₦airaland Forum

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the siezure of an aircraft belonging to Emirates Airline over an N8.1 million judgment debt.
The order was sequel to a motion filed by Dr Charles Mekwunye seeking for the enforcement of a Supreme Court judgment in a suit between Promise Mekwunye and the airline.
Granting the reliefs sought by Mekwunye, Justice Mohammed Liman, held, “It is accordingly ordered that an attachment is hereby issued on the judgment debtor’s aircraft registered as ‘A6 Aircraft Type 77W EK: 783/784’, or any other aircraft belonging to the judgment debtor which flies into Nigeria Territory, to be arrested and detained until the judgment debt is fully paid: in default after 30 days, the aircraft shall be auctioned to satisfy the judgment debt.”
The judge also ordered that Emirates Airline shall bear the cost of maintainance and custody of the detained aircraft.
Miss Mekwunye who was then a student of North Texas University, Denton, Texas USA had in 2008 dragged the airline to court for refusal of boarding of her two-way flight ticket from Dallas to Nigeria and back for no reason and for further refusing to fully refund the cost of the ticket of American Airline she bought to come back to Nigeria.
She claimed that the airline offered no reason for its action leaving her stranded for days at the airport until she was able to secure a more expensive flight ticket on a longer route to Lagos.
In a judgment delivered on November 15, 2010, the Federal High Court held that the refusal of Emirates Airline to carry Mekwunye amounted to a breach of contract of carriage.
Consequently, the court ordered full refund of ticket without any deduction or charge, and further granted N2.5 million in general damages and N250,000 in legal costs against the airline.
Emirates appealed the judgment and contended that the trial Judge erred in law when he awarded N250,000.00 in legal fees when the plaintiff claimed 1,000,000.00 but led no evidence.
The airline contended that the award of general damages was contrary to the Montreal Convention which not only limits the damages recoverable but placed obligation to prove wilful misconduct /gross negligence against the airline before the airline can be liable for damages.
On April 11, 2014, the Court of Appeal upheld the airlines appeal and upturned the award of N250,000 and N2.5million earlier awarded to Miss Mekwunye.
The matter later moved to the Supreme Court and in a lead judgement delivered on February 1, 2019, by Justice Ejembi Eko, the apex court overruled the decision of the Court of Appeal and upheld the earlier judgment of Federal High Court.
The apex court held that the trial court was right in ordering Emirates Airline to pay in the circumstances N2.5m as general damages in addition to ticket refund as the airline cannot rely on the Montreal Convention for limitation of liability when it was guilty of fundamental breach of the contract as argued by the appellant’s lawyer Dr. Mekwunye.
The Supreme Court further held amongst other things that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have heard and upturned the decision of the lower court when Emirate Airline never obtain leave of court to file the appeal as to costs.
The apex court also held that the airline’s denial of boarding was a repudiation of its contract with Mekwunye and a breach of the fundamental term of the contract which does not entitle it to rely on the Montreal Convention which sets limit of claims in an action between an airline and it passenger.
The judgment debt plus interest has since accumulated to about N8.1 million as Emirates airlines refuses to comply with the judgment.

In demonstration of its commitment to promoting fitness, healthy living, fostering effective and healthy workplace collaboration amongst its staff and their family members, Keystone Bank Limited, has announced the launch of a sporting event tagged, Keystone Bank Inter-divisional Games (KIG).

According to the lender, the initiative is part of the bank’s objective in creating a better working relationship on the job thereby boosting performances and building a positive work atmosphere with employee welfare and development at its crux.

At the maiden edition held at the main bowl of the prestigious University of Lagos Sports Centre on Saturday, November 23, 2019, the exhilarating event was a culmination of various sporting activities such as football, table games and track & field.

The business divisions within the bank which were grouped into four teams (White Lions, The Bulls, Phoenix and Warriors) competed in games such as sprint, chess, sack race and football. It was indeed a relaxed fun-driven atmosphere where colleagues competed for the glory of winning at the games. Families and friends who attended were also not left out, as they spent time with loved ones bonding and the children thrilled with much excitement.

Speaking on the initiative, Keystone Bank executive director, Olaniran Olayinka said: “Maintaining work-life balance helps reduce stress and helps prevent burnout in the workplace, particularly, as chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace. It is in view of this that KIG was initiated.

“KIG has enabled the vibrant employee force of Keystone Bank to foster better relationships outside the office which would impact on a better working relationship on the job thereby boosting performances and workplace happiness.

“We will build on the good that has been done in this maiden edition as we push to make Keystone a great place to work.”

Keystone Bank is a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering convenient and reliable solutions to its customers.

The Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, a Lagos-based non-governmental organization is set to hold its 2019 annual five-kilometer-long walk, tagged: Walk4Hope in Lagos, south west, Nigeria.

According to the organiser, the charity walk which will take off at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, on Saturday 7th December, 2019 at 7am is aimed at raising funds for the protection and support of underprivileged widows and their vulnerable children.

In 2015 to date, CBA Foundation has reached out to thousands of underprivileged widows and children through skill acquisition training, health intervention, business start-up, clothing, nutrition and tuition fees for the children.

Commenting on the programme, the founder of the foundation, Mrs. Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, an enviable banker, said proceeds from this year’s walk will be channelled to school support project for pupils in its adopted schools and for empowering selected underprivileged widows to start business.

“CBA Foundation was established to alleviate sufferings and pains of the less-privileged, especially widows and their children in the society.

“We currently have over 600 authentic widows on our profile, and the children of about 90 per cent of them have dropped out of school because of lack of funds.  So, even if it’s the basic education we are able to give to them, they can build on it. We don’t want children who should be in schools on the streets because their mothers cannot afford school fees. Who knows if the future president is among them? Every child should have access to education and a good life and that is what CBA Foundation intends to achieve.

“To change our society and make the world a better place, we must love, give and share no matter how small. Hence, the net proceeds of this year’s walk will go to back to school support project for pupils in our adopted schools and for empowering selected underprivileged widows to start business.”

“Therefore, every step counts! Every step you take brings us closer to offering hope to underprivileged widows and their children,” Bode-Akinwande concluded.

Registration for the walk has started via: www.cbafoundation.org/registration.

By Bala Augie



As financial solution providers continue to face stiffer competition globally from Fintech startups and emerging technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrency and crowdfunding, and the increasing level of disruption in the traditional mode of payment and business models, technology holds the key to unlock the potentials in the financial service sector across Africa through Fintech.

As the banking sector continues to find newer ways of engaging and providing customer centric services to bridge the current level of unbanked and under banked population to achieve Nigeria’s 2020 financial inclusion target, the fallout of the recently held FirstBank Fintech Summit 3.0., is that technology is the growth to financial institution in Africa.

“Customer experience and innovation are key in our approach to satisfying our customers. As a leading banking services solutions provider, FirstBank has continued to set the pace in the financial services industry, coming up with new initiatives to provide financial products and services with greater speed, accountability and efficiency,” said Adesola Adeduntan, the CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited at the recent FirstBank Fintech Summit 3.0.

Adeduntan opined that the third edition of the FirstBank Fintech Summit indicates the Bank’s commitment to putting its customers first. According to him, FirstBank is keen at offering excellent financial services by devising new ways of effectively and efficiently meeting customers’ financial needs.

“Evidently, financial technology is causing positive disruption in the financial services industry. The impact of technology in lifestyle business and other areas of today’s customer is huge. We are therefore following global trends in collaborating with Fintechs and other big technology companies on several transformational initiatives to be able to satisfy our customers’ needs,” said Adeduntan.

According to Adeduntan, the main purpose of the FirstBank Fintech summit is to converge thought leaders in the FinTech space to champion discourse around financial technology and proffer solutions that will shape the future of banking.

He stated further that key areas of interest for the bank, is to champion the propositions around e-business and digital offering, agent banking, wholesale or transaction banking product suite, retail and consumer lending and SME productivity.

“I am optimistic that every organisation represented here will be empowered to provide services with greater speed and solve real societal problems to the advantage of the Nigerian populace through the insights that will be gained from this event.

“At FirstBank, our promise is to always deliver the ultimate ‘gold standard’ of value and excellence. We will therefore stop at nothing to provide excellent and innovative financial services to our esteemed customers,” he concludes.

Victor Asemota, keynote speaker at the summit said the essence of Fintech is the ability to deploy technology towards solving human problems with tools and processes. According to him, innovation simply means the ability to effectively combine and deploy tools, process and people together to achieve an aim.

Asemota opined that Fintech will help to end the deficit narrative associated with human centered innovation. Hence, people plus innovation will result into solving real life problems, real time.

Chuma Ezirim, the Group Executive, eBusiness and Retail Products, said Fintech is an enabler in solving real problems in the financial sector. However, building a strong digital franchise in the financial ecosystem will be driven by successful partnerships.

In rolling out the figures, Ezirim said, “Over 18m customer accounts, over 10m cards issued (processes about 25% of card transactions in Nigeria). Highest number of Verve transacting cards; Visa debit multi-currency card. Over 8 million users (80% of customer base) with an average of 2.1 million transactions worth over N7 billion is processed daily.

“Over 3.3 million customers; over 500,000 transactions worth N23billion are processed daily. Over 36,000 active agents in Nigeria with a dominant presence in 754 local governments in the 36 states. Over 600,000 transactions worth over N9billion are processed daily,” said Ezirim.

According to him, in developing digital innovation lab, the banking sector must create new digital experiences for customers by enhance existing channels and products. Therefore, banks and the financial sector should leverage Fintech and non-Fintech ecosystem in Nigeria by promoting open innovation, collaboration and co-innovation in the Nigerian financial services sector.

According to Ezirim, in offering banking as a service to its customers is leveraging its API infrastructure. FirstBank is today offering payments through accounts, wallets and cards. However, he is of the view that there are growth areas and opportunities in Fintech.

According to him, Fintech allows banks to offer real time processing of transaction (instant payments and settlements). Mobile payments/acceptance channels through mobile Apps, USSD, QR Code, E-/M commerce, and others that are out-growing cards usage.

Similarly, Fintech has contributed to the digitalization of person to person, person to business, business to person and business to business payment transactions. And, it allows for new approaches to assessing risk in underserved segments especially with consumer and SME Loans.

Callistus Obetta, the Group Executive, Technology & Services, FirstBank, said financial technology has made positive disruption in banking and other financial services; and financial institutions will do well to take advantage of Fintech.

According to him, FirstBank is taking giant strides in the digital space. “In a short time, we have become the foremost financial inclusion solution provider with over 36,000 agents in all states of the federation. We have done over N2 trillion in transaction value from inception to date.

“The FirstBank Agent Banking Network is currently doing over N8 Billion daily. This is helping us reduce poverty in the country. Our Firstmobile application has become the foremost mobile banking application in the country with over 3 million users doing over 14 million transactions monthly,” said Obetta stating that FirstBank has been able to achieve this feat due to its ability to embrace technology.

However, Obetta urged participants at the Fintech summit to leverage on the insights shared by speakers. “We will continue to adopt the best technology and collaborate with the best partners to deliver value to our customers,” Obetta stated.

The Isoko Nation Youth Congress (INYC) in Delta State, led by its president, Engr Godstime Akokotu has thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating Olorogun Bernard Okumagba and Prophet Jones Erue from Delta State to serve on the newly-confirmed board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), adding that the appointments were “well-deserved, just and credible.” It thanked the Senate for confirming the board members and demanded that the board be inaugurated without further delay.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Iyede, Delta State, on Monday, November 26, the group applauded the president for ordering the forensic audit for the NDDC but cautioned against the actions of the Niger Delta minister Godswill Akpabio, which it said is creating unrest in the region. In a press statement signed by Akokotu and Paul Erero, Secretary General; the group noted that “by insisting on his self-appointed 3-man committee running the NDDC while the Senate confirmed board is disregarded, Akpabio is creating unrest in the region.” It added that the Minister was not “credible to appoint an interim management committee or auditors for the commission because of his questionable past as a governor who nominated NDDC board members.”
The youth congress asked the President to disband the interim management committee set up by Akpabio, saying that it was illegal and driven by a selfish objective. “Isoko Nation Youth Congress is sounding a notice of caution to the Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to let the combustible underdeveloped Niger delta community to guide his sense of judgement, as his illegal and unconstitutional interim team is tantamount to destroying the fragile peaceful coexistence within the Niger Delta.
He must as a matter of urgency, revert his decision in the interest of peace and speedy development of the region because, this needless and illegal act of constituting an interim committee is unnecessary and it is heating up the polity. Let no one provoke the youth of the Niger Delta Oil producing States. We want Mr President to swing into action and inaugurate the new board of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) and personally appoint the forensic auditors to probe the commission’s finances.
We are also objecting in strong terms, the transfer of the NDDC to the Ministry of Niger Delta given the undue desperation of the Minister.”
The youths said: “We are calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, to immediately inaugurate the board of the NDDC, because the law setting up the commission is unambiguous as there is no provision for the appointment of an Interim Management Committee, rather it provides that it will be run by a board nominated by the president, screened and confirmed by the Senate. “Mr. President, we believe in you and your integrity, which you anchor on due process and the rule of law.
“The illegality been paraded by Senator Akpabio must stop now. The ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC as an agency were expected to work independently of each other, but with the common goal of bringing development to the region that had for long suffered untold hardship and neglect by successive administration. This informed the decision to make NDDC an agency under the Presidency, free from ministerial control.”
According to the Isoko youths: “The noble idea from Mr. President to have a seamless working operations with the Niger Delta ministry has now been distorted by ego and personal interests by the leaders of the Niger Delta region. The dangers inherent in all of these are enormous, as they are capable of stalling the development of the region. As at this briefing , the senate is yet to consider the NDDC 2019 Budget and if eventually it is listed for consideration, would the illegal interim committee go ahead to defend the budget for subsequent approval by the senate? We will not let this illegality stand.”

Keystone Bank Limited has remained committed to delivering convenient & superior customer experience to the Nigerian populace, hence the introduction of the simple banking USSD Code *7111#.

The *7111# USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) banking solution enables Keystone Bank customers to conveniently perform third party transfers to both Keystone Bank and other bank account holders in Nigeria, open Keystone Bank accounts, buy airtime, pay bills and access a mini statement such as balance enquiry using their mobile phones without necessarily having internet data or airtime.

According to the lender, “the Keystone Bank *7111# USSD solution is a convenient, reliable, fast, secure, and affordable way to access your Keystone bank account 24/7 through mobile phones without internet data. We understand that our customers are always on the move pursuing their dreams, hence *7111# complements their daily lifestyle without stress when they are on the go.

“To initiate transfers to a Keystone Bank account and beneficiaries in other banks, simply dial *7111*Amount*NUBAN Account No# from the mobile number registered with the bank. Also, you can top-up your airtime by dial *7111*Amount# and third-party top-up can be done by dialing *7111*Amount*Phone number#. Customers will then require the four digits PIN created at registration to authenticate each transaction”, the bank disclosed.

Keystone Bank is a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering convenient and reliable solutions to its customers.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its partnership with Linda Ikeji TV for the broadcast of the TV show, First Class Material. The show is billed to premiere on all FirstBank and Linda Ikeji TV platforms across the web and social media on Tuesday 26th November at 8am and reposted at 7pm same evening- Nigerian time.

First Class Material is a programme which aims to chronicle the success stories of Nigerians who are distinct and exemplary in their achievements and importantly, a testament to the greatness of the West African country.

The weekly show would have viewers exposed to Nigerians across the globe that have carved a niche for themselves by being exemplary and influential in their chosen endeavours and career path. Success stories of notable firsts and trailblazers would be highlighted, with viewers encouraged to go beyond limits and leave no stone unturned at making their dreams a reality.

Amongst the success stories to be broadcasted through the course of the 6 months weekly programme is brilliance of Ifeoma Thorpe-White, a 17 year-old Nigerian immigrant admitted into all eight Ivy League schools in the United States, including Stanford & Harvard universities.

Speaking on the TV show, Folake Ani-Mumuney, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said: “First Class Material is a celebration of notable Firsts by Nigerians which underscores what First Bank of Nigeria Limited stands for. The essence of the TV programme is to have many more people informed and encouraged by the successes, thereby having these feats emulated in their chosen endeavours.”

“We are excited about this partnership with Linda Ikeji TV and remain committed to celebrating the successes of Nigerians which indeed resonates the theme of FirstBank’s 125 anniversary, thus “Woven into the Fabric of Society”, she concluded.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s renowned celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji said: “Being the first to do something is remarkable. It defines and shapes paths for others to follow. And it can be truly inspiring when one is partnering with a company such as FirstBank – an institution of many firsts.’’

The National President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Barrister Eric Omare has urged the National Assembly to disregard any budget approval request from NDDC submitted by the Interim Management Committee inaugurated by Minister of Niger Delta, Chief Godswill Akpabio

In a press statement issued on Sunday, November 24, 2019, Barrister Omare said that under Section 18 of the NDDC Act of 2000 only the substantive Board of the NDDC can submit a budget to the National Assembly for consideration.

Section 18 of the NDDC Establishment Act, Number 6 of 2000, as amended, states that, “the Board shall not later than 30th September in each year, submit to the National Assembly, through the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces an estimate of the expenditure and income of the Commission during the next succeeding year for approval.”

Barrister Omare said the National Assembly has a duty to defend the law. He maintained that the problem with NDDC since its inception is with non- adherence to the law establishing the Commission.

According to him: “Instead of strictly complying with the law establishing NDDC, emphasis is placed on political patronage instead of using the NDDC as a platform to develop the Niger Delta region.”

The IYC President regretted that despite the Senate confirmation of a substantive Board for NDDC, the government has not deemed it fit to inaugurate the Board. In his words: “Given the myriad of problems in the region, we had looked forward to the inauguration of the Board, knowing that it will bring a level of sanity and stability to the Commission but unfortunately and to our surprise, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio set up an illegal Interim Management Committee that is not contemplated by the NDDC Act because under the Act there is no room for an interim management committee in the first place.”

He noted further that: “There is absolutely no reason in the present circumstance for an interim management committee because President Buhari has already exercised his powers under Section 2 of the NDDC Act to nominate members of the substantive board to the national assembly and the Senate has confirmed members of the substantive board.”

Barrister Omare stated that what ought to happen is for the substantive board to take over the leadership of the commission immediately but regretted that two weeks after the clearance “we still have a contraption called an interim management committee presiding over the NDDC in flagrant violation of the law establishing the NDDC.”

Former militants of the Niger Delta region, under the aegis of Iduwini Volunteer Force (IVF) have called President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement signed by one of its leaders, Johnson Biboye, the ex- agitators warned that the activities, particularly the establishment of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to run the administration of the NDDC, of the minister are upsetting the peace in the volatile region.

The group also called for the “urgent return” of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the supervision of the presidency.

Noting that it has consistently supported the anti corruption drive of President Buhari’s administration, the IVF described the three-man committee as a “smoke screen put in place to cover up huge financial atrocities that has been committed by notable figures in the Niger Delta, Chief Godswill Akpabio, inclusive.”

According to the statement, President Buhari should inaugurate the recently screened board, while the services of a reputable and globally recognized accounting firm be employed for the forensic audit of the agency.

Part of the statement read, “we are saddened that in spite of your administration concerted desire to ensure that the underdevelopment challenges confronting the Niger Delta region is tackled with more seriousness, we are force to report to you that activities of one of your political appointee Chief Godswill Akpabio who is currently minister of Niger Delta Affairs is threatening the fragile peace in the Niger delta region.

“As critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta peace process, the leadership of the Iduwini Volunteer Force (IVF) having complied with the Federal Government Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) believes that the only thing that can return our troop back to the creeks is the type been perpetuated by your minister of Niger Delta Affairs without any control from the Government of the day.

“As a former Governor of Akwa bom State Chief Godswill Akpabio is an interested and active participant in the multi- Billion Naira fraud that has taken place in the NDDC and for such a person to be given the responsibility to superintend over such organization is not only fraudulent but an invitation to avoidable crisis

“Having critically reviewed the pathetic situation the meeting resolved that federal Government under your able leadership should sack Chief Godswill Akpabio as Minister of Niger delta Affairs and urgently return the NDDC back to the Presidency to avoid selfishly motivated individuals from wanting to control the regional developmental agency.

“The meeting also resolved that the already screened board of the NDDC nominated by your very self be given a matching order to resume just as you should appoint reputable and globally recognized accounting firm to carry out the proposed forensic probe.”

It further stated that failure to do the needful may force them (ex-militants) to return to the creeks.

“While we look forward to your early resolution of this impending avoidable crisis we want to say that our present peaceful disposition should not be taken for weakness as we are still capable of striking when we are pushed the wall,” the group stressed.

The Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF) on Saturday warned that nothing must happen to embattled Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema and his Peace Airline.

The coalition also accused business rivals of Onyema of collaborating with some people in the United States government to harass the businessman who they called one of the finest in Nigeria.

The coalition consists of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide and the Ijaw Council Worldwide.

A joint statement signed by their various Presidents, Yerima Shettima, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, and Barrister Pereotubo Oweilaemi, respectively, said they would no longer fold their arms and watch individuals with passion to rescue Nigeria brought down through allegations like the one currently being suffered by Onyema who had, for long, done business with the US.

The statement reads: “We have been following with keen interest the conflicting narratives coming out of the United States regarding the purported indictment of Nigeria’s philanthropist, Mr. Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema.

“As law-abiding citizens, we recognize the involvement of the US Court and would not want to take a prejudicial stand on the matter.

“But much as we appreciate the involvement of Judiciary, we feel there is compelling reason to question this sudden, purported indictment of a Nigerian who has been doing business for decades in the US and he has never been found wanting until now. This raises fundamental questions about the bad timing and the growing suspicion of many Nigerians over the motive behind targeting our son of the soil.

“We are beginning to see a pattern that smacks of conspiracy by his business rivals in Nigeria, working together with their American collaborators to rubbish one of the few outstanding philanthropists in Nigeria.

“Onyema has, since built the reputation of a peace promoter who brokered peace between the late President Yaradua-led Federal Government and militants of the Niger-Delta using his well-known platform of peace and reconciliation.

“Beyond Niger-Delta, Onyema has left his footprint as a man dedicated to the service of Nigerians in difficult situations, using his hard-earned income.

“It was the same Onyema who worked tirelessly to broker peace between the Coalition of Northern Groups and Igbos, when it culminated into the quit notice issued all Igbo residents in the North. Working closely with the then Governor of Borno State, Onyema ensured that the Coalition of Northern Groups’ Kaduna Declaration against Igbos, leading to the clash with IPOB, was withdrawn and peace reigned in the end.

“It therefore smacks of grand conspiracy to see how the man is being pushed and pulled in many directions with accusations yet to be confirmed by any court of competent jurisdiction in his fatherland, much less that of the United States. We noticed how the narrative is being spread to the media, to achieve a desired end.

“Fresh in the memory of majority of Nigerians today is how since 2013 Onyema has committed a large chunk of his legitimate business profit to help communities ravaged by natural disasters or communal conflicts.

“Even at a very critical stage during the most heinous xenophobic attack of Nigerians in South Africa and the attendant diplomatic row between our country and South Africa, only Onyema came forward with a huge budget for evacuating Nigerian victims from that country.

“It is on record that Onyema’s multiple investments in Nigeria have been helpful not only as window of job opportunities for Nigerians but also as a classical example of Corporate Social Responsibility.”

The Osun state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has sympathised with the owners of the cows that were killed by thunder on Friday.

Governor Oyetola described the incidence as shocking, unfortunate and sad.

He solidarised with the owners of the cows and assured them of appropriate support.

Governor Oyetola who was on official assignment to Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, sent a delegation comprised of Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Mr. Olalekan Badmus; Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Abiodun Ajisefinni, and directors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assess the incidence.

In their separate remarks, the duo said they were at the scene to solidarise with the victims and assess the situation for further action.

Badmus said: “We are here on the directive of Mr. Governor to come and assess the situation and based on what we found here coupled with the information that we got from the herdsmen, 17 cows and 2 sheep lost their lives to the tragic lightning .

“But we are happy that the herdsmen have been very cooperative and all the advice given to them in terms of the need to decompose the cows for the safety of the people were strictly adhered to.

“As you can see, the officials of the state Ministry of Agriculture are here and they have applied necessary chemicals on the carcass to ensure that nobody comes here to take from it.

“We have burnt them and no one can have access to them. This is part of the efforts of the state government to ensure safety for all.

“Though every business experiences downturn occasionally, but this is a natural phenomenon and as a government, we are going to come up with a report to give to Mr Governor through which further action will be taken”, Badmus said.

The Eburu of Iba, Oba Professor Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye, described the incidence as an ‘economic blow’ to the town in view of the number of cows that were lost to the incidence.

The monarch expressed pain on the tragic lighting saying “It’s indeed a sad day, an unfortunate event”.

“Losing 19 cows in one day is an economic blow. Though we had no control on tragic lighting or thunder, but we still feel the pain of this economic loss of the owners of the cows.

“They are Osun indigenes of Fulani extraction, not herdsmen or strangers. They are part of us. They have lived with us for hundreds of years and we have intermarried.

“So, this loss is the loss of Iba people and we pray that this kind of tragedy never happens again”, Oba Adeogun-Okunoye added.

Reacting to the incidence, the Public Relations Officer, Osun Cattle Rearers Association, Mallam Ahmed Babatunde, sought for support from the people for the victims.

The Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Abosede Olatokun, described the chemicals applied on the carcass as the best option to prevent consumption by the people.

REDTV, the fast-paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage is about to host the 4th edition of its annual party , ‘The Redtv Rave’ on November 30, 2019. Powered by the United Bank for Africa (UBA), this year’s rave which is themed ‘The shutdown’, is where everyone wants to be.

From the crème de la crème of entertainment to high profile business moguls, the premium entertainment Brand, REDTV, will host creatives and guests to an unforgettable night on November 30th, 2019, kicking off the ‘Dirty December’ party season.

The Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta, who spoke excitedly about the rave, stated that a lot has gone into the preparation of this party, where over 5,000 guests are expected. “The REDTV rave is an expression of the fact that REDTV is more than just an entertainment platform, it is a lifestyle and an expression of our language and culture as we constantly connect with members of the creative industry who have been changing the narrative across music, film, fashion and the Arts on the African continent. It is a way to say thank you to all our fans who have followed closely, the successes of some of our shows like The Men’s Club, Boutique Hotel, Our Best Friend’s Wedding and Inspector K, amongst many others.”

The performing artists at this year’s rave include a headline of Burna Boy, Olamide and Jidenna. Also performing are rising star, Fireboy, Tems, Ajebutter22, SDC, BOJ, DRB with Dj Concequence and Dj Sparrow on ground to ensure the music flows. Registration to the rave is free and drinks and food are also complimentary as guests get a chance to mingle with some of their favourite celebrities.

REDTV is a fast paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by the United Bank for Africa, the network is an entertainment platform with rich content that feature the very best of Africa.

Allen Onyema, 56 years old Nigerian businessman and Chairman of Air Peace, reputed to be the biggest airline in West and Central Africa, has been indicted in a money laundering scheme, involving over $20 million in the United States state of Atlanta.

Also indicted alongside Onyema was the airline chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha.

He was charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the alleged laundering of the over $20 million.

Onyema,  and Eghagha were indicted on November 19, 2019, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud.

In addition,  Onyema was charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.

“Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.

“We will diligently protect the integrity our banking system from being corrupted by criminals, even when they disguise themselves in a cloak of international business.”

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented on the indictment, “Allen Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt. DEA would like to thank the many law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office who aided in making this investigation a success.”

In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, women often face the barriers of discrimination and persistent gender inequalities which deny them access to key positions in the corporate world as well as access to finance or the formal economy.

Women make up almost half of the world’s working-age population of nearly 5 billion people. But only about 50 percent of those women participate in the labor force, compared with 80 percent of men, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF’s research highlights how the uneven playing field between women and men imposes large costs on the global economy. Early IMF studies on the economic impact of gender gaps assumed that men and women were likely to be born with the same potential, but that disparities in access to education, health care, and finance and technology; legal rights; and social and cultural factors prevented women from realizing that potential.

Nearly 70 UK companies have been told to employ more women in senior roles. Domino’s Pizza, JD Sports and Greene King are among those that have called out by financial trade sector body The Investment Association and the Hampton-Alexander review, a diversity study backed by the government.

The number of women holding the most senior jobs in the boardrooms of Britain’s biggest companies has fallen, according to a report that criticises the lack of progress made by businesses in getting more women to the top.

Analysis from Cranfield University, as part of its 20th FTSE Women on Boards Report, shows a sharp drop in the number of women occupying chief executive (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO) or other executive roles on FTSE 250 boards, and static numbers at FTSE 100 companies.

Women constitute almost half of the Nigerian’s population and its workforce. Yet the kind of work they do, the condition under which they work, and their access to opportunities for advancement at work place differ from that of men. Women are often disadvantaged in access to employment opportunities and in conditions of work as compared to men. In addition, many women forgo or curtail employment because of family responsibilities. The removal of obstacles and inequalities faced by women is advantageous to an economy’s development. For example, the Beijing Declaration affirms a national commitment to the inalienable rights of women and girls and their empowerment and equal participation in all spheres of life including the economic domain.

Also, Goal 8, target 8.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men (including for young people and persons with disabilities), as well as equal pay for work of equal value by 2030.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) the percentage of men employed in the State Civil Service from 2014 to 2015 was higher than the percentage of women for both senior and junior positions.

The average percentage of women employed in the State Civil Service from 2010 to 2015 in each category (junior and senior) was 38.16 per cent, while it was 68.84 per cent for men.

Also, men dominated employment in federal MDAs while women on grade level 01 –17 plus Special grade level was 34.67, 35.08 and 32.79 per cent for 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively.

In the financial services sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had in 2014 directed that 40 per cent of banks’ top management and 30 per cent of board directors should be women.

Reports revealed that that women constitute only 22.3 per cent of the total board appointments in Nigerian banks, while their counterparts make up 77.7 per cent since 2014.

However, FBNHoldings, Nigeria’s leading financial holding company and parent company to FirstBank is no doubt exemplary at representing the change, thus demonstratively redefined the Women in Business trajectory with women occupying various leadership positions, positioning the financial group powerhouse as a leading institution at driving Gender Balance in the Boardroom.

Leading the pack of women in the board across the group structure which comprises FirstBank and its subsidiaries , FBNQuest is Ibukun Awosika whom has been Chairman of FirstBank since 2016. Prior to being the Chairman, she was a Non-Executive Director. since 2016 . The representation further cuts across the group entity of its parent company, FBNHoldings. Other companies across the group, FBNQuest and FBNInsurance are also not left out.

Otunba Debola Osibogun, Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Cecilia Akintomide (OON), Independent Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Oluwande Muoyo, Independent Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Dr. Omobola Johnson, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Merchant Bank; Oyinkansade Adewale, Non-Executive/Independent Director, FBNQuest Merchant Bank.

Others are Kehinde Adenrele, Chairman, FBNInsurance, Folake Ani-Mumuney,Chairman, FBNInsurance Brokers; Ijeoma Agboti, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Capital; Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji, Non-Executive Director, FBNQuest Asset Management; Titi Adebiyi, Independent Director, FBN General Insurance and Margaret Dawes, Non-Executive Director, FBNInsurance.

With such an admirably notable representation, it is no surprise that only recently, Women Corporate Directors (WCD) – Nigerian Chapter – had FirstBank host its meeting, held on Thursday, 3 October 2019 with 60 female directors and leaders of various organisations across various industries in attendance. These women discussed pertinent corporate issues with a view to promote the continued influence of women in Business and the economy, also ensuring that the needed balance on the home front is bolstered. The keynote speaker is Osagie Okunbor, managing director SPDC & Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria.”

FBNHoldings recognition of female impact in its business operations at management level no doubt sets the tone for other institutions across other industries to promote women inclusiveness in management, thereby instrumentally shaping gender balance in the business atmosphere, thus influencing ethical practices in a cultured way worthy of consistently reiterating the recognition of female at impacting the economy and National Income as a whole. This in no small measure transcends to the political space, the cornerstone of legislative impact in the economy and business activities as a whole.

Godwin Emefiele, governor of the CBN, said recently that the Apex bank had made remarkable progress in closing the gender gap in the Bank.

“It is heartening that today, women represent 29.0 per cent of CBN staff and 29.0 percent of directors are women. Eight departmental directors and one Director General of WAMZ as against 26.0 per cent of staff and 25.0 percent of directors in 2014. Similarly, three out of 11 board members are women (27 percent)”, Emefiele said at the 2019 CBN Commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) in March, 2019.

The Chief Executive Officer of the First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Sola Adeduntan, has called on Nigerian graduates to create a future for themselves in order to be relevant globally, and never rely on luck as they begin the journey of life.

Dr Adeduntan made the remark in a commencement speech, entitled ‘A Journey Defined – Empathy, Courage, Industry (Discipline)’, delivered during the convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan last Wednesday.

The financial expert who graduated from the same institution with a degree in Veterinary Medicine about 22 years ago advised stakeholders in the education sector to increase the value of the youths through critical thinking and problem-solving and qualitative skills to boost their personal growth.

He said: “It is very important as you undertake your life’s journey to always remember that those who create the future do not surrender to luck or circumstance; planning the future is the first step in defining it.”

Speaking further, Adeduntan said: “Class of 2019, creating value for yourselves and others requires you to be intentional with life’s decisions – from choosing your career to building networks and nurturing relationships. Take conscious decisions around your career goals and be intentional about employment or entrepreneurial offers.

“Always remember that those who create the future do not surrender to luck or circumstance; planning the future is the first step in defining it.”

On ways to improve the curriculum of education to match the challenges of producing youths that can match both technological and intellectual equilibrium on the global scene, Adeduntan said “in pursuit of building the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, it is our noble responsibility to increase the value of our youths, not only through the quality of their formal education, but also by infusing critical thinking, problem-solving and qualitative skills that will boost their personal and professional growth.”

“We have a critical responsibility to equip graduates with the competencies required to succeed in the world of innovation and technological disruptions. This could be achieved by leveraging massive online open courses as an institutional response to the new ways of learning; revamping the school curriculum to include programming and coding skills, as well as the provision of broadband access across all higher institutions of learning.

“I am hopeful that all stakeholders will collaborate in the quest to enrich the learning experience across all higher institutions of study in Nigeria.”

In his address, the vice chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, enjoined the new graduates to go out and be worthy ambassadors and alumni of the university.

Mr. Kareem Damilari Jamiu, an Estate Agent, has accused five policemen allegedly from the Inspector-General of Police Special Tactical Squad (IGP STS), Lagos State Police Command, of forcibly collecting almost N700,000 from him on Monday.

According to the victim, the policemen, who claimed to be from the Lagos State Police Command, were already searching his Sagamu, Ogun State residence, without a warrant, with his shocked wife watching, when he suddenly returned home to pick his phone, which he had earlier forgotten.

When the policemen saw him, they pulled a gun on him and accused him of being a suspected ‘Cultist and Yahoo boy.’ They marched him into their vehicle and on the way to the command, allegedly demanded for N5million for his bail. During negotiations, the money was reduced to N100, 000.

Jamiu, however, became uneasy when the policemen, rather than take him to Police Headquarter in Ikeja, veered into the Ikeja Primary School, which was directly opposite the police command. He was taken to a restaurant inside the school premises and ordered to write a statement.

The victim said that he was picked at about 11am and released by 9pm. Before he left, they had made him to transfer money totalling close to N700,000 to them.

Jamiu recounted: “It happened on Monday. I had earlier forgotten my phone at home, I returned home to pick it and found the five policemen, searching my house without a search warrant. They wore reflective jackets and written at the back is the ‘IGP STS.’ They found a black soap, which I used to bath because I used to be sickly and accused me of being a ‘yahoo boy.’ They showed my Voters’ card, saying they had been looking for me. I wondered how they got my card.”

He further narrated: “They bundled me into their vehicle and asked me to pay N5million, so that they could release me. When I asked my offence, they said I was a yahoo boy and a cultist, that I was scamming women overseas. I explained to them that I have a wife overseas, that I could call her immediately in their presence via video call for them to verify, but they refused to listen.”

Jamiu stated that when they got into the primary school premises, he was asked to write a statement, while they dictated to him what to write.

He added: “We finally agreed on N100, 000 for my release. I didn’t even have such amount of money, so I started making calls to friends. My mother even came to join us at the primary school.”

The victim was later taken to a filling station close to the Police Command, popularly known as AP Filling Station, where a lady handling POS, provided the money, while Jamiu transferred N100, 000 to her. After collecting the N100,000, they asked for another N5000, which he gave them.

He said: “They took me back to the school and then demanded to check my phone that they wanted to know the balance in my account. They forced me to use my fingerprint to unlock my password. When they saw the balance, they started beating me, angry that I had such an amount of money in my account. But the truth is that the money was not mine. I did a N200,000 transfer twice and they still took me down to the POS to withdraw another one again, this makes a total of N715,000. In fact, the owner of the money is now asking for it. What those policemen did to me was pure robbery. I have all proofs of the transaction.”

Friends and family members, who heard the encounter of Jamiu with the policemen were worried and outraged. One of them convinced him to seek redress through Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a nongovernmental organisation.

When the Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, was briefed of the incident, he called one of the policemen on phone number, 08136465902 and urged him to return the money to Jamiu. He also promised him that he would write a petition to the IGP, on the conduct of the policemen.

A few minutes after Nwanguma concluded his conversation with him, the policeman called Jamiu’s mother, threatening fire and brimstone. He didn’t know the phone was on automatic record.

The voice record started with the policeman’s voice, “We collected his ATM card and withdrew his money. The lawyer wants to write a petition to the Police Headquarters at Abuja. I told him that he should go-ahead to write the petition. I’m not scared, because if what he (Jamiu) is doing is contrary to the law of the nation, he is going to live in that house. So if he likes, he should report to Abuja, I’m less concerned. There is trouble already. I’m expecting the petition the lawyer wants to write; your son wants to prove he is connected. If he doesn’t leave Nigeria, he should call me a bastard! Who gave the lawyer my number, is it you? But your son wasn’t there when I gave you my number. Your son has gone ahead to give someone my contact, if I receive any call, if he doesn’t regret his actions, let him call me a bastard. If he doesn’t sell that house away from Nigeria, there will be trouble.”

Addressing a petition yesterday to the IGP, Mohammed Adamu, Nwanguma urged the IG to do everything within the ambit of the law to, “identify the rogue officers and bring them to justice.”

Nwanguma said: “I called the number, 08136465902 and the officer spoke to me, admitting that he was in the team that came to arrest the young man, but denied using Jamiu’s ATM to withdraw money via a POS. Shortly after I spoke with the officer, Jamiu called me and reported that the officer called his mother and threatened to deal with her son for reporting them to a lawyer.”

Nwanguma requested Adamu to order a prompt, impartial and exhaustive investigation to identify the officers responsible for the rogue activities, which he said was akin to kidnapping, hostage taking and robbery.

“They should be made to refund the whole money they robbed from the victim and be subjected to appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the Police Act and other relevant laws,” said Nwanguma.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, arraigned one Timileyin Awojobi before a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun state for posing as a woman to defraud white females.

According to EFCC prosecutor, Abdurasheed Sulaiman, Timileyin presented himself as a white American woman from New York on a medical mission to Nigeria.

He informed the court that the defendant duped his victim the sum 4,380USD and N512,000 as part payment of his flight back to the USA.

He said the crime was contrary to section 1(1)(a) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the 15 counts of fraud preferred against him, however, he later informed the court of his decision to opt for a plea bargain.

In his ruling, Justice Peter Lifu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20million with two sureties who must be blood relation or civil servants not below grade level 14 in the state or federal government service.

He then adjourned the matter till June 30, 2020, for the adoption of a plea bargain agreement or hearing.

President Youweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Mr. Tunde Fowler and Logan Wort, Chairman and Executive Secretary respectively of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), have shared the thoughts on how Africa can increase its revenue yields gain freedom from dependence on foreign aids, loans and handouts.

The trio spoke on Tuesday in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, during the fourth International Conference of Tax in Africa.

Speaking at the conference, which was attended by over 500 taxation specialists, Museveni called for an end to the taxation of production. The Ugandan leader urged African countries to tax consumption, property pay and greater attention to integrity in recruiting tax agencies’ staff.

On his part, Fowler called on African countries focus more on how to stem Illicit Foreign Flows (IFF), taxing rights of African consumers of goods produced in different parts of the world as well as tracking such transactions online and paying sustained attention to expanding the capacity of tax authority staff towards curtailing financial haemorrhaging.

Fowler, who is also Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Joint Tax Board (JTB), also called for support from African leaders on how to influence, global discussions through policy formulation, technical inputs and how the continent can navigate new technologies to increase efficiency in tax administration.

Wort, ATAF’s Executive Secretary, noted that Africa will continue to lose huge slices of the revenue if it fails to pay attention to over 139 million Facebook and 500 million mobile phone users as well as online transactions, which are estimated to contribute $110 billion to the continent’s GDP next year.

The trio and a Professor Anne Ogutu of the African Tax Institute, who spoke on the challenges of taxing the digital economy. They warned that in a world in which the economy is no longer obeying the tax rule of where you reside as a basis for levying tax, one in which consumers and, at times, taxpayers and businessmen are stateless, there has to be a radical review of tax policy and practice in Africa. Otherwise, they said, the continent will miss out on the revenue from the global digital economy.

“We should know what to tax and why. I don’t support taxation of production. The point is that if production is not taxed, people will have more money in their pockets to spend. I know that if Ugandans have money in their pockets, in the evening or at weekend, they will go and relax. You can then collect tax when they go and take some drinks,” Museveni said.

He disagreed with his Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, that those carrying out electronic transaction or even cryptocurrency cannot be traced.

“It is not difficult to trace electronic transaction. When you do any transaction, you leave some traces. Once you go electronic, it is very easy to trace you. If you don’t want to be traced, you better don’t go electronic,” said the Ugandan President.

He urged tax practitioners to determine how Africa can harness the footprints which exist online for tax purposes.

Fowler, who is serving a second term as ATAF Chairman, said the emergence of ATAF as a distinctly African tax intellectual and professional house has been yielded quantifiable returns for the continent.

“ATAF Council consciously and consistently encourages active participation in standard setting. ATAF regularly participates in OECD and technical committees’ work.

“We believe that this engagement not only ensures that solutions relevant to the continent are adopted, but that the subsequent delivery of tailor-made programmes to members help customise these.

“At the end of 2019, ATAF has 24 active programmes across our membership. They report that these programmes led to the collection of over USD300 million additional tax over the past two years, with additional assessments of over $1 billion.

“The Council will therefore continue to actively support the secretariat to acquire sufficient human and other resources to sustain these gains going forward,” he said.

The Magistrate Court in Zuba, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday admitted three documents as exhibits tendered against Elisha Abbo, the Nigerian senator caught on camera assaulting a woman in Abuja.

The senator, who represents Adamawa North senatorial district, was arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Zuba, Abuja, after a video showed him physically assaulting a lady went viral.

Calls for Mr Abbo to be arrested and prosecuted intensified following this newspaper’s publication of the video.

Mr Abbo’s trial began on July 8 at the court where he was granted bail with a bond of N5 million.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the prosecution lawyer, James Idachaba, called his second witness, Mary Daniel, an assistant superintendent with the Nigerian Police.

Ms Daniel said she is the ASP attached to the CID FCT command, anti-vice section of the IPO of the case.

Ms Daniel said, “On 14 May 2019, the case of criminal force and assault contrary to section 262,273 and 264 of the penal code law was reported to the divisional headquarters Maitama by the complainant, Anyata Warmate, and subsequently to the Commissioner of Police against the defendant.”

She said upon receipt upon of the petition, it was assigned to her to investigate.

The witness said she went to the scene of the crime, Pleasure Chest Shop, F.A 45 Banex Plaza, where she met the shop locked.

“On July 3, an invitation letter was sent to senator Elisha Abbo through the National Assembly Clerk and the invitation letter was also sent to the complainant and she availed herself on July 4. Her explanatory statement was obtained voluntarily, the senator also availed himself the same day where a statement was obtained under word of caution,” adding that he was granted bail that same day.

Ms Daniel said the complainant brought a disc of the footage with a certificate. She added that a forensic analysis could not be obtained because the camera store footage was with the salesgirl, Oluwakemi.

She further said all effort made to reach Kemi did not yield any results.

The witness told the court that she visited the shop more than eight times.

The witness said on July 10, they went to Banex to obtain a statement from Onyekachi.

The witness said she went to the eye clinic where the complainant told them she went to treat herself and the doctor confirmed to them that she was treated in that hospital.

Prior to this, the prosecution lawyer urged the court to admit the three documents as exhibits.

But the senator’s lawyer, Isaac Adeniyi, who did not object to the statement by Ms Walmate and the senator, urged the court not to admit the medical report in pursuant to section 257 of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA) 2015.

Mr Adeniyi also objected to the two discs containing the shop footage.

The prosecution on his party asked the court to discountenance the objections raised by Mr Adeniyi and admit the documents.

After this, the Chief Magistrate, Abdullahi Ilelah, explained that justice and logic are two different things in court. While justice follows the court, logic follows one’s opinion, he said and admitted the documents as exhibit A1, A2 and A3 respectively.

Cross-Examination
During cross-examination, the senator’s lawyer asked if she was the maker of the documents and the witness replied in negative.

Ms Daniel was asked if all the evidence she gave was based on what she was told and she responded saying, “Yes.”

Mr Adeniyi finally asked the witness that between herself and the nominal complainant, who had more facts in the case and Ms Daniel said it was the nominal complainant.

With no further questions from the defendant’s counsel, Ms Daniel was discharged from the witness box.

The court adjourned the matter to January 9 for the continuation of trial.

Mauricio Pochettino has been sacked by Tottenham after five-and-a-half-years in charge with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League table.

Spurs have failed to win any of their last five matches in the top-flight, and have won just three out of their 12 games so far.

As well as Pochettino, his coaching staff Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino and Antoni Jimenez have also been relieved of their duties.

Despite not winning a trophy for Spurs, Poch, 47, guided the club to four consecutive Champions League finishes.

He also took the club to the Champions League final last season, but Liverpool prevailed as they won 2-0.

After replacing Tim Sherwood in 2014, Poch took charge of 293 games, winning 159, losing 72 and drawing on 62 occasions.

It is understood that Tottenham will have to pay Pochettino £12.5million as he was contracted to the club until 2023.

In a statement issued by Daniel Levy Levy addressing the shock sacking, he said: “We were extremely reluctant to make this change and it is not a decision the Board has taken lightly, nor in haste.

“Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing.

“It falls to the Board to make the difficult decisions – this one made more so given the many memorable moments we have had with Mauricio and his coaching staff – but we do so in the Club’s best interests.

“Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history.

“I have the utmost admiration for the manner in which he dealt with the difficult times away from a home ground whilst we built the new stadium and for the warmth and positivity he brought to us.

“I should like to thank him and his coaching staff for all they have contributed. They will always be welcome here.

“We have a talented squad. We need to re-energise and look to deliver a positive season for our supporters.”

SunSport previously reported how Spurs’ top target to replace Pochettino is RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Bournemouth gaffer Eddie Howe is also believed to be on the shortlist, along with Napoli’s Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho.

The Special One is the bookmakers’ favourite to replace the Argentinian.

Mourinho has been keeping tabs on the situation at Spurs – despite being linked with a return to Real Madrid.

Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica Reilly believes that the ex-Chelsea boss will soon be in the Spurs dressing room.

She said: “Early fingers are pointing towards Mourinho leaving the Sky studio for a return to the dug out with Spurs.”

Africa’s leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice, is making the upcoming festive season a truly ‘HAPPIER’ one for customers in Nigeria with the expansion of its DStv and GOtv package offering to deliver more quality content at great value for customers this festive season and beyond.

On Sunday, 1st December 2019, DStv & GOtv customers will have more entertainment options to choose from with the introduction of three new DStv packages: DStv Confam, DStv Yanga and DStv Padi while GOgetters will also get two new GOtv packages: GOtv JOLLI and GOtv JINJA!

These new packages are exclusively and specially-curated for the Nigerian market and come upgraded with new channels, fresh content and Naija-centric names that contribute to a more enhanced viewing experience. In addition, the GOtv Max package will be revamped to include more channels, thus offering more value at an affordable price.

Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe speaking on this milestone said the introduction of the new packages customized for Nigerians will unlock a new level of entertainment and value for customers, giving them improved choices and a brand new DStv and GOtv experience.

“We are constantly driven to ensure that customers are satisfied with the overall quality of our services. The new packages are exclusively curated from Naija and for Nigerians, driven by great programing and affordable prices,” said Ugbe.

“With improved package options available to our valued customers, they can choose a subscription plan that best fits their needs and budget. We remain committed to give millions of television viewers in Nigeria the opportunity to enjoy world class entertainment.”

The new packages come loaded with the recently-launched channels – Da Vinci, TNT Africa and Real Time – as well as other top local, sports, movies and general entertainment channels.

To ensure that customers get a glimpse of the exiting entertainment lined up on these exciting new packages, MultiChoice will give customers with active subscriptions on DStv Access, DStv Family, GOtv Plus and GOtv Value a two-week preview from Sunday, 1st December, till Sunday, 15th December 2019 at no extra cost!

About the New Packs:

DStv Packages

Price

Description

DStv Confam

N4,500

A brand-new package designed for the whole family. Confam is the home for BET, Da Vinci Learning, TNT Africa* and more. With over 120 channels, DStv Confam guarantees the best of family time with international entertainment, kids, news and sports.

DStv Yanga

 

N2,500

Step into a world of EXTRAtainment to show yourself with over 94 channels to choose from on DStv Yanga. Enjoy all things Nollywood on amazing channels such as Africa Magic Epic, ROK 2 and Ebony Life. Keep up to the date with lifestyle shows on Real Time and great local and international music on MTV Base.

DStv Padi

 

N1,800

DStv Padi is your reliable world of entertainment. It’s the package that’s got you covered, anytime with over 51 exciting channels. It’s quality entertainment that is right for you.

GOtv Packages

Price

Description

GOtv JOLLI

N2,400

 

The brand new GOtv JOLLI offers you 68+ world class channels for family entertainment from top Naija and international channels. Treat your family and friends to exciting Naija drama, reality shows, news, kid’s shows on brand new channels such as ROK2, CBS Reality, FOX, TNT Africa*, and Davinci Learning

*available mid-December

GOtv JINJA

N1,600

 

Your springboard into the world of entertainment. Get to choose from 47+ exciting local and international channels specially packaged for you. Step into the JINJA world of entertainment with FOX Life and Real Time; educative kid’s channels like PBS Kids, local drama on Africa Magic Epic and lots more.

 

For more information about the new packages and how to upgrade, visit www.dstvafrica.com and www.gotvafrica.com from 1st December 2019. Download MyDStv or MyGOtv app from your mobile app store to manage your own account or join any of the new packages available on your platform when they become available from 1 December:

Quramo Publishing has announced the top 15 entries for the 2019 edition of the annual Quramo Writers’ Prize (QWP) which has become a fixture on Nigeria’s culture calendar and an arbiter of taste for Nigerian literature.

The prize will be awarded on Sunday, 15 December 2019, at the grand finale of the 3-day Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) which will feature workshops, panel discussions, documentary screenings, open mic sessions, and more.

The annual prize, which is awarded to an unpublished fiction manuscript, is in its third year. In 2019, Emmanuel Michael (QWP 2018 winner), an undergraduate, emerged winner for his manuscript Running Waters. Samuel Monye (QWP 2017 winner) was the inaugural winner.

A statement from Toni Kan, head of the 3-member jury for QWP 2019 said: “We received over 400 entries this year. The manuscripts bear testament to a ferment in the Nigerian and African literary landscape. We are convinced that there is a large pool of young literary talent in the country and on the continent, who will ensure that our literature remains alive and vibrant for years to come. My co-judges, Molara Wood and A. Igoni Barrett, are glad to present a shortlist of 15 manuscripts of varying lengths.”

The Top 15 entries are, in in no particular order: Oyedeji Emmanuel Toluwani – Up Nepa; Jaiyeola Temitayo Tomiwa – I’ll be Fine; Golbador Joseph – Let Me Paint You a Picture; Amaranjo Chigozie – Nigerian Dream; Osuizugbe Adaeze Maureen – This Thing Called Marriage; Oni Oluwaseyi Faith – 30 Days To Seventeen; Owoyemi Olorunfemi Akinade – The Familiar Jungle Called Life; Udochukwu, Everest C. – The Shades of a thing Ugly; Oluwaseyi Adebola – A Cluster of Petals (short stories); Obinna Tony-Francis Ochem – Deep Ocean; Wawira Thatiah – Guilty; Joan Ikem Cynthia Chinenyenwa – Twenty Sixty-One; Ikechukwu Nwaogu – The Book of Lost Words; Vivian Onyekachi Ibe -What Dreams are Made of; Cynthia Nnadi Nnenna- Red Grasses and Forbidden Quests.

Commenting on the shortlist, QWP founder and Executive Publisher at Quramo Publishing, Mrs. Gbemi Shasore said, “it is always exciting to read and review new writings, and discover new authors. This is the gift and challenge of promoting the Quramo Writers’ Prize.

We are absolutely thrilled with the overwhelming response and quality of submissions this year, a wide variety of talent not just from Nigeria, but from other African countries. I am excited as we count down to crowning a new winner who will go home with N1m and a possibility of having his manuscript published by Quramo Publishing.”

The QWP 2019 winner will be announced at the Award Unveiling on Sunday, 15 December 2019, which will signal the culmination of the 3-day Quramo Festival of Words (QFest), featuring writing masterclasses and workshops, panel discussions, book readings, a stage play, open mic sessions and film screenings.

Yahaya Bello, the incumbent governor, and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress candidate is in the early lead at the ongoing Kogi State governorship election.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Bello won eight local governments out of the 11 local governments declared by the so far.

From the 11 local governments, results declared Bello had polled a total of 273,079 votes against his major challenger Musa Wada of People’s democratic party Wada who polled a total of 60,869 votes.

The candidate of the Social Democratic Party Natasha Akpoti has polled a total of 6002 votes to come third.

The making of a smooth operating businessman in the corporate world is always grand stood with groundbreaking ventures, and this exactly what the swift industry player, Seyi Tinubu has been sign-posting, albeit quietly without any noise or publicity.

This mercurial advertising guru, Seyi and his bosom friend and partner, Adenrele Olusoga recently concluded acquisition of one of the country’s leading outdoor advertising companies, E-motion Advertising, to become the leading outdoor company in the country.

It was revealed to us that the innovation-driven Loatsad Promomedia owned by Seyi Tunubu, that has been silently but steadily using cutting edge technology to take over the out-door advertising industry in the country has for some time now been locked in serious negotiations with E-Motion Advertising for a takeover, to further boost the mission of being the leading outdoor advertising company in the country; and now the effort has eventually yielded positive fruits as the acquisition was sealed for the eventual take-over of the operations of E-motion, and this is another sign of good things to come for the Loatsad entity. This perhaps is another innovation to the smart and very well-focused Seyi and his equally enterprising Adenrele, who are taking their game to unimaginable heights.

In the wake of this new feat, dutiful and very business-like Seyi soared again as he was honoured at last Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award as Business Person of The Year 2019,to add more feathers to his cap of many achievements. In his words following the announcement of the award to him, Seyi Tinubu, son of APC national chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said pointedly: ‘@ the_entrepreneur_africa for nominating and announcing me as the winner of Business Person of The Year 2019, I say HUGE congratulations to all other Nominees and Winners at this Year’s Entrepreneur Africa Award.’ The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award is at the forefront of celebrating and honouring entrepreneurship in Nigeria. They are aware that entrepreneurs drive the economy especially at the MSME level.

Since the inception of the award five years ago, Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award has consistently celebrated some of the best-known personalities in corporate Nigeria, who exemplify the very best in their business.

E-Motion Advertising was founded in October 2005 as an Out-of-Home Media firm, and has rapidly built up competence in deploying innovative Out-of-Home infrastructure that stands out from mundane traditional media, which ultimately transformed them into frontrunners trail-blazers in the Out-of-Home media industry in Nigeria, with a strong customer-base spanning all sectors of the economy, operating in the billboard, transit and street furniture segments, across all the major business hubs of the country.

The company, which focuses on investing in compelling locations and cutting edge products underpinned by excellent customer service has led to very strong growth in their client base.

As the market leader in the industry, the company developed excellent relationships with top brands, regulators and other various developers to ensure that the revenue potential of sites is maximized, while enhancing the aesthetics of the environment.

E-Motion Advertising is backed by leading local and international institutional investors, with proven track records of funding and support of high-growth companies.

In the furtherance of the Bank’s commitment to promote business ethics, professional excellence and education, reflected in the Bank’s Endowment programme – the Samuel Asabia Chair for Business Ethics at the University of Lagos – First Bank of Nigeria Limited for three consecutive years is partnering with CFA Society Nigeria to host its annual flagship event, the Ethics Challenge, scheduled for Friday & Saturday, 15 -16 November 2019 in Abuja and Lagos for the regional and national levels respectively.

The Ethics Challenge is designed to increase students’ awareness of the ethical dilemmas and issues they may face when they enter the investment management industry. At the Ethics Challenge, students are given an ethics case study to analyze, evaluate, recommend and present to a panel of judges. To determine the winning team, the judges provide feedback based on the identification and understanding of the ethical issues in the case, the recommendations provided with the depth of the analysis, quality of the presentation, and responses to the judges’ questions.

The 2018 winner, Obafemi Awolowo University, would compete with 15 other higher institutions in the country to defend its trophy. Babcock University, Bowen University, Covenant University, Federal University of Technology Akure, Mountain Top University, University of Calabar, University of Ibadan and University of Lagos are the schools competing in the Lagos preliminary round.

Other schools are University of Abuja, University of Maiduguri, Bayero University, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria and Madonna University in the Abuja based preliminary round.

The competition will be judged by Mrs. Adeola Asabia, Member, Board of Trustees, Business Ethics Chair, University of Lagos; Musa Bagudu, CFA, Head, External Funds Management Office, Central Bank of Nigeria; Kunle Anida, CFA, Director, Deals Advisory, PWC Nigeria amongst others.

According to CFA Society Nigeria President, Mr. Banji Fehintola, “The annual Ethics Challenge embodies CFA Society Nigeria’s mission to promote the highest standards of ethics in our investment and financial services industry. It touches on many of CFA Institute’s Future of Finance six areas of focus which include: Transparency and Fairness, Regulation and Enforcement, and Safeguarding the System.

It also promotes ethical awareness and fosters a healthy investment industry that works for the ultimate benefit of society. Through our collaboration with First Bank of Nigeria Limited to run this competition annually, we will continue to invest in our university students and we hope to build the commitment of our future professionals to operate according to sound ethical principles”.

Expressing her delight on FirstBank’s support and participation in the CFA Ethics Challenge, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Folake Ani- Mumuney said “through our 125 years of existence, we at FirstBank pride ourselves in being exemplary in ensuring that global best practices are upheld in adherence to ethical standards across our organizational practices and activities.

“We recognize the impact of the CFA Society Nigeria through its giant strides in fostering Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct amongst university students and other touch points in the society in preparing them to overcome ethical challenges that they may face in the workplace environment “.

As part of its commitment to promote the drive for sustainable development initiatives in Nigeria, Unity Bank Plc, recently hosted the Sustainability Discourse Series in collaboration with Avant-Garde Innovation & Technology Services (AGITS) which took place at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos on Wednesday, 13th November, 2019.

The Sustainability Table Discourse Series is a platform that offers an avenue of opportunities to learn and share ideas/initiatives on strategies for achieving the sustainability development goals.

Unity Bank has been very active in promoting sustainable practices in Agriculture and the sponsorship of the summit was an opportunity to strongly reinforce the Bank’s sustainable development initiatives.

The event provided a platform for the convergence of policy makers, entrepreneurs, sustainable development experts, leading corporate organisations and various subject matter experts to discuss and solve pressing world challenges facing selected industries as it relates to the environment, climate change, sustainability and the quest for a green economy.

Unity Bank executive director, Risk Management & Compliance, Usman Abdulqadir gave a keynote address on factors affecting climate change and sustainable development and the effectiveness of Unity Bank's response in various spheres such as food security, climate action, gender equality and sustainable job creation.

There were various panelists’ discussions in line with the sustainability discourse in addition to the Speech on Green economy and expectations in the Nigerian scenario by Dr Lawrence Chidi Anukam, Director General – National Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency.

Other Unity bank representatives at the Summit were TA, MD/CEO/Ag. Head, Corporate Planning & Strategy, Ibukun Coker and Head, Tax Management & Compliance Temitope Arasi.

As a title sponsor, the Bank had strong brand presence.

As part of activities to celebrate this year COSON week, former Director-General of the National Film & Video Censors Board and former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Emeka Mba, will deliver the 2019 COSON Lecture, one of the key events of the biennial, which will hold on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the COSON House Arena in Ikeja.

Emeka Mba who currently heads Questech Media, a specialized media and entertainment consulting practice, has more than 27 years’ experience in the converged fields of media, entertainment and technology, as well as regulatory policy management. He is considered by many of his peers as a leading visionary and thinker on the role of government policy and technology in shaping the trajectory and growth of the sector, and its impact on social and economic development.

Mr. Mba was Managing Director of Phillips Media Entertainment Ltd, a specialized media entertainment consulting service of Phillips Consulting Nigeria, and was for eight and a half years, Regulatory Affairs Manager for MultiChoice Nigeria, responsible for Regulatory strategy and Policy.

In 2014, Emeka Mba as DG of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) played a historic role in the development of collective management of copyright in Nigeria by brokering peace between COSON and the Nigerian broadcasting industry which led to the agreement for the payment of copyright royalties by all broadcasting stations in the country.

Speaking on the choice of Mr. Mba for the 2019 COSON Lecture, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, said: “No one in Nigeria has the depth of hands-on experience that Mr. Emeka Mba has with respect to creative content and the management of rights. He is brilliant. I am looking forward to a very exciting 2019 COSON Lecture.”

The inaugural COSON lecture in 2013 was delivered by Prof Helge Ronning, Chairman, Norwegian Copyright Development Association (NORCODE) with His Excellency, Mr. Rolf Ree, Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria as Guest of Honour. The 2015 COSON Lecture was delivered by Prof. Bankole Sodipo with His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Guest of Honour and legal luminary, Prince Bola Ajibola, as Special Guest. The last COSON Lecture in 2017 was delivered by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, one-time Deputy Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Chairman of the lecture was the nation’s guru of Intellectual property law, Prof Egerton Uvieghara.

With the quality of the minds that have consistently gathered at each of the lectures, the COSON Lecture series has easily become Nigeria’s most sought after event for the discussion of creativity, content and developments in intellectual property across the globe.

A Nigerian woman pleaded guilty today to leading a conspiracy to import more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as to her role in a separate bank fraud scheme, and to making false statements relating to fraudulent claims submitted to Medicaid for reimbursement.

“Tammy Olaiya is a ‘triple threat’ of criminality – drug trafficker, a fraudster, and a liar,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Olaiya, a Nigerian immigrant who has spent the last two decades with the privilege of living in the United States as lawful permanent resident, clearly has zero respect for American laws pertaining to our borders, controlled substances, our financial system, or our health care system.”

According to court documents, Temitope Ayoni Olaiya, aka “Tammy”, 40, a Nigerian national residing in Hyattsville, Maryland, recruited men from the greater Washington, D.C. area to act as drug courier; i.e., to travel to foreign countries to obtain drugs to bring back into the United States. Olaiya opened bank accounts in the couriers’ names, assisted them in obtaining passports and visas, and booked their travel arrangements. The couriers that Olaiya recruited traveled primarily to São Paulo, Brazil, where they picked up kilogram quantities of cocaine hidden in the lining of soft-sided briefcases or attaché cases. Altogether, law enforcement seized nearly seven kilograms of cocaine at three different U.S. airports from three separate couriers recruited by Olaiya.

“Every single Medicaid dollar is precious and must be carefully guarded,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Accordingly we will continue working with all our law enforcement partners to preserve these vital funds.”

In addition to the cocaine importation scheme, Olaiya also submitted falsified and fraudulent claims to the D.C. Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), a health care benefit program funded by Medicaid. Olaiya worked as a personal care aide for various home health agencies in the Washington D.C. area, and in order to receive payment for services rendered, Olaiya was required to submit timesheets signed by her clients documenting the services rendered. Instead of submitting time sheets for time actually worked providing health care services, Olaiya recruited Medicaid recipients to act as her “patients” and to sign her falsified timesheets in return for a small amount of money as a kickback. On at least two occasions, Olaiya billed DHCF for home health services she claimed to have provided while she was out of the country.

Separate and apart from the cocaine importation and the home health services scheme, Olaiya also used her African goods business in Maryland to carry out a bank fraud. Olaiya used accounts with payment platforms Square and Stripe to make fraudulent charges on stolen credit card numbers. Between June and December 2017, Olaiya submitted, or caused to be submitted, $381,500 in fraudulent credit card charges to the Stripe account. Thereafter, Olaiya switched over to Square, and in the course of about two months, racked up more than $100,000 in fraudulent charges. When Square informed Olaiya that the true account holder had challenged the transaction, Olaiya created handwritten, falsified invoices documenting items purportedly purchased by the account holder, and provided the fake invoices to Square.

Olaiya pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine, bank fraud, and making false statements relating to health care matters. She faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for the cocaine importation charge when sentenced on Feb. 28, 2020. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was prosecuted as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation Girl From Ipanema. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the DC Office of Inspector General provided significant assistance with the investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-294 and 1:19-cr-323.

Worried by the environmental impact of Techno Oil and Gas cylinder factory in Kajola town of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, residents of the town have threatened to begin a legal action against the company led by Nkechi Obi.

As the story was narrated, no sooner the company began operation in the new factory than its neighbour started to have sleepless nights as a result of its operational nuisance of noise pollution.

A letter from a resident’s lawyer Yinka Muyiwa & Co and made available to journalists explained how the company has constituted a nuisance to its client who is closely behind the factory adding that since all dialogue with company seems not to have yielded positive result, there would be no option than to seek redress at the court of law.

The letter addressed to the company explained how their operations have continued to give discomfort to the resident.

When the Bale of the town Chief Fatai Adams was contacted, he confirmed that there are issues between the company and the resident, assuring that every issues have been resolved amicably.

Sources, however, said Techno factory may not shift their position as they have influence at top level which was displayed at the opening ceremony of the factory performed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

All attempts to speak with the Techno representative proved abortive as the factory manager was said to have proceeded on leave.

Meanwhile, a letter said to have been written by the company and signed by one Ken Abazie vaguely promised to look into the matter and find a lasting solution.

It would be recalled that Techno oil is equally enmeshed in a controversial environmental invasion in Kirikiri area of Lagos where he was alleged to have clandestinely located a tank farm without recourse to the environmental impact to the resident.

The House of Representatives has called on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio to dissolve the three-man interim board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) presented a Motion on Matters of Public Importance at the plenary on Wednesday titled: “Urgent need to stop the illegality in Niger Delta Development Commission”.

Ossai noted that the constitution of the interim leadership by the minister contravenes the law establishing the Commission.

According to him, section 8 of NDDC Act provides that its management and administration shall be the responsibility of its Governing Board.

He explained that: “The governing board of the Commission included the Chairman, the Managing Director and the other members with the powers to manage and supervise the affairs of the Commission making rules and regulations for effective functioning of the Commission.”

He stressed that: “Concerned that on the 29th of October after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta had screened the President’s nominees and in the same day the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs inaugurated an interim committee to midwife the Commission’s forensic audit.”

Representative Ossai therefore advised the Senate to discontinue attending to the budget process of the Commission and urged the House of Representatives Committee to do the same.

Africa Magic, in association with MultiChoice Nigeria, today announced that entries are now being accepted for the seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Entries open Wednesday, 13 November and close Friday, 13 December 2019.

The AMVCAs were created to celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the previous editions, preparations are now underway for the seventh edition which will hold in March 2020.

Channel Director, Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said: “It’s been a long wait, but we are pleased to finally announce that the seventh edition of the AMVCAs is here and set to once again celebrate film and television talent across Africa. Every year the industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds and we are proud to be a part of its success story through the AMVCAs. The AMVCAs remain Africa’s most prestigious awards and most reputable celebration of talent in front and behind the camera”.

Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe: “Beyond celebrating talent, the AMVCAs represent a significant investment in the African film and television industry, igniting ancillary industries in the process. Each year, revenues are increased and jobs are created to cater to the opportunities presented in areas like fashion, styling, photography and make-up. The AMVCAs also present a unique opportunity for the world to see and experience Africa beyond the headlines, telling its own story and celebrating its best storytellers.”

Films, made-for-television movies or television series previously entered or nominated for an award, or awarded a prize in another film and television competition are eligible to be entered for the AMVCAs. Also, all films, made-for-television movies or television series are eligible for entry to the AMVCA if they are broadcast or publicly screened or exhibited during the period of 1 April 2018 to 30 November 2019.

Entry guidelines below:

Prepare a 5-minute-long show reel for your online submission
Log on to the Africa Magic website. Click on the AMVCA Seventh edition banner which will take you to a submissions page.
Fill out the submission forms an upload the clip. A unique reference number will be allocated to each completed online submission
Please ensure the video edit represents the category of entry and is under 300mb
Quoting your unique reference number, send a hard drive of the submitted project to one of the following, based on your region:
Nigeria

Busola Komolafe

Africa Magic

No 4 Industrial Street, Ilupeju

South Africa

Mathapedi Dhlamini

Magic Center 137 Bram Fischer Dr, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194

Kenya

Margaret Mathore

2nd floor, MNET offices

Local Production Studio

Jamhuri Grounds off Ngong road

Nairobi Kenya

For digital file delivery mechanism, entry guidelines & additional information please visit our website at www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA.

The seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is brought to you by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice and proudly sponsored by Amstel Malta.