₦airaland Forum

…as calls for removal of IMC subsides

The job of the Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Professor Daniel Pondei, appears not to be threatened despite the Commission being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion of public funds.

Both Pondei and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had been accused of N40 billion fraud in NDDC.

However, life has returned to normalcy at the Commission, according to an insider, as the tension and panic which enveloped the Commission during the call for the removal of the IMC (Interim Management Committee), has subsided.

The source, however, said that deep within top NDDC staffers, there is still fear that President Muhammadu Buhari can wake up one morning and dissolve the IMC. “The staffers at the NDDC are now a bit cautious in the way they handle the affairs of the Commission. The impunity that reigned before the probe is no longer there.

“But there is still fear that the IMC can be sacked. So, there is still tension within the Commission.”

Pondei had dismissed the allegations against him, stressing that, “the accusations/allegations were laughable. From N40 billion missing, the probe now became extra-budgetary spending. After accusing the EIMC of embezzlement of N40 billion, nothing was substantiated.

“I am not part of any cartel. Instead, I have tried to eliminate this by reducing interaction between staff and contractors. Gratification had been going on as a routine procedure. Nepotism in processing of files and payments also exists. Before all these distractions, the EIMC was working seriously on this issue of people being asked to pay percentages to staff.

“NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, said that the lead consultants, Olumuyiwa Basiru & Co. in charge of the forensic audit at the commission has started the takeover of all original contract files relating to projects and programmes awarded by the NDDC between 2001 and 2019, as directed by President Buhari.

Odili in a statement added: “The takeover of the contract files by the Forensic Auditors will mark the commencement of the next stage of the exercise which started with the handover of contract documents covering projects captured during the verification exercise in April 2020. “It is important to emphasis that the forensic audit is being carried out in phases and we are now ready to kick-off the Field Forensic Audit. To ensure the success of this exercise, we are making available all required documents needed by the field auditors to enable them discharge their duties efficiently and effectively.

“The NDDC management will meet with the forensic auditors to formally release the files which have been sorted in 16 lots as segmented for the forensic exercise.

“We wish to inform the public that all contract files are no longer in the office of the Acting Executive Director Projects, as they are now in the custody of the auditors.

With the festive season in the air, StarTimes GO, an e-shopping channel on StarTimes pay-TV platform is organising its Christmas sales on December 12 to enable households beautify their homes.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to buy selected tech and household products with up to 50% discount.

The Christmas Festival Sales will hold on StarTimes GO Channel 002 and Facebook page @StarTimesNG live from 10 am.

The goods on display are directly from manufacturers and StarTimes has partnered them to subsidize the goods, saving shoppers extra money as inflation mounts. Goods will be sold at their bottom prices.

The products on display include Lontor range of products, TV sets, home theatres, electric shavers, among others.

Recently launched, StarTimes GO, an integrated e-shopping platform, offers audience access to a massive array of superior quality products, with great designs, at super cheap prices. Goods are directly delivered to the doorsteps of shoppers.

StarTimes GO, the e-shopping channel which incorporates TV to e-commerce in real-time is the first of its kind in Africa.

Available on free-to-air on Channel 002, StarTimes GO Channel has professional hosts and aesthetic scene settings to make shopping entertaining whilst the products are displayed by the hosts.

“StarTimes GO offers multiple shopping methods including TV shopping, online shopping and phone-call shopping. The slogan ‘Better Life, Lets Go’ is not just a slogan but encapsulates the idea that StarTimes GO is out to help people live better lives even as they adjust to new ways of living and enjoy non-contact top shopping experience through integrated services that combine TV, social media and phone-call,” Viki Liu, Brand Manager, StarTimes said.

In a bid to reduce the housing deficit around the country, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has partnered with Pinnacle Step Construction and Properties Limited and real estate giant, MI Okoro and Associates.

In a recent press statement issued by ace real estate surveyor and valuer, Meckson Okoro, the partnership will see to the building of over 2,000 housing units in Ugbolu in Asaba Delta State and comes on a Public/Private Partnership basis, as brokered by the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.

“It is expected that Ugbolu in Asaba Delta State will witness the development of close to 2,000 housing units of various categories whose contract was consummated about six years ago between the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing selected well profiled developers and Pinnacle Step Construction and Properties Ltd is just one out of ten developers. The Ministry honoured her own part of the contract under the PPP arrangement by acquiring about 100 hectares of land; done the roads and tarred same, provided electricity poles with all the electric wires connected and other infrastructural developments, then shared the land to the 10 developers for the construction of the houses but, unfortunately, none of the developers have been able to meet up with his own part of the deal because of lack of development finance,” Okoro said.

However, the Managing Director, CEO of Pinnacle Step Construction and Properties Limited, Engineer Chizoba Udegbe, appears to set his company on the path of history when he consulted a real estate surveyor, valuer and consulting guru, Dr Meckson Innocent Okoro, who perfected a real estate development funding deal with Amaechi Ndili who is the Chairman and CEO of Property Development subsidiary, Ndili Education Science and Technology Limited (NEST) and who doubles as the Founder and Chairman of Golden Tulip West Africa, the largest hospitality industry in West Africa.


Okoro continues: “In other words, history was made yesterday, December 6, 2020 in Lagos when Dr. M.I. Okoro brokered the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between property subsidiary, Ndili Education Science and Technology Limited, ably represented by Dr. Amaechi Ndili as sole financier and Development Partner of Nigerview Estate in Ugbolu Asaba, Delta State. Pinnacle Step Construction and Properties Limited, the original allottee of the development site by the Federal Government of Nigeria also represented by the MD/CEO, Engr. Chizoba Udegbe while Principal Partner/CEO of M.I. Okoro and Associates signed as sole marketing agent of all houses to be developed within the Nigerview Estate, though M.I. Okoro and Associates is already partnering with Ventolite Marketing International Company Ltd and NEST Ltd to ensure faster sales of the expected houses.

“The main thrust of the executed MoU is that physical construction at the Ugbolu site where the Nigerview Estate is located will commence on January 21, 2021. The beauty of the funding arrangement is that our funding partner does not require bank loan of any type for the construction of these houses and therefore between January and May 2021, Deltans and other investing public will have a lot of homes to buy from our consortium in Ugbolu, Asaba. Our happiness is that our financier and Development Partner, Dr. Amaechi Ndili is not just a hospitality investment guru, he is also a major player in the oil industry and offshore operational activities including fleet of ships in the high sea that aid oil operations and lifting. Therefore, we are confident that his company will bring their enormous goodwill and financial resources to bear in the arrangement and towards ensuring that finance is never a problem again in the development of these houses. Furthermore, our financier and development partner is from Ugbolu Community in Asaba and therefore has emotional attachment for the development of Nigerview Estate which he believed would help the State Government in generating internal revenue, by way of taxation in real estate as well as provide homes for many Deltans of both home and abroad, plus a lot of employment opportunities for the Deltan youths who may like to pick up some jobs. No doubt, Asaba as a state capital will benefit a lot from the development of Nigerview Estate especially when the 2nd Niger bridge that is under construction is completed, the usual traffic jams along Onitsha-Asaba road will drastically reduce by 85%, therefore Asaba town will create home for many Deltans and other Nigerians.

“The major highlight of the MoU include but not limited to the following:
Property development subsidiary, Ndili Education Science and Technology Ltd powered by Dr. Amaechi Ndili will ensure that construction activities will commence at the site on January 21, 2021; be responsible for financing and procuring all building materials and labour required for the construction activities and in conjunction with Pinnacle that the project moves in accordance with quality, time and agreed cost lines.

“Pinnacle Duties: Participate fully with his engineering and construction team in conjunction with Property Development Subsidiary, Ndili Education Science and Technology Ltd (NEST) team in the development of the Nigerview Estate; ensure that the allocated land upon which the project is to be built is available and accessible at all times; ensure that the relationship with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and is cordial, warm and supportive at all times and at no time will the allocation be withdrawn or threatened; solely responsible for the bringing of other developers who have been allotted development land under the PPP arrangement, who may like to come under our consortium umbrella; specifically negotiate terms under which the consortium shall be responsible for taking over the development of such undeveloped parcels.

“M.I Okoro & Associates (Estate Surveyors and Valuers): Lead the sales and marketing efforts including devising sales strategies to attract buyers who will put down initial deposit as sign of seriousness to purchase the housing; preparing all the paperwork for selling and transfer of ownership of the sold/pre-sold units; setting up a sales office on the site and in Asaba with sales materials and brochures; designing and executing sales adverts; maintaining a database of potential buyers and ensuring a system of staying in constant touch with potential buyers on the database.

Some of the housing types to be developed within the Nigerview Estate are 2 bedroom Flats in block of 12 flats each; 3 bedroom flats in block of 6 flats each; 3 bedroom fully detached house plus BQ, 3 Bedroom Terrace Duplex with BQ in 4 per block units, 4 Bedroom fully detached House with BQ, 5 Bedroom fully detached house with BQ.

“From the above housing types, it is obvious that everyone who is really interested in purchasing a house has one to buy.
Although this year has been quite turbulent particularly with coronavirus pandemic, civil unrest and economic dislocations (downturn) etc, with the intervention of Dr. Amaechi Ndili in the area of funding the development of Nigerview Estate and signing of MoU between property development subsidiary, Ndili Education Science and Technology Ltd (NEST), Pinnacle Step Construction Properties Ltd and M.I. Okoro & Associates (Estate Surveyors and Valuers), we can conclude that this year is ending very well for us and with the commencement of construction at the site from January 21, 2021, we can rightly say that the year will start on a very good note for us and we can confirm that nothing is too big for God to solve. To God be the glory.”

Christmas comes early for StarTimes subscribers as the pay-TV is rewarding 2020 subscribers with hampers filled with a variety of Christmas goodies.

In the same vein, the affordable pay-tv company is offering a fresh line-up of great entertainment that will keep children and parents glued to the TV all December.

The Christmas gift is organised in partnership with Lontor Bulbs and Oraimo earpiece.

Content Marketing Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, Ali Auta, said the rewards was a way of thanking subscribers who have kept faith with the brand in 2020 despite a difficult year across the globe.

“Despite the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on family spending, many of our subscribers have kept on sacrificing other costs to keep enjoying the exciting entertainment that StarTimes brings to their homes. As a business, we find it worthy to celebrate them and Christmas is a time to give back. We are proud to have partnered Lontor bulbs and Oraimo earpiece, widely known for their superior products, to delight our subscribers.”

One of the happy subscribers, Mrs. Kehinde Adeyemo said: “I am wowed and I least expect this. Christmas has come alive so soon in my home and can’t wait to share the excitement with loved ones.”

On the exciting content lined up, Mr Ali said, “this year, most people were glued to their TV as they stayed at home during the lockdown. But what is coming this December is bigger. From kiddies, sports, action, comedy, blockbusters and classic movies, there won’t be any day StarTimes subscribers won’t be able to enjoy great cinema.

“We have introduced an upgrade promo to avail all subscribers access to all channels this Christmas whilst paying less. Our recharge and get upgraded policy gives an upgrade or extra-days for free to subscribers.

“For instance, Nova and Basic/Smart bouquet subscribers who recharge for two months will enjoy 2 months of the higher bouquet for free. And Super/Classic package subscribers will get 10 extra days for free when they recharge for two months,” Mr Auta said.

In what can be described as an ambience of special thanksgiving, it was celebration galore as friends, family and dignitaries drawn from different walks of like gathered to shower encomium on the wife of ace entrepreneur and Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan.

Politicians, business associates, elites and allies, yesterday, all thronged Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, for the celebrant, Dr (Mrs) Ajoke Ogunsan.

With each taking their turns to comment on the attributes of the celebrant and her husband, dignitaries all admitted that the celebration was worth their time.

Among the milieu of dignitaries that graced the occasion was Professor Peter Okebukola. In his remarks, Okebukola who is Chairman Governing Council of the National Open University and Crawford University and former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), said: “I belong to the university community. Ajoke and Ayo have largely contributed to the growth of university education in Nigeria as they have continued to train academics, locally and internationally, through one of their companies, Executive Trainers. Many who belong to the university consistency will tell how they have benefited from them.”

Adorned in a decent apparel, the celebrant expressed her sincere gratitude to all present, while giving special accolades to her husband who she described as “father, friend and lord”.

In her vote of thanks, the celebrant, who is also a singer, sang, “You are God from beginning to the end”. Perhaps one of the high points of the event was seeing her feature her husband in a duet as they sang along and came in with another song — “I’m Pressing on the Upward Way.”

“I want to specially thank my husband for being there for me, all these years. I like to call him my father, my friend and my lord. God will bless you very much.

“My in-laws have been so great people too. I call them my fathers and mothers. To my family, the Alabis, thanks and God bless you too.

“My kids — Mercy, Joy and Oluwaseun — God will keep you and make you the best in all you do, even as wives and mothers,” Ajoke Ogunsan said.

Recalling how he met his wife, 24 years ago, Ogunsan said, “I remember begging her people to allow me marry her but they said they wanted her to have her first degree, Masters and even PhD first. I assured them that she can always bag all that in my house. This is a very amazing lady and I can’t just wait to have our kids grow and become independent so I can have more time with this woman. I really need more time with her.”

Representing the governor of Lagos State was the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State government, Mr Tayo Ayinde.

Commissioner for Environment LASG, Tunji Bello and Commissioner, Waterfronts, Architect Kabiru Abdullahi; Member, House of Representatives for Somolu Federal Constituency, Hon. Ademorin; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Hon Abdulrasak Balogun, were also in attendance.

As a key stakeholder in the security apparatus of the state, Ogunsan (husband) was also honoured by the presence of officers and men drawn from the Nigerian Police Force.

They include Assistant Inspector General of Police (Zone 2), Ahmed Iliyasu; the Lagos Commissoner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations Lagos State, Muhammed Ali, Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration Lagos state – Mr Oqua Etim, Deputy Commissioner of Police State CID Panti. -Mrs Yetunde Longe, RRS Commander Lagos State, Tunji Disu; Chairman, Task Force Lagos State, CSP Saheed Egbeyemi.

Other dignitaries present include Founder, Greensprings Schools, Mrs Lai Koiki; Senior Pastor Deeper Christian Life Ministry and Former MD of Concord Newspapers, Pastor Segun Babatope and his wife; Senior Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Femi Obayewa.

Others were prince of the Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Prince Ibikunle Onikoyi; Chairman, Odoogun Castle Estate Ltd, Mr King Aping; former Managing Director, Guardian Newspapers, Mr Emeka Izeze and CEO, Premier Lotto, Mr Ajibola Adebutu.

Zenith Bank has emerged as Bank of the Year in Nigeria in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020.

TheMoment Online reports that Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as Bank of the Year in Nigeria in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020. This is coming on the heels of the awards as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria and the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital by The Banker won earlier in the year.

The award, which was announced today by The Banker Magazine, Financial Times Group, United Kingdom during the virtual awards ceremony, was based on individual banks’ ability to deliver returns, gain strategic advantage and serve their markets.

Regarded as the industry standard for banking excellence, The Banker’s Bank of the Year awards is contested by the world’s leading financial institutions, with winners chosen across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.

Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc., Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu said that: “It is a thing of joy for us in Zenith Bank to have been recognized by The Banker, Financial Times Group, as the Bank of the Year 2020 in Nigeria. I dedicate this award to our staff for their commitment, doggedness, creativity and very outstanding talents. It is in the talents of our staff that the Bank has continued to build dynamic competencies and capabilities that are driving our business for continued superior performance.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, for the pioneering and foundational role he played in building the structures and laying the foundation for an enduring and very successful institution, the Board for the deep insights and outstanding leadership they provide, as well as the Bank’s teeming customers for their support which has enabled the Bank to prove to the market what it can deliver.

Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.

As a testament to its resilience and market leadership, Zenith Bank announced an impressive result for the year ended December 31, 2019, with profit after tax (PAT) of N208.8 billion, achieving the feat as the first Nigerian Bank to cross the N200 billion mark.

In the recently released Q3 2020 unaudited financial results, the bank recorded an improved result over the corresponding period in 2019, with gross earnings rising by 4% to N509 billion and profit before tax (PBT) rising marginally by 1% to N177 billion, an indication of the Group’s resilience given the challenging macro-economic environment due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Sterling Bank Plc says it has launched a new product, called ‘Sterling Women and Youths in Agriculture Finance’.

It said it would provide low-cost financing at single-digit rates to young men and women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness value chain across the country.

The bank said this in a statement entitled ‘Sterling Bank launches single-digit agribusiness facility for women, youths’ on Tuesday.

The Group Head, Agric Finance and Solid Minerals Financing for Sterling Bank, Mrs Bukola Awosanya, explained that SWAY-AgFin was designed by Sterling Bank in collaboration with MasterCard Foundation.

She stated that the facility has a maximum tenor of two years and aims to grow agribusinesses in Nigeria with an overall focus to impact local production, improve employability for young entrepreneurs, and, ultimately grow the economy.

Awosanya noted that the SWAY-AgFin offering was available to entrepreneurs who were seeking to scale the output of their agribusiness offerings, adding that the opportunity would equip beneficiaries with the requisite knowledge and skills in financial management and good agricultural practices while generating direct and indirect employment.

She added that the SWAY-AgFin offering was a testament of the bank’s continuing commitment to agribusiness financing, noting that Sterling Bank’s various interventions within the sector had been made possible with the support of partners such as the MasterCard Foundation.

She stated, “SWAY AgFin has become imperative because the effect of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic has not only restricted access to sufficient and nutritious sources of food but has also slowed down cash flow to farmers and food suppliers.

“There has also been a shortage of labour for production, harvest, and post-harvest activities. All of these have resulted in higher costs of food prices and disruptions in crop production cycles.

“The supply and distribution of agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, herbicides, and fertilizers to rural farming communities have been severely hindered in the wake of the pandemic.

“Linkages between major cities in the various states in Nigeria have become difficult as harvested produce cannot reach markets and this has discouraged farmers from engaging in crop cultivation, leading to less production and shortages of staples.”

Awosanya stated that the product would help increase productivity in the agribusiness sector, while easing the devastating effects of the pandemic in the lives of youths and women.

She added that MasterCard Foundation’s involvement underscored the commitment of the two organisations to the growth of critical sectors in the Nigerian economy.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development was created on August 21, 2019 with a clear mandate to “develop Humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of National and International Humanitarian interventions; ensure strategic Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, and Response; and manage the formulation and implementation of fair focused social inclusion and protection programs in Nigeria.”

In line with that mandate, it assumed the role of midwife of the social investment and protection programmes of the Muhammadu Buhari administration as encapsulated under the National Social Protection Policy.

The Federal Government of Nigeria established the National Social Investments Programmes (NSIP) in 2016, to tackle poverty and hunger across the country. The suite of programmes under the NSIP include the N-power programme, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme , Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSF).

Launched in 2016, the N-power programme has impacted 500,000 beneficiaries made up of 200,000 from Batch A which started in September 2016 and 300,000 from Batch B which kicked off in August 2018.

The beneficiaries were spread across the key industries targeted by the program – Agriculture, Health, Education, and Tax.

The N-power programme is the most popular of the National Social Investments Programmes on account of the fact that the beneficiaries are young and internet savvy and as such are quick to resort to social media to share their views and grievances where they arise.

The N-power programme is also without doubt the most problematic. It was designed to assist young Nigerians between the ages of 18 to 35 acquire and develop life-long skills for entrepreneurship or employability. Beneficiaries on the programme are to receive a N30,000 monthly stipend.

The “problem” arose mostly from delays in payment of stipends following migration to a new payment platform and then a lack of clearly defined exit strategy which had the deleterious effect of extending beneficiaries stay on the programme beyond the advertised 24 months as the programme coordinators rallied to come up with a seamless transition and exit strategy.

There was, therefore, huge uproar when the ministry of humanitarian affairs announced on June 19, 2020 that Batch A and B beneficiaries would be transitioned on June 30th and July 31st, 2020 respectively.

The decibel level was heightened by the further announcement that the application portal for Batch C enrolment would open on Thursday June 26th 2020 thus marking an end to Batch A and B.

The very vocal and internet savvy Batch A and B beneficiaries refused to accept the impending exit even though they had all spent more than the advertised 24 months. They wanted their outstanding stipends paid and a clear exit strategy announced. Many of them recalled that they had been promised an exit loan that would help them set up businesses and become entrepreneurs.

The ministry and the honourable minister have, understandably, been targets of vicious attacks on social media since that announcement in June but last week oil seemed to have been poured on troubled waters when the ministry announced that it had set up the N-power Exit (NEXIT) portal in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria to enable exited N-power beneficiaries log on to and “apply for the various economic, empowerment and entrepreneurship options provided by the CBN.”

To access the options, exited beneficiaries must provide the required information for placements into CBN ‘s intervention options. The NEXIT portal will determine the suitability of applicants and access would be granted upon meeting the criteria and conditions set by the CBN.

The announcement of the launch of the NEXIT portal does not just signpost a fitting finale to the drawn-out transition and exit process for Batch A and B, it has implications for the economy.

When the Buhari administration took office in 2016, it presented what was regarded as a very ambitious vision of taking 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. The NSIPs were critical to actualizing that vision.

In June 2020, Sadiya Umar Farouq, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development announced that 109, 829 beneficiaries from Batch A and B had become entrepreneurs who are running small but thriving businesses in their communities. That number did not take into account N-power beneficiaries who had taken advantage of the upskilling programmes to gain employment after passing entrance exams and psychometric tests set by companies.

Viewed from that perspective, it is obvious that the federal government through the N-power programme is bridging the unemployment gap and empowering young Nigerian to become entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

The corollary is important to help underline the significance because while SMEs may be small, development experts recognize them as the engine rooms of growth for most developing and even developed economies. In Nigeria extant statistics indicate that SMEs contribute 48% of national GDP.

With the NEXIT option by the CBN and ministry of Humanitarian affairs providing a seamless transition for batch A and B beneficiaries, the country will be better for it as the economy will be getting that much needed shot in the arm post- Covid-19.

Onyema Dike, a public analyst, writes from Lagos

A former assistant General Manager of Fidelity Bank, Rowley Isioro, has opened his defence on allegations of laundering the sum of N377 million charged against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The former Manager is standing trial alongside his wife, Mrs. Ovuomarhoni Naomi Isioro, before a Lagos State High Court.

The defendants were arraigned on a seven count charge bordering on conspiracy, receiving fraudulently obtained property, transfer of criminal proceed to nominee and money laundering to the tune $975,424.

The couple were docked alongside alongside their companies, Multaid Plus Limited and Global Investment Network.

However, the case of the defence was opened after the prosecution team of the EFCC closed its case on November 2.

According to the EFCC prosecutor, Mohammed K. Bashir, the prosecution has concluded its case after calling 5 witnesses against the defendants.

Bashir said that the defendants allegedly received monies from illegal activities carried out by one Michael Uziewe (at large), a Nigerian who is based in the United States of America, with the aim of assisting him bring the proceeds into Nigeria.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants used their companies, with a corporate accounts domiciled in Fidelity bank where the second defendant, Rowley Isioro, was an Assistant General Manager to launder the above mentioned amount for Michael Uziewe.

The commission further alleged that the defendants, sometime in 2017 in Lagos, laundered an aggregate sum of $975,424 on behalf of Uziewe (at large) and Global Investment Network through their bank accounts in order to disguise the origin of the money which represents proceeds of illegal activities of Uziewe in the United States of America.”

The matter was adjourned till January 25th, 2021 for continuation of trial.

As NASS sets to pass budget before Christmas


For two weeks running the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has refused to make public details of its insurance of the burnt headquarters building, even as indication is rife that estimated budget for the ‘rebuilding’ the destroyed headquarters would be in the 2021 budget set to be passed into law in by the National Assembly about three weeks time.

The National Assembly had vowed to pass the 2021 Appropriation Act by the second week of December 2020 before proceeding on their Christmas vacation.

To this end, experts reiterated at the weekend that it is the responsibility of the insurers to compensate the Ports Authority to the extent of their loss in the hoodlums at the headquarters insofar as it was actually insured as reportedly disclosed by the managing director of Nigeria Ports Authority, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman; and there was no default in premium payments.

They stated that the Federal Government has no business budgeting taxpayers’ money for the rehabilitation of the burnt headquarters, saying that going by the submission of the NPA’S General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communication, Engr. Adams Jato, the headquarters hasmadewuate insured cover for ‘fire and theft’ and therefore is entitled to full compensation by the insurers.

Speaking, President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero said that since the building is insured for fire and theft and NPA did not default in its premium payments, it is the responsibility of the insurer to rehabilitate the building and replace stolen items.

He said: “There are classes of insurance but if the losses suffered by the NPA in the incident is covered, then the insurer takes full responsibility for paying compensation to the insured of the losses suffered. That is the essence of insurance. Going again to take money from government is double charge. I don’t want to call it fraud.

“Once it is insured, the insurance company takes responsibility for everything; that is the truth,” Amiwero stressed.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNIFFIEC), Dr. Osita Patrick Chukwu, said that if the affected assets were insured, “the insurance company should take care of the building it doesn’t matter if Federal Government is the owner of the property.

“The insurer must be able and be sure that all values are made available and all losses are being counted that is it.

“So they shouldn’t use Federal Government money to pay? Why should they use government’s money when it is insured,” he queried.

However, speaking on the delay by NPA in making public the value of its losses, name or names of the insurers and other details about the insurance of the building, President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr. Increase Uche said there is need for them to be allowed sometime to finish their investigation as it is just about a month the incident took place.

“I think they are taking their time, it will be too early for us to start saying whether they are hiding anything from us let’s watch them and see. To me the truth must surely surface. It’s just barely a month now that the incident took place and investigation is still going on and I don’t think they will be in a hurry to start disturbing the insurance company which covers the property. I can’t blame anybody for now until maybe after two or three months and all those things are not made open then one can start to complain, to me it is too early in the day to complain,” he said.

Recall that the Chairman of the House Committee on Ports and Harbour, Hon. Garuba Datti Muhammed, had during their visit to NPA said: “We are here to assess the extent of the damage that was caused by hoodlums and arsonists. We have gone round and seen the extent of the damage to the building and cars. As a National Assembly, we will cooperate with the NPA.”

With cloned brands taking a huge chunk of market share and equity from original manufacturers, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) yesterday, read the Riot Act to promoters of cloned brands in a bid to check fake and substandard goods in the country.
The Director General, SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, explained that the agency would discourage the registration of any product that has a similar business name with an existing brand or those hidden under the names of successful brands to short-change unsuspecting consumers.
Salim stated this during a courtesy visit of the Alaba International Market Associations to SON office in Lagos.
Salim said: "The issue of cloning brands cannot be handled alone by SON, but going forward, we are going to audit the products we register and certify it.
"Anytime a new product comes and looks similar to another registered product that is already popular in the market, we will try to discourage the registration of that product with such a name, so that other products would be identified properly. This will increase traceability of products not yet in circulation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director General, has announced plans to increase its level of engagement with stakeholders in the country, including Alaba International Market, noting that the move by the agency would help protect the interest of the business community while also safeguarding lives and property.
He said the standards body would work with stakeholders to sensitize the business community on the need to ensure safety and standards, warning that unscrupulous individuals would be prosecuted.
The SON boss said: “We are here to work with them and to make their job easy while also to protect their interest because they are Nigerians employing people and they are doing what needs to be done. We are looking forward to cooperating with them to ensure that every other individual in their association not doing the right thing is encouraged to doing the right thing in the future.”
“We are inviting stakeholders and the plan is to work together with stakeholders to sensitize and train them on safety of lives and property." Salim stated.
He also warned that, those breaking the law will face appropriate sanctions
"As for those still breaking the laws, we will enforce our laws either by court or through appropriate regulations.”
According to him, SON would reach out to the community through sensitization programmes to highlight the negative impacts of substandard goods on the business community.
“They have promised to work with us and those people who are not doing the right thing would be fished out. The task is for us to continue cooperation, continue openness and to be fair with each other.
"We want you to be our eyes in the market. Help us make our work easy because we are out here to make you competitive. Let us work together to make this happen as we would be reaching to everyone in the market," he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN), Fabian Ezeorjika, said there is an already existing partnership with SON to achieve a substandard free market.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with SON to fish out the bad eggs in the market, saying that the association had formed a Joint Task Force comprising of SON officials and currently running a “buyer beware campaign” in the market.
"SON has destroyed a lot of products, while some of our members are in court and we are going to increase the level of collaboration with SON because we want to bring an end to substandard goods.
Ezeorjika called on SON to encourage local production, saying that this is the surest way to create wealth and job opportunities for the nation's teeming youths.
"We need to create a conducive environment for local production. Importation only creates job opportunities for people we import from. We must create a platform to boost local production," he said.

...building insured for fire and theft--Spokesman


As stakeholders remain expectant on early commencement of rehabilitation of the burnt Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) headquarters, there were indications at the weekend that the facility which has a valid insurance cover for fire and theft would get double funding for it's rehabilitation.

This is coming as the foremost maritime expert and president of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero has disclosed that since the building was insured for fire and theft and NPA did not default in its premium payments, it is the responsibility of the insurer to rehabilitate the building and replace stolen items.

He said: "There are classes of insurance but if the losses suffered by the NPA in the incident were covered, then the insurer takes full responsibility for indeminifying the the insured of the losses suffered. That is the essence of insurance. Going again to take money from government is double charge. I don't want to call it fraud.

"Once the building is insured, the insurance company takes responsibility for everything; that is the truth," Amiwero stressed.

Recall that when the lawmakers from the National Assembly visited the NPA headquarters recently to assess the level of damage and loss, they asked the Management of NPA to jack up its 2021 budget to cover for the rehabilitation and replacement of stole equipments.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman, House of Reresentatives Committe on Ports and Harbour, Garba Datti Muhammad said that members both of the chambers of the National Assembly were in Lagos to assess the level damage done to the NPA building.

"We have gone round and seen the extent of the damage to the building and vehicles that were burnt in the fire incident. This will help the National Assembly to assist NPA in rebuilding the damage on the torched building. However, part of our discussion with them was for the NPA to bring its budget to the National Assembly because we advised them to adjust the budget to accommodate the rebuilding of the damages," he explained.

Meanwhile, the General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communication of NPA, Engr. Adam Jato in his response to questions send to him online by Sunday Telegraph, he confirmed that the facility is fully insured by a consortium of insurers.

Though he did not disclose the names of the insurance companies, he disclosed that the lead insurance underwriter has appointed a Loss Adjuster to assess the value of damage and loss NPA suffered as a result of the incident.

Mr. Jato who did not refute NPA's plan to jack up it's 2021 budget to accommodate the cost of reconstruction of the building and replacement of looted equipments as advised by the lawmakers, said that as NPA's 2021 budget is yet to be approved, the figure the Ports Authority will be getting will be in the public domain when it is finally approved by the National Assembly.

Chairman, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Committee on Management Practices, Bar. Sunny Uwanuakwa, says building strong institutions will guarantee ease of doing business, rapid and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

Uwanuakwa who tasked Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Agencies in Nigeria to build strong institutions, gave the advice at the inauguration of a five -man Independent Committee of distinguished Nigerians by SON in Abuja.

The committee was set up by SON to review its management practices with a view to strengthening the organisation for improved service delivery.

Uwanuakwa, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Office of Head of Service, gave this advice while responding to his inauguration as Chairman of a the committee, commended the Director General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim on setting up the committee.

“This is a novel approach by Mallam Farouk, toward realising his vision for SON.

“We will hit the ground running and members of this committee will devote their time and passion to the assignment with a view to delivering on the terms of reference within the time frame given,” he said.

A member of the committee, Mr. Kabir Wudil, a retired Director and former Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff to the President, described the setting up of the committee as an introspection capable of transforming SON toward greater contributions to nation building.

Another member, Dr. Rukayyatu Abdulkareem Gurin pledged the committee’s commitment to adding value for the benefit of SON, its stakeholders and the Nigerian economy.

SON director general Salim, described the occasion as historic and going against the norms in an attempt to build strong processes for the organisation that would outlive its Chief Executives’ tenures.

He mandated the committee to help examine the structure of SON, its processes and practices with a view to providing a template to address operational, service delivery and staff welfare challenges to entrench equity and fairness as well as provide greater opportunities for staff to better contribute to attainment of organisational goals.

Salim enumerated the committee’s terms of reference to include, control and coordination, communication and effectiveness, manpower dispositions and manning levels, recruitment, postings and transfers as well as public perception of the organisation and its services among others.

The director general stated that the committee members were carefully selected given their rich pedigrees and experiences in the public sector and the management’s belief in their competence and ability to contribute to the growth of SON.

According to him, copies of departmental presentations containing activities, achievements, challenges and meaningful suggestions already obtained from interactions with Directors, Heads of Departments and Units as well as relevant portions of the handover notes provided by the last management would be made available to the committee.

He enjoined the committee to invite additional inputs, presentations, clarifications or opinions from members of the SON Management and the Staff unions as it might deem necessary.

The DG stated that arrangements had been made for the committee to visit the organisation’s major operational offices in Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Kano to feel the pulse of the staff and have a broad view of the organisation.

The director general stated that the committee had four weeks from the date of inauguration to submit its interim report and would be expected to submit its final report before the end of the year.

Other members of the Committee were, Pharmacist Mashood Oluku Lawal, retired Director, Federal Ministry of Health and a former member of the SON Governing Council and the SON Director, Human Resources Management, Mr. Abdulkadir Usman, who is to serve as facilitator.

The management of Dangote Group has described as misleading reports that the company was granted sole approval to export cement through the land borders.

In a statement Tuesday, the company said it was not the only company enjoying such privilege to move goods through the land borders.

Facts emerged on Monday that despite the border closure policy put in place, the Nigerian government had allowed Dangote Cement to resume cement export across its land borders.

According to Bloomberg, President Muhammadu Buhari‘s administration gave its authorization for Africa’s biggest producer to export cement to Niger and Togo in the third quarter for the first time in ten months.

The revelations were made by Michel Puchercos, chief executive officer of Dangote Cement, on an investor call in Lagos.

Bloomberg reported Mr Puchercos to have claimed that the development was made possible “through authorization given by this administration.”

But in his reaction to the Bloomberg publication, the Group Chief, Branding and Communications, Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said the report is misleading and mischievous because it focused only on Dangote Cement as the sole beneficiary of the partial special dispensation.

“Dangote Cement is a publicly quoted company and complies strictly with the Securities & Exchange Commission(SEC) and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) full disclosure clauses and regularly update transparently our transactions to our shareholders and it is disheartening that such honest disclosure is being interpreted negatively,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

The statement said Dangote Cement and other companies in July 2020, got partial special dispensation to export their products with certain sequence of crossing at Ilela land border in Sokoto State and Ohumbe land border in Ogun State.

“Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement, Michel Puchercos, in his presentation on investor call held this week explained that the company is continuously focused on exporting cement to West and Central Africa by sea through its export terminals,” the statement said.

“He added that six vessels of clinker were exported in the third quarter of 2020 via the Apapa export terminal, while plans are on track to commission the Port Harcourt export terminal before the end of this year.

“For the quarter, Dangote Cement exported only 69 kilotonnes of cement via the land borders, compared to previous volumes of 180 kilotonnes before the border closures, which indicates just 38 per cent of the export volumes.”

On Tuesday, the development was met with criticisms among Nigerians on social media.

In his reaction, Chairman of Stanbic IBTC, Atedo Peterside, noted that allowing legitimate exporters and importers to move their goods across the border should be a no-brainer.

“Why refuse everybody else & allow only one company (Dangote)? This is why some of us argue that the Nigerian economy is rigged in favour of a handful of well-connected persons,” he said in a tweet.

Nigerians into cryptocurrency trading have something to be excited about as Cordial Exchange, a safe and reliable cryptocurrency platform with outstanding exchange rates has officially launched in Africa.

Cordial Exchange is a licensed Nigerian firm that enables the buying and selling of Bitcoin, Giftcards and convenient exchange of foreign currencies with customers who have Payoneer and Perfect money wallets.

Speaking at an interactive session with the press during the launch recently, Business Manager of Cordial Exchange, David Adeleke, said: “We are excited to come on board to fill in the gaps in the modus operandi of the cryptocurrency business and management in Africa. Cordial Exchange is here to enlighten everyone and help them see cryptocurrency as less of a foreign concept.”

Moving forward, the Business Manager affirmed confidence in the Cordial Exchange brand by saying: “When you visit the website, www.cordialexchange.com the first word you see is “WOW” we say that with so much confidence because we know what we offer to the public; our exchange rate, customer support system, security and speed at delivery are second to none.

“Our trendy platform serves as a hub for our esteemed clients to receive every relevant information and concept they feel they might lack with respect to owning and exploring Bitcoin, amongst other services. We have flexible wallets in place ready for all our users for easy transaction, and an all-round customer support system that will assist them if they need assistance,” Adeleke concluded.

In current trends of the Cryptocurrency trading, Bitcoin is not only an edge against asset inflation but also serves as the first true and possibly “dominant digital monetary network.” Cordial Exchange seems like the go to cryptocurrency platform that is here to stay. They have identified themselves to be more than a brand, but creators of opportunities, and problem solvers.

To begin your journey into the buying and selling of Bitcoin or Giftcards with the Cordial platform, at the best rates please click HERE.

...Fear of insiders' job thickens

The last may not have been heard on the alleged burning and looting of the corporate headquarters of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos, as both the Managing Director of the Ports Authority, Mrs. Hadiza Bala-Usman and the Board Chairman, Chief George Rickets, have sharply disagreed on the damage done by the torching of the facility by the hoodlums who hijacked the recent EndSARS protest in the country.

The MD and the Board Chairman also disagreed on how the burning of the part of the NPA headquarters and destruction of its facilities at the Tin Can Island Port would effect the operations of the Ports Authority and the port economy in general.

Apparently reacting to an earlier statement credited to Chief George Rickets that the attack on the NPA House and its facilities in Tin Can Island Port, could disrupt the Ports Authority's operations and that of the entire port economy; Hadiza on Sunday, in her first ever public comment more than one week after the incident took place, she said; “The situation has not affected operations of the authority in any way as we have continued to render our services unhindered.”

Our Correspondent reports that though the MD's belated assurances has doused the fears of possible disruptions of ports activities, it has also to a reasonable extent challenged the audacity of the Board chairman to speak on the matter before the managing director, even though she may have gone missing for over a week since the dastardly attack took place.

Analysts say the Hadiza’s clarifications have also raised other fundamental issues, such as who carried out the attack, as she had reportedly linked the attack to both unknown persons and hoodlums.

A statement that has lent credence to allegations that the arson may have been an insider’s job, presumably undertaken to conveniently pass the blame on the hoodlums that went on a destruction and looting spree during the EndSARS protests by Nigerian youths.

The Ports Authority had also in a statement by its General Manager Corporate and Startegic Communications, Engr. Adams Jato, blamed the attacks on the NPA's Tin Can Island facilitues and the NPA House on unknown persons and hoodlums.

However, the MD's position has confused observers as the Lagos State Police Command had last week announced that a large number of the hoodlums who perpetrated the acts of arson and looting during the protests, have been arrested and charged to court.

Observers further fear that the opposing views and assessment of the damage done to the authority’s facilities by the managing director and Board chairman could be a pointer to a cover up, a concern that is accentuated by the NPA helmsman's display of lack of urgency in making a public statement on the incident.

The statement reads in part: “The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority regrets the attack on its 26/28 Marina Road, Lagos, corporate headquarters and the Tin Can Island Port by unknown persons on Wednesday October 21st and Tuesday October 20th, 2020 respectively.

“The attack on the Tin Can Island Port commenced at 9:45am on Tuesday October 20th 2020. The hoodlums made an attempt to forcefully gain access into the port, attacked the administrative building and set ablaze a truck which was evacuating cargo.

“The attackers at the headquarters numbering over 300 persons, gained access into the premises at 8:42am on Wednesday October 21st 2020 from the outer Broad Street wing brandishing daggers, sticks and cutlasses.”

The authority said the attackers disarmed and chased away security personnel on duty out of the headquarters premises, and thereafter, “proceeded to burn and vandalise several vehicles belonging to the authority and some members of staff”, after which a wing of the office building was reportedly set on fire.

“After an assessment of the extent of damage, it was discovered that apart from the annex wing that was burnt, many offices were vandalised, while computers, printers, water dispensers and other electronic devices were looted.

“A total of Twenty-seven (27) vehicles, including cars, utility vehicles, pick up vans and staff buses were set on fire, while Thirty-three (33) other vehicles, twenty-two of which belong to members of staff were vandalised. A Toyota Prado SUV, a Bajaj Motorcycle and one Hilux patrol van were also stolen from the premises.”

It will be recalled that NigeriaMaritime 360, an industry news medium, reported that Rickets had in a statement said the EndSARS protest attacks on the authority’s facilities will affect its operations as well as affect ports economic activities.

Chief Rickets was quoted as saying that "while the youths have the rights to protest, it has become obvious that the peaceful protest was hijacked by criminal elements. The destruction of a critical facility such as the NPA building will affect the nation’s economy.

“The NPA belongs to all Nigerians and as an import dependent nation, it is the port that feeds the whole nation. If they start pulling down critical structures of this nature, where do they expect the government to get the funds to meet their demands? he asked.

It is however noteworthy that the Port Authority said that all its assets are comprehensively insured, and informed that “insurers are currently undergoing an assessment of the damages.”

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has rebuff the tweek making the rounds its social media platform been showdown because the bank prevented staff from joining the ongoing protests in the country.
The lender in a statement made available to TheMomentNG on Saturday disclosed that as the largest banking institution in Nigeria, it is not unlikely that the bank may be seen as a target in circumstances such as these.
THE STATEMENT IN FULL
“Our attention has been drawn to the tweet making the rounds on social media on shutting down the FirstBank website following a false tweet that the Bank prevented staff from joining the ongoing protests in the country.
“As the largest banking institution in Nigeria, it is not unlikely that we may be seen as a target in circumstances such as these. This is rather unfortunate as we believe far reaching reform is necessary and we have said as much on a number of occasions across our platforms.
“In the process of change, some pain will be borne by all and some anger may well be misdirected. We understand this as a part of the process of the struggle.
“We have a large staff strength and an even larger customer base who may be affected by any disruption and this would be a pity as a number are also contributing in many ways to ensure that voices are heard and required action is taken.
“We have been consistent in our message on the need to end all brutality and carry out necessary reforms. We will continue to lend our voice accordingly.
Signed
Management

Nigeria’s premier and leading financial inclusion services provider, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that its CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan has been honoured with membership of Bretton Woods Committee (BWC).

FirstBank has also joined Bretton Woods Committee as an Organisational Supporter in line with the commitment to demonstrate cooperation and foster global well-being.

The membership, which is by invitation only, is in recognition of Dr. Adeduntan’s sterling leadership qualities including efforts in ensuring that FirstBank remains at the forefront in promoting financial inclusion in Africa.

According Bretton Woods: Committee members are leaders at the top of business, academic, and nonprofit sectors. Influencers from every region of the world – including industry CEOs, international policymakers, and former U.S. officials – we champion efforts to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty, and advance global financial stability. Given your leadership and background, we believe you would be a valuable addition to the Bretton Woods Committee.’’

Since its founding in 1983, members of BWC include leaders at the top of the business, finance, academic, and non-profit sectors, including many industry CEOs, as well as former presidents, cabinet-level officials, and lawmakers who share the belief that international economic cooperation is essential and best served through strong and effective International Finance Institutions (IFIs). Members include President Jimmy Carter; Professor Henry Gates Jr, Harvard University; Mr. Michael E. O’Neill, Chairman of Citigroup (2012-2019).

The mission and work of the Committee is motivated by the conviction that systematic, principled and effective multilateral cooperation is the surest means of achieving economic and social progress.

Through its programs and events, the Committee convenes policymakers together with members and stakeholders across its network to explore current issues in global finance, development and trade, and to propose ways in which the system – and the institutions that comprise it – can be strengthened and made more effective.

Appreciating the recognition, Dr. Adeduntan said: “On behalf of the board, management and staff of FirstBank, I’m deeply honoured to be recognised as a member of The Bretton Woods Committee. In addition, as a contributor, FirstBank remains committed to the goals of the Bretton Woods Committee.

This is especially at this time when the role played by business and political leaders is critical to exploring efficient ways of deepening collaboration and inclusion across borders whilst mitigating the adverse effects of the coronavirus on not just the global economy but on other aspects of the livelihood of every individual and household.

“I look forward to working with other members of The Bretton Woods Committee as we continue to build on the successes achieved over the years. With these, we will make the world a better place,” he concluded.

Dr. Adeduntan has since the start of the year received various recognitions and applauses for his priceless leadership and role in promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria and the continent at large. These include; the conferment of The Cranfield Alumnus 2020 Award by Cranfield School of Management Alumni, The African Banking Personality of the Year 2019 by African Leadership Magazine and very recently, the Forbes Best of Africa Award.

The Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation in Lagos, has joined well-meaning Nigerians across the world to lend its voice against the unfriendly approach of the Nigeria Police Force to civil policing and respect of human rights.

The foundation expressed its support to the widespread cry on the need for the Nigeria Police Force to be uplifted and modernised to promote its efficiency in the discharge of its primary duties of protecting lives and properties of all residents in the country, irrespective of nationality.

A statement by the foundation’s chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Adesina Adegunle, on Friday, said that as the protest for #EndSARs, #EndPoliceBrutality is being looked into by the government (legislative and executive arms), as well as other stakeholders in the place of influence and authority, a common ground and lasting solution is expedient so the trust of the police by everyone is achieved.

“We stand for #EndPoliceBrutality #EndDehumanisation on all grounds. Without a doubt, the victims of police brutality at the extreme case, hence death, have left many women widows; it has left many widows losing their children as well, with many having no one to turn to. Such dehumisation has made the meaning and essence of life lost by the victims.

“Now is the time to speak up, listen, represent right and see through the solution we seek. We need to hear the plans, see actions, and feel the effectiveness of the timelines in place.

“We need a listening government, people-centred leaders that will be bold to ask the public to track and hold those in authority accountable.

“Good leadership and representative governance are all we seek because Nigeria is ours and indeed the role security plays to the growth and development of the country cannot be overemphasised. God bless Nigeria,” he noted.

The CBA Foundation is primarily dedicated to promoting the protection of Nigerian widows and their vulnerable children, restoring immediate and lasting hope, confidence and courage in their lives.

Established in 2015, the foundation, under its 5-point agenda, has reached out to thousands of underprivileged widows and children through skills acquisition training, health intervention, business start-ups and provision of clothing, nutrition and tuition fees for the children.

In breakdown, 5,600 widows have been empowered through its women empowerment and capacity building initiative; over 3,500 underprivileged widows have received health intervention; over 3,500 have also received food items.

The foundation has also reinstated 45 children in school, empowered 120 widows financially to start a business of their own and also provided palliatives to 250 widows during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down.

The Lagos State Government on Friday disclosed that 181 students and staff of a boarding private school in Lekki area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria have tested positive for Coronavirus.

All schools in Lagos State have been re-opened as the virus plummeted in the state, but in recent times, there has been resurgence of COVID-19 in Lagos.

State’s Health Commission, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who broke the news on Friday, said 181 students and staff members of a private school located in a suburb of Lekki tested positive to COVID-19 during surveillance and case investigation in the school.

He did not give the name of the boarding school where the coronavirus infections occurred.

There are 441 students and staff in the school.

Giving details of the investigation, Abayomi explained that a 14-year-old SS1 female student fell ill on the 3rd of October and was sent home after receiving first aid at the school.

He added that the student subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday 6th of October in one of the accredited private labs in Lagos.

The Commissioner assured Lagosians that the State government, through the incident commands system, has the situation under control, stressing that appropriate steps have been taken to contain the spread and manage the positive cases.

He noted that all parents have been contacted and counselled via a family zoom call on 13th October to further allay their fears and communication between school authorities and parents continues.

The zoom call was attended by the commissioners for Health and Education and all relevant responders and stakeholders.

“There is a total lockdown and movement restriction in the school with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Pillar of the EOC and Ibeju-Lekki LGA State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) reporting at the school daily to conduct further investigation while positive students and staff have been isolated on the premises and given the COVID-19 home-care treatment packs and are being monitored in isolation within the school premises,” Abayomi said.

The Commissioner stated that the school authorities supported by the State Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education are following the COVID-19 guidelines as set out by the government.

According to him, “students are to be isolated in the School premises and if unwell will be admitted in one of the accredited isolation centers in Lagos. Students are discouraged from going home to avoid infecting members of their families”.

“The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of Education to jointly manage this minor but significant outbreak in this boarding school.

“I am pleased to announce that all the infected students are predominantly asymptomatic while some have very mild symptoms, no student has required hospitalization,” he said.

“Members of the Emergency Operation Center and our counterparts in the Ministry of Education have been deployed to the school to provide strategic interventions and support to the school. This includes psychosocial support, infection prevention control, medical monitoring and risk communication experts to further enlighten and educate affected people,” Abayomi noted.

The Commissioner reemphasized the need for citizens to practice the highest standard of personal and environmental hygiene, stressing that use of face mask in public places, proper hand washing and hand hygiene practice and maintaining physical distance would help prevent the spread of the infection.

“COVID-19 is still very much with us and we must strive to prioritize the safety of all, including students and teachers, by adhering strictly to prevention protocols and guidelines issued by government to prevent its spread,” Abayomi said.

He urged Lagosians to call the 08000EKOMED or 08000356633 toll-free line if they notice any sign or symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or loss of taste or smell.

Hannatu Musa Musawa is a familiar name in political circles in Kano and Katsina States where her father, Alhahji Musa Musawa, bestrode like a political colossus.

She is also a political activist in the mold of her father who was a juggernaut of the defunct Peoples Redemption Party led by the late Aminu Kano, and boast of connections in high places.  Thus, it was not surprising that she was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari to the board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom)  as a commissioner to represent North West.

But unlike her father who whose patriotic zeal for Nigeria could not be faulted, Hanney, as she is fondly called, has question marks hanging on her integrity and patriotism.

Almost as soon as her name was mentioned as one of the six nominees to the board of PenCom last month, this website started digging their profiles and eventually found a grey spot on the CV of one of the president’s appointees.

Musawa’s CV does not show she did the mandatory National Youth Service Corps after she left school in the United Kingdom.
She studied law at the University of Buckingham, UK, took a Postgraduate Masters Degree in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs and has obtained a Postgraduate Masters Degree in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

But there’s no record that she did the NYSC. Unofficial checks at the NYSC Secretariat also showed that she may never have served her country as this website was told they couldn’t find anything about her.

“If she presented an NYSC certificate, it must be fake because we could not find her record,” an official of the NYSC told this website on Tuesday.

A group from the North West zone which felt scandalized by her appointment has written a petition to the Senate to stop her confirmation on the ground that she does not possess the NYSC Certificate, a claim that corroborates this website’s investigations.

The group, which called itself the “League of Concern Indigenes of the States in the Northwest zone,” had apparently dug into her past, addressed the petition to Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the Senate Committee that oversights PenCom.

The petition dated 7th October, was signed by Comrade Musa Argungu who resides in Birnin Kebbi. Part of the petition, which was obtained by this website, read:

“In fact, we are very surprised that the list of the people nominated by President Buhari for the Pencom includes Hannatu Musa Musawa. Everybody knows that she didn’t attend NYSC after her degree in UK.

That is why she never worked for the Government since she come back from her studies. The Committee should critically analyze her CV and even if she submits any NYSC certificate, it is fake. This is against the NYSC Act.

“We know that many things are hidden from the President. That is why some godfathers propose her name to him for the Pencom job even though she doesn’t have NYSC Certificate. That is how even after confirmation she will be disqualified and forced to resign or blackmailed to compromise standards for fear of discovery. This is how the former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi was forced to resign because she did not go for NYSC after graduation from UK. We believe that this mistake can be checkmated by your Senate Committee…”

The group pleaded with the Senate Committee to “investigate this matter very well and save us from the shame of confirming Hannatu Musawa only to be disgraced later by resigning forcefully.”

This may explain why she had never taken a federal government job since she came back into the country some years ago.
She had remained in active legal practice since her return into the country, and while she claimed to have represented government agencies on some legal matters, she had never held a full time government job.

This also explains why she had been active politically on human rights and women rights issues. She even took a shot at elective political office in 2011 when she contested for the Federal House of Representatives legislative seat in her home state of Katsina.

Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan has assured that the bank will continue to reward customers’ loyalty by meeting and surpassing their expectations through seamless and world class products and services.

This formed part of his “Thank You” message on the occasion of this year’s Customer Service Week.

According to him: “We celebrate our customers across Africa. You are the most important to the bank. We thank you for your loyalty to Ecobank, the Pan Africa Bank.”

The Managing Director was a guest teller in one of the bank’s branches to mark the Customer Service Week.

Union Bank says it has received a $40 million finance guarantee facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to boost access to finance for local businesses.

In a statement made available to TheMomentNG on Friday, the bank said the facility was approved under the IFC’s global trade finance program (GTFP) and would help to enable increased international trade for Nigeria and help protect the country’s economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It said the facility will help establish working partnerships with nearly 300 major international banks within the GTFP network, thereby broadening access to finance and reducing cash collateral requirements for Nigerian businesses.

Union Bank also explained that the facility will enable the continued flow of trade credit into the Nigerian market at a time when imports are critical, and the country’s exports can generate a much needed foreign exchange.

Commenting on the development, Emeka Emuwa, chief executive officer of Union Bank, said: “Union Bank is pleased to join the IFC’s global trade finance program (GTFP). This is a significant achievement as we continue to expand our trade financing offerings to our corporate customers”.

“Even in these peculiar times, we remain focused on contributing to economic growth by developing tailored solutions that help our customers to harness the teeming opportunities that still exist in the Nigerian market.”

Eme Essien Lore, IFC’s country manager for Nigeria, said: “Keeping trade moving is essential to growth and job creation, especially during the challenging economic times we are living through today.

“We welcome Union Bank to IFC’s global trade finance program and value a partnership that will make a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy”.

IFC said the partnership reflects its growing commitment to Nigeria, with investments focused on sectors including healthcare, agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, and small and medium enterprises (SME) financing.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has ordered Airtel Networks Limited to pay a debt of N4,888,434,208.92 to a telephony products and services distributor, Plus Limited while upholding an October 4, 2016 judgment of a lower court, the Lagos State High Court.

The Court of Appeal, headed by Justice Festus Obande Ogbuinya, dismissed Airtel’s three grounds of appeal made against the judgement of the lower court delivered by Justice O.A. Williams.

According to a copy of the July 24, 2020 judgment, the Court of Appeal dismissed Airtel’s contention that the suit, marked LD/487/2012, which Plus Limited filed to recover the N4.8bn debt, was statute-barred.

The appellate court further disagreed with the claims made by Airtel that the Lagos High Court judge perverted justice in the matter.

Justice Ogbuinya, in the judgement, explained that Airtel, in 2001, engaged and appointed Plus Limited as a trade partner and distributor of its telecommunication services, i.e. Airtel’s pre-paid products.

However, Plus Limited had claimed that it discharged the obligation as required and was entitled to N4.8bn in commissions, bonuses, incentives, etc, as determined by a forensic audit it carried out.

It thereafter slammed a lawsuit against Airtel, through its lawyer, Dotun Oduwobi, seeking the recovery of the N4.8bn claim, following the termination of its contract by Airtel.

Airtel, in its defence, through its lawyer, A.A. Olatunji (SAN), contended, among other things, that the suit was statute-barred, citing Section 8 of the Limitation Law of Lagos State, which stipulated that a suit must be filed within six years of the cause of action.

But upholding the verdict of the lower Court, the Court of Appeal noted that the cause of action arose on May 25, 2011, with a letter from Airtel terminating its contract with Plus Limited, while the suit was filed on March 2012.

Justice Ogbuinya held, “By the Gregorian calendar computation, from May 2011 to March 2012 is a period of 10 months. It cannot be gainsaid that the period of 10 months is far less than by the six years time frame decreed by the provision of Section 8 of the Limitation Law of Lagos State”.

Justice Ogbuinya added that, “The foregoing dissection, with due reverence, exposes the poverty of the learned appellant’s senior counsel’s dazzling argument on the stubborn issue. It is lame and cannot fly.”

Also dismissing Airtel’s contention that Justice William’s judgment was perverse, Justice Ogbuinya ruled that, “The judgment of the lower court, which is submissive to comprehension, is not antithetical to the pleadings and evidence presented before it by the feuding parties.

“At the same time, the lower court did not import alien/foreign matters into the judgment. It utilised the evidence the parties presented before it. The finding does not, in the least, smell of any charge of perversity levelled against it by the appellant.

“Having resolved the three issues against the appellant, the destiny of the appeal is obvious. It is devoid of any morsel of merit and deserves the penalty of dismissal. Consequently, I dismiss this appeal. I affirm the judgment of the lower court delivered on 4th October 2016.”

Justice Ogbuinya’s judgment was consented to by Justices Ugochukwu Ogakwu and Balkisu Aliyu, who were also on the panel.

Meanwhile, Airtel, being dissatisfied with the ruling of the Appeal Court, has approached the Supreme Court to complain of the entire judgment.

Frank Mba, the spokesman of the Nigeria police force, says it will be difficult for any responsible organisation to scrap the special anti-robbery squad (SARS).

Speaking on the nationwide protest against the police unit, Mba said some SARS operatives are involved in the fight against insurgency and banditry in the north.

Fresh cases of police brutality renewed protests calling for an end to the special unit which is notorious for its excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and, in some cases, extrajudicial killings.

In Lagos where the protests began and now in its second day, residents flooded major roads with placards, insisting “enough is enough”, and it is time to scrap the squad.

When he appeared on a Channels TV programme on Friday, Mba faulted said some of the protesters that want SARS banned are beneficiaries of crime.

“If the #EndSARS hashtag is seen as a symbolic call for the reform of SARS, I would say clearly that the leadership of the NPF is in line and ready to work with those making that call,” he said.

“However, if the hashtag should be seen as a call for the total disbandment of SARS, I would tell you very clearly that it will be difficult for any responsible organisation to work that path, taking into cognisance the amount of investment in training that government has made in setting up that department and the very critical roles it is playing.

“As a matter of fact, we have received a lot of calls from people particularly in states like Maiduguri, Yobe, and some other parts of the north where SARS operatives are deeply embedded in the fight against banditry, insurgency.
“And these people have made it very clear that ending SARS is not even an option for them because of the critical roles SARS operatives are playing in those areas, heavily on bandits, terrorists and other kinds of criminals.”

The police spokesman said while some are genuinely concerned about the excesses of their police unit, another group want it scrapped criminals who would benefit more in its absence.

“There are people who are beneficiaries of criminal enterprise,” he added.

“Some of them probably people who are receiving stolen goods; who are into organised crime such as arms smuggling, illicit arms movement, importation of drugs and other kinds of crimes that are economically motivated.”

Amid the opposition against the special unit, the IGP banned the SARS officials from carrying out ‘stop and search’ operations on roads.

However, concerns remain on the implementation of such measure which has been introduced on more than one occasion in the past with little or no action to enforce it. (TheCable)

Oladapo Apara, former managing director of Alpha-Beta Consulting, has filed lawsuit alleging that the company has been diverting billions of naira from the coffers of the Lagos state government since 2002.

The writ of summons with no LD/7330GCMW/2020 deposed to at a Lagos high court on October 2, 2020 also alleged money laundering, tax evasion, forgery and a number of corporate fraudulent practices on the part of the company and its owners.

However, an official of Alpha-Beta who spoke with TheCable said the company was yet to be served the writ.

In a series of tweets in 2018, Apara had also alleged that Alpha-Beta had, using technology, generated N1.5 trillion from 2002-2018 for the state government.

He said the company earned 10 percent as commission and did not pay taxes.

‘ALPHA-BETA WAS MY IDEA’

In the writ of summons, Apara claimed that in 2000, he gave a proposal to Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was governor of Lagos from 1999 to 2007.

The idea was how to use better technology to track the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Tinubu allegedly demanded that a 70 percent equity interest be assigned to Olumide Ogunmola and Adegboyega Oyetola, two people said to be his associates.

In the final sharing arrangement, Apara claimed Ogunmola was allotted 40 percent and Oyetola, who became governor of Osun state in 2018, was given 30 percent of the 70 percent allegedly demanded by Tinubu.

On the directive of Tinubu, Oyetola’s 30 percent, Apara further alleged, was transferred to one Tunde Badejo.

Following the agreement on all sides, Apara said he became a signatory to all the bank accounts, alongside the two shareholders whom Apara claimed were simply “holding trust for Tinubu”.

“After incorporation of Alpha-Beta Consulting Limited in 2002 and structured according to the dictates of the 2nd defendant (Bola Ahmed Tinubu), the 2nd defendant in his official capacity as the governor of Lagos state then approved that Alpha-Beta Consulting Ltd be awarded consultancy contract for the assessment and collection on behalf of the Lagos state government, all taxes and internally generated revenue (IGR) due and payable to the state at a 10% consultancy fee (subject to a benchmark which varies from time to time,” he said in court papers seen by TheCable.

APARA KICKED OUT

In 2010, three years after Tinubu had completed two terms as Lagos governor, Apara said the former governor directed that the incorporation structure of the company be changed from a limited liability company to a limited liability partnership under a newly promulgated Lagos law.

Tinubu, Apara said, had told him that the purpose of the change “was to further shield his (Tinubu) involvement in Alpha-Beta Consulting Ltd from public scrutiny”.

Subsequently, the limited liability partnership then took over the Lagos contract previously awarded to Alpha-Beta Consulting Limited.

Trouble began for Apara in 2014 when Tinubu allegedly directed that Ogunmola become the managing partner of the company and Apara as deputy managing partner.

The battle between Apara and Ogunmola went on till 2016 when Tinubu allegedly stopped Apara from reviewing the financial records of the company.

Tinubu then brought in Akin Doherty as managing director who took over and asked Apara to stay away from the company’s finances, Apare alleged.

Apara also alleged that Tinubu warned him not to think of exposing his involvement in the financial affairs of the company to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as Ibrahim Magu, the now suspended chairman of the anti-graft agency, “will always” protect him.

The accountant also accused Tinubu of threatening to use Lagos government agencies to harass and seize his assets.

‘ILLEGALLY OPERATING ALPHA-BETA BANK ACCOUNTS’

From 2018, Apara said, Tinubu, Badejo and Doherty colluded to operate Alpha-Beta bank accounts without his involvement as one of the signatories.

He said at one point, he suspected that his signature was forged to enable Tinubu and the others to operate the company’s accounts without him.

Despite the huge income made by Alpha-Beta since 2010, Apara claimed that to date, Badejo and Doherty, acting under Tinubu’s directive, “breached clause 8 of the partnership agreement and denied” him his share of the profit from the partnership as provided in the agreement.

He further averred: “Tunde Badejo, Michael Olumide Ogunmola and Akin Doherty have colluded and conspired to run the affairs of the business in a manner designed to bankrupt the 1st defendant through suspicious monetary transfers to third parties running into billions of naira contrary to the partnership agreement.

“The account review revealed large scale fraudulent transactions some of which are stated above and diversion of Alpha-Beta funds running into billions of naira by Tinubu.

“During the review of the account records of the company, huge sums of money that Alpha-Beta earned over the years was not reflected in the accounts of the company.”

Apara alleged that since 2014, the company has not kept proper financial records.

He said Badejo, when confronted, admitted that “the funds of the company have been mismanaged over the years including diversion funds for purported joint ventures purposes at the direction of and for the benefit of Tinubu”.

Apara, in the suit, among other prayers, asked the court to grant an order to trace all funds and assets due to him.

In a petition to the EFCC in 2018, Apara had accused Tinubu of using the company for money laundering and had diverted about N100 billion.

….macheted Inspector recuperates in hospital

The Lagos State Command of Nigeria Police Force has recovered arms, ammunition, charms and a VW Bus, as well as arrests suspects who carried out the dastardly attack on the Nigerian Secretariat build of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) headquarters in Amuwo Odofin on Tuesday, 6th October, 2020.

The ANLCA headquarters was invaded by the armed thugs numbering over 40 on Teusday morning.They broke into the edifice, chased away staff and carted away valuable documents, over N2 million among other items.

The alleged criminals who were fully armed with guns, machete, charms matcheted a Police Inspector, who is now in a critical condition at the hospital, when the police arrived the scene to restore normalcy.

A source who witnessed the havoc said the arsonists were wearing the Western Zone Task Force I’D Cards of ANLCA led by National Publicity Secretary of Oodua Logistic Association, Yemi Hasstrup.

All the items have been seized by the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and ten suspects also arrested.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Superintendent Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: “They were fighting union crisis and other things, I think the Unions have been having some issues. Some men went there at their secretariat with guns, matchete and other weapons to attack some people there in the secretariat.

“The police was called and when the officers went there, they were attacked and one of our Inspectors was matcheted and seriously injured.

“We arrested some of them and recovered guns, cutlasses, ammunition and offensive weapons from them.

The Commissioner of Police Lagos State has directed that the matter be handed over to the SARS Lagos State for proper investigation and the investigation is on.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Lagos has called for the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Tokunbo Abiru in the forthcoming Lagos East Senatorial District scheduled for October 31 over what it called “voter fraud.”

Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, Media Director to PDP senatorial candidate, Babatunde Gbadamosi, made the call in a statement on Sunday.

The statement reads in part: “Lagos APC true to its disregard for the rule of law and disrespect for Lagosians has classified the PDP case against its embattled candidate for Senate as ‘false and laughable’.

“Firstly, there is nothing false about the case. Court records will show that indeed, on September 29, 2020, the PDP and its Senatorial Candidate, Babatunde Gbadamosi dragged Abiru, his party, APC, and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to court.

“In the suit filed in the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Lagos Judicial Division Holden at Lagos, the PDP and Gbadamosi are asking for the disqualification of Abiru on at least two counts: One, Abiru has two Permanent Voters cards, and he is not registered to vote in the East Senatorial District.

“Our evidence for the first case against Abiru can be verified from the Voters Register as it exists on the INEC server.

“For the second case against Abiru, we refer to his letter of 14 August 2020, to INEC, requesting a transfer of his address from Road A2 HSE Ago, Carlton Gate Estate, off Chevron Drive, Lekki Lagos, to 38 Oriwu Road, Ita Elewa, Ikorodu Lagos. Mr Abiru’s request was not granted, because as INEC explained to him, ‘Continuous Voter Registration Exercise is presently suspended’ clearly, therefore, based on case number 1, Mr Abiru is guilty of identity fraud.

“With two PVC’s, it is reasonable to assume that Abiru is one of those people who vote multiple times on election day. Based on case number 2, it is clear that “Abiru cannot vote in the October 31 Lagos East Senatorial Election.

“According to the constitution, a citizen who cannot vote cannot be voted for. The case against Abiru is watertight.

“His sponsor did not do his due diligence. He imposed Abiru on the members of his party and wants to impose him on the people of Lagos East (Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Somolu).

“Abiru is not marketable, a bank collapsed under his leadership.

“This month, when he appears in court, the court of judicial opinion will certainly indict him of voter fraud. Gbadamosi has no such negatives. He is a successful businessman with a passion to improve the quality of life for the people of Lagos.

He is intelligent and resourceful.

“Gbadamosi emerged candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in a democratic election.”

In its reaction, APC spokesperson in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, said PDP’s reaction is only a testament to their imminent defeat in the 31st October election.

Oladejo stated that the allegation is not only false, but laughable.

“Our attention has been drawn to an online report by an unknown blog alleging that a suit has been instituted challenging the eligibility of our candidate, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, to contest for the Lagos East Senatorial Election on account of a purported double registration as a voter.

“The allegation as contained in that report is not only false but we find it laughable. It is apparent that the Plaintiffs have not availed themselves the original copy of the Electoral Act 2010 (As amended).

“We understand their panic, fear, and unease on account of the overwhelming and calamitous defeat that awaits them on the 31st of October, 2020. They should do well to ask the Traducers of Willie Obiano (of Anambra State) and Yahaya Bello (of Kogi State) and avail themselves of several other Court decisions in that respect.

“Let them continue to chase shadows while we remain focused as we campaign and gather support in the nooks and crannies of the Lagos East Constituency.

We assure our teeming supporters and the entire electorate that our candidate’s eligibility is unassailable and by God’s grace, he will emerge victorious at the election come 31st October 2020.