-graft agencies… I did same during my standoff with Yewande Sadiku, former NIPC boss.

"Today, about N1billion worth of flag staff house bought for the service as CG’s house where Babandede lives, 3months after handing over mantle of leadership is yet to be handed over to the service and you never bothered to protest against it.
The big question is why are you allowing yourself to be used for selfish interest? The future is greater than the past…do not burn your boat before you set sail.

"You call yourself pro-Buhari organisation yet you stood by and watch the carnage unfold in the country without so much of a hiccup. Why are you selective and vindictive in your so called vigilance to the happenings in the country?
I urge you to stay clear of NIS & its leadership completely, we are happy with Jere so far, we are aware of his giant strides towards setting aright the anomalies he inherited from the former CGIS.

"Who ever is bankrolling you into engaging in smear campaign will only smear what is left of your eroded conscience and integrity,"he concluded.

Stay Clear from NIS, Amb Hussaini Warns Faceless NGO (NDAGG) https://kakaakireporters.com/2021/12/28/stay-clear-from-nis-amb-hussaini-warns-faceless-ngo-ndagg/

About two months to the fourth-year anniversary of the abduction of Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram terrorists, her parents have expressed disappointment in the body language of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), towards her freedom.

Nathan and Rebecca Sharibu said they were tired of speaking, crying and pleading with a government that had remained deaf to every legitimate demand to free their daughter.
They barred their minds in an interview with The PUNCH through the spokesperson for and Executive Director of the Leah Foundation, Dr Gloria Puldu.

Leah Sharibu was one of the 110 female students of the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, who were abducted on February 19, 2018, by Boko Haram terrorists.

While others were released by the terrorists following negotiations, Leah, then 14 year-old, is still being held captive because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.
Puldu said, “Thank you very much for your concern. Let me tell you how the family has agreed to spend this Christmas. They said they were tired of speaking, crying and pleading with the government of Buhari, which is deaf to every call.

“So, it is agreed that they should remain silent and just call for continued prayers. They said they were tired of routine calls, which hurt so much that they had to just call on anyone who wished to stand with them to do so only in prayers.

“We wish to respect the family’s wishes. We have only sent out Christmas greetings by calling for prayers.”

Meanwhile, the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, on Sunday, released a video calling for the release of Leah.

A renowned peace advocate and Executive Director of the organisation, Rev Gideon Para-Mallam, appealed to Buhari to facilitate the release of Leah.

He said, “Celebrating her fourth Christmas in captivity, I decided as I have always done every Christmas since 2018, to release a video appealing to all in Nigeria and the world to work assiduously for her release and the release of more young girls and women who remain in captivity.

“Silence is no answer to this present challenge! Leah is not just a citizen of this nation. She belongs to a family! Oh what pain her parents, father Nathan, mum Rebecca, and brother Nathan, other siblings and the entire family!

“Their hearts must be bleeding as Leah’s has bled all these years because of this involuntary separation. Oh God, my Ebenezer, arise with healing and deliverance in your wings and set your daughters, Leah, Alice Ngaddah, Grace Tuka, Lilian Gyang Daniel, Praise, Mwanret, Hauwa, Jamaba, Caroline, Christiana, Jummai, the three other Graces, and others too numerous to mention by name, free.”

https://punchng.com/were-tired-of-crying-pleading-with-buhari-over-leah-sharibu-parents/

PRESS STATEMENT FROM SENATOR BABAFEMI OJUDU
SPECIAL ADVISER ON POLITICAL MATTERS TO THE PRESIDENT




OSINBAJO & 2023: NOT MY CALL



My attention has been called to a quotation attributed to me that is trending. It was to the effect that Prof Yemi Osinbajo , the Vice President will run for the office of President in 2023.

First let me reiterate again, Prof. Osinbajo has not declared interest in the 2023 election, but he is rather focused on working in his capacity as Vice President in the current administration to address all the compelling issues in the country as well as concerns of Nigerians, including finding effective and lasting solutions to the security challenges and working to further boost the economy.


What happened was that I was in Portharcourt where I had a private meeting with some friends and interest groups. While at the meeting discussing politics, economy and a number of other subjects of public interest and well-being of our country someone asked me if Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will run for President come 2023. 

My answer to that  enquiry was that he is eminently qualified to contest and he will be the one to decide whether to do so or not at an appropriate time.

I concede that Nigerians are highly interested in knowing if Osinbajo will run. Everywhere I go that is the question people ask me and I have always tried to be careful in my response whether to an individual or groups


While I appreciate and welcome the people’s love and admiration for Vice President Osinbajo, my counsel is we should all allow him to make the decision whether or not he is interested, by himself at the right time.

It is certainly not a matter that will be pronounced on at a private meeting such as the one I participated in earlier this week in Port Harcourt.

A Civil Society Organisation, CSO, Grassroots Empowerment and Justice, GEJ, Initiative, Wednesday, commended a federal lawmaker at the House of Representatives representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency of Cross River State, Hon Legor Idagbo, over boosting constituency and rural economy with various empowerment tools.

Speaking with journalists over the impact made by Hon Idagbo’s economic empowerment and sustainability, the National Coordinator, GEJ, Initiative, Comrade Ebriku John Friday, said many grassroots people in his constituency have become big entrepreneurs.

Friday, who is also the special assistant to Cross River State Governor on Print Media, further stated that the rare rural economic development initiative by a lawmaker as him (Idagbo) remains the only way to tackle unemployment, curb unnecessary rural-urban migration, crime and insecurity.

He said: “We in Grassroots Empowerment and Justice, GEJ, Initiative, have been on the advocacy over the years for development of the grassroots economy by taking huge investments to where the raw materials are located and as a way to tackle worrisome insecurity, rising levels of crime, reduce youth restiveness, threatening unemployment, making life comfortable with basic amenities.

“We want to say there is hope for the grassroots people as we see an outstanding federal lawmaker toeing the direction of our vision and mission, he is federal lawmaker at the House of Representatives representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency of Cross River State, Hon Legor Idagbo.

“We as an organization has carefully assessed what Hon Idagbo has been doing to galvanise the rural economy with this laudable initiative in his constituency in order to change the narrative, and we can see the impact so far.

“We are aware of this selfless lawmaker facilitated training of 300 youths from the constituency. He gifted the 300 trainees of the recently concluded GSM Training Workshop in Obudu/Bekwarra the total sum of N18 million and we learnt that the money was paid by Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), sponsor of the workshop to the 300 trainees today December 21, 2021, which was facilitated by Hon Legor Idagbo.

“Each of the 300 trainees received N60, 000 to help them start up businesses of their own as a reward for participation and successful completion of the workshop.”

He (Friday) further stated that the lawmaker promised that he will do his best to enhance capacity building amongst his constituents.

“And already, we are seeing the impact of his empowerment he has been able to sustain all this while.

“We are also aware that a mega rally for empowerment for Bekwarra, Obudu, and Obanliku Local Government Areas will commence from December 27-30, where people will receive various empowerment packages including over 30 cars;100 motorbikes; grinding machines, and others.

“These will go a long way to boost and galvanize the rural economy in this three local government areas from January, and these items run into millions of Naira”, he added.

By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja


Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto and President - General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other prominent Nigerians have called on President Muhammadu Buhari's led

government, to as a matter of urgency convene a national reconciliatory conference.



In a report released after their Security Dialogue Retreat in Abuja, convened by Global Peace Foundation and Vision Africa headed by Bishop Sunday Onuaha, the Nigerian leaders said national reconstruction conference will held in addressing numerous challenges including the insecurity issues.





"As a matter of urgency, the government should convene a national reconciliatory conference to address the underlying issues of our challenges and hateful statements/agenda that successive governments have ignored to address; this convening should be organized in order to quell the mistrust-fueled agitations and crisis before the entity called Nigeria collapses," the report said.



"We emphatically call for the cessation of incitement, misrepresentation and distortion of the image of the other and of the neighbor. Instead, we must draw upon our religious traditions, and our understanding of what is best for our people," the leaders said adding that government must act sincerely as an unbiased arbiter to address insecurity headlong adding that the high prevalence of violent crisis, kidnapping, and fatal attacks in Nigeria are driven largely by social Injustice and a failed economy.



"The Church, the Mosque, and traditional worshippers must as a matter of morality, step up to the responsibility of contributing to the collective reengineering and moral rearmament urgently needed to salvage our nation, in fulfilling their roles as religious leaders and pulpit managers.



"The 1999 Constitution does not embody the principles of justice, fairness and equality, on which every democracy is founded. Thus, it does not fully protect the rights and interests of Nigeria’s diverse constituencies. We call on the Government to begin a process of constitutional review, amend and rework the constitution, drawing on our previous constitutions, amongst other things, to synchronize/harmonize the laudable principles they embody. This will ensure, not one-off solutions, but lasting change.



"Government at all levels must revisit and show sincere effort at understanding the core issues of dissidence and self-determination in Nigeria, rather than incarceration, bullets and counter-attacks as government response to agitations and unrest," leaders said adding that, "even in our divergence, there exists an area of convergence; we therefore commit to keeping the conversation room open for further dialogue so as to address and resolve the common challenge that is deepening this divide."

The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has launched the 2021 -2025 National Development Plan and has also presided over the Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Statehouse, Abuja today December 22, 2021. Photos; Tolani Alli

Brika:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlnak2eRZQ8

Na only poor people Hisbah and Sharia law dey affect. Make money in the north and see how they will become yes sir yes sir religious body to you. They are just hypocrites.

The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, MNI has paid transport fares for Igbo Christian Communities including other non indigenes journeying down the East from Borno State for Christmas celebration and in the spirit of the season.

Zulum is an enigma. One of the approved potentials for 2023.

Press Statement: December 21, 2021

Bonnie Iwuoha’s Death Devastating, Painful, Say Editors

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed shock and sadness over the death on Monday evening of former Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Abia State and Fellow of NGE, Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha.

In statement on Tuesday signed by the NGE’s President Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of all the editors in Nigeria described the death of Iwuoha as ‘’devastating, painful and huge loss’’ to the Guild and journalism profession in Nigeria.

‘’Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha was a committed Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. He served in various committees, and was the chairman of the Electoral Committee of NGE on several occasions, including our last convention in May 2021 in Kano. His last outing in the Guild’s activities, was the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja two months ago, where he was a discussant at the conference.

‘’This was typical of him: He never missed any of our activities. He was a man of deep conviction, honest, very principled and lively. Just last week, the former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) called some Standing Committee’s members of NGE, including the President and the General Secretary, to discuss the affairs of the Guild.

‘’He said he was very proud of the present leadership of NGE, and advised us to keep up the good work and never to relent. That was how dear our professional body was to Mr. Iwuoha. He was an accomplished administrator, unionist and humanist - who struggled for over three decades to improve the welfare of journalists in the country’’, the NGE stated.

While commiserating with members of the NGE, friends, his immediate family, the government and the people of Abia State, the Guild prays the Almighty God to give his loved ones the fortitude to bear the immeasurable loss.

‘’If the earth that will cover Mr Bonnie Iwuoha will be light it is because he represented humanity, love and kindness while he lived.

‘’We will miss Mr. Iwuoha greatly. As a mark of honour, the NGE has opened a condolence register at our Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos. Fare Thee Well, Comrade Bonnie Iwuoha’’, the guild said.

Signed
For: Nigerian Guild of Editors

Mustapha Isah
President

Iyobosa Uwugiaren
General Secretary

eyenogoquiet:
Featuring randy "the viper' Orton and rey mysterio

All is set for the most anticipated gospel concert tagged WWE (WHEN WE EXALT) Concert 2022 which is powered by Stargate Records.

In an effort to create an atmosphere where God can dwell and to promote the Kingdom of God through it's quality gospel music on offering, WWE Concert Live Recording concert is designed to give people the energy they have been yearning for in the gospel genre of music.

According to the Stargate Records Label CEO, Austine Okafor, he said his record label has been able to groom great artistes in the gospel music world and this concert would bring the best of the best in that field.

"The art of putting up top quality gospel events has always been our vision in building The WWE brand as it has really given us an edge in the industry with its unique concept," he explained.

Adding his voice, the managing director of Stargate Records,Austin Imaij, he said people should be prepared to experience heaven on earth from the biggest gospel artistes in the country.

He also pointed out that the Comedy would thrill everyone who would be on hand on that day.

Those already penciled down to be live on stage on the day are:
Sammy Wonders, Austin Imaji, Bennie,Tim Godfrey, Chioma Jesus, Eben, Joe Praize, Moses Bliss, Dunsin Oyekan , Sensational Bamidele, Kaydee Numbere, Prinx Emmanuel, Kingdom (Nigeria Idol Winner 2021) and Mercy Chinwo.

Others are Akpororo, KO Baba Gordons, Markangel Comedy(Emmanuela and Success).

NwekeUG:
Media Personality Toke Makinwa In Tears After A Golfer Broke Her Windscreen (Photo)

Nigerian media personality, Toke Makinwa took to her Instagram story to share her grief following her car's windscreen that was broken by a golfer, IgbereTV reports.

She shared a photo of her damaged windscreen and wrote;



https://www.instagram.com/p/CXpuxg3rzLe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Thank God is not your long mouth

DSS Diverted Our N4m Monthly Allowance, We Fed Ourselves, Paid For Water In Detention –El-Zakzaky



The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ites, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, speaks with FRIDAY OLOKOR about his ordeal and that of his wife in detention and the refusal of government agencies to release their passports, among other issues

During your detention, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said government spent N3.5m on a monthly basis to feed you. What kind of meals were you fed in detention?

Actually, we were not given the opportunity to tell the real story while we were in detention because the people who were detaining us made things difficult for us. The real truth is that all through our detention we fed ourselves. Since the time we reached Kaduna, after we were released, nobody gave us a single bottle of water! We were feeding ourselves. Even during our stay in Abuja, we were feeding ourselves. But this is something that cannot be disclosed because it was illegal. Legally, they were supposed to feed us. But they didn’t want anybody to hear that we were feeding ourselves. For the entire five years, seven months that we were in detention, we fed ourselves; nobody gave us a bottle of water!

We were even paying electricity and water bills, while in detention. We were paying also for the fuel to power the generator. We bought our own generator in Abuja, even when we were in detention and we were buying fuel to run it.

So how did Lai Mohammed come about the N3.5m monthly feeding figure?

He was actually not lying. The DSS told him so. But what I learnt was that about N4m was taken out of the FIRS coffers for our feeding every month. But that money was going to their pocket; not a single kobo was given to or spent on us. It is true that they were taking the money out of the treasury but they did not spend it on our feeding. It is a lie that they were feeding us with this money!

He mentioned N3.5m; that was what they quoted him to have said. But from my own source, I learnt that it was N4m every month.


Punch Newspapers" https://punchng.com/dss-diverted-our-n4m-montly-allowance-we-fed-ourselves-paid-for-water-in-detention-el-zakzaky/?amp
������ SUNDAY PUNCH December 19 2021

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev John Joseph Hayab has called on Nigerians to speak out against atrocities being meted on them, insisting they must hold the government accountable.

Hayab stated this during the 2021 award/dinner organised by the youth wing of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), an even a senior journalist with LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Sunday Isuwa won the outstanding journalist of the year award.

The CAN chairman who also received an award as the Outstanding Voice of the Year, said some of them won't have been speaking but added that the situation in their state made them to do so.

"Wether you clap for me or not, you will hear my voice. It is time for us to close the rank and unite. Move away from people who divide us. The challenges in the state force us to do what we are doing," Hayab said adding that SOKAPU is not a religious organisation.

"SOKAPU is not a religious organisation but the place where SOKAPU is coming from has predominantly one region and people who are of different faith are loved and cherished," Hayab said while commending the youth leaders of SOKAPU for showing immense unity.

"When I saw Sabastine Luka, Nasiru Jagaba and John Isaac Sirjay (SOKAPU youth leader) siting in the same table, I was happy because there is atmosphere of unity. But we have not totally gotten out of these divisiveness because I can feel a little of it even in this hall," Hayab, who is also the country representative of the Global Peace Foundation, added.

Speaking, the Senator who represented Kaduna Central at the red chamber from 2015 - 2019, Shehu Sani, said Nigerians must hold the government to accountable.

"The leadership of the state is decisive," Sani said adding that they most continue to speak truth to power.

"SOKAPU should continue to stand on the principle at which it was created.
SOKAPU should ensure the people get good leadership. A state that was ordained to be multicultural and multi-religious have been divided.

"The reasons for our nomination I believed was on principle and we will continue to speak truth to power," Sani, who was also honoured by SOKAPU said.

The receiver of the Outstanding Journalist of the year award, Sunday Isuwa, said he was elated to be honoured by his immidiate community.

According to Isuwa, the award will spur him to do more in reporting on the plight of the people especially the rural dwellers.

"Whenever I passed through communities that had no road neither bridge before but now have them as a result of our reporting, I am always supper excited. I am happy because my work as a journalist is helping in advancing good governance and we will continue to do more for the betterment of our society," Isuwa said.

*APC State Chairmen Pass Confidence Vote in Governor Buni-led Caretaker Committee*

The All Progressives Congress (APC)  has served a strong notice to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that, it cannot return to power in a free and fair election because the electorates are intelligent and know that the PDP has nothing to offer Nigerians going by PDP's antecedents.

The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe said this while responding to the vote of confidence passed in the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led CECPC by State Caretaker Chairmen of the party at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the achievements of APC administrations at the state and federal levels are glaring and the PDP has no chance of convincing Nigerians to contemplate voting for it.

Sen. Akpanudoedehe added that the sponsoring of some youths by fifth columnists and opposition agents to infiltrate and disorganise the APC has failed.

"Let me thank you (State caretaker chairmen) for being statesmen. I thank all of you for standing up against any youthful exuberance of people who may think to use the name 'youths' for destructive purposes.

"Nigerian youths are very brilliant, resourceful people... We had said to ourselves that we were not going to respond because it is not an issue. But we must be very careful not to arm PDP with the bullets against our party. I learnt that the new PDP chairman made a prophecy that we will scatter before April.

"Let me send a message to PDP, if we are talking about replacing APC, it can never be the PDP because Nigerians are too intelligent. Nigerians will still chose APC. Talk is cheap, even when they sponsored crisis throughout Nigeria, we won most by-elections. We inherited insurgency and we have dealt with it. As we speak, not one inch of Nigeria's territory is being taken over by any group. When PDP were in government, they took over everywhere but today, it is different," he said.

The APC national scribe said that the administration’s successes against insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements as well as the far-reaching social investments and COVID-19 palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians, payment to pensioners, among other pro-people interventions shows that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is working for the wellbeing of the people.

"Maybe because the President is not the talking type. I am challenging anyone to show me any social intervention programme better than this government. People are collecting alerts for COVID-19 palliatives. Youths, women, civil servants are collecting it," Akpanudoedehe stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Caretaker Chairman of the Delta State APC Chapter, Prophet Jones Erue, who spoke on behalf of the Caretaker State Chairmen of the party, said that they came to express their absolute loyalty to the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni.

He said that all the caretaker chairmen have resolved to stand with the Caretaker Committee and give it every support to succeed in its assignment.

The APC Caretaker State Chairmen rejected any attempt to destabilise and change the leadership of the party by unconstitutional methods.

"We dont know the youths who claimed to have changed the leadership of the party. They are not part of us," he said.

Prophet Erue said that the state  caretaker Chairmen of the party are determined to ensure that the APC wins all future elections at the federal, states and local government areas. 

He said that the APC is greater than any individual and members should bear in mind that the party has mechanisms for checking agents of disorder.

..."our lives are in danger” deceased Family cries Out


The cliche “Till death Do Us part” might not be able to describe the imbroglio between the family of the late Ikechukwu Theophilus Ozoemena and his estranged wife, Chinwe Ozoemena as the man dies while seeking divorce.

This is just as family of the diseased raises the alarm over what they considered as threat to their lives.

It was gathered that, the marriage started having issues in 2019 when the couples started staying apart with the children in the custody of late Ikechukwu.

The couple would later initiate a divorce in 2020 but things took a very sour turn when the husband, late Ikechukwu Ozoemena died mysteriously while awaiting court ruling on the divorce matter.

With the siblings of Ikechukwu pointing accusing fingers at the estranged wife, Chinwe Ozoemena also accusing the deceased siblings of her husband’s sudden demise.

The late Ikechukwu siblings further alleged that Chinwe has since the demise of their brother been harassing their family with the police through incessant arrests of members suspected not to be on her side while boasting of her connections.

One of the late Ikechukwu’s siblings, Jane Chika Uchendu while speaking says she does not understand why police would harass, arrest, detain her arbitrarily over the death of her own sibling when she is mourning such an irreparable loss adding that she will approach the court for redress.

Reacting to the allegations when contacted, the wife of the deceased denied and promised to give “full details“ soon.

...Endorses his food on the table policy
... Promises to uphold APC constitution, focus on welfare of party faithful

Following the completion of the Political Evangelism tour of Cross River North, The Chairman elect of the All Progressives Congress APC Cross River State, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq. and other members of the State Executive members of the Party has passed a vote of confidence on the State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade for his giant strides in both human and physical infrastructural development.

This was contained in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr Erasmus Ekpang , who quoted the Chairman on the position of the Party during a world press conference held on Tuesday 14th December, 2021 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Calabar, the State Capital.

The State Chairman elect, who made history as the first Chairman of a ruling party to visit the Cross River State NUJ Council Secretariat, during the interaction with journalists stated that, the party executive members have endorsed the food-on-the-table, hands-on-the-plough mantra of the Governor Ayade-led administration to be adopted as a policy for government after him to "follow and implement for the good of Cross Riverians".

He stated further that the Party's state working Committee under his servitude will focus on the welfare of Party faithfuls and strict adherence to the provisions of the APC constitution.

He said, "The opportunity we need from Cross Riverians and Nigerians to take the party to the next level from where we are is again to climb the game to the port of splendor that it will be well with our people. We have come to say, how then, the message is very simple, our people are happy and I bring you greetings from every area in Cross River North and even from some part of the Central and Southern Senatorial District where we had visited even before now, the message is one of unity".

"....And we have come to urge the press to be united with us in the course of enthroning a sustainable human centred wholistic development paradigm, that is pro-people, pro-nature, pro-poor, pro-women, pro-youth, pro-less privileged".

"...No wonder, the humanitarian concern of our leader the Governor, Sen. Prof. Barr. Ben Ayade, when he declared that no amount of infrastructure would be greater than the stomach infrastructure because there was need to put food on the table and there was the need to encourage our people to put hands on the plough".

"Today the APC under our watch have come to inform the press that we have endorsed, we have adopted, we have approved the food on the table, hands on the plough mantra of Governor Ben Ayade as a policy for Government after him to follow and implement for the good of Cross Riverians".

"We are happy that the Governor has not lost sight of the focus on infrastructural development. We went round the nooks and Crannies of the North and we are very happy to report that a 148km dual carriage highway taking off from Obanliku, through Obudu, through Bekwarra, through Ogoja and the very lengthy part of Yala is on course. It is a wonderful thing. It has never happened in Northern part of Cross River State. We went, we saw and the people said they are very happy. We have come to relate to you that the infrastructural development in the North is a testament of the wonderful promises of the Governor of Cross River State in 2015".

"Today, a giant vitamised Rice mill that can do 50 metric tonnes per hour is already standing and properly so, has commenced work but awaiting proper commissioning. We saw the concrete and automated block moulding factory in Yala. We went to Bekwarra, where we saw the Vegetable oil factory and the groundnut shelling factory. We went through Obudu, where we were privileged to see the best of it's kind in sub-saharan Africa, a university of pride for Law and Medicine, completed, awaiting commissioning".

"We went through the International Passenger and Cargo Airport with runway at advanced stage of earth work now and the terminal building at roofing stage. We went to see a referral hospital which is already being equipped with state of the art facilities. We proceeded and saw the wonderful turnaround at the Obudu Mountain Resort, we saw a lot and a whole lot. The road network was like what is only found in Abuja. A standard you can applaud and praise the Governor for".

"We came back to recalibrate and we asked ourselves, with lean resources, the Governor has done only that which a magician can do and we have come here to say that our servitude not leadership have come to pass a vote of confidence on Senator Prof. Barr. Ben Ayade for the giant strides".

"We have come to also thank all members of our great party, whose support and reception given to the Governor has even energised him further to do all these".

"...And our message to members of our party is that their welfare shall not only be our primary concern but shall be our fundamental objectives and directive principles, therefore, we have come to say that the constitution of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the supremacy contained therein, shall be held with sanctimonious adherence. All the provisions of the constitution must be followed seriatim. In the light of that we will commence by saying that Article 9, Sub-section 5 of our constitution that abhors members of our party from taking appointment in opposition Government would be followed strictly. Therefore the corollary to this is that non-members of our Party should not be given appointment in our Party in accordance with Article 9/5 of our Constitution".

"...And so the ground of the welfarism we think is not to bitterate the kindness and humanitarian concern of the Governor who is always guided by the provisions of the book of Romans 12:17-21, providing food for his enemies, providing shoulders for others to lean on. The Governor can continue with it but he would do so with lots of caution in adherence to the constitution of the Party. Here as a party we want to make it known today, that all Heads of Government at Local Government level and at the State must follow the provision of our Constitution, with effect from 1st January, 2022, those appointees of Government that are yet to be registered and fully participate in activities of the Party shall cease to hold their respective offices".

"we therefore call on Local Government Chairmen, who today have over 20,000 appointees of five persons per polling units to the 3281 polling units and on the State Government payroll we call on the Auditor-General to take note that the over seven thousand to eight thousand appointees of Government who are yet to be registered in APC must be relieved of their appointments henceforth".


Erasmus Ekpang
APC State Publicity Secretary (elect)
Cross River State

The Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed Shamsuna has restated the constitutional role of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), on the monitoring of accruals and disbursements of revenue from the Federation Account, pointing that the powers of the commission as constitutionally stated do not relate to collection of revenue by the Commission.

The Minister explained this during the Public Hearing on the Finance Bill 2021 before the Senate Committees on Finance, Custom, Excise & Tariff, and Trade and Investment, today, while responding to observations and recommendations to the Finance Bill by the RMFAC.

Highlighting provisions of the Constitution, the Minister noted that: “The functions of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission is provided under Paragraph 32 (a-e) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution [of the Federal Republic of Nigeria].

“It is limited to the monitoring of the accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account.

“The commission is also empowered to advise the Federal and State Governments on fiscal efficiency.

“There is no constitutional role provided to the RMAFC to collect revenues.

“We are only further empowering the FIRS to do what the law has mandated it to do, its constitutional role.” She stated.

Supporting the position of the Minister, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami stated that while in fact the mandate of the RMAFC was not exclusive, as the Budget Office, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Auditor General, among others have concurrent mandates to monitor, account for and audit revenues, only the FIRS has a sole mandate to collect and administer tax in Nigeria.

“Section 162(1) of 1999 constitution, suggests that the Federal Government is to maintain the Federal Account but that account is to be funded by four agencies of Government. These are: the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Nigeria Custom, the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.

“What the Federal Executive Council and RMAFC do with the money that four of us collect is not an issue for us because we do not have responsibility to directly monitor the disbursement of what we have collected.

“We are not aware of any provision that mandates the RMAFC to make daily, monthly or annual returns to the Federation Account.

“Section 80 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also talks about maintaining a consolidated revenue account or fund.

“I want to remind us that RMAFC’s mandate remains monitoring revenue, particularly the operating surplus of Ministries, Departments and Agencies because RMAFC, to the best of our understanding, is not a revenue generating unit.

“The RMAFC Act Cap 17 LFN 2004 empowers them to demand and obtain regular and relevant information from NNPC, Nigeria Customs, FIRS, CBN and Federal Ministry of Finance.

“But that provision has not mandated RMAFC to take-over the roles of any or all of these agencies and the Federal Ministry of Finance. Monitoring is not the same as collecting and administering.

The Chairman of the Commission, Engineer Elias Mbam had raised objections to provisions of the Finance Bill 2021, claiming that the proposed amendments to the FIRS Establishment Act that states that the FIRS shall be the primary agency of the Federal Government responsible for the administration, assessment, collection, accounting and enforcement of taxes and levies due to the Federation and the Federal Government or any of its agencies, stating that this provisions “will infringe on the Commission’s constitutional mandate of monitoring accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account as well as revenue payable into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.”

He further added that the amendment would “foreclose or prevent RMAFC from monitoring tax revenue from FIRS.”

Dr S A. Adegoke, has denied issuing a circular on alleged delay in payment of December salary of Civil Servants.

Adegoke spoke on Tuesday, when journalists approached him for clarification on the issue.

He described the report as a hoax and work of mischief makers, who are bent on tarnishing his image.

''I was shocked when I started receiving calls about a certain report making rounds on social media and even some supposed print media.

''Any discerning mind should know that such a report is fake.

''I am not the the spokesman for any centre or office

''I don't work at the office of the Head of Service, how can I be issuing notices for them, Adegoke queried.

He further explained that he was still in shock and yet to uncover the source of such malicious report, urged journalists to always fact check news and try to authenticate a source before going to press.

''With the way things are going, Nigerians will gradually begin to doubt information from the media and this is not healthy because the media would become irrelevant.

It will be recalled that a circular titled: FG tells civil servants to prepare for delay in December salary was purported to have issued and signed by Adegoke.

The circular read in part:
''Civil servants have been asked to prepare for delay in their December salary and to exercise caution in spending their November salary.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan issued the advisory in a circular shared on Wednesday December 8.

Arise TV reported that in the circular signed by Dr. S.A. Adegoke on behalf of the Head of Service and addressed to all staff, Heads of Departments/units and union leaders with the title ”Envisaged Delay in Payment of December 2021 Salary- a Cautionary Advice”.

Esan said the warning became necessary because of the recurrent trends of shortfall in budgetary allocation and its attendant effect on payment of salary in recent times across various MDAs.

It read; ''t is noteworthy that while it is important to issue this advice, staff are hereby assured that the centre is doing everything within its capability to forestall unnecessary delays.

“The contents of this circular should be treated with seriousness it deserves,'' Adegoke was quoted as saying in the circular.

The office of the Head of civil Service has also debunks the report, describing the circular as false news by mischief makers.

''

…Plantation City emerges Smart City of Year 2021

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta Mega Trend, Prince Sam Ogrih has emerged Africa’s Real Estate Personality of the year 2021. Prince Ogrih was unveiled as the winner of the Real Estate Personality of Year during the annual African Housing Awards, which held in Abuja, Nigeria recently.

The winning completes a treble for Prince Ogrih, who was also named the Real Estate Personality of the Year in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Earlier this year, Prince Ogrih was also honored by a leading Nigerian Newspaper, Daily Independent as the Real Estate Personality of the Year. He was honored alongside former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike, among other distinguished Nigerians.

Similarly, The Plantation City, Warri Delta State, was named the Smart City of the Year, by the organizers of the award for its unique Smart solutions, which combines safety, security, convenience and class. The Plantation City, a first-rate gated community in Warri, was planned from inception to check insecurity and minimize resident’s exposure to violent clashes in Warri. The plantation city borrowed fine features from some equally sturdy communities from around the world.

The event which had in attendance former and serving government ministers, members of the national assembly, representatives of state governments, as well as the crème of Nigeria and Africa’s real estate and housing industry. The annual event brought together over 250 players in Africa’s real estate and housing industry and became a platform for advancing affordable housing and excellent services delivery in the housing sub-sector.

Delta Mega Trend, are the owners of the Plantation City and Southbrook Estate, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

Prince Ogrih has received local and international recognition for housing and real estate excellence, philanthropy as well as jobs and wealth creation. Mr Ogrih also recently received the Real Estate CEO of the Year award during the 4th Nigeria International Housing Award, organized by the Nigeria Housing Advocacy Network, (NHAN).

This adds to the growing list of awards and honours conferred on Mr Ogrih for his exceptional entrepreneurial skills and commitment to jobs and wealth creation in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Mr Ogrih has also been honoured by Rotary International for supporting the work of the organization to improve lives.

He was also recently honoured by the government and the state of Georgia, USA, with an honorary citizenship and congressional commendation; CEO of the Year by CEOs Club Network, Nigeria; Business Leadership Excellence Award, by African Leadership Magazine U.K.; Africa's Patriotic Personality of the Year Award, by The League of African Development Students, among others.

Sam Ogrih, founded Delta Mega-Trend - a Real Estate Development and Civil Engineering works company, in 2009, to help bridge the housing and infrastructure deficit in the country. With offices in Delta, Lagos, Abuja and Houston-Texas, the Company has gained a reputation for blending excellence and profitability for discerning real estate investors. The Company's ongoing real estate development in Warri, Delta State, has in the last three years recorded a significant upsurge in price and profitability for investors. It has also been rated the most extensive and safest real estate development in the South-South part of Nigerian.

He is an award-winning real estate developer and promoter of the Plantation City in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. He has over 25 years’ experience in business – spanning real estate, aviation, hospitality and education.
His unique approach to real estate development – which promotes the development of gated-communities, has attracted local and global attention, thereby making him a frequent guest on various industry events locally and internationally.

The Plantation City is arguably the most extensive real estate development in the South-southern part of Nigeria-currently housing over 600 houses and on-going development of about 120 units. The total size/capacity of the development is about 1500 units. The Plantation City boasts of 24hr power supply via its independent power project; a complete suite of security – both digital and arm bearing security personnel. As part of its efforts to continue to promote the development as a viable investment and world-class living space, they have recently completed a human-made lake – providing entertainment and leisure space for current and potential occupants of the Plantation City.

The 2021 Finance Bill must be tailored towards enabling an efficient tax system that works for every Nigerian.

This was the position of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) disclosed by its Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami to journalists after a stakeholder engagement on the Finance Bill 2021, today at the House of Representatives, Abuja.

“Our laws and policies must first and foremost work for the Nigerian people who we have either been elected or appointed to serve.” Nami stated.

“Whatever proposals that have been submitted for consideration should be looked at critically vis-a-vis what works for Nigeria, the business community, the taxpayers, tax consultants, and the Nigerian system altogether. It will help us more if we realise that our collective effort and service is not about us. It is about our country.

“We must build a tax system that is not only robust but that will outlive our respective services to this nation; whether as members of the executive, the judiciary or the legislature. In other words, these laws must be made in a manner that reflects not just what we feel is right, but what is indeed right—yesterday, today, and continues to be right tomorrow.”

Muhammad Nami further appealed that the Fiscal Policy Reform Committee and the House Committee on Finance should continue to make laws that stand the test of time and reflect economic realities. He further called for laws that will not only assist government at the three levels in mobilising revenue but that will also assist small and medium scale enterprises to grow, and become taxpayers in the future.

The FIRS Executive Chairman also commended the leadership of National Assembly and members of the Executive for the annual review of the Finance Act which he said has afforded the Federal Government the opportunity to deploy new ways of enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation and improving tax administration in the country.

“The Finance Bills have accorded the Federal Government and the Fiscal Policy Reform Committee the opportunity to annually review and identify gaps in our tax system, to fix them and ensure that government can earn the much-needed revenue for the execution of its mandate. Without the commitment of the National Assembly leadership and members of the Executive, from day one, to the fiscal reforms that the Finance Bills were aimed to achieve, we would not have been able to attain the resounding successes we have recorded since 2020.” Nami stated.

Describing the annual review as a “clear demonstration of political will for the actualisation of good governance,” Nami highlighted that it was the enablement provided by the Finance Act 2020 that gave the FIRS the powers to deploy its own digital tax administration solution, TaxPro Max with its attendant results.

“That single revolutionary amendment to the FIRS Establishment Act gave us the power to deploy our homegrown digital Tax Administration Solution called the TaxPro-Max. This platform allows for seamless electronic registration of taxpayers, electronic filing of returns and payment of taxes.

“Consequently, it is not surprising that the FIRS was able to collect over N5 trillion between January this year to date while we are confident that we will achieve our total VAT target for the year.” Nami stated.

Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola
Special Assistant (Media & Communication) to the Executive Chairman, FIRS
December 13, 2021

Dr Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General, Maritime Organisations of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for playing a key role in his election.

Adalikwu gave the commendation at a thanksgiving reception held in his honour on Sunday, in Abuja.

He also commended  Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of State for Transportation,  Sen. Gbemisola Saraki and Dr Magdalene Ajani, for  their unwavering  support  during  the  election.

“I wish to sincerely thank the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amechi, for seeking and obtaining the approval of President Muhammad Buhari that I be presented as Nigeria’s candidate for the post.

“I also  appreciate Sen. Gbemisola Saraki , Minister of State for Transportation, who doggedly championed the campaign activities in her capacity as the chairperson of Nigeria election planning committee.

“MOWCA is a regional organisation that control  maritime activities in 25 countries of the West and Central Africa sub-regions, and for  a Nigerian  to  head such an organisation  is no mean feat,” he said.

Adalikwu explained that it was the first time Nigeria indicated interest to contest for the exalted position of Secretary-General of the body.

He urged Nigerians to support him with prayers to enable him face the challenges of executing the mandate of MOWCA.

He explained that the mandate was anchored on effective maritime trade and marine environmental protection among members of the sub-region, the African continent and the world in general.

“I pledge to make Nigeria proud, just as citizens like Akinwunmi Adesina, Okonjo Iweala, Amina Mohammed, among others, are doing at the international stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, some  stakeholders at the event expressed confidence in Adalikwu  as a seasoned  administrator to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new position.

Also present at the occasion, were directors from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, National Orientation Agency and Nigeria Tourism Development Commission

Aluta News reports that MOWCA was established in May 1975 at ministerial conference of West and Central Africa States on Maritime Transport ( MONCONMAR), also called charter of Abidjan The name was change to MOWCA as part of the reform adopted by the General Assembly of Ministers of Transport.

Following in what has now become an iconic tradition, the world-renowned house of Remy Martin produced 24 Carat gold bottle is now available in Nigeria for collectors and Opting for a trendy, ‘pixar’ theme, the decanter, label, and presentation box are all encased in a 24 carat gold plating .
This limited edition of which a very small number have been made available globally made it’s first appearance on social media in November as Remy Martin Team up for Excellence awardee Fashion Designer and Stylist Mr Bayo Oke Lawal posted a customized bottle of this spirit on his social media account to overwhelming positive feedback and excitement from his followers.
Rémy Martin XO is the Cellar Master’s signature cognac, expertly blending up to 400 different eaux-de-vie. The art of blending allows the spirit to express the full aromatic complexity of this XO Cognac Fine Champagne..
For more information on this emerging story
Please follow @remymartinng and the hashtag #TeamUpForExcellence “

The Federal Ministry of Health on Wednesday said that some of the vaccine doses which were given by donors had residual shelf lives.

The ministry made this clarification following a report published by Reuters, which stated that over one million doses of coronavirus vaccines were expired in the country last month.

However, the country’s health ministry in a statement signed by the minister in charge, Osagie Ehanire, explained that the vaccines which were received in form of donations through COVAX and AVATT facility had residual shelf lives leaving the country with a limited period to facilitate distribution and usage.

The statement partly read, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Health has been drawn to reports circulating in the media to the effect that some COVID-19 vaccines had expired in Nigeria.

“This press statement is to properly brief the public and set records right. Nigeria has, of late, enjoyed the generosity of several, mainly European countries, who have offered us doses of COVID-19 vaccines out of their stockpiles, free of charge, through COVAX or AVAT facility.

“These donations are always acknowledged and thankfully received. However, some of them had residual shelf lives of only a few months that left us a very short time – some just weeks – to use them, after deduction of time to transport, clear, distribute and deliver to users. If such vaccines arrive back-to-back or are many, logistic bottlenecks occasionally arise.

“We appreciate the kind gesture of donors, but also communicated the challenge of short shelf lives, whereupon some manufacturers offered to extend the vaccine shelf life after the fact, by three months; a practice that, though accepted by experts, is declined by the Federal Ministry of Health, because it is not accommodated in our standards.”

The ministry stated that the dilemma is not typical to Nigeria, but a situation in which many low- and medium-income countries find themselves.

COVID-19 funds will be judiciously utilised, Lawan assures Nigerians
It said, “Donors also recognise a need to give away unused vaccines, before they expire in their own stock, but they need to begin the process early enough and create a well-oiled pathway for prompt shipment and distribution through the COVAX and AVAT facilities, to reduce risk of expiration. With better coordination, vaccines need not expire in the stock of Donors or Recipients.

“Nigeria has utilized most of the over 10m short-shelf-life doses of Covid-19 vaccines so far supplied to us, in good time, and saved N16.4B or more than $40m in foreign exchange. The vaccines that expired had been withdrawn before then and will be destroyed accordingly by NAFDAC.

“The Ministry of Health shares its experience with partners regularly and now politely declines all vaccine donations with short shelf life or those that cannot be delivered in time.

“The long-term measure to prevent such incident is for Nigeria to produce its own vaccines so that vaccines produced to have at least 12 months to expiration. This is why the Federal Ministry of Health is collaborating with stakeholders to fast-track the establishment of indigenous vaccine manufacturing capacity. This is a goal we are pursuing with dedication.”


https://punchng.com/expired-vaccine-donors-gave-us-vaccines-with-residual-shelf-lives-health-ministry/

The African Achievers Awards was put together by the CEO, Dr. Rex Idaminabo in conjunction with Ayanda Ngwane who is the Media and PR consulting partner for the brand who has promised to showcase a world-class event at the Kensington Palace, United Kingdom.

The event which has consistently honored great African Achievers-including African leaders, young achievers, community builders, and captains of industries–whose works have had a meaningful impact on building Africa is rated as one of the most prestigious awarding bodies on the African continent by reputable institutions including Forbes Magazine.


The awarding ceremony over the years has become one of the biggest gatherings of influential and global African achievers.

This year's media partner for the 2021 African Achievers Awards is one of the biggest international PR media mogul known as Ayanda Ngwane.

The Journalist per excellence is the CEO of the prime studio in Northern Johannesburg and Luanda with her famous “Sharing with Ayanda” program. She has championed lots of international events across Africa including Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Angola, and others.

Her soon-to-be-launched Oud perfume brand and pure organic skin-care line in partnership with Woolworths is 80 percent conclusion.

She has represented as African Woman in International Business Space. A very strict but loving mom to adorable kids, servant of God, and core humanitarian whose foundations cater for the less privileged with shelters, medical and educational supports/care to refugees especially women and children.

Hence, her call to be the official partner of this year's Award.

Founded in 2010, with a vision to shine a light on African trailblazers, address the growing misconception of Africa being a less-achieving continent, and inspire other Africans to excellence, this year's ceremony will mark the eleventh (11th) Edition of the African Achievers Awards. Honourees are carefully selected by an independent and expert board on a basis of fairness and high integrity.
To match the growing reputation of the awards, this year's ceremony will be held at the Kensington Palace, United Kingdom. The ceremony will hold on the 10th December 2021.
The theme for this year's award is: ''Mobilising Diaspora Investments for Sustainable Development in Africa”
Speaking on the rationale behind the choice of this year's theme, Dr.Rex Idaminabo, Principal Partner of the African Achievers Awards, stated that, “There is a dire need to tab, mobilize, and channel Diasporian investment in Africa to help address the growing demands for investment and employment in the continent. This gathering
will therefore create a platform for industry leaders in Africa to brainstorm on policies and strategies that will help bring this vision to life''.

https://saharareporters.com/2022/04/26/controversial-businessman-jimoh-ibrahim-trouble-over-n694billion-debt-owed-nigerian

Nigeria’s Tax-To-GDP Ratio Only Accurate When State, LGAs, Government Revenue Is Included – FIRS

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Muhammad Nami has highlighted the need to include all revenue generated at the national and sub-national levels in order to properly determine the accurate computation of Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio.

He stated this in his welcome remarks at the “National Symposium On Taxation And Challenges Of External Shocks: Lessons and Policy Options for Nigeria,” on Monday, organised by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in collaboration with the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.

“One of the recurring issues in national discourse has been Nigeria's low tax-to-GDP ratio.” Nami said.

“In as much as the country needs to continually and conscientiously put measures in place to improve such a concern, there is also the need to comprehensively bring all the national and sub-national revenue sources into consideration to properly and appropriately determine the correct and meaningful tax-to-GDP ratio for the country.

“The current basis for its computation, which mostly focuses on the taxes administered at the federal level and leaving out other sources of revenue being generated by the Federal, States and Local governments and their MDAs, does not truly reflect its correct standing.” He stated.

Continuing, Muhammad Nami noted that in order to give the correct state of government revenue and ensure that all government revenue is included in the fiscal accounts and annual statistics, the FIRS will through the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, ensure that all government revenue is included in the accounting for taxes generated, including amounts invested by taxpayers in the country’s road infrastructure as a result of Executive Order 007, tax waivers granted to pioneer companies, import and exercise duties waived through the operations of the Nigeria Customs and all other revenues generated by MDAs on behalf of the Federal, State and Local governments in Nigeria.

He further highlighted that the above measures, when implemented, will align Nigeria with global best practices in reporting public finance and will ensure a more transparent and more accurate picture of the country's Tax-to-GDP ratio.

Earlier in his remarks, the FIRS Executive Chairman stated the importance of the symposium against the continued challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, where new strands of the virus have been discovered and are posing threats to business and commercial activities worldwide.

“The essence of this symposium cannot be overemphasised given the challenges being experienced globally due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the mutations and vaccine resistant variants being discovered every now and then in some countries, we are yet to be free as the social and economic variables are still unpredictable. Therefore, the theme of this symposium is very timely and relevant as it considers policy options for addressing current and future challenges.

“It will also review the challenges of the informal sector which constitutes about 70% of businesses in Nigeria and the reform options available to bring them into the tax net.”

The symposium also afforded the FIRS launch its digital contact centre, an initiative to foster better communication with taxpayers.

“Today's event is significant because we are also using the opportunity to formally launch the FIRS contact centre. The decision to hold both events today is strategically intended to walk the talk. By launching the contact centre at this symposium, we are showing our commitment to not only hold talks on policy options in enhancing tax administration but also putting in place structures to actualize one of our key policy thrusts, which is to build a customer-centric FIRS through effective and efficient taxpayer service.” Nami stated.

The Minister of Finance Budget And National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, alongside the Minister of State for Budget And National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF, Andrew Adejo, The Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar Rtd GCFR, as well as the Elekota of Kota-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty Oba Fagbemi Emmanuel Ojo formally launched the FIRS Contact Centre.

Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola
Special Assistant (Media & Communication) to the Executive Chairman, FIRS
December 6, 2021