Under pressure from the Russian government, the U.S. embassy in Moscow was reducing the issuance of visas and other services largely to emergencies.

Consular work would be reduced by 75 per cent overall, the mission announced on Friday.

For example, visas for simple travel to the U.S will no longer be issued.

Routine services for U.S. citizens would also have to be reduced.

U.S. citizens whose visas for Russia are expiring have been asked to leave the country by June 15.

We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent, and will endeavor to offer to U.S. citizens as many services as possible, it said on its website.

The reason for this unprecedented move is a Russian government ban on future employment of staff that do not hold U.S. passports.

In Moscow, many foreign embassies hire Russian citizens to keep their costs down.

For many Russians, working in Western embassies is in turn attractive because they often earn much better there than on the Russian labour market.

The spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, had justified the ban with a possible recruitment of Russian citizens for the secret services of other states.

The Czech embassy is also affected.

President, Vladimir Putin has also signed a decree to draw up a list of unfriendly states.

The Foreign Ministry intends to publish the list shortly.

The countries on the list face punitive measures.

The Russian Foreign Ministry had imposed the recruitment ban in response to new U.S. punitive measures.

In April, the U.S expelled 10 Russian diplomats and imposed sanctions as punishment for interference in 2020 presidential election and for hacker attacks.

Russia rejected the accusations and also expelled U.S. diplomats in a tit-for-tat move. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps has dispatched 33 volunteers to Uganda and is set to deploy another 33 to Tanzania by next week, the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC) has said.

Acting-Director General of the Corps, Shehu Mohammed, said shortly before the departure in Abuja on Friday that the move was in response to humanitarian need to cushion the effects of the biting economic downturn resulting from COVID-19.

The volunteers, who are mainly university lecturers, were dispatched ceremoniously from the DTAC headquarters in a convoy of three luxury buses, enroute the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

They are to assist in boosting the education sector of their host country for the next two years.

The deployment is meant to strengthen the countrys educational system, as part of the grand masterplan of Nigeria for needy African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

Let it be known that the volunteers sent to Uganda had earlier responded to an advertisement placed by the DTAC on the 22nd of March 2021, with respect to the need for lecturers to help boost the Ugandan education sector.

These are the successful applicants who scaled through the rigorous screening process by the corps and consequently shortlisted for the all-expense paid foreign mission to Uganda, which is the second of its kind by the Government of Nigeria.

The volunteers welfare and sundry bills will be footed by the Nigerian government throughout their 2-years expedition in the African nation, so as to enable them give their best to the government and people of Uganda, he said.

He added that another batch of 33 Technical Aid Volunteers is billed to depart for Tanzania by next week, making it the third foreign support by Nigeria in a space of four months since January 2021.

He disclosed that a similar dispatch had already been made to the Republic of Benin in January 2021, which was officially the first Federal Government-sponsored foreign mission in the year 2021.

Finally, in the words of Brad Henry, no matter where you stand politically even if youre unsure of what your political ideology is it is important to take part in the process of shaping our government.

This is, therefore, a clarion call for all well-meaning Nigerians to support laudable government initiatives as this, to encourage the government to do more in the face of dwindling economic fortunes. Most importantly, the government should increase funding for foreign policies of this nature, so as to harvest the huge potentials in the continental market. the director said.

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday announced the immediate removal of all directors of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. and FBN Holdings Plc over purported management changes at the bank.

The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emeifele said this in a statement titled The Purported Management Change at the First Bank of Nigeria Ltd.

Consequently, Emeifele announced the appointment of Mr Remi Babalola as the Chairman of FBN Holdings.

Other directors appointed by the apex bank were Dr Fatade Abiodun Oluwole,Kofo Dosekun
Remi Lasaki, Dr Alimi Abdulrasaq, Ahmed Modibbo ,Khalifa Imam and Sir Peter Aliogo.

Emefiele, however, retained Mr UK Eke as the holding companys Managing Director.

On the other hand, Mr Tunde Hassan-Odukale was appointed as the Chairman of FirstBank.

The CBN returned Dr Sola Adeduntan as the banks Managing Director, Mr Gbenga Shobo as the Deputy Managing Director.

Mr Remi Oni and Abdullahi Ibrahim were announced as Executive Directors.

Other directors are Tokunbo Martins, Uche Nwokedi , Adekunle Sonola, Isioma Ogodazi, Ebenezer Olufowose and Ishaya Elijah B. Dodo.

He said themanagement of the CBN, in line with its powers under BOFIA 2020 approved and took the action following areview of the situation and in order to preserve stability of the bank to protect minority shareholders and depositors.

As you may be aware, FBN is one of the systemically important banks in the Nigerian banking sector given its historical significance, balance sheet size, large customer base and high level of interconnectedness with other financial service providers, amongst others.

By our last assessment, FBN has over 31million customers, with deposit base of N4.2 trillion, shareholders funds of N618 billion and NIBSS instant payment (NIP) processing capacity of 22 per cent of the industry.

To us at the CBN, not only is it imperative to protect the minority shareholders, that have no voice to air their views, also important, is the protection of the over 31million customers of the bank who see FBN as a safe haven for their hard-earned savings, he said.

Recall that the CBN had earlierqueried the Board of the First Bank of Nigeria Plc for removing Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, without regulatory approval.

The query was contained in a letter dated April 28, 2021 signed by the CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mr Haruna Mustafa.

Mustafahadsaid that the action was taken without due consultations with the regulatory authorities, especially given the systemic importance of the commercial bank.

He noted that the tenure of Adeduntan has yet to expire.

The CBN was not made aware of any report from the board indicting the managing director of any wrongdoing or misconduct; there appears to be no apparent justification for the precipitate removal.

We are particularly concerned because the action is coming at a time the CBN has provided various regulatory forbearances and liquidity support to reposition the bank, which has enhanced its asset quality, capital adequacy and liquidity ratios amongst other prudential indicators.

It is also curious to observe that the sudden removal of the MD/CEO was done about eight months to the expiration of his second tenure which is due on Dec. 31, 2021, he added.

Mustafa noted that the removal of a sitting MD/CEO of a systemically important bank was not good.

The removal of a sitting MD/CEO of a systemically important bank that has been under regulatory forbearance for five to six years without prior consultation and justifiable basis has dire implications for the bank and also portends significant risks to the stability of the financial system.

In light of the foregoing, you are required to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against the board for hastily removing the MD/CEO and failing to give prior notice to the CBN before announcing the management change in the media.

In the meantime, you are directed to desist forthwith from making any further public/media comments on the matter. Your comprehensive response on the foregoing should reach the Director, Banking Supervision Department, on or before 5p.m. on April 29, 2021, hehadsaid.

NAN reports that First Bank had on Wednesday announced the appointment of Mr Gbenga Shobo as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Director.

It had said that the appointment was subject to all regulatory approvals.

It had also announced thatShobo was succeeding Adeduntan who, it said,would be leaving the bank in accordance with the banks term limit for its chief executive after successfully leading the bank since January 2016.

These decisions will take effect from today, April 28, 2021, it had said.

First bank had also appointed Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim as the Deputy Managing Director, while Mr Ini Ebong, Mr Segun Alebiosu, Mr Seyi Oyefeso and Mrs Bashirat Odunewu were also appointed as executive directors.

It had noted that the decisions were subject to all regulatory approvals. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olatunde Ajayi

9mobile telecommunication company has announced the recommencement of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards activation at its Experiences Centres across Nigeria.

The operators move is the first by any Nigerian telecommunication company after the ban on activation of new SIM cards was lifted by the Federal Government last week.

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Stjepan Udovicic, Chief Commercial Officer, 9mobile, said that restarting the activation of SIM cards was because it remained committed to the welfare of customers.

At 9mobile, our customers interest remains our priority. We know several people were affected when the ban was announced and they had been looking forward to its lifting.

So, we deemed it expedient to start immediately for our customers sakes, he said.

He added that 9mobile had been prepared for the recommencement of SIM cards activation and that customers only needed to visit its Experience Centre to do so.

He noted that SIM registration and activation services could also be accessed in 9mobile Experience Centres on the linkhttps://9mobile.com.ng/nin

As it stands now, we are the first telecommunication company to restart activating SIM cards in our Experience Centres, and that attests to our preparedness.

Customers only need to walk into our stores and we will activate their SIM cards.

Quality and efficiency are the gold standards of our operation, hence our decision, he said.

He maintained that the company continued to transform lives with its consistent innovation, rolling out solutions that enabled Nigerians to achieve their full potential since entering the Nigerian market.

9mobile recently enabled its customers to register effortlessly, physically and free of charge for their National Identification Numbers (NIN) and link them to their SIMs in its Experience Centres, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) recalls that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, had banned SIM cards activation in December 2020. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Financial experts on Thursday said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), by wielding its big stick, would reduce the overbearing influence of directors on commercial banks.

They disclosed this in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reacting to the apex banks appointment of new Chairmen for First Bank of Nigeria Ltd and FBN Holdings Plc.

Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said that the big stick would bring sanity among bank board of directors.

Unegbu said that the action would reduce overbearing influence and powers being exhibited by some commercial banks directors going forward.

He said that it would bring to an end the activities of powerful board directors in a corporation.

According to him, the decision and action will warn other people to be careful and to act within regulatory limit.

He, however, said that directors had the power to remove or appoint a managing director, but must obtain the approval of the apex bank before making the announcement.

Also speaking, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, President, the Association of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, said that it was right for the CBN to wield the big stick on any bank that flours the rules.

Uwaleke said the action would serve as a lesson to the boards of other banks that similar fate awaits them if they take critical decisions bordering on board composition and corporate governance in general without prior approval of the CBN.

A banking system regulator should be seen to take the issue of corporate governance very seriously.

In this particular matter, my take is that the apex bank is in order in view of the fact that it gave the Board of FirstBank the opportunity to defend itself.

It behoves the CBN now to communicate the reasons for its action to members of the public and provide reassurance of Banking system stability, Uwaleke said.

NAN reports that the apex bank on Thursday announced the immediate removal of all directors of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. and FBN Holdings Plc over purported management changes at the bank.

The CBN said that the decision was to protect minority shareholders and depositors. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, says the current security challenge facing the country has political undertone.

Akpabio said this on Thursday in Abuja at the APC National Secretariat when he spoke with newsmen.
I think most of the problems are politically motivated.

So, we must use our binoculars to be able to look and identify the sponsors of the insecurity we are witnessing in the country.

What is happening now is not Nigeria; this is unNigeria.

We must do everything possible, even through advice, to make sure that Nigeria remains united, he said, adding that it was not time for blame game.

He restated his confidence on the Gov. Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee.

The minister said he was at the secretariat to meet with the partys leadership and to offer his advice on how to move the country and the party forward.

Akpabio said the committee was doing well in repositioning the party and addressing areas of discord.

We have a lot of issues that I think the party can help to resolve, and all hands must be on the deck for us to solve our problems, he said.

Akpabio said that the security challenge in the country has already assumed a worrisome dimension as it was not limited to one section of the country.

We have never in the history of this nation witnessed where people in uniform are targeted for elimination.

That will show you that we have infiltrators in our midst, the security of our neighbouring countries must also remain a priority, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Priscilla Osaje

Nigerian star comedian, Bright Okpocha popularly known as Basketmouth, is set to release his long anticipated short film, The Confession of a Bandit on May 3.

The renowned comedian, Basketmouth, who said he was so excited for the debut of his short film, took to his instagram handle @basketmouth, to announce the movie with an official unveiled poster.

According to him, the long awaited short film The Confession of a Bandit is set to premiere on 3rd May.

The Confession of A Bandit (A Short Film) May 3rd, he wrote.

He added that the cast list which includes: Basketmouth, Funnybone, Buchi and Senator, were well known for their hilarious comedy.

We know were in for a good laugh and cant wait to see the magic these superstars have created together again.

These fantastic actors also star in Basketmouths TV series My Flatmates and the web series Papa Benji.

Basketmouth is a Nigerian comedian, presenter, MC, TV host and actor.

He is popularly considered a driving force in the countrys stand-up comedy industry.

Besides his TV series, Basketmouth has also shown his versatility in making skits and succeeded as well.

it would be recalled that the comedian once trended the #TwoThingsChallenge on Social Media and currently runs many comedy series on his YouTube Channel like Mambo

European ruling body UEFA will join English sports clubs and organisations in taking part in a social media boycott to protest against hostility and racism there.

UEFA said on Thursday it would stay silent across its platforms from Friday afternoon until Monday evening.

There have been abuses both on the pitch and on social media.

This is unacceptable and needs to be stopped, with the help of the public and legislative authorities and the social media giants, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.

Allowing a culture of hatred to grow with impunity is dangerous, very dangerous, not only for football, but for society as a whole.

Weve had enough of these cowards who hide behind their anonymity to spew out their noxious ideologies, Ceferin added.

In England, the Football Association, Premier League, clubs and other sports organisations will switch off their social media accounts in the same period.

They will also call on social media companies to take more action against discrimination and racism, and also urge for tighter legislation.

Germany clubs Hoffenheim and St Pauli Hamburg are among those from abroad who will join the boycott.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

Pillar of Sports in Africa and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu, has congratulated Nigerians on the victory of Enyimba International Football Club FC of Aba against Orlando Pirates of South Africa in a CAF Confederation Cup match.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enyimba pipped Pirates by a lone goal in the final Group A game on Wednesday night to book their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup tie in Aba.

Cyril Olisema netted the only goal of the match in the 95th minute to ensure the Peoples Elephant upstaged the South African side to top the group in spite of finishing on the same 9 points with Pirates.

Enyimba had lost 1-2 to Orlando Pirates when they met on Match Day 2 of the competition in South Africa but relied on head-to-head advantage to sit comfortably at the top of the group.

Kalu, in his goodwill message, commended the players and officials of the football club for their superlative skills.

He said, I felicitate with Enyimba FC on their well-deserved victory against Orlando Pirates in the CAF tournament.

The players demonstrated their capability.

The victory of the team is well deserved and encouraging.

According to Kalu who is the Senate Chief Whip and a football enthusiast, the round leather game brings people together and ultimately promotes peace and unity.

He called on stakeholders in the sports industry in the country to focus on grassroots sports development in order to discover talented players in their prime.

Kalu also advocated private sector participation in sports development, adding that sports should not be seen as a leisure activity but business opportunity.

It would be recalled that Enyimba FC was repositioned during Kalus stint as Governor of Abia state, with the team clinching the CAF Champions League back to back in 2003 and 2004. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Temitope Ponle

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have expressed their commitment to work with African leaders to redouble efforts at strengthening food security in the continent.

This formed part of the decisions reached at a two-day virtual High-Level Dialogue on Feeding Africa: Leadership to Scale up Successful Innovations hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday.

The commitment was also made in partnership with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system organisation.

The international organisations pledged to make adequate funding available to modernise Africas food production.

President of AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said getting new and appropriate technologies to African farmers was an important part of addressing Africas food security needs.

Unless we show strong collective resolve and turn ambition into reality, we will be confronted with enormous food shortages on the continent.

Rapid population growth, urbanisation and ongoing climate change will make this certain. The consequences of not acting would be devastating, Adesina added.

IFAD President, Mr Gilbert Houngbo, called for more commitment to increased investment in agriculture for Africa to feed itself and the world.

Agriculture has the potential to become a thriving and successful sector that creates jobs and provides livelihoods for small-scale farmers and rural populations, in particular, for millions of young Africans joining the job market.

If we commit today to increasing investments in modernising agriculture, providing skills, finance and better access to food value chains, he said.

The high-level dialogue is focused on modernising food production, making African agriculture more business oriented, and strengthening agriculture value chains.

It is expected to address the vital role of climate-smart technology and innovation as key drivers of high agricultural productivity and resilient food and nutrition systems.

The dialogue will also showcase success stories and enable leaders to discuss options to scale up initiatives, strengthen research and development capacity, as well as forge supportive alliances and partnerships across the food and nutrition ecosystems.

Another outlook for the dialogue is an opportunity to share achievements and lessons from across the continent and accelerate agricultural transformation, the organisers said.

The virtual event brought together government officials, heads of multilateral development banks, development partners, regional organisations, research institutions, business leaders, private sector operators, investment agencies, participants from academia, civil society organisations and experts globally.

Also at the virtual dialogue would be heads of state of 18 African countries; Agns Kalibata, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the 2021 Food System Summit; and Tony Blair, Executive Chairman of the Institute for Global Change.

Other high-level delegates include the heads of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), Afreximbank, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), among others. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kingsley Okoye

Senate Committee on Army has invited Finance Minister, Director-General of Budget Office and Chief of Army Staff (CAS) to give details of funds released to the Nigerian Army to combat insurgency and banditry in Nigeria.

The minister, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Budget Chief Ben Akabueze and CAS Lt.-Gen. Attahiru Ibrahim, are to appear on May 4, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Ali Ndume, said on Thursday.

Ndume (APC-Borno), issued the summon on behalf of the committee at a meeting with officials of ministry.

He said the financial details required were those from 2019 until date.

Ndume expressed dismay at the ministers failure to honour the committees invitation in spite of the challenge of insecurity in the country.

Honestly, we are not happy that the Minister of Finance is not here today despite the fact that she was duly invited and she knew the importance of the issue we invited her to discuss with us.

There is nothing that is more important that she could be attending to that is more serious than the problem of insecurity all over Nigeria at the moment.

We were blaming the military but the soldiers are claiming that they have no equipment, arms and ammunition to work with because there was no money to buy them.

We have invited the minister now to explain why her ministry was not funding the operations of the Army and she is not here, this is not acceptable.

Permanent Secretary, Special Duties in the Ministry, Aliyu Shinkafi, explained that N75 billion was appropriated and released in 2019 while additional N7 billion from the service wide vote was also released 100 per cent.

The sum of N2.5 billion was also released in 2019.

In 2020, N75 billion was appropriated but N74.99 billion was released.

In the current year, N100 billion had been appropriated and we have released N19.4billion for the first quarter.

Just yesterday, we released N19.95 billion for the second quarter.

I believe that we are on course as far as releases for these operations are concerned

But Ndume informed participants of a letter from the Chief of Defence Staff which indicated that military authorities had complained of shortfalls in releases from the ministry for funding of its operations.

The letter from the defence headquarters on the funding of Operation Lafiya Dole is claiming that they have a shortfall of N50 biliion in terms of releases and requested us to do a follow up on the matter, Ndume said.

However, Shinkafi insisted that the entire amount appropriated had been released by the ministry. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Prof. Osadolor Odia, of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, has been reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen at his farm at Egoro, Ekpoma, in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo.

Odia, a Professor of Engineering and former Head of the Department of Mechanical, Engineering at the AAU, was said to be on his way to the farm when the incident occurred.

A family source, who pleaded anonymity, said the professors abductors had already made contact with the family asking for a ransom of N18 million.

I can confirm that Odia was kidnapped today on his way to the farm and a ransom of N18 million was demanded by the kidnappers.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Edward Aihevba, said he received the news of the abduction as general information.

Aihevba stated that he had no details of how the incident happened.

Similarly, Spokesman of the Police Command in Edo, Kontongs Bello, said he was not aware of the incident and promised to contact the Divisional Police Office in charge of Ekpoma. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on stakeholders to interrogate the issues causing insecurity in the country and finding a lasting solution to the menace.

Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President made the call at the 2nd National Peace Security Summit with the theme, Overcoming the Siege of Insecurity in Nigeria: Imperative of Human and Physical Security on Thursday in Abuja.

Wabba said that the organised labour had the responsibility to represent and defend not only the interest of workers but also national interest that bothers on national security.

This peace summit is to interrogate the issues causing insecurity and find a lasting solution that can take the country out of the woods of insecurity sooner or later.

This summit is taking place against the backdrop of increase in criminality as occasioned by terrorism, banditry and all sheds of criminality including, kidnaping, abduction, and killing of our citizens.

In the North East, Boko Haram insurgency is yet to be completely addressed, in the North Central, there is the farmers-herders conflict, and also the issue of kidnapping, in the South-South and South East.

There is the recent issue of criminals attacking armed forces and the police and carting away their ammunitions and in the North West.

The situation is compounded with bandits sacking communities at will and taking over villages, he said.

Wabba expressed the organised labours sympathy to the families over the death of five undergraduates of the Green Peace University in Kaduna State, who were murdered by the bandits.

He, however, noted that the Chibok girls and the girl, Leah Sharibu, were still held in captivity by their captors.

We therefore demand that there should be minimum requirement in terms of arms and ammunitions, in terms of technology deployment and in terms of welfare, he said.

The NLC president also noted that the temperament of the summit was supported by the International Labour Organisation recommendation 2015 that deals with empowerment and employment for decent work for peace and resilience.

This recognises the importance of decent work, promoting peace, preventing crisis situation arising from conflict and disaster, enabling recovery and building resilience.

Recommendation 205 recognises that there can be no sustainable peace and security without respect for human rights and rule of law.

Including respect for fundamental principles and right at work and International labour standards.

The summit is also looking at how best to support the armed forces in the prosecution of the anti-terrorism war.

However, we are concerned about recent plans to relocate the U.S. African Command from Germany to Nigeria.

We welcome intelligence sharing and ammunitions support to our armed forces, we warn that it will be counterproductive to replace our army with foreign soldiers.

Nigerian Armed Forces are capable of surmounting the insecurity challenge if they are supported with adequate funds and technological equipment, Wabba added.

He, however, called on political leaders to take responsibility for the actions they took while in office.

He added that, there is a nexus between throwing workers out of their jobs and the resultant increase in unemployment and rising wave of insecurity.

He noted that the present high state of insecurity in Kaduna state had a lot to do with the penchant by the state government for throwing workers out of jobs.

As we speak, from 2016 to date, over 29,000 workers have been thrown out of their jobs in Kaduna state and also tuition fees in Kaduna state have been increased by 100 percent.

What this means is that many children of the poor workers will not be able to attend good schools while the children of the rich are sent to study outside the country.

The implication is that these children who dropped out of school will now be used by bad elements to perpetrate insecurity in the country.

We call on the governor of Kaduna state to rescind the decision urgently, he said.

The former Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomole, alleged that the over 35,000 workers recently sacked by Kaduna State government has played a major role in contributing to the current insecurity experienced in the state.

Oshiomole alleged that the children that have been abandoned by the society are now grown up and turned against the society for turning their back on them.

The former APC Chairman, said that security should not only be looked from the aspect of what the military and police can do to restore peace rather it should also be tackled from the issue of security of wages and jobs.

Oshiomole also queried why the Lawmakers would prescribe N30, 000 as minimum wage and some governors for some reasons would sit and insist that the amount cannot be paid.

When they deny workers such payment, can there be peace. I summit with International Labour Organisation that the condition for national peace and security does not necessarily need much bullet but decent jobs, he said.

Also speaking, the Secretary of Government to the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha commended the NLC for organizing the conference.

He said the choice of the theme of this summit was to underscore the importance of government and labour working together for the common good of the Nigerian people.

Mustapha,therefore, said government and labour interaction would constantly be needed to seek ways to improving the best for the country.

I want to thank the NLC for creating this avenue and which is very important, as we begin to think and find solutions to all that are bedeviling us and we must find solutions, Mustapha added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By David Adeoye

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo says his administration has concluded arrangements to engage the Man O War Nigeria to provide security and surveillance in primary and secondary schools in the state.

The governor made this known on Thursday in Ibadan when he received the National Executives of the Man O War Nigeria who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He decried the recent trend of kidnapping of students, among other security challenges, which he described as worrisome.

He urged the organisation to double its efforts at the grassroots in order to contribute its quota to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.

Man O War, as an organisation, is trying its best.

I can testify to the role Man O War played during the elections that I participated in as governorship candidate in 2015 and 2019; so, I will renew my commitment in Man OWar.

This is a period that Man O War will need to double its efforts and look at programmes at the grassroots level, where we can project more on the issue of citizenship and leadership for our country.

The governor said that there had been discussions with states Commissioner for Education on how to beef up security.

Some of the schools are not properly fenced.

The ministry recently submitted a proposal on fencing and having demarcations for all of the schools, but this idea of deployment of Man O War for security and surveillance is a welcome idea.

We will look at the proposal and we should be engaging either the national or state command team to ensure that this can see the light of day.

I think it is something that we will do, Makinde said.

He further assured the Man O War that he would resume his sponsorship of the organisation in his personal capacity.

The governor used the occasion to announce the donation of two utility vehicles to the Man OWar Oyo State Command and one to the National Command of the organisation.

Earlier, the Deputy National Commandant of Man O War, Gbenga Adedamola, called for the re-awakening of the culture of joining voluntary organisations like the Man O War among Nigerian youths.

According to him, this will build the spirit of patriotism.

He requested for assistance from the governor to make the organisation function better.

Adedamola stressed that the passion and commitment of the governor for youth development remained commendable. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Desmond Ejibas

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerians against investing their money in fraudulent investment schemes that promises high returns to investors.

Mr Wilson Uwajaren said in a statement in Port Harcourt that the anti-graft agency was worried over the development that had seen thousands lose their life savings to scammers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of such popular schemes, MBA Forex which promised its investors 15 per cent Return on Investment monthly, crashed in November leaving its over 100,000 investors stranded.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which later froze MBAs bank accounts, said that the company owned by one Maxwell Odum, had collected over N171 billion from its investors before crashing.

Also, another popular scheme, Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative headquartered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa had in March announced its inability to meet its obligations to its over 25,000 investors.

The company owned by one Miebi Bribena, a pastor, had promised to refund investors their capital running into billions, but didnt provide any reasonable timeline to refund their monies.

Uwajaren said that the commission had received several petitions from victims of ponzi, forex and Bitcoin investment schemes.

This trend indicates that investment scams has continued to thrive despite the enforcement and public enlightenment interventions by the commission and other stakeholders.

The direct implication is that hapless citizens are losing their hard-earned money to fraudsters, who by their activities compound the nations economic woes.

Many have lost, and are still losing money to ponzi schemes, forex trading and most recently, Bitcoin trading, he said.

The EFCC spokesman warned members of the public against taking unmitigated risk in desperation to earn a windfall on fraudulent schemes.

According to him, investments in Bitcoin and other crypto currencies were a high risk activity especially as the terrain was largely unregulated, and prone to fraud.

The EFCC states that, while it will continue to investigate and prosecute persons complicit in fraudulent investments schemes, it is incumbent on the investing public to be circumspect in their investment decisions.

Any investment that promises returns that look too good to be true should be considered a red flag.

Nigerians are by this notice, warned to be wary of fraudulent schemes, and are hereby, enjoined to resist the temptation of quick gain that could end in misery, he warned. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Francisca Oluyole

Dr Ochechukwu Ogah, Minister of State, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) says the ministry recorded 1,562,720 grams of Gold production from 2016 to 2020.

Ogah disclosed this during the 2021 Annual Public Lecture organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bwari branch, in collaboration with MMSD on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the event was Economic Diversification in the Post COVID-19 Era: Special focus on the Sustainable Development of Nigerias Coal and Gold.

He said that the ministry recorded 30,112.24 grams gold production in 2016with 17,458.22 grams in 2017 and 64,000.05 grams in 2018.

He added that it had 162,742.53 grams in 2019 and 1, 288,407 in 2020 bring the total production to 1,562,720.04 grams.

According to him, Nigeria is blessed with abundant gold that can help to manage the effect of devaluation of our currency.

Nigeria can use the gold produced to boost our foreign reserve as well.

We can subdue insecurity militating against mining activities in Nigeria using all the methods that other countries are using, he said.

He said that there was no doubt that the gold resources of Nigeria could contribute immensely to the economic diversification of the country but more contributions and efforts from stakeholders were expected.

He also explained that Nigerias gold reserve was estimated to be over a million ounces in Osun where detailed exploration and reserves checks were done.

He said that the impact of COVID-19 was most felt by both small and big mining operators, adding that mining and quarry companies were unable to produce and sell mineral commodities to generate income among others.

On coal, he said that available data showed that coal occurred in commercial quantities and grade in 22 coal fields spread across 16 states in Nigeria.

According to him, the ministry is aspiring to have a coal industry that is producing large tonnages of coal for electricity generation and other domestic use and generate revenues for government.

Mrs Halimat Adediran, Chairman, Bwari branch of the Society said that coal was one of the major sources of power generation in South Africa adding that Nigeria had high quality coal that could be tapped for power generation.

Adediran said that available coal in Nigeria could also generate foreign exchange for the Federal government.

According to her, the Nigerias gold, which can be refined to meet the standard of the London Bullion Market Association, is grossly under tapped.

Mr Babagana Mohammed, President of NSE called for private sector involvement in mining activities for government to achieve its diversification agenda. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Martha Agas

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has decried the rate of excessive rent extortion and acquiring properties by land owners.

The Minister, speaking at the 9th meeting of the National Council for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, on Thursday in Jos, said the situation got more prevalent during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister, represented by the minister of state for housing, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, pointed out that excess demand for housing in urban areas is the cause of price hike and scarcity impeding affordability and accessibility.

He said acquiring and leasing properties can be made affordable and accessible, through installment payments, saying a N10m flat would probably be affordable and accessible if payment is spread over five to 10 years as against having to be paid at once.

According to the minister, extortionist rates became worse during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for those who lost their jobs and businesses, saying private companies and individuals were critical to addressing affordability.

For example, in cases where rent of businesses or individuals are due for renewal, the private landlords can give back, by accepting monthly, quarterly or half-yearly rent instead of one, two or three years rent in advance.

The risk of defaults can be secured by Bank Guarantees or Insurance Bonds provided by the tenant. Where rent has fallen into arrears.

It is possible to emulate what the Federal Government of Nigeria did through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to reschedule payment on loans, by re-scheduling the payment for the tenant to more affordable terms instead of pursuing eviction, he said.

Fashola urged the council in their deliberations, to recommend a legislation that addresses issues of advance payment of rent, and sanctions to be enforced on defaulters.

He said the theme of the conference, Housing Delivery in Covid-19 Era and Beyond: The Strategies for Affordability and Accessibility, was apt with the economic down turn being experienced.

Fashola noted that access to affordable housing, especially in urban areas, has been a major challenge over the years, saying excess demand in urban areas is the bane for price hike and scarcity impeding affordability and accessibility.

He said the federal government, in its housing initiative with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, has engaged 86 cooperatives in housing projects to facilitate accessibility.

The minister said N35.784 billion had been cumulatively approved for the housing initiative with N10.95 billion cumulatively disbursed, saying 57 Cooperative Housing Development Loans were being processed as at January, 2021.

Cooperatives can leverage their members to get group discount for purchase of building materials, and the engagement of contractors to build, he said.

He thanked the states who have provided land for the National Housing Projects, saying a web portal would be unveiled for the sale of the buildings to Nigerians on a first come first serve basis.

In his remarks, Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau, said access to land is a major global challenge to housing delivery, saying the acquisition of land was riddled with difficulties, which eventually add the cost of the houses when eventually delivered.

He said his administration has adopted a Public/Private Partnership in the acquisition of land and preparation of layouts to make housing more affordable and attract investors.

To encourage people to key into such initiatives, we have also approved a 50% discount on all land-related charges in the State from 2016 to date, he said.

Lalong said a one-stop investment centre was established in the state to ease doing businesses for investors, by ensuring documentation and access to other facilities was provided at the same point.

To ensure that we eliminate risks in land administration and increase investor confidence, we have also signed into law the anti-land grabbing bill that will deter people from sharp practices in land management, he said.

He urged the council to make recommendations on the ugly development of growth in urban slums in Nigeria, which was a major obstruction in planning and the provision of infrastructure.

Lalong appealed to the minister to fast track the commencement of road projects in the state, such as the Akwanga/Jos/Gombe Road, Jos/Zaria Road, Ibi/Shendam/Lafia Road and Wase Bridge, among others.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Mustapha Dawaki, urged the participants to deliberate, on proffering solutions to the high cost of building materials impeding affordability of housing.

The chairman, represented by Hon. Solomon Maren of the Bokkos/Mangu Constituency in Plateau, urged the council to seek ways in stemming building collapse, especially with the present housing deficit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting which began on 26 April, will end on Friday. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Winners have emerged for the knockout stage/quarter-finals of CAF Confederation Cup following Wednesdays conclusion of Group matches (Day 6 fixtures).

From Group A

1. Enyimba (Nigeria)
2. Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

From Group B

3. JS Kabylie of Algeria
4. Cotton Sport of Cameroon.

From Group C

5. Jaaraf (Senegal)
6. CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)

From Group D

7. Raja Casablanca (Morocco)
8. Pyramids (Egypt)

Group A
Enyimba (Nigeria) 1-0 Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
ES Setif (Algeria) 1-0 Ahly Benghazi (Libya)

Group B
RS Berkane (Morocco) 2-1 Coton Sport (Cameroon)
JS Kabylie (Algeria) 2-1 Napsa Stars (Zambia)

Group C
CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) 0-0 Jaaraf (Senegal)
Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) 2-1 Salitas (Burkina Faso)

Group D
Raja Casablanca (Morocco) 2-0 Nkana FC (Zambia)
Pyramids (Egypt) 1-0 Namungo (Tanzania)

Group A

1. Enyimba (Nigeria) 9 points
2. Orlando Pirates (South Africa) 9 points
3. ES Setif (Algeria) 8 points eliminated
4. Ahly Benghazi (Libya) 7 points eliminated

Group B

1. JS Kabylie (Algeria) 12 points
2. Coton Sport (Cameroon) 9 points
3. RS Berkane (Morocco) 8 points Defending champions eliminated
4. Napsa Stars (Zambia) 4 points eliminated

Group C

1. Jaaraf (Senegal) 11 points
2. CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) 10 points
3. Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) 8 points Champions in 2006 and 2015, eliminated.
4. Salitas (Burkina Faso) 3 points eliminated

Group D

1. Raja Casablanca (Morocco) 18 points
2. Pyramids (Egypt) 12 points
3. Nkana FC (Zambia) 6 points eliminated
4. Namungo (Tanzania) 0 eliminated

The first-leg of the quarter finals will take place on 16 May and the second leg on 23 May. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News

A jeweller shot two people who broke into his shop in a town in northern Italy, while a third person escaped with injuries.

Police on Thursday questioned the man who had been admitted to hospital during the night with gunshot wounds, ANSAnews agency reported.

The attempted break-in occurred on Wednesday in the small town of Grinzane Cavour in Piedmont, local media reported.

The jeweller was tied up and injured during an earlier robbery at the same shop, in 2015, according to the ANSAreport.

Several months later, the thieves were detained with the stolen goods.

This time, the jeweller used his own weapon against the suspects, according to Corriere della Sera newspaper.

He was alerted to the break-in by his wife and daughter, who called for help.

He came to their aid from another part of the shop, and fired several shots, fatally injuring two of the suspected thieves.

One man was left lying in the middle of the street, according to the ANSAreport.

The police were now investigating to determine the exact course of events.

Meanwhile Matteo Salvini, head of the far-right Lega party, described the case as self defence in a Facebook post. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed confidence in the National Assemblys ability to pass Electoral Act Amendment Bill before the 2023 general elections.

Yakubu stated this at a public hearing on the National Electoral Offences Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2021 organised by Senate Committee on INEC, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The INEC boss, who noted the importance of the bill to the 2023 general elections, said, We are confident that the National Assembly will conclude work on the legal framework in earnest.

In order to do so, there should be clarity and certainty about the electoral legal framework to govern the 2023 general elections.

We are confident that the national assembly will do the needful and do so in earnest.

The commission is anxious to know the legal framework to govern the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

By the principle established by the commission, the 2023 general elections will hold on Feb. 18, 2023, which is exactly one year, nine months, two weeks and six days away from today.

Yakubu said that the commission would release the timetable for the general elections immediately after the Anambra governorship election, scheduled to hold on Nov. 6.

On the Electoral Offences Commission Bill, Yakubu appealed to the national assembly for its expeditious passage.

It is not that the commission hasnt done much or anything about the prosecution of electoral offenders.

Since the 2015 general elections, 124 cases have been filed in court and are being prosecuted. So far, we have only achieved 60 convictions out of the cases.

We will like to see more prosecution of offenders, not just of ballot box snatchers and falsifiers of results of elections, but more importantly, their sponsors.

We look forward to the day when highly-placed sponsors of thuggery, including chieftains of political parties and candidates, will be prosecuted, he said.

Earlier, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, while opening the hearing, said that the bill would not only harmonise regulations and laws related to electoral offences, but also serve as deterrence to offenders.

Lawan, who was represented by Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Philip Aduda, said having the electoral offences commission would be a solution to ensuring diligence in the administration of electoral justice system.

While commenting on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, said that it would be passed soon.

The process will soon be concluded. We are presently working with stakeholders towards concluding the process and the presidents assent within this quarter, he said.

On the electoral offences commission, Gaya said the bill provided for the commission to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders on the powers of the attorney-general and adopt measures to prevent, minimise and eradicate electoral offences. (NAN)

Source: NAN News