Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Nigeria

  • Tolulope Arotile: Possibly killed by Boko Haram sympathiser, Afenifere, family, ‘ex-soldier’ allege

    Tolulope Arotile: Possibly killed by Boko Haram sympathiser, Afenifere, family, ‘ex-soldier’ allege

    Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere says it suspects foul play in the death of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) first female combat pilot, 23-year Tolulope Arotile, whom authorities reported to have died “as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna”.

    In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin, Thursday, Afenifere accused the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) of being economical with the truth on how the young combat pilot died and therefore demands a coronner inquest into her death.  

    READ ALSO: Photos: First female Nigerian Air Force combat helicopter pilot is dead

    “A statement by the Nigerian Air Force told some truth that she died but spewed some untruth in saying that”:

    ‘it  is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile who died today, 14 July 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.‬’, Afenifere quoted NAF.

    The group expressed doubt about the sincerity of NAF because the detail of Flying Officer Arotile’s death was only revealed by eyewitness account.

    “It was only eyewitness accounts that unofficially released that it was a colleague of hers who reversed his car to knock her down on the road”, the group stated.

    READ ALSO: Buhari, Aisha mourn first female NAF combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile

    Referring to NAF’s statement on Arotile’s death which stated that:

    ‘Until her death, ‪Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service.‬ During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hails from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State’.

    Afenifere, who also stated unofficial accounts which disclosed late Arotile had just returned from a combat operation before she was knocked down to death, alleged that the young flying officer might have been deliberately killed by sympathisers of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT), who have infiltrated the Nigerian Military.

    “We therefore do not accept that her death was an accident until the report of a coroner says how she died and how a supposed attempt to stop and greet could come with a death impact.

    “We say this against what is known of the infiltration of the forces by sympathizers and agents of Boko Haram.

    “We recall the report years back of such agents revealing the routes and timing of movements of our troops to Boko Haram who ambushed them”, Afenifere said in the statement.

    READ ALSO: [Video] NDDC Drama: How Governor Wike rescued Joy Nunieh from arrest

    Furthermore, the group, while sympathizing with the family of the late promising NAF officer, whom Nigerians have described as a hero; demanded that: 

    “The inquiry should look into all the links of the colleague who killed her and we must know the identity”.

    in the same vein, late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile’s family has also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the sudden death of Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot.

    “We in the family are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freak accident,” Ms. Damilola Adegboye, immediate elder sister to the deceased Flying Officer told Punch Newspaper.

    “I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real”, she added.

    Meanwhile, during a live radio programme – The Big Three Stories for Today on Nigeria Info FM 99.3 anchored by one Sandra Ezekwesili, a man who claimed to be an ex-soldier, choosing to be anonimous, called in from Ilupeju, Lagos Nigeria by telephone and alleged that the Nigerian Army is not only infiltrated by sabotages pretending to be soldiers, but pervaded by leaders who are pilfering the humongous resources budgeted yearly to fight insurgency in the country. 

    READ ALSO: NDDC: Buhari speaks on unfolding drama, orders coordinated investigation

    The acclaimed ex-soldier had in the course of the conversation with the radio presenter categorically stated that: “I was shot on purpose by my fellow soldier for always killing Boko Haram”.

    Watch Video:

    Similarly, some Twitter users, who commented on the tweet posted by Nigeria Info FM and their presenter, Sandra Ezekwesili, corroborated the allegation by the acclaimed ex-soldier. 

    One Vique, who tweeted via @viqueta stated that: “This is no joke Sandra, this guy isn’t lying at all, my friend in the military band corps was sent to the NE because his boss didn’t like him, he had to flee the war zone because they were always been attacked, some solders were divulging info to BH terrorists”.

    Another Twitter user named Nonso Chukwu who commented via @n_nonsochukwu explained the experience of a relative:

    “Sandra i was listening to your show right at the moment he made that statement in Hausa. We lost a cousin of mine in 2018. Similar story. But he was unlucky as he did not survive the shot. He was shot by his colleague right at their post.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria’s-Air Task Force hits terrorists camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno

    “Sandra, we never officially got any information from the Army that he was killed. He was buried in a military cemetery there in Maiduguri. No explanation came from the Army as to the cause of his death”, Chukwu added. 

    The controversy surrounding the unfortunate death of Tolulope and other claims of unexplained deaths of relations has now brought to the front burner issues of maltreatment of rank and file by the leadership of the Nigerian Military formation, including allegations that some high ranking officers are taking advantage of the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to enrich their pockets; a possible reason why insurgency in Nigeria might not have ended since about a decade now.

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

  • NDDC: Buhari speaks on unfolding drama, orders coordinated investigation

    NDDC: Buhari speaks on unfolding drama, orders coordinated investigation

    Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday broke silence over the ongoing unfolding drama over the probe of the budgetary allocations to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Speaking for the first time on the attacks and counter attacks between and around persons, institutions, and the commission, Buhari expressed his strong determination to get to the root of the problem undermining the development of the Niger Delta and its peoples in spite of enormous national resources voted year after year for this singular purpose.

    The President directed that there should be better coordination among security and investigating agencies with the National Assembly to ensure that his administration’s effort to bring sanity, transparency and accountability to the management of the large amount of resources dedicated to development of the Niger Delta sub-region is not derailed.

    According to him, auditing firms and investigative agencies working in collaboration with National Assembly Committees to resolve the challenges in NDDC must initiate actions in a time-bound manner and duly inform the Presidency of the actions being taken.

    The President also directed timely sharing of information and knowledge in a way to speedily assist the administration to diagnose what had gone wrong in the past and what needs to be done to make corrections in order to return NDDC to its original mandate of making life better for people in Niger Delta.

    Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the administration wanted to bring about “rapid, even and sustainable development to the region.”

    The President gave firm assurance that his administration would put in place a transparent and accountable governance framework, not only in NDDC but in all other institutions of government.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanity, Transparency, Accountability Will Return to NDDC, Buhari Assures

    Sanity, Transparency, Accountability Will Return to NDDC, Buhari Assures

    President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday broke silence over the ongoing unfolding drama over the probe of the budgetary allocations to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Speaking for the first time on the attacks and counter attacks between and around persons, institutions, and the commission, Buhari expressed his strong determination to get to the root of the problem undermining the development of the Niger Delta and its peoples in spite of enormous national resources voted year after year for this singular purpose.

    Read Also….. NDDC Drama: Pondei walks out on Reps as Wike rescues Nunieh from arrest

    The President directed that there should be better coordination among security and investigating agencies with the National Assembly to ensure that his administration’s effort to bring sanity, transparency and accountability to the management of the large amount of resources dedicated to development of the Niger Delta sub-region is not derailed.

    According to him, auditing firms and investigative agencies working in collaboration with National Assembly Committees to resolve the challenges in NDDC must initiate actions in a time-bound manner and duly inform the Presidency of the actions being taken.

    The President also directed timely sharing of information and knowledge in a way to speedily assist the administration to diagnose what had gone wrong in the past and what needs to be done to make corrections in order to return NDDC to its original mandate of making life better for people in Niger Delta.

    Read Also… NDDC Crisis: Acting Finance Director is dead, sources suspect poisoning

    Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the administration wanted to bring about “rapid, even and sustainable development to the region.”

    The President gave firm assurance that his administration would put in place a transparent and accountable governance framework, not only in NDDC but in all other institutions of government.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Nigeria’s Air Task Force hits terrorists’ camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno

    Nigeria’s Air Task Force hits terrorists’ camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno

    The Air Task Force of Nigerian Military Operation Lafiya Dole yesterday July 15, 2020 destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) Camp and killing several fighters belonging to the group during massive air strikes executed at Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria.

    The air strike operation was on Tuesday disclosed in a statement by the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General, John Enenche, who stated that the operation was carried out after receiving human intelligence reports that confirmed the raided settlement was one of the locations used by Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to launch attacks against Nigerian troops and villages around Kumshe area.

    According to the defence chief noted that aerial surveillance missions also confirmed the heavy presence of a large number of BHTs in the settlement, some of whom were seen slinging their rifles.

    “The Air Task Force therefore launched coordinated attacks on the various targets within the settlement, employing an enhanced force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships. 

    “The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the designated locations within the settlement, scoring devastating hits which led to the destruction of several structures, including the Communication Centres, as well as the neutralization of several terrorists”, Major General Enenche said.

    Enenche further disclosed that  the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commended the Air Task Force team for their dedication, dexterity and professionalism. 

    “The Defence Headquarters equally urges them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country”, Major General Enenche added. 

    Defence Headquarters believes that the successful air strike operation is In continuation of the sustained offensive against terrorist elements in the North-East of the Country.

    Photos:

    Aerial view of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) camp in Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria, captured by Air Force fighter jets, July 15, 2020. Credit: Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.
    Aerial view of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) camp in Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria, captured by Air Force fighter jets, July 15, 2020. Credit: Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.
    Aerial view of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) camp in Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria, captured by Air Force fighter jets, July 15, 2020. Credit: Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

  • CBN demands power to freeze accounts linked to criminals; credit tribunal

    CBN demands power to freeze accounts linked to criminals; credit tribunal

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Wednesday demanded statutory powers from the Nigerian Senate to enable freeze bank accounts that are linked to criminal suspects.

    This demand was made on behalf of CBN by the Director, Legal Services, Mr Kofo Salam-Alade, who appeared before a Senate Committee Hearing for a new Act seeking to replace the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) of 2004.

    The lawmakers have commenced the process of repealing/replacing BOFIA 2004 with the re-enactment of BOFIA 2020. However, a particular omission in the new bill has the CBN worried.

    In his presentation to the committee, Salam-Alada pointed out that the new BOFIA bill has ‘inadvertently’ omitted a clause that should normally grant the CBN Governor the power to freeze any bank accounts linked to criminals, subject court order.

    In 2004, the BOFIA Act had contained this clause. However, the new bill seeking to re-enact BOFIA does not have it. Interestingly, this new bill has passed its second reading at the senate, meaning that it could soon become law.

    According to Salam-Alade, the clause should be re-introduced into the new BOFIA bill in order not to frustrate the CBN’s fight against fraud and other financial crimes.

    “This omission erodes the powers of the CBN and creates a huge gap in the regulatory and resolution framework. Therefore, we propose that the extant provisions should be reinstated,” Salam-Alada argued.

    Also, the CBN director called on the lawmakers to consider the creation of a credit tribunal saddled with the responsibility of addressing persistent issue of non-performing loans in the banking sector.

    Salam-Alada explained that such tribunal will fast-track the recovery of loans from banks and other financial institutions through the enforcement of rights over collaterals.

    “As part of measures to address the role of nonperforming loans, we propose the creation of a credit tribunal. The overarching objective is to create an efficient regime for the recovery of eligible loans of banks and other financial institutions and enforcement of rights over collateral securities.

    “Several new types of licensed institutions have entered the Nigerian financial services sector since the enactment of the 1991 Act. These include the non-interest banks, credit bureaux, payment system service providers, among others. There is a compelling need to introduce new provisions in the bill to address the unique peculiarities of these institutions”, he said.

    As a matter of importance to the Apex bank, Salam-Alade also raised the issue of intervention, pointing to the committee the omission of  power granted the CBN to intervene and rescue a failing bank in the new BOFIA bill.

  • Buhari, Aisha mourn first female NAF combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile

    Buhari, Aisha mourn first female NAF combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile

    President Muhammadu Buhari and First Lady, Aisha, have mourned the passing of Flying Officer Tolulope Oluwatoyin Sarah Arotile, who died in a road accident in Kaduna.

    Late Arotile died on July 14 at the age of 24, when she was inadvertently hit by the reversing vehicle of an excited former Air Force Secondary School classmate while trying to greet her. She died as a result of head injuries sustained from the incident.

    Born on December 13, 1995 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Akintunde Arotile in Kaduna, late Arotile hailed from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    Flying Officer Arotile was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a Pilot Officer on September 16, 2017 and held a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

    She was winged as the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Nigerian Air Force on October 15, 2019, after completing her flying training in South Africa. She held a commercial pilot licence and also underwent tactical flying training on the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter in Italy.

    Incidentally, late Arotile introduced the newly acquired Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter to Buhari during the induction ceremony at Eagle Square in Abuja on February 6, 2020.

    Before her untimely death, she made significant and outstanding contributions to the war against terrorism, armed banditry and other forms of criminality in the Country, flying several combat missions.

    She joined the Nigerian Air Force out of passion for the job.

    According to her, “I joined the military simply out of passion for it. Being a military personnel has been a long time ambition, the carriage and what it stands for are simply exceptional.”

    Condoling with the family on loss of such a promising officer, whose short stay on earth impacted greatly on the nation, especially in peace and security, the President saluted Arotile’s bravery in the field to protect the country from onslaught of bandits and terrorists.

    He assured that her memory would be indelible, and her efforts remembered.

    Buhari commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force, airmen, airwomen and all friends of the deceased, recalling her deft skills in manoeuvring combat helicopters, which he had physically witnessed with pride.

    The President sympathised with government and people of Kogi State on the loss.

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, prayed God to receive the soul of the departed, and comfort the family she left behind.

    Also, First Lady said of late Arotile: “It’s with a heavy heart that I received the news of the demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, the first female Nigerian Airforce Combat Helicopter Pilot.

    “I condole with the family of Flying Officer Arotile, the Nigerian Airforce and the country over this irreparable loss.

    “The deceased was an intelligent young woman, a huge potential, a representative of both Nigerian women and youth, and what they could achieve.”

    Late Arotile attended Air Force Primary School, Kaduna from 2000 to 2005 and Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna between 2006 and 2011 before she later gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna as a member of 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Court jails Ex-NIMASA ED, Agaba 7 years imprisonment for Laundering N1.5bn

    Court jails Ex-NIMASA ED, Agaba 7 years imprisonment for Laundering N1.5bn

    A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, to seven years in prison for laundering the sum of N1.5 billion.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba handed down the sentence on Wednesday, after convicting the former NIMASA ED.

    In 2015, the EFCC had alleged that the convict while serving as the ED in charge of Maritime, Safety and Shipping, fraudulently conspired with the then-Director General, Patrick Akpobolokemi, to obtain the huge sum by false pretence from the Federal Government after which it was fraudulently converted.

    READ ALSO: President Buhari hits EFCC with a purge suspends Secretary, Olukoyede, 11 others

    In June 2019, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos also sentenced the former Director-General of the agency, Calistus Obi, to seven years in prison or a N42 million fine.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun gave the sentence on June 3, following allegations of fraud to the tune of N136 million.

    Another former Acting Director-General of NIMASA, Haruna Baba-Jauro, also faced trial in 2019 on 19 counts bordering on theft, fraudulent conversion of NIMASA’s property to their private use and money laundering of N304 million.

    Baba-Jauro assumed leadership of the agency after the tenure of Patrick Akpobolokemi.

     

  • President Buhari hits EFCC with a purge, suspends Secretary Olukoyede, 11 others

    President Buhari hits EFCC with a purge, suspends Secretary Olukoyede, 11 others

    Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended about 12 senior officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, P.M News reports.

    The notice of suspension was communicated to the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Mohammed Umar, on Tuesday night by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

    The suspension of the about 12 senior officials is connected to the probe of alleged atrocities committed under the leadership of Ibrahim Magu, the disgraced and suspended Chairman of the EFCC.

    According to P.M News, sources close to the presidency disclosed on Tuesday night that the executive secretary of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede was not spared the sweeping suspension at the agency.

    READ ALSO: Lagos, USAID sign pact towards new electrification plan for residents

    P.M News, the Nigerian newspaper reported that a source said: “they were suspended for various alleged criminal and corrupt infractions”, so as to not compromise ongoing investigations into alleged corruption leveled against the officials.

    “All the top officials in the agency have been suspended, their offices locked, to prevent any tampering with files at the commission”, the source added.

    President Buhari suspended Ibrahim Magu, the former acting chairman of the agency last week and appointed the director of operations, Mohammed Umar Abba, to lead the agency in acting capacity.

    It was said that Umar was spared the sweeping suspension because he was not culpable in the alleged criminal dealings leveled against Magu and some senior officers.

    Following his confirmation by the Senate in November 2018, Olukoyede was appointed the Secretary to the EFCC.

    The senior member of the Nigerian Bar Association was first a chief of staff to Magu, and later ascend to the position of Secretary of the EFCC after the five-year tenure of Emmanuel Aremo expired in July 2018.

    The former acting chairman of the agency is facing for the second week, grilling by the presidential panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami, over financial allegations and improprieties, including money laundering.

    He is facing tough questioning over allegations that he re-looted funds recovered by the commission. And that he accepted bribes to pervert cases of graft.

    He is also accused of mismanagement of recovered assets by the EFCC.

    Among the issues Magu is helping the panel to resolve are wide discrepancies in figures of recovered monies published by the agency.

    The panel has also asked him to react to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit(NFIU) report accusing him of siphoning money from the EFCC.

    NFIU report showed that a particular Bureau de Change, owned by Ahmed Ibrahim Shanono linked to the Acting Chairman based in Kaduna has more than 158 accounts and has been receiving huge sums of funds.

    READ ALSO: Gokada founder, Fahim Saleh gruesomely murdered in US

    The report also accused Magu of laundering money through Pastor Emmanuel Omale of Hand of God Prophetic Ministry.

    Omale was alleged to have bought a landed property on behalf of Magu worth N573 million in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    “Another individual who is helping in laundering funds for the Acting Chairman and who has been referred to in several petitions is one Pastor Emmanuel Omale (Hand of God Prophetic Ministry)” a source quoted by P.M News stated.

  • Lagos, USAID sign pact towards new electrification plan for residents

    Lagos, USAID sign pact towards new electrification plan for residents

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government, Nigeria and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme (PA-NPSP) have signed a Letter of Cooperation to develop new electrification plan for the Centre of Excellence.

    The agreement was reached on Tuesday during a virtual signing event involving representatives of Lagos State Government and USAID PA-NPSP.

    The Letter of Cooperation is aimed to formally launch Lagos State Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) initiative.

    IRP, which would be developed in close coordination with PA-NPSP, would serve as a roadmap to guide the development and implementation of a comprehensive electrification strategy that is best suited to the long-term needs of Lagos State.

    READ ALSO: Photos: First female Nigerian Air Force combat helicopter pilot is dead

    The plan, when developed, would be an effective tool towards improved planning and decision making in accelerating successful investment in the electricity sector and ultimately increasing electricity accessibility and reliability in Lagos State.

    In support of the Integrated Resource Plan, PA-NPSP would provide an analysis and review of the power sector in Lagos State to develop a state-of-the-art planning mechanism that is best suited for the long-term electricity needs of the state’s residents, businesses, industries, and public/government premises such as hospitals and health clinics.

    This roadmap would assist Lagos State Government and the state’s energy stakeholders to predict power system requirements for the next 20 years, enabling the effective and efficient management of energy resources.

    Speaking during the virtual signing ceremony, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the Integrated Resource Plan is a priority initiative for his administration.

    “To improve access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, there is no better place to start than in Nigeria.

    “The Integrated Resource Plan is a priority initiative for Lagos State Government and it underpins our electricity strategy to ensure access and reliability to Lagos residents is a reality,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu also expressed his administration’s gratitude to the Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme for leading the initiative and also commended all the local stakeholders for providing support to ensure Lagos Integrated Resource Plan becomes a reality and for their continuous support towards making Lagos greater.

    In his opening remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote, said the development is a significant milestone in the implementation plan of Lagos State Government towards improving electricity access in the state.

    READ ALSO: Gokada founder, Fahim Saleh gruesomely murdered in US

    Odusote underscored the importance of an energy plan for sustainable economic development.

    “It is impossible to have a sustainable economic plan without an energy plan.

    “The objective of Lagos State Government is to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to Lagos residents, a key enabler for the vision of making Lagos a 21st Century economy.

    “The Integrated Resource Plan will be a sustainable, long-term electrification plan for Lagos,” he said.

    USAID’s Mission Director, Stephen Haykin, on his part, explained that “Power Africa recognises the importance of reliable electricity supply to Nigeria’s present and future.”

    According to him, “From energy perspective, I can’t think of a better way to accelerate access to electricity than to actively partner with Lagos State Government for the development of a robust Integrated Resource Plan.

    “To this end, it is vital that we support this initiative, as it serves as a critical planning process to meet consumers’ needs for electricity services in a way that satisfies multiple objectives for resource use.”

    Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief of Party for PA-NPSP, Tunde Gbajumo, emphasised the importance of collaborating with relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.

    He explained that PA-NPSP and Lagos State Government would work closely with various stakeholders in Lagos State power sector to develop the Integrated Resource Plan and have already formed a Study Team composed of gas suppliers, the two Lagos distribution companies, generation companies, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: US withdraws controversial policy to eject foreign students studying online 

    Gbajumo said: “The Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Program is excited to be part of this landmark event for the partnership between Lagos State Government and USAID and hope that this event will serve as a further testament to the productive and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s energy sector.”

    Other participants at the event included Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board; key representatives from Transmission Company of Nigeria; Rural Electrification Agency; Egbin Power Plc; Ikeja Electric Plc; and Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

    Photos:

      

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Gokada founder, Fahim Saleh gruesomely murdered in US

    Gokada founder, Fahim Saleh gruesomely murdered in US

    New York Police Department (NYPD) Tuesday says a man believed to be Fahim Saleh, the founder of Nigeria’s motorbike hailing company, Gokada, has been brutally murdered in his New York condo home.

    The police explained the gruesome murder of the 33-year-old tech entrepreneur, saying Saleh’s corpse, disembered with an electric saw was found limbless and headless in a building on E. Houston St. at Suffolk St. on the Lower East side, New York. The dismembered body parts were found at the scene of the murder, New York Police reported.

    “We have a torso, a head that’s been removed, arms, and legs. Everything is still on the scene. We don’t have a motive,” NYPD spokesman Sgt. Carlos Nieves said.

    Saleh, a Bentley University alumnus , who apart from his Gokada business in Nigeria is a co-founder of Pathao together with Hussain M Elius and Shifat Adnan in 2015, bought the condo home in 2019 for $2.2 million, according to New York Post.

    Police were alerted to the seventh-floor condo by the victim’s sister who called 911 after discovering her brother’s headless and armless corpse in his home.

    An NYPD spokesman said she came calling Tuesday because she hadn’t seen her brother in a day, then discovered his dismembered corpse.

    While it is not clear what the motive for Saleh’s murder was, sources, according to New York Daily revealed that an elevator surveillance camera may have caught the victim’s last moments. It shows the victim getting into the elevator Monday, followed quickly by a second man, dressed in a suit, wearing gloves, a hat and a mask over his face.

    Wednesday morning, Gokada staff in Nigeria woke up to the shocking news of the death of their founder and CEO, expressing “deep sadness and regret”.

    In a statement posted on their Linkedin page, the company described the Saleh’s demise as “sudden and tragic”.

    “Fahim was a great leader, an inspiration and a positive light for all of us at Gokada, and we are completely heartbroken by the sad news.

    Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all those who are currently feeling the same pain that we feel right now. Fahim’s vision and belief in us will always be with us, a reminder that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to”, the statement read.