By Folasade Akpan/Salisu Sani-Idris
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) says the proposed Jabi Lake Tourism and Recreation Development project will generate N123 billion over a 30-year period.

Mr Micheal Ohiani, ICRC Acting Director-General, said this on Wednesday in Abuja, while presenting the Outline Business Certificates (OBC) to Mrs Ramatu Aliyu, Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ohiani said the project would also generate net present value of N1.5 billion, internal rate of return of 17.75 per cent and payback period of 17 years.

It will also generate direct revenue (concession income) for the government through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in excess of three billion Naira over the same period.

The DG said the project which would cost 21 million dollars was in two phases.

He said that the first phase would cost 10 million dollars with the second phase costing 11 million dollars.

Ohiani said that the ICRC believes that the Jabi Lake project was transformational with invaluable multiplier economic effects in the travel and hospitality sector.

He said that it has the potential to create jobs, uplift millions out of poverty, revive the Bottom of Pyramid (BoP) economy and reflate the tourism ecosystem.

We also envisage that the actualisation of the Jabi Lake project will not only conserve our foreign exchange on international tourism, but become a source of foreign exchange earnings and position Abuja as a destination for tourism.

This indeed is a transformational project and we therefore call on the FCT minister to support the project to secure Transaction Adviser to advise the FCT and guide the procurement stage up until commercial and financial close.

While receiving the certificate, Aliyu said all measures would be taken to ensure the project was a reality in a short while.

I count on the support of all of us, all of you and sundry to ensure the project takes off before the end of the year, precisely Oct. 1.

That was the dream for Mr President, to cruise on Jabi Lake, to appreciate the essence of aesthetic beauty, both of the lake, the scenic beauty, the new look of Abuja, and the new centre of attraction.

She said that the Project Delivery Team would proceed with the implementation of subsequent steps until the conclusion of the full business case to be submitted to the ICRC as the first certificate of compliance.

Jabi Lake Tourism and Recreation Development project is an unsolicited proposal prepared by Jabi Lake Leisure and Cruise Limited.

It is expected to be a tourism destination, providing boat cruises, water sports and hospitality for tourists and residents of the FCT. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has challenged the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to restore confidence and the dignity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Osinbajo gave the task when he decorated the acting Inspector-General of Police with his new rank at the conference room of the Vice Presidents office, State House, Abuja on Wednesday.

The Vice-President performed the decoration on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently on medical check-up in the United Kingdom.

Osinbajo urged the new Police boss to ensure that the NPF lives up to expectations and comply with the rule of law.

He said:The organisation you are leading is one that is itself facing several challenges, your officers work in extremely difficult conditions and some face the threat of super power by terrorists and hostile non-state actors while in the line of duty.

There is no question at all that there is a lot to be done.

Under your leadership, the Police must now rebuild some bridges of trust and regain the confidence of the citizens.

This is an on-going challenge and task that the Police Force and all the senior members of the Police must take on as a responsibility.

They must continue to rebuild their trust with the Nigerian public.

Osinbajo also charged the acting I-G to implement the Community Policing Policy which had already taken off as well as restore the dignity of the Nigeria Police.

One of the ways you can restore confidence and build trust is by implementing the Community Policing Policy which has already taken off and reconceptualising policing as a task carried out in partnership with local communities and officers who are members of these communities.

Under your leadership, the force must live up to all the high standards of professional conduct and compliance with the Rule of Law.

It must significantly improve the welfare and working conditions of its officers while rapidly scaling up its forensic, logistical and operational capacities to meet todays challenges.

You must stamp out the excesses and abuses and the culture of impunity demonstrated by some elements of the force which provoked public outrage against the institution.

In short, your mission is nothing less than the restoration of dignity and high repute of the policing profession and the continuous oiling of that machinery, that enables it to be one that is respected by the public and the international community,he further advised.

He, however, charged Baba to build on the successes of his predecessor, adding that he should rejig the operational strategies of the Police.

Baba, who fielded questions from State House correspondents after his decoration, said he would build on the successes of his predecessor.

According to him, he will rejig the operational strategies of the Police.

You will see improvement on where my predecessor has left.

I came in at a very challenging time. I know it. I recognise it and I will work on how to improve from where my predecessor has left.

I have been a member of the management team. We have tried to do our best, but its not enough.

There is room for improvement. Definitely, we are going to rejig our operational strategies,he said.

The acting I-G stated that with the support of Buhari, the police would acquire new gadgets that would enhance their efficiency.

He also stressed the need for support and cooperation from the public, to enable the Police achieve its mandate of ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country.

Baba said: We have the blessing of Mr President and we are hoping to get more of what we have requested through the Police Trust Fund very quickly.

Nigerians should expect improvement on the security situation. And Nigerians should also collaborate and cooperate with us. With all the inadequacies we have, we still require everybody to be part of policing in this country.

And that is why the emphasis on community policing will continue and the emphasis of collaborating with all other sister agencies will continue and we hope to have a better situation very soon. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ijeh

The Acting Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, has promised to provide professional and responsible leadership in the affairs of the Nigeria Police.

Baba said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a ceremony marking the formal handover by the immediate past I-G, Mr Mohammed Adamu.

The acting I-G said he was mindful of the yearnings of Nigerians for a policing system that would not only assure them of their safety, but also police them with civility.

He said his administration would provide the highest level of professional and responsible leadership in the Nigeria Police to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

Baba, therefore, urged citizens to change their mindset and be prepared to work with the force in the interest of community safety and national security.

He said his appointment as the acting I-G was a call to national duty, particularly, at a critical time that Nigeria was experiencing increasing complex and pervasive security threats.

The acting I-G said the threats were occasioned by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping secessionist agitation andother highly organised crimes.

According to him, much as the challenge to provide leadership in the force to address these threats may appear daunting, I am inspired by the courageous and patriotic officers in the force.

He said he had no doubt that the officers would assist to advance the internal security programme of the Federal Government to restore security and return the country to the path of unity and development.

I am inspired by the fact that, from my extensive years in service, I can confidently say that Nigeria police is endowed with some of the finest, courageous and patriotic officers.

I am also encouraged by the fact that the outgoing I-G laid a solid foundation and entrenched a culture of professionalism and efficiency in the force.

This will stimulate me in my capacity as the I-G to strengthen our strategies and provide requisite leadership that will change the narrative in relation to our operational approach to the current security threats.

As Adamu exits the force, I call on you all to join me in celebrating one of the greatest policing icons of our time.

I want you to put on record our immense appreciation of his laudable contributions to the Nigeria Police Force, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olajide Idowu

The Police Command in Osun says kidnappers oftwo Chinese miners at a gold minein Ifewara, Osun on Monday are demanding forN10 million as ransom.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Yemisi Opalola, said this on Wednesday while giving update on the kidnapping incident to newsmen in Osogbo.

Opalola explained thatthe command was intensifying efforts towards ensuring that theChinese nationals were rescued unharmed.

She said the commandwas working alongside other security operatives to ensure that the victims were released.

She, however, urged residents of the state to equally help with credible information on the activities of criminals in the state.

The Chinese nationals Zhao Jian, 33 and Wen, 50 were abducted on Monday at a mining site in Okepa/Itikan Village, Ifewara, Atakunmosa-West Local Government Area of Osun.

Their abductors were reported to have also shot two private guards of the miners who were taken to the hospital for treatment.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Edeki Igafe

The Police Command in Delta says it has apprehended a middle-aged man over alleged murder of a member of a vigilante group in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Warri.

Bright said that the suspect, a 25-year-old man, had admitted to the crime.

The police spokesman identified the murder victim as Onajite Okolejo, a member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Zone 12, Hausa Quarters, Warri.
Bright said that Okolejo was attacked on April 4.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) A Division Warri, CSP Tanko Mammud received a distress call and mobilised patrol team immediately to the scene and rescued the victim to the hospital.

The victim made a dying declaration at the hospital that one of the suspects that attacked him was one Sahlisu whose surname was unknown.

Through intelligence gathering and discreet investigation, Mohammed was arrested and has confessed to being among the gang that attacked the victim.

Effort is ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspects, he said.

Bright urged the public to provide useful information that could facilitate the arrest of the remaining suspects. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, has condemned the mass sack of workers in the state public service.

The state NLC Chairnan, Mr Ayuba Suleiman, made the condemnation at a press conference on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLC was reacting to the sack of local councils workers who are above 50 years, and pegging of total number of staff in each local council at 50 workers.

The government has also ordered the conversion of all categories of officers on GL 01-06 as casual workers, among others.

The government had since commenced issuance of sack letters to the affected workers.

Suleiman said any sack of workers whose appointments are statutorily protected must be based on strict compliance with the disciplinary procedure provided in the public service rules.

According to him, the state government must take into cognisance, the cost implication of the mass sack on the society and families, as well as the security situation in the state.

He noted that the state government had not paid the entitlements of workers it sacked since 2016, and wondered how the government would pay the terminal benefits of those being sacked now.

Kaduna state is already faced with issues of insecurity, unemployment, poverty, the devastating effect of COVID-19 pandemic and dwindling business prospects, therefore, any additional pain on citizens will reasonably be repulsive to conscience, he added.

We call on the state government to reverse this unpopular decision on the mass sack of workers, and seek alternative means of running government without inflicting additional pains on the public.

Suleiman said the NLC would remain organized, peaceful and rational in engaging the government and other stakeholders towards ensuring amicable resolution of all issues affecting workers in the state.

It is our prayers that prominent citizens and other people of goodwill such as senior citizens, the political class, the clergy, traditional rulers would partner with organized labour with a view to save the state from needless skirmishes.

This is necessary in order to prevent the labour movement from being compelled to take some drastic measures. Suleiman said.

The NLC chairman noted that Gov. Nasir El-Rufai has bastardised the civil service and demoralised workers since his assumption of office.

Kaduna State has woken to a new style of governance where there is no security of tenure in the public service of Kaduna state, as civil servants are daily threatened by the rumour of sack or actually stunned by mass sack of workers without recourse to the Extant Civil Service Rules, he added.

He noted that the N5 billion monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) which the government is celebrating, is being generated through the hard work of workers in public service, whose only reward regrettably, seems to be mass sack.

He also said workers have been subjected to arbitrary and inconsistencies in payment of salaries, which most often fluctuates from month to month, thereby making it difficult for workers to plan in the face of spiraling inflation.

Again, it is worrisome that the current state leadership sees development squarely from the capitalist point against crucial indices such as human capital development, human right and the rule of law.

For development to be meaningful, it must be balanced and wholesome, both human capital development and infrastructures growth must deliberately and as of necessity, occupy a pride of place, Suleiman said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abiodun Azi

As part of its actions to address the challenge of iron deficiency in Nigeria, Nestl Nigeria on Wednesday commenced the Live Strong with Iron (LSWI) campaign.

The inauguration of the campaign was also part of Nestle Nigerias activities to mark the World Health Day 2021, commemorated annually on April 7.

A statement by Nestl on Wednesday said that iron deficiency was high in the country and its consequences could be severe.

It quoted Wassim Elhusseini , MD/CEO of Nestl Nigeria, who spoke on the Live Strong With Iron campaign, as saying: The campaign aims to support governments efforts to address iron deficiency in view of the high incidence in our environment.

It is important to note that Nestl has sustained food fortification as a strategy to curb micronutrient deficiency in the sub region.

Another strategy that Nestl adopts to enable people live healthier is by providing adequate information for more informed nutrition choices.

We are therefore excited to work alongside all the stakeholders convened here today, to call attention to the rich resource of iron dense locally available foods that each family can access to improve the current statistics on iron deficiency, he said.

Ms Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestl Nigeria, said that the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 showed Nigeria as having an alarming prevalence of iron deficiency.

The NDHS 2018 said that 68 per cent of children, six to 59 months of age and 58 per cent of women of reproductive age in Nigeria are anemic, with at least a third of the anemia attributable to iron deficiency.

In view of the high incidence of iron deficiency and the attendant dire consequences, this remains a priority area of concern for Nigeria.

This is why Nestl has joined forces with other stakeholders including the Office of the First Lady, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Nutrition Society of Nigeria to combat the menace of iron deficiency.

The statement said that the Minister of Women Affairs, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Anthonia Ekpa, as spoke at the event.

Globally, children and women are more at risk of iron deficiency and anemia.

Consumption of iron-rich foods, which are locally available and affordable, remains an effective means of addressing this challenge.

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs will support this public health awareness campaign, as it has valuable content that will positively impact on the health of a huge percentage of Nigerians.

We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders for the overall development of women and children in Nigeria, the statement quoted the minister as saying.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the flag-off of the Live Strong with Iron campaign was held onsite and virtually.

The campaign supports efforts to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3 ,Good health and wellbeing, looking towards improving the health of millions of Nigerians.

Through the campaign, the collaborators will support community advocacy programs, broadcast and social media campaigns, to drive change in nutrition behavior, choice and consumption in order to meet daily iron requirements.

The statement noted that the public launch of the Live Strong With Iron campaign was attended by government officials, health experts, nutritionists, professional organisations and media.

They came together to align on the roles each party would play in the efforts to curb iron deficiency.

A key commitment by all stakeholders and participants at the event was to not only consume, but also to promote consumption of locally available iron-rich and iron-fortified foods in Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

Rep. Benjamin Kalu, Chairman, Media and Public Affairs Committee, House of Representatives has urged the presidency to tackle iron deficiency in children through the Federal Governments School Feeding Programme.

Kalu said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Public Launch of Live Strong With Iron, a campaign championed by Nestle Nigeria Plc, to create awareness on the devastating effect of low consumption of iron-friendly foods.

The spokesman of the House of Reps noted that was introduced to help the children realise their potential and as such must be properly scrutinised to ensure the foods served the pupils contain iron.

Information is power, so this advocacy is commendable and I want the Federal Ministry of Health and Education to buy into this, especially as it concerns the School Feeding Programme.

The foods given to children must contain iron. Again, who is looking at those foods to make sure the right nutrients are there?

It is a question the various agencies in charge of these children in the school age bracket should answer.

We will like the FG to look into ensuring that this iron deficiency is taken care of in ongoing school feeding programme.

We are glad that the private sector has initiated this move and I want to raise a call to the Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to buy into it.

This is because the more the people are educated about where to find this almighty iron, they will appreciate it, Kalu said.

He promised that the House of Reps would always stand with Nigerians to fill the gaps of economic imbalance created by the outbreak of COVID-19 especially as it concerned legislative interventions needed to propagate the iron intake advocacy.

Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, represented by Mrs Anthonia Ekpa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, said the ministry was strategically placed to provide women with food and other stuff.

Tallen said that they had already formed a coalition with some Civil Society Groups and NGOs to ensure foods distributed to women especially in rural areas especially at this critical time contain iron.

I will advise that there be a collaboration with our ministry and Ministry of Health on this; these meals are not expensive to afford, we will work together to improve lives, she said.

Also speaking, Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, represented by Mrs Karima Babangida, Director, Food

By Joy Obanya

Muhammad Khalid, Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters, on Wednesday in Abuja, called for holistic approach to achieve meaningful growth in promotion of peace and unity in Nigeria.

Khalif made the call at the official launch of a book titled: The Infinite Light, The Pride of Humanity authored by Sheikh Fathullah Gulen, spiritual leader of Hizmet.

Giving an opening remark at the event, UFUK Dialogue Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Khalid said that the nation needed peace for development.

The problem we are facing in this world today is lack of peace. The solution to the problem we are facing today is peace.

Instead of discriminating against one another let us promote peace and unity. We must use unity in fighting our problem.

You cannot give peace to the world, if you are not accommodating. Accommodation is more than tolerance.

Just as it is written in the book, the prophet taught the world the importance of accommodating one another, Khalid said.

He urged Nigerians to imbibe religious and ethnic tolerance as enshrined in the book, to achieve targets.

Also speaking at the event, Emrah Ilgen, Vice President UFUK Dialogue Foundation, said that the call for peace and unity was apt in tackling problems that affect humanity.

Disunity is one of the challenges facing the country.

For us to conquer that we have to open a foundation, invite people to come and sit together, learn from each other despite tribal religion, culture or colour.

Ignorance is another challenge. We have to open a charity organisation, establish schools and educate people.

Another solution is poverty eradication, and for us to achieve this, we have to establish charity organisation all over the nation.

We have to reach out to the needy irrespective of their colour, tribe or religion; we can never be equal, but when we reach out to the needy, we become one, Ilgen said.

Meanwhile, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, National Chief Imam, Al-habibiyyah Society, expressed appreciation to the author for the publication of the book.

I thank and appreciate Fathullah Gulen for writting the book and I urge everyone to take time to go through the book.

We should all worship God or Allah the best way we can; do that we all can enjoy a peaceful country, Adeyemi said.

The book is centered on the life of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, as symbol of tolerance and role model to humanity.

The book being translated and published in Hausa, Igbo and English versions would feature maiden broadcast in Hausa on Sunnah TV from first day of Ramadan, in Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Edith Ike-Eboh

The Federal Government has formally received the report from committee on compensatory contracts and others incentives for KAZTEC Engineering Ltd.

KAZTEC Engineering Limited is a subsidiary of Chrome Group, an indigenous engineering and fabrication company owned by Chief Emeka Offor.

The Companys Fabrication yard on Snake Island, which houses Badagry Creek Industrial Park Free Trade Zone, licensed in 2014 was grounded in March 2015 when Addax Petroleum had tax issues with the Federal Government.

The grounding of the company also led to abrupt halt of the platform construction for oil production from Antan and Ofrima/Udele fields and unpaid salaries to workers, contractors, and vendors.

Receiving the report in Abuja, on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva commended the committee for the thorough work done with the report.

You were carefully chosen to be on this committee after the President asked me to look into this matter and come up with some recommendations.

So, I searched for the best brains to look at the matter and you have not disappointed us. I must say that you did a great job; we in the Ministry of Petroleum are here as independent arbiters to ensure justice in the petroleum industry.

Justice for our investors and justice also for Nigeria. I am happy that you have done a great job, we are going to go through your report and ensure that your recommendations are forwarded to the president and implemented, he said

Earlier, Senator Magnus Abbe, Chairman of the Committee, commended the president for the privilege to work on committee to help revive the grounded fabricated yard for the economic growth of the nation

He said that the Committee had earlier submitted an interim report which had made Nigerians to understand the situation on ground.

It is important that Nigerians should realise the extent of what happened to this project, this was a project that was to extract over 19 million barrels of crude to our existing reserve and would have added to our daily production.

After the project was awarded and everything in place, contracts awarded and close to one billion dollars invested, Addax petroleum called Force Majeure on issues unrelated to project at hand.

That action took over 3000 Nigerians out of work, put invested millions of dollars that the country would have used for other things in Jeopardy , he said .

He added that the committee had carefully analysed the ugly situation found on ground at the site and the negative effect it had on the indigenous company and the Nigerian economy.

Not only that the workers were affected but a lot of things that would have been done in country and be useful in other projects will be paid for again.

In the interim report we presented, these issues were well addressed, today, we are here to officially present the report and to say that the members of the committee were competent and drawn from reputable organisation, he said

He said that committee did a thorough work in looking into all the circumstances on the matter adding that it had no right to lay any blame on the situation but to advise the President on the legally permissible steps that could be taken to salvage the situation and help the Nigerian economy. (NAN)

Source: NAN News