By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria, Rear Adm. Oladele Daji, has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahirus leadership quality in piloting the affairs of the Nigerian Army.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement, said that Daji gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy call on the COAS on Tuesday in Abuja.

The commandant said that Attahirus unique and exceptional leadership skills had led to recent successes in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the North East and other security challenges in the country.

He said the visit was to pay homage to the COAS being a member of the College Board and inform him of his recent assumption of duty as the commandant.

Daji also intimated COAS on the plan of NDC to embark on a world tour to Africa, Europe, America and Asian countries.

According to him, the tour will broaden participants knowledge on other countries military and strategic command style with a view to boosting human capacity development in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He equally invited Attahiru to deliver Chief of Army Staff Paper to participants of NDC Course 29.

Responding, the COAS, Attahiru congratulated the Commandant NDC on his appointment which according to him comes with enormous responsibilities.

Attahiru disclosed that he had been keeping abreast with the developmental strides in the college and assured the commandant of his continuous support and cooperation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has approved the promotion of an Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) and nine Corps Commanders (CC) to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM).

The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), ACM Bisi Kazeem, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, added that 26 Deputy Corps Commanders (DCC) were also promoted to the rank of Corps Commander (CC).

Kazeem said that the approval came at the end of the meeting of the Commission on 12 April, 2021 which ratified the resolution of the Establishment Committee.

He disclosed that the promotion took effect from 12 April, 2021.

ACM Victor Nwokolo becomes DCM, to represent the South Eastern Zone, following the retirement of DCM Kenneth Nwaegbe.

Three other ACMs, who were also promoted with the mandate to proceed on terminal leave with immediate effect are ACM Kehinde Adeleye in charge of Policy, Research and Statistics Department at the national headquarters,

ACM Godwin O. Ogagaoghene, the Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Benin Zonal Command, as well as ACM Edward A. Zamber, the Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Yola Zonal Command, he said.

Kazeem also gave the names of the nine CC promoted to ACM as CC Kumapayi Ayodele who currently is the Sector Commander in Anambra, CC Wobin Gora, Sector Commander FCT and CC Chidi Nkwonta, Sector Commander, Bayelsa.

CC Adetunji Adegoke, the Deputy Corps Secretary at the National Headquarters, Abuja, and CC Godwin Omiko, Deputy Commandant, FRSC Command and Staff College, Enugu.

Others are the Head, Policy Advisory Unit in the Office of the Corps Marshal, CC Emmanuel Nnanna Obot, CC Yerima Musa Ramalan in the Department of Policy, Research and Statistics at the national headquarters.

CC Rindon Kunven in charge of the Corps Safety Engineering Office, CC Sunday Iyamah, in charge of the Corps Budget Office at the national headquarters, he said.

Kazeem said that six other CCs were also promoted to ACM with the mandate to hand over to the most senior officers in their department/command and proceed on their statutory three months terminal leave with effect from 12 April, 2021.

The six officers are CC K.C. Alao, CC K.O. Akinusoye, CC O.A. Daniel, CC A.A. Hammed, CC S.O. Aborchi, and CC S.O. Oke.

While the newly promoted CC are DCC JO Asaolu of the Corps Budget Office and DCC Ann Odeleye in charge of National Road Safety Advisory Council.

DCC Lasun Bamigbayan, in charge of Quality Management System at the national headquarters and DCC P.I. Ugwu of FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State.

Others include the Head, FRSC Signage, Gwagwalada, DCC Dapel, DCC U.A. Ibrahim, DCC A.M. Hassan, DCC P.C. Okoyeocha and 18 others, he said.

The Board Chairman, Bukhari Bello, expressed delight at the transparency and objectivity that characterized the whole process.

Bello urged the promoted officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the corporate mission of the corps which is to eradicate road traffic crashes and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

He stated that the promotion exercise was part of the commissions drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work which was in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the corps.

The Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, equally congratulated the newly elevated officers for their excellent performances during the exercise, noting that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.

Oyeyemi charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank called for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.

He admonished those who were not promoted to keep faith alive and hope for the best as opportunities still abound for promotion in the future.

He promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel and beckoned on them to be of good cheer and put in greater efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the corps.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sylvester Thompson

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has expressed optimism that Nigerias membership of the International Energy Charter (IEC), would facilitate Foreign Direct Investment in the energy sector.

The Minister said this on Tuesday in Abuja when he declared open a two-day National Energy Summit organised by Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in collaboration with the IEC, Brussels.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the membership of the body was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016.

Onu said that the IEC and ECN had conducted studies on Energy Investment Risk Assessment (EIRA) of the Nigerian energy sector, which would be presented by the IEC secretariat during the summit.

According to him, the summit seeks to highlight how Nigerias membership of the International Energy Charter will deepen growth and development in Nigerias energy sector for sustainable national development.

He noted that the energy sector was undergoing many transformations and that reforms within the sector were ongoing.

Nigeria is preparing for a post crude oil era, national gas utilisation is receiving a lot of attention.

Our methanol utilisation policy is aimed at increasing the use of natural gas in the production of both fuel and electricity generation.

This will help stop gas flaring in the country, protect and preserve our environment as well as diversify the energy sector of our economy and we are also investing in both research and renewable energy, he said.

The Minister called for both foreign and local investment to help build the necessary infrastructure for efficient exploitation of the huge energy resources available in the country.

He also said that government had provided incentives to encourage this investment, adding that the return on investment was very favourable.

In his welcome address, Prof. Eli Bala, Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria, said the objectives of the summit was to bring to limelight how membership of the IEC would facilitate energy sufficiency.

He said that energy sufficiency and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria could only be driven on an active participation of the private sector as articulated in the National Energy Policy.

Thus, the Energy Investment Risk Assessment(EIRA) reports, which highlights the investment risks in the Nigeria energy sector also reveals the flip-side that would minimise or eliminate the risks, he said.

He further said that in order to transit from an observer State of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) into a full signatory three country study reports were imperative.

He stated these to include, report on investment climate and exceptions to national treatment, energy efficiency accession report and report on the harmonisation of country laws and regulation with ECT.

In his keynote speech delivered virtually, Dr Urban Rusnak, Secretary General of Energy Charter Secretariat, Brussels, said that energy transition should fit everyone and the need to save energy for the benefit of all.

We have to work together to mobilise the multi-stakeholder corporation for action in Nigeria, he said.

Highpoint of the opening ceremony featured goodwill messages from the Ministers of Environment, Petroleum, Industry, Trade and Investment among others.

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday presided over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari is in London for a routine medical check-up.

Before the proceedings, a minute silence was observed in honour of Mahmud Tukur, a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, who passed away recently.

Ministers who attending the meeting are Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Information and Culture, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, Finance, Budget and National Planning

Others are Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba while other ministers joined virtually from their offices.

Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Funds Office, Mrs Habiba Lawal.

The National Security Adviser, rtd Maj.-Gen. Babagana Munguno and the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, were also present at the meeting.

At its last meeting on March 31 FEC approved over N19billion for various projects for the Ministries of Transportation, Aviation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Amen Gajira

The Chairman,Jemaa Local Government CouncilofKaduna state, MrPeterAverik, on Wednesday commended the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) for restoring electricity to Kafanchan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that power supply was restored in Kafanchan on Tuesday after a three-month blackout.

The commendation is contained in a statement signed by the councils Information Officer, Simeon Dauda.

Averik said stable power supply is central to economic development and increased social wellbeing of the people as businesses rely on power to thrive.

He advised residents to always explore legal means in seeking redress instead of resorting to violent protests, which, he said, was often hijacked by people with dubious intentions.

We must thank the management of KEDC for yielding to good reason to restore power supply in Kafanchan after about three months of complete power outage.

There is the need for customers and management of KEDC to sustain their commitment to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the benefit of all.

I want to also caution the people, especially the youths against resorting to violent protest to drive home grievances at every slightest occasion of misunderstanding.

That kind of habit is counter productive to the collective struggle for peace and sustainable development, he added

The council boss implored KEDC to improve on its human relations, describing it as effective tool in resolving industrial issues arising from misunderstanding.

He reiterated his councils commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property in the area.

He thanked concerned individuals and groups for the role they played in bringing about the restoration of electricity supply in the area.

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kafanchan town, had been in total darkness since Jan. 18, when the KEDC shut down its operations after a violent protest by residents.

The residents had protested over outrageous bills and poor power supply, and security personnel had to fire into the air to disperse the violent protesters who were set on burning the KEDC office.

Thereafter, KEDCO shut down its operations in the area indefinitely, over what it called the safety of its personnel. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Debt Management Office (DMO), on Wednesday, announced the auctioning of three Federal Government bonds of N150billion at N1,000 per unit.

Details obtained from DMOs website said that the three bonds were valued at N50 billion each, with interest rates of 16.29 per cent; 12.50 per cent and 9.80 per cent, respectively.

It listed the auction date as April 21, while settlement date is April 23.

Minimum units for sale are N50,001 thousand and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter.

For re-openings of previously issued bonds, successful bidders will pay a price corresponding to the yield-to-maturity bid that clears the volume being auctioned plus any accrued interest rate on the instrument, the DMO said.

It explained that interest rates would be paid semi-annually, with bullet repayment on the maturity date.

The office said that the bonds qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.

It also qualifies as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption for pension funds and other investors.

It is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, DMO explained.

The DMO added that all federal government bonds qualified as liquid assets for the calculation of liquidity ratio for banks.

It also assured that the bonds were backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Thompson Yamput

A 100 Level student of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, who reportedly fell off a vehicle during students protest, dies of injuries.

The deceased, Isreal Emmanuel, the class Rep of the Mathematics Department of the university, died in the evening from the head injuries sustained when he fell off the car.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Yohana Izam, confirmed Emmanuels death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

The vice chancellor however described the death of the student as very sad and unfortunate.

To us as an institution, Emmanuels death is shocking and a great loss to us considering the cause of his death.

We have been cautioning the students against demonstration and protests, which are not jamborees, yet they keep doing it.

Our pain and regret is that the Monday protest has robbed us of a precious soul and forced us into mourning, Izam lamented.

Also speaking, the SUG President, Mr Luepai Ezekiel, confirmed the death of Emmanuel and expressed sadness over the sudden death.

Emmanuel fell off from one of the vehicles during our protest against the insecurity in the institution and landed with his head on the tarred road.

We rushed him to the Bokkos Cottage Hospital but unfortunately he couldnt make it as he died later in the evening of Monday, Ezekiel explained. ( NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, has urged Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray against the mass sack of public sector workers in the state.

It also called for prayers against current security challenges across the country.

This is contained in a statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday by the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman.

The NLC said that the workers and all Nigerians should use the Ramadan period to intensify prayers for Allahs protection and total end to terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other crimes bedevilling the state and the nation in general.

The union also appealed to workers to give their best for the development of Kaduna State and the country in general.

The statement described the holy month of Ramadan as a period of renewal and an opportunity for Muslims to seek Gods forgiveness and recommit to the ideals of Islam.

The holy month of Ramadan is the month of blessings, love, giving, sharing, forgiveness, prayers and reading of the Holy Quran and above all is the month of answering prayers, it added.

The NLC also urged Muslims to be humble and support the needy, and avoid all sinful acts, in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N532 million for the construction and furnishing of the University of Ibadan library extension.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, briefed State House correspondents after the virtual FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari is still in London for a routine medical check-up.

The Minister of Education also presented a memo for the award of contract for the construction and furnishing of the extension of the University of Ibadan library.

The memo, which was approved, is at the cost of N532 million with a completion period of 48 weeks, the minister said.

Mohammed hinted that the memo was well received because of the need to extend the library facility in the university.

He said that for many years, the library had needed real extension, given the surge in the students population.

According to him, the extension project will comprise two suspended floors, two online reading areas and three cubicles

It will also include one physically challenged reading area, four seminar rooms and one reprographic unit.

Other facilities are six staff offices, one control room, a general room, stores, four e-libraries, a coffee room, a technical service room, a media unit room, one galaxy/exhibition room and a journal publication unit, in addition to two reading areas.

The contract was awarded to the UYK Nigeria limited and it is to be delivered in 48 weeks, Mohammed said.

On the seventh anniversary of the abduction of Chibok girls, the minister said that the government had more than ever demonstrated its concern for the issue of security through the town hall meeting it held in Kaduna recently.

He said that the theme of the all-encompassing meeting was Setting Benchmark for Enhanced Security and National Unity. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Habibu Harisu

Fuel queues have resurfaced in Sokoto metropolis as consumers besieged few filling stations selling the product, while most filling stations in the state remained shut.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who went round the metropolis on Tuesday,reports that some filling stations along Gusau Road were filled with consumers queuing to buy the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.

The same trend was witnessed around Bye Pass Express Way, Bello Road and Fodio Road within Sokoto town, while most filling stations within the town and those close to the city centre were shut.

Some of the motorists who spoke to NAN said they just noticed the long queues and decided to top up.

A driver who simply identified himself as Adamu, said he had to buy fuelto be able to do his businesses, in case there was scarcity.

I did not have in mind to buy petrol but seeing queues in two major marketers filling stations and the same thing is happening in others, I decided to join.

I just have to buy now with the small money that I have, Adamu said.

Another buyer, Malam Habib Muhammad, said he spent more than three hours on queue but still could not buy the product.

Muhammad said he switched to three filling stations because of the long queues but still could not buy the product.

NAN reports that only filling stations that belonged to major marketers sold the products at regulated price of N165 per litre as others sold between N175 to N180 per litre.

NAN also reports that street sellers who soldthe product in Jerry cans and gallons,made brisk businesses as a four-litre gallon soldbetween N1,000 to N1,200, depending on the bargain.

There had been no word from either the regulatory bodiesor petroleum products dealers about any impending scarcity. (NAN)

Source: NAN News