Former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, now Senatorial aspirant for Lagos East.
A former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Adetokunbo Mukail Abiru, Wednesday officially joined the race for Lagos East Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abiru was on Wednesday received at the APC Secretariat along ACME Road in Ikeja by Lagos State Chairman of the party, Babatunde Balogun, and other executive members.
The former banker, who’s also a former Commissioner for Finance under the then Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, used the opportunity to address the party leaders on his legislative agenda and plans for Lagos East Senatorial District, the Centre of Excellence and Nigeria.
The slot for Lagos East Senatorial District became vacant following the death of Senator Adebayo Osinowo, who died of complications arising from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on June 15 at the age of 64.
Abiru signalled his retirement from Polaris Bank on August 24 effective from August 31.
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has tendered unreserved apologies for referring to a journalist, Eyo Charles, as “stupid.”
“I met with my advisors till late last night and I wish to say the following. I hereby withdraw the word ‘stupid’ which I used in my encounter with a journalist in Calabar. I have many friends in the media who I offended by losing my cool and using such words. I hereby express my regrets for doing so.
“I do, however, wish to state categorically that no threat of physical harm was ever made to the journalist in question and neither did I send anyone to threaten him. Anyone that says otherwise is lying and I challenge them to bring the proof.
“I would never seek to physically harm a journalist. For the last 30 years I have defended and worked with journalists and fought for the right of freedom of expression,” said Fani-Kayode on his Twitter handle on Wednesday.
The former minister had come under heavy criticism for calling the reporter ‘stupid’ during a press conference in Calabar, Cross River State.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Fani-Kayode attacked a Daily Trust reporter for asking him a “stupid question.”
The journalist was said to have asked Fani-Kayode who bankrolled his recent tour of several southern states.
However, the former minister, who was infuriated by the question, said the journalist was stupid.
Fani-Kayode said: “I am saying this on live TV. What type of stupid question is that? Bankrolling who? Do you know who you are talking to? I will not take any questions from this man. What type of insulting question is that? Which bankroll? To do what? Who can give me money for anything? Who do you think you are talking to? Go and report yourself to your publisher? Please don’t insult me here. I don’t want to take any questions from this man.
“I could see from your face before you got here, how stupid you are. Don’t ever talk to me like that. Who do you think you’re talking to? Bankroll who? You think I am one of those ones you…from who, when, how? You have a small mind, very small mind. Don’t judge me by your own standards.”
As a follow up to revelations that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) had never received funding as contained in the 2004 National Assembly Acts, the Nigerian Senate has directed the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure remittance of 1% from the federation account into the coffers of the NASENI.
The Senate gave the directive in line with the extant laws with effect from September this year.
NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna revealed FG’s underfunding when he made submissions on revenue projections of the agency for the 2021 budget before the Senate’s Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning.
According to Professor Haruna, the agency had never received 1% remittance from the federation account as provided for by the 2004 National Assembly Acts.
The Act establishing the agency provided that NASENI shall draw from the federation account, 1% revenue accruing to the Federal Treasury beginning from the year 2000 yet the agency had never received a dime from the federation account as stipulated by the law.
Alarmed by the revelation, the joint committee led by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola ( APC Lagos West) ordered the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) Ahmed Idris, to commence the disbursement of 1% allocation from the federation account into the covers for NASENI from September this year.
“The Act setting up NASENI was the Act of the National Assembly and the Accountant General of the Federation could not be allowed to flout the law.
“Therefore, since the AGF is here, please ensure that the executive starts implementation of the law from September this year because NASENI has potentials to develop and industrialise the Nigerian economy through the core mandates given to it by the extant laws,” he said.
Tramadol tablets intercepted by the NDLEA in Apapa. PHOTO: NAN
Less than month that Police detectives in Apapa Area Command of Lagos State had intercepted a 40-foot container laden with drugs suspected to be and codeine on Aug. 6, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted another 607 cartons containing 11, 785, 800 tablets loaded with in Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman, Muhammad Abdallah disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, in a statement by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Jonah Achema.
According to reports by NAN, further investigation of the initial smuggling earlier in August revealed another 40 foot container and a joint examination also revealed 255 cartons of different types of and other banned medicines on Aug. 19.
Abdallah noted that the interception and investigation was with the assistance and cooperation of the Customs Area Command, Apapa.
“This was discovered in another container number TCNU 9465832 belonging to the same suspect transferred to NDLEA by the Police.
“This is making it 3 containers used to carefully conceal illegally imported and other medicines to Nigeria,” he said.
While enjoining other security agencies to collaborate with the agency in its ongoing investigation, Abdallah assured that the NDLEA would do everything within its powers to get to the root of the drug trade.
He observed that the recent discovery of more using the same route from Pakistan Asia – Hamburg, Europe – Nigeria showed the dynamic system of operation by the drug cartel to beat security operatives.
“This discovery is a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal importation of into Nigeria”, he added.
File photo: Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche Photo: twitter
Nigerian Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have shot dead two suspected bandits and arrested 150 others in Bukuyyum and Anka councils of Zamfara State.
This was made known by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, during a press briefing at the Nigeria Army Special Super Camp IV in Faskari Council of Katsina State.
Onyeuko who noted that the troops also recovered ammunition, including AK-47 rifles and Dane guns during the operation, added that the 150 suspects were arrested at an illegal mining site in Bukuyyum Council, reportedly used as a hideout. He said following the arrest, one of the suspects tried to escape, but was shot in the process.
The mining site is suspected to be harnessed and proceeds used to finance activities of bandits in the state, he added. His words: “On August 23, 2020, troops conducted a well-coordinated intelligence-based operation leading to the raid of an illegal mining site along Gadan Zaima/Zuru road in Bukuyyum, which also serves as bandits’ hideout.
“During the operation, troops arrested 150 suspects and recovered 20 locally-fabricated Dane guns. One of the suspects was neutralised while trying to escape.”
He said further that preliminary investigation reveals that aside sabotaging the nation’s economy, banditry is being financed through illegal mining activities.
“During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised while others escaped. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles from the fleeing bandits,” the army chief stated.
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.
Photos:
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.
Photos:
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.”
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