By Philomina Attah

ICPC does not spend recovered funds, but pays them into Federal Governments coffers, it chairman, Prof.Bolaji Owasanoye, has said.

Owasanoye told the Senate Committee on Finance investigating activities of revenue generating agencies of the Federal Government that ICPC had no retention powers over funds or assets recovered from corrupt people.

ICPC spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua, said in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday that Owasanoye told the committee that ICPC had a dedicated account for the recovery of proceeds of crime.

All recovered funds are paid into the dedicated account called ICPC Recovery Account for onward payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Government once there were no encumbrances, he explained.

ICPC is not contemplated as a revenue generating agency. In the course of our work, we do recover funds. However,ICPC does not spend recovered assets. We do not use part of it for our work, he stressed.

He also told the committee that apart from recovering proceeds of crime, ICPC had also helped to boost tax revenue by bringing defaulters to book.

He said ICPC had been able to bring defaulters into the tax net while investigating tax components of some transactions and that recovered funds were paid to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Committee Chairman, Sen. Solomon Adeola, had earlier expressed concern that the countrys budget was becoming too dependent on loans, partly due to non-compliance to financial regulations by revenue generating agencies of government.

He said the investigative hearing aimed to ensure that all revenue generating agencies compliedwith the Fiscal Responsibility Act which stipulatedthat 80 per cent of operational surplus be paid into the CRF.

Revenue generating agencies of government have taken solace and pleasure in diverting governments money; taking care of frivolous expenditure and making provisions for them in audited accounts that are fictitious in nature.

The 2021 budget has a deficit of N6 trillion; government cannot continue this way, Solomon said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

Mr Anthony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of States says investing in youths, especially the African young generations is the best deal for the U.S, Nigerian and other governments.

Blinken made this known during a virtual interview with newsmen as part of his activities of virtual visit to Africa on Tuesday, an initiative of the Biden-[ed administration to strengthen relations with Africa.

Hinged of the fact that the wealth of a nation rest greatly on its human resources, Blinken said the African youth population of 1.3 billion will not just make profound impact in the future Africa but on the entire world.

Blinken however noted that the U.S is committed to strengthening African youths through different programmes including the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) which was started by former President Barack Obama and then-Vice President Biden.

Just starting with the continent 1.3 billion people, median age 19 there is, I think, no part of the planet we see such an extraordinary young population.

That is going to have a profound impact not just on the future of Nigeria not just on the future of the continent, but actually on the future of the entire world.

Because if that extraordinary human resource can be supported and developed and given the opportunities necessary, its hard to think of anything more that will contribute more to human progress in the years ahead.

On this virtual visit, I had the opportunity to talk to about a dozen alumni from the YALI program, something that President Obama and then-Vice President Biden started, which we are committed to carrying forward and to strengthening.

There are already 24,000 alumni of that program in one way or another, and as you know, the connections that they build with the United States.

But as important or maybe more important, the connections they build with one another are going to be a foundation for the future going forward.

But I think what it really says to me is that our government, the Nigerian Government, other governments, as well, of course, as other sectors of our society, including the business community, including our educational facilities across the board.

The single best investment we can make now is in our young people, and especially in Africas young people.

Countries that have the ability to allow those human resources to reach their full potential are going to do very well in the future, almost irrespective of whether they have an abundance of those other measures of wealth, he said.

He said that underscores the importance of finding ways together to allow human resources and especially the young people to really meet their potential.

The U.S Secretary of States however noted that if the human/youth resources are not properly harnessed, it could turn into bigger challenges.

On the other hand, if we dont find ways to do that, we are all going to have a bigger challenge and a bigger problem. So we are very focused on this.

We are very focused on some of the programs that have been put in place, including YALI, and strengthening them and growing them.

We are looking at other ways to build connectivity with support for young people, and to work with our partners to do that.

So stay tuned. I think that there is going to be more to come, but it is something that I am very focused on and also excited about, Blinken said. (NAN)8

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Federal Government is to develop a Geographical Indications (GI), System for the country, as part of ongoing efforts to review the nations Intellectual Property policy and laws.

Amb. Mariam Katagum, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment made this known on Thursday in a statement after a GI capacity building workshop in Abuja.

The workshop with the theme Understanding policy support for GIs in Nigeria was organised as part of efforts between the Federal Government and the European Union to build capacity for the evolution of GI Sui Generis system for Nigeria.

Geographical Indications identify products by their place of origin, where the place of origin confers some unique qualities, reputation and characteristic on the product, be it agricultural or non-agricultural products.

Such unique qualities, she said, could be attributable to natural or human factors such as soil, climate, local expertise and traditions of a people in a geographical location.

Katagum noted that poor knowledge of GIs and the absence of specific legal framework on the GIs render the unique products more vulnerable to misappropriation.

This is a starting conversation towards the creation of a legal framework to provide legal protection to Nigerian GIs which will in turn boost exports and promote economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in Nigeria.

It is therefore gladdening that the workshop is specifically designed to train Public Sector and Policy Makers in Nigeria, with a view to examining the possibilities of adopting GIs Legislation and Policy into Nigerias Industrial Property and agricultural landscape.

It is imperative to also highlight the coming into effect of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Agreement, which puts a responsibility on decision makers, to begin the discourse of updating Industrial Property legislation (where necessary).

This includes the identification of unique products with cultural heritage through GIs; this will enable the country to benefit maximally from the implementation of the AfCFTA, Katagum said.

Katagum added that her Ministry was fully committed to forward the legislative aspect of the process to the National Assembly as quickly as possible to get things right.

The statement also quoted the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Nanono, noted that the Geographical Indications system would assist government in commercialising the production of food culture and other aspects of our culture.

Nanono who was represented by Mrs Sugra Mahmood, Deputy Director, Irrigation, Agriculture and Crop Development, said the application of GIs would enable the value chain actors to benefit.

He noted that GIs can be catalytic in reviving the rural economy as we have seen in the case of some products that have been properly branded such as Ofada Rice, Kilishi, Dudu Osun, and so on.

The current administration stands ready to partner with all the relevant stakeholders, both local and foreign, in its bid to preserve the natural and bio-cultural diversity endowment in the country.

The administration is also ready to exploit GIs and strengthen the resilience of the economy so as to provide a decent livelihood for all Nigerians.

We are ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, and its partners to enable our people and nation to benefit maximally from our GIs, he said.

Also speaking, Mr Sand Kalu, Executive Director, Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR) said the workshop was one in a series of programmes designed to facilitate the development of Nigerias GI system.

Kalu noted that subsequent programmes would focus on individual stakeholder groups, including governors, legislators, and Trade Associations of products with GI potential.

Prof. Jummai Audi, Chairman, Nigeria Law Reform Commission pledged the support of the Commission towards facilitating the legislative aspect of the process for the development of GTs system for Nigeria.

Other collaborating stakeholders for the event include the European Union Intellectual Property Office, Africa Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation (AfrIPI) project, the African International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR) and the IP First Group of Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

A farmer, Mr Taiye Sasona on Thursday in Abuja, called for concerted efforts to address the challenges of insecurity confronting the country.

Sasona, Executive Secretary, Abundance of Hope Initiatives told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that food security would be impossible if the insecurity that pervaded farming communities was not resolved.

He said efforts made by the Federal Government to reposition the agricultural sector to boost productive capacity and make it competitive could only be successful in a safe environment.

Sasona said the thrust of Nigerias agricultural renaissance was to diversify its economy by making agriculture the hub of economic growth while achieving a hunger-free country.

But the insecurity is causing a serious disruption in agricultural activities in the country.

While millions of farmers have been displaced from their ancestral farming communities, others are perpetually afraid for their lives, as such cannot optimally engage in farming activities.

The direct implication is declining productivity with attendant shortfalls as we can see in the increase in the cost of food items.

What the Federal Government must do to succeed in its plan to reposition the agricultural sector is to urgently deal with the insecurity that characterises the farming community, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By AbfulFatai Beki

A 17-year-old girl, on Thursday, reportedly drowned in Asa river at Harmony Holdings Estate, Kulende area of Ilorin, the Kwara capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some personnel of the state Fire Service discovered the drowned girl, whose identity was unknown, and removed her dead body from the river.

A NAN correspondent, who visited the scene, reports that none of the residents of the area could explain how the incident happened.

Head of Media and Publicity of the fire service, Mr Hakeem Adekunle, while speaking with NAN on the incident, described it as unfortunate.

He said that the identity of the victim had yet to be known, adding, however, that her corpse had been handed over to the divisional police station, D division, Kulende, Ilorin.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Mr Ajayi Okasanmi, told NAN that he was not yet aware of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Director of the fire service, Mr John Olumuyiwa, has sent his condolences to the family of the victim over the incident. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Lagos State Government says it has credited the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of 358 retirees with more than N1 billion for the month of April.

Mr Babalola Obilana, Director -General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC ) announced this at the Retirement Bond Certificates Presentation to the 84th batch of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) retirees held in Lagos on Thursday.

Obilana stated that the fund had been transferred by the state to the retirees various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) who have confirmed receipt and would begin disbursement within a couple of days.

He said the state has been consistent with its leadership role in the implementation of the CPS in line with the provision of the State Pension Reform Law of March 19, 2007, now amended.

He explained that the event was organised to celebrate the elder statesmen who had laboured in the states public service and also to present them their retirement benefit bond certificates.

According to him, the bond certificates shows the accrued rights due to the retirees for the years spent in the service of Lagos State under the discontinued Defined Benefit Scheme.

You have worked for 35 years and by Gods grace ,you will not spend your money on illness.

Please take very good care of yourself, as health is wealth and the Coronavirus is still very much around.

Desist also from unimportant spending and beware of pension fraudsters, Obilana advised.

The director-general hinted that the state government was also working on modalities for the implementation of the Health Insurance for the pensioners which is expected to tentatively kick-start before the end of the year.

Obilana commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to the efficient and effective administration of the CPS in the state.

He explained that the effort of the governor had culminated in the regular issuance of the retirement benefit bond certificates to the retirees.

He appreciated the unflinching support of the commissioner for establishment, training and pension, the states approved PFAs and the insurance companies for their efforts at ensuring that all retirees have unrestrained access to their benefits.

Mr Olumuyiwa Oshin, Executive Director, Finance and Investment, LASPEC, lauded Gov. Sanwo-Olu on his effort to clear the outstanding backlog of the accrued pension benefits and improve the welfare of the pensioners.

Oshin prays that God grant the retirees good health, long life and wisdom to use their lump sum judiciously.

Mr Olufemi Ogunlaye, a retiree from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), on behalf of other retirees, thanked the governor for his good work and prayed that God grant him the grace to better the lot of the pensioners.

Ogunlaye also commended Obilana for supporting the government and its policies to improve the life of the pensioners and prayed for his fellow retirees that they will enjoy the benefit of their labour and service years. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Uchenna Ugwu

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has trained 286 persons on Basic and Advanced National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS and A-NOAS) in Ebonyi.

The acting Director-General of NDE, Mr Abubakar Fikpo, said that the training was aimed at equipping the participants and making themto become employable and self-reliant.

Fikpo, who was represented by NDE Coordinator in the state, Mr Marcel Igboanude, made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration and orientation of the scheme in Abakaliki.

According to him, 260 out of the 286 beneficiaries will be receiving B-NOSA, while the other 26 willbe trained on A-NOAS.

The training will be conducted in 15 vocational skills, such as computer operation, fashion designing, generator maintenance, catering andhair-dressing, among others.

The training scheme has a three-month duration. Now, the 286 unemployed youth and women are receiving necessary orientation, he said.

Fikpo urged the participants to take the training seriously and make the best of the opportunity.

NDEs Head of Department, Vocational Skill Development in the state, Mr Ananaba Obioha, urged the trainees to remain focused and show more zeal to acquire the skills.

One of the participants, Chinaza Ezeonaga, who spoke on behalf of other trainees, commended the Federal Government for what he called the life-changing programme.

Ezeonaga, who is training in fashion designing, promised that they would abide by the rules and regulations of the training and support efforts towards improving the nationseconomy.

Another trainee in computer, Mr John Usulor, said with theexperience he had already acquired, he could design banners, posters and calendars, among other items.

I am appealing for a set of computer to enable me establish a business of my own and increase production on designs.

I decided to venture into computer operations and applications after several years of futile attempts to gain admission into the university. This training will further help me to learn the skill more, Usulor said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Globalcom (Glo), Otunba Micheal Adenuga on his 68th birthday anniversary.

Kalu, in his goodwill message issued on Thursday in Abuja, commended Adenuga and described him as an age-long friend.

The former governor of Abia acknowledged Adenugas contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

While appreciating Adenugas entrepreneurship, Kalu stressed that the business mogul, through hardwork, perseverance and consistency built a robust business empire.

I am delighted to convey my warm greetings to the founder of Globacom Ltd as he clocks 68.

The celebrant is a household name beyond the shores of Africa, in view of his outstanding and robust contributions to sustainable development across Africa.

Adenuga has carved a niche for himself in all facets of life.

He deserves to be celebrated today and always as a successful business mogul and philanthropist of repute, Kalu said.

Kalu urged Adenuga to sustain his good works in all endeavours and prayed God to grant him longer life. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to name Akure Airport after the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the called was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep Mayowa Akinfolarinwa (APC-Ondo) and eight others on the floor of the House, on Thursday in Abuja.

Moving the motion,Akinfolarinwa said thatas a former Minister of Aviation, Agagu ensured that the six-year ban placed on flights to and fro Nigeria by the American Government because of poor aviation security was lifted.

He added that the training of pilots started at the College of Aviation Technology, Zaria after seven years hiatus, occasioned by lack of trainer aircraft.

The lawmaker noted that the late Agagu served in various capacities and demonstrated quality leadership to encourage others to dedicate their lives to service of the nation.

The House thereafter urged the federal government to recognise Agagus selfless service to the nation, especially in the aviation industry, and name Akure airport after him.

The House also urged the federal government to provide financial support to Ondo State government for

optimum maintenance of the airport, while mandating the Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, the House has called on National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to resuscitate the Agricultural VocationalTraining Centre, Awo in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun.

While moving the motion, Rep Bamidele Salam (PDP-Osun), said that NDE had the mandate to use agricultural

programmes as one of the means of combating poverty and unemployment among Nigerians.

He said that NDE had established an Agricultural Skill Acquisition Centre in Awo in 2006 to create jobs for the unemployed youth in the area.

Salami stated that the project was abandoned after several millions of naira had been expended on it, adding that it had remained so despite several demands and requests for its completion.

He said that the present rate of unemployment in Nigeria demanded the deployment of all available means to tackle the menace.

He stated that, if completed, the project would solve the problem of joblessness among youths in the area and thus contribute in reducing the level of insecurity in the state and the country at large.

The houseurged NDE to resuscitate, equip and put the centre in the area to use, while mandating the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure compliance. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Edith Ike-Eboh

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has postponed its 60anniversary which had been planned to hold in the second half of May to September, 2021.

OPEC made the disclosure in a letter on Wednesday by Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismaael, the Minister of Oil, Baghda-Iraq, the host country, which was sent to the Secretary General of OPEC, Dr Mohammed Barkindo.

I am writing to your Excellency regarding the 60OPEC Anniversary which was planned to take place at Al-Shaab Hall in Baghdad, Iraq in the second half of May 2021.

Together, we are still facing the continued status of COVID-19 pandemic. The number of Coronavirus cases is climbing in Iraq and globally despite rolling out of vaccine.

Both vaccine hesitancy and its efficacy could pose serious concerns in near future. It is too early to say that the pandemic hit the peak and the cases have been heading to the end.

Large number of people is still vulnerable across the world which could lead to resort again to or extend quarantine and lockdowns to curb spread of coronavirus .

While we are eager that all Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) countries would attend this auspicious event in Baghdad next month, safety of the participants is our highest priority.

To this end, we regretfully have to postpone the celebration to the second half of September 2021, hoping by then that we will celebrate not only the OPECs 60Anniversary but also the end of this Straining Pandemic.

We express our gratitude and appreciation for your understanding and support. It would be highly appreciated if this letter could be circulated to the esteemed head of delegation, the letter said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News