Buhari Denies Nigerians Engaging In Criminal Activities Abroad, Says They Do Not Represent Our Values

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the few Nigerians who involve in criminal activities across different countries in the world do not represent the values of majority of the people of Nigeria.

He stated this on Thursday in Yokohama, Japan, when he met with leaders of the Nigerian community living in Japan on the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7).

According to Buhari, “Let me also say that there are few Nigerians in the Diaspora that are giving us a bad name by engaging in criminal activities. These Nigerians are a minority, they do not represent the values of our country, and I plead with them to change their ways,” he said.

“We will not condone any crime whether at home or abroad, and we will also not allow these Nigerians define us as a people with reputation for criminality.”

He urged Nigerians in Japan to be good ambassadors of their fatherland, saying: “I am personally very happy that there are millions of Nigerians all over the world, like you here, who are truly making us proud.”

While describing majority of the over 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora as “the face of Nigeria globally and our ambassadors for good,” President Buhari noted that “many of our brothers and sisters in Diaspora like your good selves here today have excelled in varying fields of endeavor, both professionally and individually.

“You have also made significant and overwhelmingly positive contributions to your Nigerian and international host communities. You have continually been a positive bridge between Nigeria and the world. It is not an easy feat and we commend you, salute your courage and efforts.”

Noting that “Japan is at the cutting edge of technology and efficiency, two very important attributes that can play a role in Nigeria and improve our capacity for development,” President Buhari urged members of his audience to continue to contribute their quota by helping to develop their host country and Nigeria as well, adding: “I look forward to your inborn gift, ability, and capacity in taking up this challenge.”

Commending many of them who are already “positively impacting the Nigerian economy through financial home remittances, promoting international trade in Nigerian commodities, our music, culture, tourism, sports, and education, while also helping to establish industries in Nigeria,” the President urged them “to encourage legitimate Japanese entrepreneurs to come and invest in Nigeria.”

According to him, “We are continually working to create the necessary enabling environment for investors to thrive, through improvements in our Ease of Doing Business practices, providing security, diversification of the economy, infrastructure and fighting corruption.”

He further assured them that, “We have put in place the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) to put the country on a path of sustained recovery and growth.”

Explaining the rationale for his regular meetings with Nigerians abroad and the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission,  Buhari said: “As you are aware, I have regularly held town hall meetings with Nigerians in the Diaspora on all my foreign engagements be they in Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

“At these fora, I have always, appealed to our citizens to be our good ambassadors, observe the laws of your host countries, excel in whatever you do legitimately, and also remember us at home (Nigeria).

“I have established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission specifically to engage with you, signifying a coordinated attempt by our administration to increase the involvement of our Diaspora in our national development.

“Collectively, your resources, skills, and talents will be a positive force for our country which can help accelerate our national growth and development.”

President Buhari’s meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, coordinated by Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Diaspora Commission, who described the President as “the most Diaspora-friendly leader we have had in Nigeria,” witnessed a parade of the brightest and best of our citizens, plying their trade in Japan. They included academics, industrialists, top businessmen, scientists, economists, and many others.

President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Asia (NIDOASIA), 

Professor Ejiogu Emenike, and an energy expert, commended President Buhari for efficient leadership, and disclosed that his members have “comparative advantages in human capital development, which we are trying to bring back to Nigeria.”

Emenike added: “Any problem that science and technology can solve, we are able to, and we can help Nigeria in areas of need.”

Engineer Ochade Osakwe, Chairman, Nigeria/Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, recounted businesses that have been attracted to Nigeria in recent times, promising to do more, as the security and investment climates back home improved further.

President, Nigerian Union in Japan, 

Nnaji Fintan, asked for more exploits in the areas of education, quality infrastructure and security, which incidentally, are focal points of the current administration.

Robbers Kill PoS Operator in Ondo

A Point of Sale (PoS) operator was late last Wednesday shot dead by a two-man armed robbery gang at Oke Ogba area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The incident came in less than 24 hours after a middle-aged worker of a publishing company was kille in a night robbery at the Ajipowo/Ogundipe Estate in Akure.

The late POS operator, who was identified as Adetutu, was said to have been shot by one of the two men who went to her shop on a motorcycle, pretending to be customers that came for a business transaction.

An eyewitness narrated that the deceased, who was said to have been operating the business in the area for some months, met her untimely death when the two suspected robbers attacked and shot her, and later collected some undisclosed amount of money in her custody.

 According to the eye witness, "The woman and her sales girl were in the shop when the bandits came to them on motorcycle and pretended the want to do business with her. As they were trying to forcefully collect some money from her, she attempted to run out of the shop. So one of the criminals shot her and collected some money from her.

"When the gunshots were heard, all the shop owners and residents of the street ran for safety, which gave the criminals the opportunity to escape from the area."

When contacted the Ondo State Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Femi

Joseph, confirmed the incident saying the command had begun investigation into the incident.

On the incessant robbery cases in Akure recently, the PPRO stated that the command was already working towards taming such ugly development in the capital city and other towns in the state.

He said the state commissioner of police has met all the Divisional

Police Officers (DPOs) in the state, and I am sure the situation will be brought under control.

N1.6bn Alleged Fraud: Court Frees Jonathan’s Former Aide, Dudafa, Banker

A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted a former Senior Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, and a banker, Joseph Iwuejo, in a 22-count N1.6 billion fraud matter against them by the EFCC.

The court, in a judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris, said he could not convict them because the EFCC failed to prove the charges against them beyond reasonable doubts.

The judge held that the EFCC failed to call key witnesses, including the former president, one Somprei Omeibi, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who were essential to the proving of the case.

Justice Idris said the case of the EFCC was built on suspicion counseling that no conviction can be made no matter how strong solely on suspicion.

He held that the EFCC did not conclude an investigation before rushing to the court, thereby living loopholes.

EFCC Vows To Appeal Ruling

The EFCC has vowed to appeal the judgment saying in a statement it was studying the details of the judgment and will approach the appeal court for a review.

The defendants were charged for money laundering, conspiracy and concealment to the tune of N1.6bn.

The EFCC said the defendants allegedly conspired and laundered the fund through the accounts of A.B. Wise Resources Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited, Rotato Interlink Service Limited, Pluto Property and Services Limited and De-jakes fast food and Restaurant Limited.

Ekiti Assembly Summons Fayose, Others over Alleged Misappropriated of LGs Funds

 Ekiti State House of Assembly on Thursday summoned the immediate past Governor of the state, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, to appear before its Committee on Public Accounts over alleged misappropriation of local government funds while in office.

Also summoned alongside the former governor are the former chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Dapo Olagunju; former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Kola Kolade, and all the former 16 local government areas chairmen.

The assembly decision was as a result of the adoption of the recommendations of the joint committee of the Assembly on Public Petition and Local Governments that were recently directed to look into a petition submitted to the assembly by eight suspended council chairmen in the state

The assembly had in December 2018 suspended the 16 council chairmen while eight were reinstated in July 2019.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Public Petition Committee, Hon Adegoke Olajide, said the remaining eight chairmen on suspension made a plea to the assembly for the review of their indictment and possible reinstatement.

He said the chairmen, during an appearance before the committee confessed to having diverted funds of their councils on monthly basis to an account, but said the action was in compliance with the directive of the immediate past governor.

The Public Petition Committee chairman said the council chairmen, who provided documents to back up their allegations, claimed that the instruction to withdraw the council fund was often passed to them through the former ALGON Chairman, Mr. Dapo Olagunju, and the former Commissioner for Local Government Affair, Mr. Kola Kolade.

The assembly at the plenary also summoned a former Speaker of the assembly, Pastor Kola Oluwawole; some suspended members of the fifth assembly and the former governor over the passage of a N10 billion revised Appropriation Law towards the end of the tenure of Fayose.

The motion for the summon was moved by the Assembly Leader of Government Business, Hon Gboyega Aribisogan, on the recommendation of the report of ad-hoc committee set up to probe the hurried passage of the 2018 revised budget.

A former aide of Fayose on Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, was also directed to appear before the lawmakers for not allegedly remitting commercial revenue of above N13 million while serving as a supervisor at the state-owned Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State.

The summon was consequent upon a motion moved by the Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Ayokunle Yemisi, at its plenary in Ado-Ekiti.

The lawmaker alleged that Olayinka operated an account with a first generation bank where commercial proceeds belonging to the television and radio outfits were diverted to, and the purchase of phones at exorbitant rates as contained in the White Paper.

But responding through his media aide, Fayose said: “I will not dignify an assembly of clowns who are under the total control of a governor who is desperately in search of ways to cover his electoral thievery and failure to secure the acceptance of Ekiti people.  

"If they have any evidence of financial impropriety against him (Fayose), they can ask the man who used text message to appoint them to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives and accommodate them in the Government House as he has done on many occasions. As for us, we are moving on!"

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has sent a bill requesting for the reverse of the 2019 budget to the state assembly.

Presenting the bill to members of the assembly at the plenary in Ado Ekiti, the Speaker of the assembly, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, who read the governor’s letter justifying the request, said it was still in line with the 2019-2021 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

MTN Moves to Boost Financial Inclusion, Launches Mobile Money Transfer Services

 

Telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, on Thursday launched its ‘super-agent network service’ named ‘MoMo Agent’ to immediately provide safe and accessible money transfer services to both the under-banked and unbanked people across the country.

The service, which is being operated through its subsidiary arm,  Y’ello Digital Financial Services (YDFS), seeks to bridge the existing gaps in mobile financial operations in the country.

Speaking at a media briefing sequel to the product launch in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, said: “I am excited by the possibilities. We are fortunate to be part of the telecoms industry which underpins the digital economy, and is critical to inclusive development and the future economic growth of this great country.

“The launch of the YDFS MoMo Agent is especially significant to us. It further demonstrates our commitment to remain focused in enhancing Nigerian’s access to financial services, and in so doing, connects them to what is most important to them.”

Also, YDFS Director, Usoro Usoro, said: “Our MoMo Agent network opens up a host of opportunities by creating employment and facilitating business in rural and urban areas. Leveraging MTN’s extensive distribution network and capabilities, we are putting financial services within easy reach.

“Going forward, anyone anywhere in Nigeria can send and receive money through a MoMo Agent in his or her neighbourhood. We intend to expand the range of financial services offered once the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) grants approval for a payment banking licence.”

Meanwhile, YDFS plans to roll out about 500,000 agents across all states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The formal launch followed the successful award of a Super-Agent licence to the telecommunications company.

Abiodun Grants 200 Fadama Graduates Land, Loans under Anchor Borrowers Scheme

Sunday Okobi

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the 200 beneficiaries of the Ogun State Fadama 3 Graduate Unemployed Youths Scheme (Fadama Guys) would be given automatic slots to be the first set of farmers that would derive grants from the state Anchor Borrowers Programme launched last Monday in the state.

The governor, who made this known at the official flag-off ceremony for Fadama Graduate Unemployed Youths Scheme (Fadama Guys) at the governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the Fadama Guys was a particularly unique programme targeting two main vulnerable groups-women and youths-of the population.

He observed that agriculture is becoming an antidote to the twin problem of poverty and insecurity in the country, adding that a gainfully employed citizenry would contribute in no small measure to the socioeconomic development of the state and the country.

Accordingly, Abiodun plans to put 40,000 youths on the Anchor Borrowers scheme with support from the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He said: "I have mandated my consultant on agriculture to mainstream these sets of FADAMA graduates into our anchor borrowers programme, and by the grace of God, you will be the first beneficiaries of our anchor borrowers programme.

Under the programme, beneficiaries would be allocated a hectare of land with certificates of occupancy, provided clearing facilities, offered seedlings, fertilizer and extension services as well as off-takers who would buy off the produce for their industrial needs.

"The 'Fadama Guys' is particularly unique because it is targeted at two main vulnerable groups of our population, the youths and the women, and we are also elated that our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach towards the successful implementation of building our future together agenda is already yielding positive results."

The governor added that the Fadama Graduate Unemployed youths Scheme (Fadama Guys) at the micro economic level would provide employment opportunities in agriculture for youths and women, adding that the macroeconomic level would help the country boost its food and self-sufficiency agenda.

According to him, "At the micro economic level, this Fadama Guys provides job employment opportunities in agriculture for our youths and women, thereby providing income and food for them and their family, but on the macroeconomic level, this is another boost to Nigeria's food and self-sufficiency agenda, which will go a long way to reduce foreign exchange spent on importation of food items that could be produced locally."

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, said the objective of the National Fadama Development Project Additional Funding was to increase the income of users of rural lands and water resources in a sustainable manner throughout the country, thereby reducing poverty and enhancing food security, urging the beneficiary to judiciously make use of the grants they received.

In his remarks, the Consultant to the governor on agriculture, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, said the conception and implementation of Fadama Guys has provided a unique opportunity for the programme practitioners and government to harness the energy, motivation and innovation of the young people to strengthen the drive for diversification of the economy and social change, adding that beneficiaries of the programme must be a Nigerian youth, a graduate from any higher institution or an holder of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate who has practiced farming  between the age of 18 and 35.

Oredipe also added that such beneficiary must have computer; have access to land where the agriculture enterprise would be cited, adding that a written statement stating that the beneficiary was willing to become an Agri-preneur would also be required.

Also in his remarks, the National Project Coordinator of Fadama Guys, Mr. Balarabe Abdulrahman, represented by Mr. Adeleke Adeyemi, expressed his appreciation to the Ogun State Government for its support and keen interest in the project Fadama 3, saying the gesture would boost the state rating by the National Office and the World Bank.

In his response, the President of the Fadama Guys in Ogun State, Mr. Adebanjo Daniel, thanked the state government for its support, promising to judiciously use the grants received.

At the flag-off of the Fadama Project, 200 beneficiaries were presented with cheque.

Anxiety Over 'Silence' of Abductors of First Lady's Sister

The reported silence of the abductors of the younger sister of the wife of the Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Asaba, the state capital.

The lady, whose name was given as Elizabeth, was allegedly abducted by a five-man gang while driving an SUV on Anwai Road, about 200 metres from the Government House gate in Asaba.

Although, the security agencies had swung into action with intensified search for the victim, no word yet from the abductors on why she was taken away to an unknown destination days after her abduction.

The abductors were said to be heavily armed as they were said to have shot sporadically into the air to scare off passersby as the whisked their victim away in a waiting car.

It has been mute at the security and government quarters since the incident, which was meant to help the efforts by the security operatives to ensure that the victim is released unhurt.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke, would not confirm the incident, claiming ignorance of the abduction.  

Any word from the family or official statement from the government on emerged the criminals have opened any discussion or made demands has not been forthcoming as at Thursday evening.

The experience for the family has been very traumatic, a source said, noting that family members and well-wishers were praying fervently for the safe return of the victim soonest. 

Anambra Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robbers with 150 Phones

 

The Anambra State Police Command has disclosed that it has arrested suspected armed robbers who specialised in car snatching in the state and Delta State with 150 phones.

A statement issued by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, said over 150 mobile handsets reasonably suspected to have been stolen from different victims were recovered from the criminal suspects.

Mohammed said the suspects were nabbed by Puff Adder operatives in conjunction with police detectives attached to Aguata Division of the command following a credible intelligence report.

He gave the names of the  suspects as Anyingor Arinze  of Otueke, Asaba, Delta State; Chinedu Nweke of Mbekwe Estate, Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra  State, and Ebuka Christian Eziamaka of Ire village, Obosi, also in Idemili North LGA.

Mohammed said the suspects were part of the gang allegedly involved in series of armed robbery/carjacking in Anambra State and Asaba axis in Delta State.

He said among the vehicles they stole recently were  one Toyota Corolla 2004 and Lexus 300 in Aguata, Anambra State

According to Mohammed, “Exhibits recovered in their possession include one Gionee handset belonging to one of the victims whose vehicle was recently snatched.

“Other exhibits recovered are 12 Itel phones of different models; 26 Infinix phones of different models; 32 Tecno phones of different models; 16 Samsung phones of different models; three Gionee phones of different models, and 60 other smaller phones of different brands and models all reasonably suspected to have been snatched from different victims.”

He said the case was under investigation after which suspects would be prosecuted by a law court.

The PPRO added: "The police command has enjoined the public whose mobile phones were either snatched or stolen through similar modus to report at the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) office in Awkuzu with proof of ownership to claim them, and also give further evidence to aid police investigation."

Seek Moral Revolution, Not Chaotic Political Change, Archbishop Charges Sowore, Youths

 

The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Plateau State, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged the leader of RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore, and Nigerian youths to seek moral and character revolution rather than pursuing a chaotic political revolution. 

Speaking at the 17 General Assembly of the Catholic Church in Jos with the theme: 'Evaluation of the Youth Apostolate', the cleric explained that Nigeria is in dire need of moral revolution that would position it for greatness as opposed to calls for wrong-headed violent-prone revolution.

He maintained that such moral revolution must start from the family, educational institutions and other social circles for proper remodeling of the Nigerian youths.

Kaigama charge came as Sowore continues to remain in incarceration as an Abuja court refused to review his detention.

The cleric said: "When I overheard some people talking about a ‘revolution’ in Nigeria,  I said to myself that any such revolution should be first and foremost be a moral and attitudinal revolution not just a call for some chaotic political change.

"Such social and moral revolution should start from the family, the nursery, primary and secondary schools and our tertiary institutions."

The president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria(CBCN) added that such calls "must be a revolution where indiscipline gives way to discipline, dishonesty to honesty, laziness to hard work, the consumption of illicit drugs to sobriety, hooliganism to true patriotism,  religious fanaticism to inter-religious harmony, egocentricity to serving the interest of others first instead of a myopic view of life which emphasises the superiority of one religious or tribal group over the  common good.

"The revolution we need has to first and foremost do with cultivating attitudes and dispositions which serve as the panacea for healing a wounded and insecure country in order to catapult us to progress in all ramifications. It is a call for genuine patriotism."

Kaigama decried Nigerian youths crave for materialism, stressing that the youths should focus more on their gifts and talents to create a better society.

He added: "The youths are a gifted people. They have the talents, the energy, the creativity, the resourcefulness and vision to do things positively.

"They must all bring their noble gifts to bear on the Church and on the wider society. About gifts and talents, St. Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Spirit distributes to all in different ways: wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, teaching, among others.

"We urge our youths to use their gifts and talents sensibly and efficaciously. I urge our youths to imbibe and allow the culture of volunteerism to be ingrained in them; that is to serve without expecting a material reward, and to give out oneself in charitable activities selflessly."

 Kaigama also observed that "volunteering to do things is a great virtue. Unfortunately, our mentality has been ‘nairanised’ to the extent that every small service or initiative has a naira price!

"If someone helps you with your luggage at the airport, courteously welcomes you into an office, forwards or finds your application file for employment, assists with security issues, he looks at you with the expectancy of the cripple in Acts 3:5-6, who wants money from Apostles Peter and Paul. 

"It has almost become a Nigerian culture to expect instant financial remuneration even when one is paid to perform his or her legitimate duties. We need to purge ourselves of this mentality."

Kaigama charged the Nigerian Government to with great attentiveness promote the healthy and disciplined growth of the children and youths.

"When one visits some of the public schools, the school infrastructures are in a pitiable sight, with teachers who lack integrity and exemplary conduct.

"I know of tertiary institutions where students are crowded into lecture halls in their thousands without seats or a functional public address system; where students are forced to buy handouts or give favours in return for marks.

"Some project supervisors make things too difficult for the students, while some teachers are not focused, and always demanding monetary reward from their students,” he stated.

FG Urges Bakers To Pay Back Loans for Cassava Bread

The Chief Risk Officer of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Dr. Ezekiel Oseni, on Thursday said the federal government would not write-off the loan given to members of the Master Bakers Association of Nigeria (MBAN) under the N3.4 billion Cassava Bread Intervention Fund.

Speaking at a meeting in Abuja with members of the MBAN, he lamented that the objectives of the federal government for cassava bread production was being threatened due to the high non-repayment rate of the loans given to members.

The fund was created as part of the transformation policy in the agribusiness sector.

According to him, about 94 per cent of the loans collected by high-quality cassava flour processors had not been repaid while 86 per cent of loans collected by master bakers were still outstanding.

The master bakers group had made an appeal for loans it secured from the bank to be written off.

But, Oseni described their request as unrealistic in the light of current economic realities. Instead, he urged the association to encourage its members to repay their debt.

He said the development further made it difficult for the government to provide more funding for the sector.

Oseni noted that without adequate funding, the objectives of the government in conserving foreign exchange, creation of jobs along the cassava value chain and prevention of post-harvest losses may not be achieved.

According to the chief risk officer, "We identify with the challenges you face in your business. There is no business operating in Nigeria today that does not have challenges.

"We are not happy with how loans are not being repaid. 55 beneficiaries sold the equipment given to them. This is a breach of the contract.

"One of your members in Port Harcourt removed the generator from his factory and took it to his hotel. You must collect this money back and give it to us.

"The government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has said the money must be repaid. BoI must collect the money because about 90 per cent of the loan is being threatened due to its non-repayment."

However, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mohammed Umar, said the kind gesture of the government to the sector was being frustrated as a result of the non-repayment of loans.

He said nine out of every 10 members of the association who took loans were yet to repay their indebtedness.

But, National Secretary of the association, Jude Okafor, urged the government to write off the interest on the loans in order to make it easier for the debt to be repaid.

He also urged the government to extend the repayment period of the loan to about 10 years.

Okafor pleaded with the government to stop the use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to harass members of the association who are yet to repay their loans, adding that steps are being taken to offset their indebtedness.

Lagos Begins Clampdown on Commercial Motorcycle Operators ...Outlines Rules for Registered Operators

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Agency Taskforce has commenced a clampdown on illegal commercial motorcycle operators plying restricted routes and inner streets across the state.

The Chairman of the agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, disclosed that the clampdown which started on Thursday had 125 motorcycles impounded for flouting traffic regulations around Ejigbo and Cele area of the Oshodi/Apapa expressway.

He stated that the agency was compelled to embark on the crackdown due to complaints from the public on criminal activities perpetrated by the illegal commercial motorcycle operators in the early hours of the day and late at night.

According to him, "We are going to make sure that there is total compliance with the Lagos traffic regulations by all commercial motorcycle operators in all our local government areas as well as the Local Council Development Areas and those operating within the streets.

 

“In accordance with the state traffic laws, every motorcycle operator must wear crash helmets and must be above 18 years, avoid restricted routes, not carry more than one passenger/pregnant woman/adult with baby/a child below 12 years, and should not install any musical gadgets on his bike; must put on an apron while on operation; not to operate beyond 10p.m., and must operate with a rider's permit with their motorcycle registered with the state government.”

The chairman said research conducted by the state government revealed that most riders of the ‘illegal’ commercial motorcycles are not from Nigeria but from neighbouring countries, adding that some of them are also involved in criminal activities in the state.

 

He, therefore, warned all commercial motorbike operators to ensure that their motorcycles are duly registered with the state government as anyone caught violating the law would be seriously dealt with in accordance with the law of the state.

While warning the public, especially motorists, to ensure that their valuable items are safely kept while in traffic, the agency chairman solicited for the cooperation of all residents in providing useful security information about criminal activities around them to security agencies through the Lagos State free emergency toll lines 112  and 767.

Finally, Nigeria Lowers Visa Fees for Americans after US Visa Hike

It’s taken just a day for the Nigerian Government to respond to the US President Donald Trump administration’s latest visa clampdown measure on Nigerians.

Nigeria has reduced visa fees for Americans traveling to Nigeria from $180 to $150 in response to the US embassy’s introduction of a “reciprocity fee” for Nigerians. The US embassy claims the new reciprocity fee, ranging from $80 to $303 and only to be paid for approved visas has been introduced to “eliminate that cost difference” between visa application fees for both countries.

The move was in line with a Trump executive order in 2017 for the US secretary of State to, among other things, adjust fee schedules “to match the treatment of United States nationals” by other countries. The US embassy claimed it has been in talks with Nigerian authorities for 18 months to align visa fees.

For its part, Nigeria’s government says the decision to lower visa fees for American applicants was taken months ago but was not implemented given the transition in government. (Nigeria’s president Buhari only inaugurated a new cabinet last week after winning reelection for a second term in February).

It’s unclear if the new visa fee reduction for American applicants to Nigeria will also see the US Embassy revise its reciprocity fee structure for Nigerians.

Some international business people and tourists from countries including the United States have long complained about the high expense of Nigerian visas and the difficulty of obtaining them. The Buhari government has targeted improving this with programs including visa-on-arrival for business people and potential investors. Yet, Nigerians also face challenges with the US visa application process, which is renown for its intensive paperwork (even for short stay visas) and involves daunting consular interview sessions that often end in vague reasons for application rejections.

The quick reaction from Nigerian authorities is a change of tack from earlier measures by the Trump administration to clamp on Nigerian visa applications. In May, the US suspended a visa waiver program for Nigerian applicants and has reportedly considered issuing visas for shorter validity periods in response to the high rates of Nigerian nationals overstaying visas.

NEMA Receives Another Batch of 153 Stranded Nigerians from Libya

The Director-General (DG) of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Maihajja, yesterday disclosed that the agency has received another batch of 153 stranded Nigerians from Libya.

A statement made available to journalists on Wednesday disclosed that the DG was represented by Mr. Slaku Lugard when they received the returnees at the Muritala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) Lagos upon their arrival from Libya.

It added also that the returnees were brought back into the country on Al Buraq Air with flight number UZ 189 and registration number 5A-DMG Boeing 737-8GK.

According to the statement, "The breakdown of the returnees during registration showed that adult females were 59; female children four; female infants 7; adult male 78; male children three, and male infants two.

 “The returnees were brought back by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) with assistance from the European Union (EU).

Other agencies involved to ensure their relocation from Libya were the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Refugee Commission and Edo State Task Force on Anti Trafficking.

We Are Trailing Abductors of Irrua Hospital CMD, Says Edo CP

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Danmallam Mohammed, on Wednesday said his men are on the trail of the criminals who kidnapped the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Hospital, Prof. Sylvanus Okigbeni, which led to the death of two policemen.

This is coming as the abductors are yet to make contact with the family since the incident happened last Monday.

Mohammed, who stated this after a closed-door security meeting, confirmed that two gallant policemen were lost during the kidnap of the CMD which took place at Ramat Park on his way to Benin Airport last Monday for a meeting in Abuja.

"The kidnap of CMD is quite unfortunate and sad. We lost two of our gallant police officers in the incident but there were no civilian casualties. I am assuring members of the public that we are on the trail of the kidnappers, and by God's grace, we shall arrest them.

"Investigation is already ongoing, but the strategy will not be revealed for security reasons. However, we assure Edo people that the CMD will be rescued soon. We are on top of our game and we will surely rescue him as we have been doing a lot of work on our major highways in the state," he said.

The commissioner of police insisted that the state is the most peaceful in the South-south zone of the country despite the recent kidnap incident.

According to him, "Edo is the most peaceful state in the South-south region of the country, and we are putting in our best to ensure that the state remains peaceful. We are also strategising to checkmate the activities of criminals."

Meanwhile family members with sick ones at the hospital have been withdrawing them following the strike by workers and resident doctors of the hospital as a protest against the kidnap of their boss.

  

Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Odijie Ernest Ohue, told journalists that “we are yet to be contacted by the kidnappers; we are worried and the workers have continued with their strike because they are pained by the incident. The man (CMD) has been doing a great work here. So some parents have come to withdraw their wards because of the strike.”

  

Similarly, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has given the assurance that security agencies in the state are working assiduously to rescue Okogbeni.

He said all units of the state security architecture are on top of their game to ensure that the abducted CMD regains his freedom.

"We have stepped up surveillance in the past weeks in the state with our new security architecture. Citizens have been going about their daily activities peacefully. But the kidnap of the CMD is a setback. However, Edo people should be assured that security agencies will certainly trail the kidnappers and rescue Prof. Okogbeni. I just finished a closed-door meeting with security chiefs in the state. I have been assured of his rescue, as we have useful information which the security agencies are working on. I pray we get in touch with the victim soon.

'We can't disclose much at this time as security services are working hard. You know we made significant investment in our security architecture and hopefully we shall contact him soon," Obaseki said.

Abiodun Signs Security Trust Fund, OGROMA Bills into Law

Sunday Okobi

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has signed the state Security Trust Fund and the Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency (OGROMA) bill, which was passed by the State House of Assembly, into law.

A statement issued and made available to Yellowstone Media by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin, on Wednesday disclosed that the bill was signed by the governor after it was presented to him by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, at the governor's office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Also, the governor has also signed into law the Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) 2019, passed by the state assembly.

Abiodun, the statement added, had last weekend inaugurated the committee for the Trust Fund headed by Mr. Bolaji Balogun to source for money for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment, human materials and financial resources that would be necessary to prevent crime and preserve public peace.

The statement said the committee would also promote the effect of all security agencies in the state; hold gifts property and money for the purpose of crime prevention; moblise funding and resources in cash or kind from the public, private, corporate, institutions or any other source, and manage those resources in a transparent and accountable manner for the purpose of public security.

It added that the committee is also to reserve part of the fund for the training and retraining of security personnel as well as perform other functions for the purpose of public security as contained in the state Security Law 2011 as amended by the State Security Trust Fund Law 2019.

Somorin added that with the passing of the Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency (OGROMA) bill into law, deplorable township and rural roads in the state would soon begin to wear new look as the agency will swing into action.

He stated that the administration of Governor Abiodun has resuscitated the agency to serve as a quick fix mechanism to address the deplorable condition of township and rural roads.

Airtel Africa Exceeds 100m Subscriber Base, Becomes Second Largest in Nigeria

 

Airtel Africa, a major telecommunications services provider with operations in 14 countries across Africa, yesterday announced that it has crossed the 100 million customers mark across its operations.

Airtel Africa is now the second-largest mobile operator in Africa by number of active subscribers.

Similarly, Airtel Nigeria, which had remained the third largest telecoms operator in the country by subscriber number for so long a time, moved one step up to become the second largest telecoms operator in Nigeria, according to the industry statistics released on Wednesday by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator.

According to the statistics obtained from NCC's website, Airtel's subscriber number reached 46.8 million with a teledensity of 26.8 per cent to become the second-largest telecoms operator as at August 2019, while Globacom recorded 46.7 million subscribers with a teledensity of 26.7 per cent for the same period.

MTN, however, maintained the market leader by subscriber number with 65.4 million subscribers and a teledensity of 38 per cent.

Airtel, which was the first telecoms operator to launch its commercial telecoms services in Nigeria on August 6, 2001, maintained the position of the second-largest telecoms operator after MTN which first launched its commercial services on August 8, 2001, two days after Airtel did.

Globacom launched its operation on August 29, 2003, and later overtook Airtel to become the second-largest telecoms operator, a position it held before Airtel reclaimed it this August.

 

Commenting on the milestone achievement of Airtel Africa, its Chief Executive Officer, Raghunath Mandava, said: “I am delighted to report that Airtel Africa has crossed the 100 million subscriber mark. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our employees and a clear reflection that customers value our network, service offerings and customer experience. The positive momentum we have seen in customer acquisition further underpins our medium-term aspirations for revenue and profit growth. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teams that have worked hard to get us here.”

He added that Airtel Africa’s footprint is characterised by low but increasing mobile connectivity, with a unique user penetration at 43 per cent, highlighting the potential for growth across its footprint.

UN Visit: Wike Calls for Establishment of State Police to Fight Insecurity

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the establishment of State Police would go a long way in resolving the current security challenges facing the country.

He posited that the present security structure makes it difficult for the Federal Police to respond quickly to security challenges.

Wike stated this on Wednesday when he granted audience to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Ms. Callamard Agnes, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, "We believe that there should be a State Police for us to effectively fight crime in the country. Our system is fashioned towards the United States which has federal, state and local police. Each of them has its responsibilities.

"In the present situation, if a crime is committed, the Commissioner of Police will first report to the Inspector General of Police (IG) before taking any action.”

Wike told the UN delegation that the state government established the state Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency to support security agencies with information, but the agency was frustrated for political reasons.

He said: "We established the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency which would have helped the security agencies with information, but it was politicised by the federal government when they sent the Nigerian Army to ensure that it did not come to fruition.

"If the State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency was allowed, probably by now, we would have solved part of the security problems."

Speaking further, Wike said if the amended Electoral Act had been assented to by the president, electoral violence would have been reduced to the barest minimum, as there would not have been any incentive to snatch materials and manipulate the electoral process.

He berated the Nigerian army for allegedly perpetuating violence during the 2019 general election in Rivers State, adding that the negative actions of the army shocked several embassies in Nigeria.

The governor reiterated the commitment of the state government to the fight against cultism, saying the state government has initiated an anti-cultism law, which would be diligently implemented.

He said working with security agencies, the state government has intervened in the cult clashes in Ogoniland, adding that several arrests have been made in Khana Local Government Area, where cult groups dislodged some communities.

Earlier, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Ms. Agnes, said she was interested in documenting the nature and extent of killings by state and non-state actors.

She said: "I am interested in how the federal and state governments respond to the challenges of violence by state and non-state actors.

"I would be grateful if you will share with us information on killings by the state and non-state actors.”