A collage photo of former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba and the logo of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
Following the demise of its late Chairman, Ismaila Isa, the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Tuesday named a former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, as its new Chairman.
Members of council in session unanimously adopted the former governor at its meeting, after the Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Sam Amuka, introduced him as the new chairman of the council.
According to the minute of the meeting by the Acting Registrar, Patricia Kalesanwo, the meeting presided over by Osoba, was also attended by the President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nduka Obaigbena.
Osoba is occupying this position 30 years after he served as the council chairman. The council said its decision to appoint the former governor for the position again is to “ explore his wealth of knowledge, administrative skill, professional depth and goodwill to reposition the institute in this era of technology driven communication industry.”
Besides, the meeting appointed a former president of NPAN, Ray Ekpu, as the Deputy Chairman of the Governing Council and incorporated the chairman of NIJ Alumni Association into the council in ex-officio capacity with no voting rights, saying this was to enable the old students to appropriately contribute to the repositioning of their alma mater.
With the tenure of the incumbent Provost, Gbemiga Ogunleye, expiring at the end of this month, the council constituted a committee to place advert and screen suitable candidate for the office of the provost immediately.
President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d'ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja assured Nigerians and the international community that his administration will use the remaining years in office to improve access to quality education, health care and enhance productivity, while listing nine priority areas.
The President, who received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors/High Commissioners of eight countries at the State House, said efforts were being made to sustain Nigeria’s position as profitable investment destination with unequalled incentives in all sectors, especially large market and flexible tax system which investors from various countries can take advantage of.
The Ambassadors/High Commissioners who presented their Letters of Credence are: Hocine Latil of Algeria; Luong Quoc Thinh of Vietnam; Dr Benson Alfred Bana of Tanzania; Traore Kalilou of Cote d’Ivoire; Abakar Saleh Chahaimi of Chad; Jamal Mohammed Barrow of Somalia; Brahim Salem El Mami Buseif of Sahrawi Arab Republic and Mohammed Alibak of Iran.
The President told the diplomats about Nigeria’s priority, and the need to streamline on people-focused policies.
“In our efforts to achieve a realistic domestic and foreign policy, as well as national development, we have identified the following nine priority areas to guide our policy directions over the next few years.
“Build a thriving and sustainable economy; Enhance social inclusion and reduce poverty; Enlarge agricultural output for food security and export; Attain energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products and expand transport and other infrastructural development.
“Expand business growth, entrepreneurship and industrialization; Expand access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity of Nigerians; Build a system to fight corruption, improve governance and create social cohesion; and improve security for all.’’
Describing Nigerians as the “nation’s most prized assets’’, President Buhari said the nine priority mandates were already reflected in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, a medium-term initiative pioneered by the government to restore economic growth and development while leveraging the resourcefulness and resilience of the citizens.
The President urged the diplomats to use the opportunity of working in the country to improve relations with their governments and people.
“I have no doubt that you might have prior and in-depth knowledge of Nigeria’s huge potential which you will hopefully see for yourselves. I therefore, urge you to go around the country, see things for yourselves and report to your home governments. This is important as you all are representatives of both your sending and host states.’’
President Buhari said Nigeria will remain steadfast in pursuing deeper and valuable relations among nations, without discrimination.
“Nigeria strongly supports joint action to ensure a democratic and fair world order based on strict respect for the norms of international law, the United Nations Charter, recognition of the unquestionable value of cultural diversity, national sovereignty, and the right of all countries to decide their future freely, without external pressure.
“Nigeria does not divide its partners into big and small; we value and respect every country, and with every country we are ready to pursue dialogue, as well as build cooperation on the basis of equality and constructive mutual respect.
“These include our cooperation in strengthening regional, continental and global peace and security, resolving complex issues, settling conflicts, as well as addressing dangerous threats to mankind, among which include terrorism, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, cybercrimes, poverty, communicable diseases and epidemics.’’
Speaking on behalf of the Ambassadors/High Commissioners, the Ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria said each of the diplomats brings greetings and agenda from their home governments, but the bottom line remains to enhance cooperation and seek advancement in mutual areas of interest.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we thank you for receiving us. We know that your schedule is tight. As the giant of Africa, you are always focused on resolving conflicts in the continent, while taking care of your domestic issues as well.’’
The Algerian ambassador said the African ambassadors will leverage the opportunity to further enhance implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and learn from each other.
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President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020President Buhari receives Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Algeria, Vietnam, Tanzania, Cote d’ivoire, Chad, Somalia, Saharawi and Iran in State House on 25th Aug 2020
President Buhari receives briefing from Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State on Solid Minerals and Mining Potentials in Zamfara in State House
Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, Monday paid a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in State House, Abuja.
The governor, sources said, was in Aso Rock to brief the President on solid minerals and mining potentials in Zamfara State.
Located in the North-western Nigeria, Zamfara State is blessed with many mineral resources, such as iron ore, alluvial gold, chromate, chamovite, granite, clay, limestone, quartz, and kaolin.
In his remarks after the meeting, Matawalle said: “I presented specimens of gold and other precious minerals unearthed from solid minerals deposits in Zamfara State to the President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, at Presidential Villa, Abuja.”
Indeed, if well harnessed, the solid mineral potentials in Zamfara State could assist Nigeria to shore up her GDP, most especially after the economic shockwaves due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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President Buhari receives briefing from Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State on Solid Minerals and Mining Potentials in Zamfara in State House
A photo collage of University of Lagos (UNILAG) Interim Council Chairman, John Momoh (above) and the institution's Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola.
Governing Council of University of Lagos Tuesday endorsed and confirmed the election of Folasade Ogunsola as the new Acting Vice Chancellor of the 58-year-old institution.
The new vice chancellor is a Professor of Medical Microbiology and had served as the Provost of College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
She was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services) of the institution until her election as the Acting Vice Chancellor on Monday.
The elected Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folashade Ogunsola. She is the Provost, College of Medicine and current Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development Services.
The council, led by its Interim Chairman, John Momoh, ratified the appointment at a virtual meeting of the members of the council.
Ogunsola’s ratification took place ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration of a Visitation Panel to probe the affairs of the university from 2017 till date.
The panel is expected to be inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in Abuja on Wednesday.
It would be recalled that Ogunsola was elected on Monday by the Senate following President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention, who directed that the then embattled Vice Chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, and the former university’s Pro-Chancellor, Wale Babalakin, should step aside for the seven-man panel to review the situation accordingly.
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has made a passionate appeal to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to consider making a special and dedicated allocation of foreign exchange to the healthcare/pharmaceutical companies so that they could procure their machinery/equipment and raw materials in a timely manner.
PSN, in a statement by its President, Sam Ohuabunwa, noted with pleasure that some healthcare/pharmaceutical companies that applied for the special N100 billion CBN facility have been granted.
While pointing out that the majority of the applicants had not yet successful, PSN tasked CBN on the need to expedite the review and approval of many of the outstanding applications, so that the overall impact on industrial capacity, capability and output would be significantly enhanced in line with the noble objectives of the facility, especially as the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic subsists and the need for self-sufficiency in local drug production persists.
Ohuabunwa added that some successful applicants have been experiencing difficulties in accessing foreign exchange in order to carry out their transactions.
According to him, “The feedback we receive is that many of the beneficiary companies are experiencing tremendous difficulties in accessing foreign exchange to pay for the machinery and equipment in order. Many are compelled to source forex from sundry sources at much higher rates than the official CBN rate. The impact of this portends grave danger and may undermine the noble objectives.
“First, the longer it takes to get the machines and equipment in, the longer it will be for Nigeria to begin to see an enhanced local production.
“Second, the longer it takes, the more difficult it will be for the benefitting companies to begin production and generate cash flow to meet the interest and repayment obligation, as the moratorium is fast depleting.
“Third is that with forex at rates higher than the planned or forecasted rates in the business plan, the money received in Naira may no longer be sufficient to meet the stated needs.
“And fourth is that the longer the Naira is left in the banks awaiting piecemeal allocation of Forex, the faster the value depreciates by growing inflation and the fewer the number of machinery and equipment or even raw materials that can be bought.
“All these will put an additional burden on the beneficiary companies when it comes to servicing the loans in a timeous manner.
“It is because of the foregoing and to preempt any future problems with prompt servicing of the loans that we make this special appeal to the CBN to consider making the special and dedicated allocation of foreign exchange to the beneficiary companies so that they can procure their machinery/equipment and raw materials in a timely manner, in order, that the beneficial effect of this noble program can be quickly realised and repayment made as and at when due so that the CBN will be encouraged to do more for the Pharma Industry and also to other sectors of the economy.
“Ideally one would have wished that the loans were granted in two currencies: Foreign currency for equipment purchase and local currency for local purchase (information available in the applications and business plans of beneficiaries). This would have obviated the current challenges being faced by the beneficiary companies.
“Given the current and well-acclaimed responsiveness of our CBN leadership, it’s our hope that the CBN will accede to our request and help the industry to quickly optimise this earnestly prayed- for and long-awaited lifeline.”
L-r: Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami has denied procuring false witnesses to testify against the suspended chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu.
in a statement signed by his media aide Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Malami said since he has not set up the investigation panel probing the erstwhile anti-graft czar, Magu, he is equally not saddled with any responsibility to procure witness(es) for the panel.
“The Honourable Attorney-General never met Giwa and has never discussed any issue with the so-called Donald Wokoma nor asked anybody, personally or by proxy, to engage the so-called Victor to testify against Magu”, the statement read.
Giwa alleged that both Malami and the said Wokoma had made a desperate move to lure him to nail Magu, an allegation Malami dismissed in the statement as “a flimsy allegation”.
Malami further said in the statement that: “The claim by Victor Giwa Esq is therefore fictitious unfounded and figment of imagination of mischief makers who want to create unnecessary attention and tarnish the good image of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and labouring incessantly these days, to falsely cast aspersion on the AGF’s hard-earned reputation.”
Brazilian retired football player Ronaldinho arrives for his hearing at the Asuncion’s Justice Palace, in Asuncion, on August 24, 2020. – After six months under arrest in Paraguay, former Brazil football star Ronaldinho was set for a hearing on Monday on charges of travelling with false documents, according to judicial sources. (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP)
One time Brazilian football star Ronaldinho was on Monday released from detention by a Paraguayan Judge, Gustavo Amarilla, after five months.
The 40year old World Cup winner, who was detained over a forged passport was released alongside his brother Roberto de Assis Moreira, who for the same charge had been held for a month in jail and another four months under house arrest in a hotel in Paraguay’s capital, Asuncion.
According to Judge Amarilla, the one time international football sensation “is free to travel to whatever country in the world he wants but he must inform us if he changes his permanent residence for a period of one year.
“He has no restrictions except for the fulfilment of reparations for damage to society”, which include payment of $90,000 in damages, a decision he accepted as part of terms for his freedom.
Also, Ronaldinho’s brother, who doubles as his business manager, must pay $110,000.
in his statement, Judge Amarilla stressed that he was not issuing a “definitive dismissal” of the case but rather that Ronaldinho was benefitting from a “conditional suspension of the procedure.”
His brother, on the other hand, was given a two-year suspended sentence.
Prosecutors stated that they did not believe Ronaldinho took part in the plan to manufacture the fake Paraguayan passports but believed de Assis Moreira was aware that the passports were false.
“They flagrantly used a public document containing false content,” said Marcelo Pecci, one of the public prosecutors, who said it was a “very serious” offense.
De Assis Moreira must appear before a judge in Brazil every four months for two years and will have a criminal record.
“Ronaldinho’s situation is not the same as Roberto’s. He has no obligation to appear before any Brazilian judicial authority. He must only report a change of address,” said Amarilla, who accepted a recommendation by four prosecutors to avoid the need for an oral trial.
Before Monday’s trial, the public prosecutor said that Ronaldinho displayed no “personal characteristics or criminal behaviour that … would put society at risk.”
The brothers who arrived in Paraguay on March 4 to attend an event in support of disadvantaged children were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following the discovery they had fake documents.
However, just before the Judgement, their lawyer issued a statement insisting that both brothers were innocent.
“They presented Paraguayan documents to migration authorities believing they were authentic,” said the statement. “The people they trusted deceived them vilely”, the defense lawyer argued.
The two men had been under house arrest for more than four months in a luxury hotel in the capital, on bail of $1.6 million.
Ronaldinho, who is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, and played a crucial role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup win celebrated his 40th birthday in dentition.
While investigation has since expanded into a case of possible money laundering and criminal association that has led to the arrest of some18 people in connection with the case, most of them immigration officials or police officers, defense counsel to the brothers stated that:
“The investigation found no indication that either participated in money laundering or criminal association”.
A file photo of a helicopter at the premises of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) purchased and commissioned by former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for medical emergencies on Thursday, August 12, 2016.
Lagos State House of Assembly has challenged the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to come forward and explain the whereabouts of three helicopters officially purchased by the state government.
The Assembly, at a plenary on Monday, summoned the governor’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; Lagos State Commissioners for Economic Planning and Budget; Special Duties: and management team of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) over the whereabouts of the three helicopters belonging to the state government.
Raising the issue under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Assembly’s Chief Whip, Mojisola Miranda, said the ministries, departments and agencies in charge of the helicopters should be written to and that the Assembly should know the agreement between the state government and Caverton Helicopters, which has been managing the helicopters on behalf of the state government.
“If you may recall, in 2007, the House of Assembly passed a bill for the establishment of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) for the state government to equip and strengthen the security agencies in the state.
“In 2015, three helicopters were bought under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to strengthen security in the state. But, the helicopters are nowhere to be found now.
“I will want us to look at it and get the concerned parties to tell the House the location of the three helicopters to see if they are just lying fallow or if the state government has entered into an agreement with an entity on the equipment and see to what extent the agreement has been working,” Miranda said.
Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, in his contribution, pointed out that the helicopters were meant for dual purposes of tackling security challenges and commercial activities.
Obasa noted that the Assembly wished to know what has accrued to the state in terms of revenue from the helicopters so far, saying this was the first time the Assembly would be talking about the equipment.
“What we have said so far has nothing to do with the image of the state or the Assembly. What the Chief Whip has done is not too much. We need to know what has happened to the helicopters,” he said.
In his contribution, Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1) said the Assembly approved the purchase of two helicopters during the era of former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.
Olowo added that a commissioner told the Assembly then that they had an agreement with Caverton Nigeria Limited to operate the helicopters so that the state government would make some money from the operations.
He revealed that one helicopter was bought under former governor Akinwunmi Ambode making it three, and that it was important to know how they have been managed so far and the whereabouts of the revenue from these helicopters.
Also speaking, Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju Lekki 1) said the assets were purchased for security purposes and to generate money for the state government.
He added that the Assembly sseks to know what has happened to the helicopters and that a committee should be set up to look into the matter.
This was corroborated by Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1), who added that the helicopters should be at the reach of the state for security purposes, probity and accountability and that revenue from the equipment should reflect in the account books of the state.
Tobun noted that whoever is in charge should give account of what has been done with the helicopters, and there location/hangers.
On his part, Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2) said the issue was very germaine, adding that the money that’s used to fund the operation of the helicopters passed through Special Duties.
Noheem Adams (Eti Osa 1) said the helicopters were purchased for commercial purposes, while Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu 2) however cautioned that the Assembly ought to have approached the office of the Chief of Staff on the said matter.
Another lawmaker, Olawale AbdulSobur Olayiwola (Mushin 2) said it was important to call the attention of the state government to the matter, adding that the Assembly needs to know the whereabouts of the helicopters. He noted that the vehicles that were donated for security purposes in the state were also not functioning very well.
Supporting the matter, Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja 1) said security is not just about life, and that security of property is also necessary.
“I want to believe that Caverton Helicopters generate money from the helicopters.
“The helicopters should have been very useful for air transport to isolation centres during this period of COVID-19 pandemic.
“LSSTF gave out the helicopters for purposes of generating funds. LSSTF should be invited – the Chairman and the Executive Secretary,” he said.
Nurudeen Akinsanya (Mushin 1), Nurudeen Saka-Solaja (Ikorodu 2) and Temitope Adewale (Ifako/Ijaiye 1) also contributed to the debate on the matter, which got the support of all the members of the Assembly.
A collage photo of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission logo and its Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri.
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Monday demanded for justice over the mysterious killings of Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus universities.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this while speaking on the sudden and mysterious death of a 25-year old Nigerian student in Northern Cyprus, Ibrahim Khaleel Bello, and others killed in such strange circumstances in the country.
Speaking while receiving a petition in Abuja from a judge in Kaduna State High Court, Justice Amina Ahmad Bello, on the mysterious and inexplicable death of her son, a third-year civil Engineering student of Girne American University in Girne (Kyrenia), Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Dabiri-Erewa condemned the killings of Nigerian students in Northern in that country.
NiDCOM boss called on parents to be wary of sending their wards to Northern Cyprus as the country is not recognised by the United Nations except the Republic of Turkey, adding that Nigeria has no diplomatic ties with that country.
She proposed that the country “should be blacklisted given the preponderance of Nigerian students who have died mysteriously in that country without any prosecution or compensation whatsoever.”
She assured the delegation led by Justice Bello that NiDCOM would work with the Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Mission in Turkey and other relevant agencies to ensure justice is done, saying “the death of Ibrahim khaleel Bello should be a tipping point to end the continuous killings of Nigerian students in that country.”
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated her appeals to Nigerian parents to desist from sending their children to Northern Cyprus for any studies as most of the courses are not accredited and they end up killing these students, many of them unreported.
”The time has come for us to blacklist all these universities in Northern Cyprus and advise our students from seeking any form of admission there as it portends danger to their life and future,” she said.
She added that the office of the Attorney General of the Federation has already reported the matter to Interpol for further investigation.
Earlier in an emotion-laden voice, Justice Bello, mother of the deceased, said her insistence on justice was not only for her son but also for other Nigerian students who have died mysteriously in the Girne American University Girne (Kyrenia), and other universities in Northern Cyprus.
She narrated how her son was allegedly murdered and covered up by the authorities in Northern Cyprus as well as the university authorities, claiming it was a suicide mission having fallen from a seven-story building.
She insisted that the report be investigated and all those found culpable to be prosecuted as there was nothing to show that her son committed suicide.
Justice Bello said hours before her son was killed, she spoke with him, and he was expressing fears on his safety in the university environment.
”I don’t believe it was an accident or a suicide as I went to Cyprus barely 24 hours it happened and got to the mortuary where there was no scratch or wound on his body.
”I suspected foul play that my son was killed as the school was non-challant in breaking the news to me on my arrival there,” she said.
Justice Bello said hours before the boy died, he sent her a WhatsApp message: ”Mama, Please I want to come back home. Wallahi if I stay here, I will just die here without anybody batting an eyelash. I just need to come back home. Mama, please try to understand that this isn’t a place for me.”
She alleged that it’s possible some of the killed Nigerian students’ vital organs were harvested as her son’s stomach was opened and sutured when the corpse was finally released.
Late Ibrahim Bello was among about 100 Nigerians killed and murdered in mysterious circumstances from 2016 to 2020 without prosecuting any of the assailants.
Other victims include, Kennedy Taomwabwa Dede, 28, student of Eastern Mediterranean University, killed on February 1, 2018; Walshak Augustine Ngok, a student of Marine Engineering at Near East University, murdered on April 19, 2019.
Others were: Gabriel Soriwei, a first-year student of Electrical Electronics at Cyprus International University, Nicosia; Osabanjo Adeola Owoyale, 33, went missing and found dead on July 1, 2019.
The list also included: Augustine Wallies killed on April 19, 2019; Stanley Eteimo, 28 years; Hassan Babatunde, 28, murdered; Temitayo Adigun, killed; Kubiat Abasi Abraham Okon, 24, killed; Oziegbe Gospower Airekugose; and Olasubomi Ope; among others not reported.
Mr. John Momoh, The newly appointed Interim Chairman, UNILAG Governing Council
President Muham Buhari has approved the appointment of the President of University of Lagos Alumni Association Worldwide, John Momoh, as the Chairman of the university’s Interim Governing Council.
Momoh, who is Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Channels TV, would among other roles along with council members, ratify the election of the university’s new Acting Vice Chancellor, Folashade Ogunsola.
Ogunsola had emerged victorious with 135 votes, having defeated Prof. Ben Ogbojafor, who scored 31 votes, while one vote was generally described as voided.
The result of the election, Echotitbits gathered, has been forwarded to the Governing Council by the Deputy Registrar/Director of Academic Affairs, Olakunle Makinde.
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