The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Group urges FG to investigate $5,000 bribe allegation for brown cards

    Group urges FG to investigate $5,000 bribe allegation for brown cards

    The Federal Government has been urged to investigate a $5,000 bribe allegation for the issuance of brown cards to foreigners.

    The brown card, according to a non-governmental organisation, Save the Soul Transparency and Eagle Eyes International Foundation, contravenes the constitutional process for acquiring Nigerian citizenship by foreigners.

    Dr. George Davidson, Chief Research Analyst of the organisation said he was worried given the myriad of security challenges confronting the country.

    Davidson, therefore, urged the police, State Security Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and other security agencies in the country to investigate the allegation.

    Davidson noted that his worries stemmed from the fact that the proper background checks are no longer applied; rather some officials were allegedly busy collecting $5000 dollars from interested foreigners.

    He said he had petitioned the office of the National Security Adviser, to the President,  the Inspector General of Police, the Director General,

    State Security Service, and the Director General, National Intelligence Agency over the matter.

    He said the process was a fraud and a threat to the country’s national security.

    He also fingered the immediate past administration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for introducing the brown card.

    Davidson, in his letter to the security agencies, urged them to carry out a holistic investigation to unearth those behind the scheme.

    Read Also: EFCC chairman demanded $2m bribe from me – Matawalle

    He stressed, “The alleged plan to introduce a brown card to foreigners is nothing but an attempt to exploit and extort money from the foreigners. It is worth noting that the essence for which the card is designed has been adequately handled by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), through its technical partners, thence the institution should rather be strengthened to curb and/or check any loopholes observed in the existing structure than to deploy the scarce resources of the country into creating a new system which will create an avenue for exploitation and corruption and above all security threat in the country.”

    But, Mr. Sola Fasure, an aide to the immediate past Minister of Interior said there was nothing sinister in the policy.

    Fasure said the idea of the Brown Card, which is a permanent residential permit, is to encourage people who ordinarily would have been discouraged by the stress of the current renewable five years residential permits for foreigners coming to work or do business in Nigeria.

    Fasure also explained that the policy was only approved by the former President two days before leaving office and so the Ministry has not commenced implementation before his boss left office.

    “The issue of renewal has been a source of concern as many people get discouraged by the rigour of renewal.”

    “Hence, the brown card is just a policy to address the concerns and it does not confer citizenship or Nigerian passport on the holders.

    “The brown card only provides a legal right for the holder to leave and do business in Nigeria.

    “The process of obtaining a residential permit is rigorous and so every check that is expected is done for security purposes.”

  • Coronation Group gets Capital Market Holding Company licence

    Coronation Group gets Capital Market Holding Company licence

    CORONATION Group Limited has secured a Capital Market Holding Company (CMHC) licence from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    The company has transitioned to a licensed group structure, solidifying its position as an investment management powerhouse in the African region. 

    This regulatory recognition represents a significant milestone in the Group’s mission to democratize access to wealth creation for Africans, harnessing the power of ecosystems. 

    Read Also: Development Bank begins N100b capital raising

    Working in close collaboration with Founder and Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Wole Onasanya will oversee the strategic priorities of Coronation’s ecosystem. These priorities include building digital platforms, establishing strategic partnerships for exponential growth, and maximizing shareholder returns.

    Aig-Imoukhuede spoke during a Closing Bell Ceremony hosted in honour of his investiture as an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. 

  • Residents condemn attack on Imansuangbon, other LP leaders

    Residents condemn attack on Imansuangbon, other LP leaders

    Edo State’s many residents have condemned the attack by thugs in Benin on a frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of Labour Party (LP) in Edo, Kenneth Imansuangbon, a billionaire philanthropist, and two other leaders of LP, after receiving the party’s identity and membership cards.

    Imansuangbon, popularly referred to as “Rice Man,” in view of his regular distribution of free bags of rice to Edo residents in the 192 wards, across the 18 local government areas of Edo; a former Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, and later Youth and Gender, both in Godwin Obaseki’s government, Andrew Emwanta, a constitutional lawyer; and a daughter of the pioneer governor of the defunct Bendel State, the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Dr. Amen Ogbemudia-Uhunmwangho, received LP’s membership and identity cards at Edo state secretariat of the party on Ogbelaka Street, by Sokponba/Sakponba Road Junction, in the state capital.

    A coalition of artisans and traders in Edo state, under the aegis of Skilled Workers for Imansuangbon, called on leaders and members of opposition political parties in the state to play by the rules.

    Chairman of the artisans and traders in Edo, Comrade Imatitikua Egbe, urged Imansuangbon not to be afraid, but to remain focused and be determined to succeed in the governorship race, ahead of the September 2024 election.

    He said: “They want to scare Imansuangbon out of the governorship race. He left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the party collapsed. That’s why they want to stop him.”

    Edo Youths Change Agenda (EYCA), through its Coordinator, Comrade Reuben Imokhena, also yesterday, described as barbaric, the attack on the leaders of LP.

    Read Also: Imansuangbon joins Labour Party, declares PDP dead in Edo

    It noted Edo PDP’s leaders knew that the defection of Imansuangbon to the LP was the end of its tyrannical rule in the state.

    EYCA, through its Coordinator, Comrade Reuben Imokhena, called on security agencies to carry out thorough investigations into the attack, and prosecute the perpetrators.

    The group said: “The attack on Imansuangbon and others was clearly the handiwork of leaders of PDP in Edo, but they have failed. Imansuangbon is the people’s choice.

    “Imansuangbon is the most popular politician in Edo State today. He is the only man, whose activities have touched lives of the ordinary Edo people, without any political appointment.

    “We are also sending a strong warning to the hirelings. Nobody has monopoly of violence. Our opting to be law abiding does not mean that we are stupid or scared of them.”

    Imansuangbon stepped down as the leading standard bearer on the platform of the PDP for Obaseki, ahead of the September 19, 2020 governorship election, but he (Obaseki) opted to anoint Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer, from the same Edo Central Senatorial District as Imansuangbon, also a legal practitioner, as his preferred governorship aspirant on PDP’s platform for the 2024 race.

    Obaseki was also accused by the eminent politician of being a worse dictator and cruel godfather, who was performing so poorly, and below the expectations of Edo residents, with PDP not to be allowed to produce Obaseki’s successor during the September 2024 governorship election, while LP’s eventual governorship candidate would take over from the incumbent governor on November 12 next year.

    The thugs, immediately after Imansuangbon, Emwanta and Ogbemudia-Uhunmwangho spoke with reporters in Benin, after picking their membership and identity cards from Edo Chairman of LP, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, and members of his executive, the hoodlums suddenly started hauling missiles, including, stones, bottles, sticks and sachets of water, at them and their cars, but they were adequately protected by the agile security operatives, who accompanied the famous politicians.

    Imansuangbon said: “Hon. Emwanta, Dr. Ogbemudia-Uhunmwangho and I rightfully joined the LP, a party for the good and ordinary people of Nigeria. Two weeks ago, I was received in Abuja by the National Chairman of LP, Barr. Julius Abure. On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, I was in my village (Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State, Nigeria), where I actually formally joined the LP in Esan South-East Ward 2. It was like a carnival, and a very wonderful day, with showers of blessing from God. Hon. Emwanta, Dr. Ogbemudia-Uhunmwangho and I have been received by Edo LP, led by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, a complete gentleman. We are excited.”

    While also firing from all cylinders, Emwanta condemned the dictatorial tendencies of Obaseki, who he declared must not be allowed to produce his successor in 2024.

    He said: “Today is my happiest day in politics. About a week ago, I left the PDP. In 2020, when Governor Obaseki joined PDP, we promised to support him, because he assured us that he was going to end godfatherism in Edo State. It is sad to know that in 2023, Governor Obaseki occupies the position of the godfather of Edo State’s politics. His level of imposition is worse than that of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Governor Obaseki runs Edo State as sole proprietorship. I decided to join LP to rescue Edo State.

    “We should play politics of inclusion, not exclusion. On June 19, 2020, when Governor Obaseki defected from the then governing All Progressives Congress (APC) to PDP, we had leaders, including Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman, South-South, of PDP, who is the immediate past Edo State Chairman of the party (PDP), but because Governor Obaseki lacks interpersonal relationship’s skills, the frontline PDP’s leaders have been ostracised from the party.

    “Little wonder why PDP performed very abysmally during the 2023 general elections in Edo State, with APC and LP’s candidates emerging victorious in almost all the polls. It has never happened in the history of Edo State, that a party in government would perform so poorly at the general elections. That was a referendum on Edo State Government and Governor Obaseki.

    “Prior to the House of Assembly election of 2023, I was to resign as the Commissioner for Youth and Gender, because I was spoken to by Governor Obaseki in a manner that I did not like. Governor Obaseki and his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, pressured me, and told me to remove a validly-elected Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Edo State chapter, because of the 2024 governorship battle, but I said no, because that was not democracy. I was about resigning, but the ministry’s Permanent Secretary pleaded with me not to do so. I believe in democratic principles.”

    The former Edo state commissioner for communication and orientation also revealed that the state’s executive council was dissolved partly because of the NYCN’s crisis, stressing that shortly after the dissolution of the executive council, Obaseki directed security forces to remove from office, the duly-elected Edo chairman of NYCN, and she was forced to resign, while a kangaroo election was conducted, and Edo governor, in his style of celebrating democracy, inaugurated an imposed executive for NYCN, just because of desperation to produce his successor next year.

    Emwanta pointed out that Obaseki and his aides, especially the Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, were always telling lies, and were deeply involved in propaganda.

    The ex-Edo commissioner for youth and gender disclosed that Obaseki’s government had so far received over N1 trillion, and he must give account.

    Emwanta declared that this was not a time by Obaseki to prepare more Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), but to prepare his handover note, while maintaining that Edo was not for sale, but described Edo governor as being very reckless with the state’s people’s funds.

    Ogbemudia-Uhunmwangho, while also speaking, insisited that Obaseki lacked interpersonal relationship, stating that persons without interpersonal relationship were doomed, as she described interpersonal relationship as the greatest asset that somebody could have.

    The Executive Director, Education, in Oshiomhole’s administration (Ogbemudia-Uhunmwangho) reiterated that his late father loved development, but lamented that development was not being seen today in Edo, while assuring that from November 12, 2024, the state would again witness development.

    She said: “It is good to do what is right. I served in Comrade Oshiomhole’s government as the Executive Director, Education. Floods are now killing Edo students in primary and secondary schools. Desks and chairs are no longer provided by Edo State government. Ten students were recently hospitalised, because of dilapidated school buildings in Edo State.”

    Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare; and Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, were contacted for their reactions, but they declined to speak.

  • Gbong Gwom Jos inaugurates relief and rehabilitation committee

    Gbong Gwom Jos inaugurates relief and rehabilitation committee

    In its effort to address the plight of displaced persons and provide relief measures, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, has officially launched a humanitarian and relief committee in Berom land.

    The 12-member committee led by Gwom Rwey of Vwang, Da Gyang Gutt Balak, was inaugurated at the Gbong Gwom’s palace in Jishe.

    Their primary objective is to mobilise support and resources for immediate aid, including food, clothing, healthcare and other essential materials for the victims of recent attacks within their domain.

    Da Buba strongly condemned these attacks, describing them as acts of inhumanity perpetrated against innocent and unarmed villagers in his domain and other parts of the state.

    He urged the security agencies to gain the confidence of the citizens by identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for these calculated attempts at displacing communities from their ancestral homes and farmlands.

    The Gbong Gwom also called on the state government and the State House of Assembly to collaborate on legislation for the establishment of a Local Government Emergency Relief Agency.

    This agency, he said, would enable swift and efficient responses to crises and disasters at the local government level.

    Additionally, he highlighted the importance of the committee in developing a resettlement and rehabilitation strategy that aligns with the provisions of the anti-land grabbing law of the state, ensuring the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral villages and farmlands.

    Expressing gratitude on behalf of the committee, Chairman Da Gyang Gutt Balak, the Gwom Rwey Vwang, appreciated the Traditional Council for entrusting the members with the responsibility to fulfill the committee’s goals.

    The committee comprises the chairpersons of Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom Local Government Councils, as well as the presidents of Berom Registered Organisations.

     Additionally, the Principal Private Secretary to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Barr. Solomon Mwantiri serve as members, with the latter also assuming the role of committee secretary.

  • ‘FG should urgently implement climate change law’

    ‘FG should urgently implement climate change law’

    Hon. Sam Onuigbo is the sponsor of the Climate Change Bill in the 9th House of Representatives. In this interview, he worries about the lack of proper implementation of the law over a year since it was passed. NICHOLAS KALU reports. Excerpts:

    You moved a motion on the floor of the House (9th) on the implementation of the carbon credit scheme. What is the carbon credit scheme all about?

    When you talk about carbon you are talking about part of the pollution that disrupts the atmosphere and leads to emission of greenhouse gases. And that is not favourable to the environment, whether it is coming from oil producing or cement producing or those who are running factories, when it builds up in the air it becomes a big problem. So what people ahead of us (industrialised countries) have done is to say, okay, we should be able to impose a certain tax so that if you are producing or polluting to this level, let us have a threshold that is maybe, we can say it is acceptable and if you are going beyond you should be charged or for the pollution that you caused, you should pay tax for the carbon.

    Today you would agree with me that it is almost a free for all in the country. There is no proper control. Whereas other people who have used different forms of energy including the ones that are polluting the system to develop their places, these people are now putting controls. Therefore, carbon credits, also known as carbon allowances or offsets, are permission slips usually issued by governments or its designated agency or independent verifying companies that allow the holder to emit one tone of carbon or equivalent greenhouse gases. These industrialised countries are also transitioning into renewable energy in such a way that they are using energy that is not polluting the environment and disrupting everything that we are doing.

    Were there plans for the implementation of the law after passage?

    We put it in the Act that the Ministry of Environment, working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service should be able to come up with a carbon tax and put a figure and this is in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change. And then we also said that there should be a pilot carbon budget 12 (twelve) months after the bill was assented to. So one of the reasons why I moved that motion is to bring to the consciousness of the government that we appear not to be meeting the targets that we set by ourselves through the Act that we have passed and assented to. And also, the law also provides in sections 19 and 20 that we should have a carbon budget of about five years’ cycle. That again we do not seem to be able to have completed. You can see that from November 2021 to November 2022 that is one year. Remember the other one said 12 months after assent. Perhaps some of you were not aware, but when I felt that we were almost going to fall foul of the law that we gave ourselves, I had to write to three critical offices that we worked or collaborated with in passing the Act.

    The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation; he really played a very important role, when we were working on the bill that became an Act. I also wrote to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to say, there is a need for us to activate this law properly so that the international community does not look at us, and ask, ‘what are they doing’. I also wrote to the office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to raise these issues. Why we are doing it is not because we want to be hard on the Executive and its agencies. No. It is just that we are joining others to take actions that are geared towards a very peaceful, very organized and orderly transition from fossil fuel based economic activities to something that guarantees that even when you are using the fossil fuel to produce that their emission levels do not get to a point where they are dangerous. So that is the reason for moving the motion and writing those letters that I wrote last year to call attention to these concerns.

    Do you feel there are those in the system who frustrate government policies and laws from being implemented?

    I would like to put certain things in proper shape. One is that yes, I was worried, and I think you will permit me to say we were worried as the Parliament that there was an appearance that the law was not being duly followed as at that time. But I must also state publicly that the immediate past Federal Government moved ahead and started taking some actions. I would not say the letter from me prompted them, because it takes some time to make some very high decisions. Former President Buhari GCFR moved ahead and appointed a Director General. And the former President, I think it was in September 2022, also inaugurated the National Council on Climate Change.

    Read Also: Strengthening Africa’s capacity to address climate change impacts

    You could argue that it took almost one year for it to be inaugurated, which is a while. After inaugurating the National Council on Climate Change in September, early this year they were able to hold the first inaugural meeting. On what you have to do to the government whether there are individuals that work to frustrate a law, that has always been the case. I am not particularizing on the Nigerian government, but when you check what goes on between bureaucrats and even the legislature you find out that sometimes, the bureaucrats have their own ways of circumventing rules or even laws.

    Are you saying that is what happened to the implementation of this law?

    I am not saying that is what happened, but of course if we didn’t know that, people like Max Weber would not be talking about why we need to make sure we have an efficient and effective system in place and running to achieve results without applying rule of thumb. So such a thing happens. We are not saying it is happening with this government but that it is up to people to work to ensure that you prevent such a situation from becoming the order of the day.

    Whether there was anybody who was working to frustrate it, I do not know about that. I think we have crossed the point where one could say that maybe there were challenges from the bureaucratic angle which made it impossible for the Climate Change Bill to be assented to either in the sixth assembly, for it to fail again in the 7th Assembly and also in the 8th Assembly, when I first sponsored it. By the grace of God, we were able to get it in the 9th Assembly.

    But it is up to us to work together as a people to look at where we are standing. Why is it important that we must pursue the process of transitioning in an orderly and organized manner since we know that ours is a fossil fuel based economy? Well, we are also aware that major polluters like China, the United States of America, India, Brazil and others, are working on how to transition from a fossil fuel based economy to an economy that is powered through renewable energy. They are working very hard and are rapidly transiting. If anybody is telling you that industrialised countries and even developing countries are not transiting, that person is not telling you the truth.

    What do you think should be done now?

    What I would like to see the new administration do as far as the implementation is concerned is to have a robust approach towards the implementation of the Act. Not to allow gaps to occur in the implementation because this is a well thought out Act that is intended to give us a framework for a low greenhouse gas emissions, inclusive green growth and sustainable development. Essentially that is what this Act is all about. So we should see it implemented in an orderly manner. And we are not going to achieve that if we have gaps here and there. Like I said earlier, when we are aware that other people are making efforts including those who are the main polluters, you should know what to do.

    The other day President Biden talked so much about $470 billion that had been invested in renewable energy just within a short space of time. You can see that and check it with what the Chinese have done. How they are moving towards electric cars and all that, at a very fast pace, you now know that at a certain point, if we do not follow suit now, yes, we are not going to do it in a scattered manner, and then create crisis and unemployment and all that, but we have to do it in a way that is orderly and it is important for us to start early so we are not left with our oil and gas without anybody coming to buy it and meanwhile we have not been able to move to use alternative energy.

  • D–One, Lolo 1, Williams others, tutor graduates on career

    D–One, Lolo 1, Williams others, tutor graduates on career

    It was an interesting session when popular personalities like veteran media guru, Dr. Dayo Adeneye (D-One), On-Air-Persnality, Omotunde Adebowale aka Lolo 1 of Wazobia; Entertainment Lawyer, Oluyemisi Falaye; serial entrepreneur Dr. Yinka Opeke and International Life coach, Bankole Williams took turns to inspire fresh graduates on their career paths.

    The event tagged: What next? organised by an educational NGO, We Hold Hands, in Lagos witnessed the gathering of fresh gatherings who asked questions bordering on the next step to take after graduation from tertiary institutions.

    Dr. Adeneye anchored his concerns on five points to success which he lists as follows: Get educated, have a game plan, be optimistic, work smart and chose your friends carefully. He believes in Nigeria and insisted that despite the challenges in the country, there is enough good to tap into to become successful.

    Adebowale explained how she was able to deal with low self-esteem which she battled for years and had to pack her law degree aside after practicing for four years to follow her passion.

    She advised young people to lose their false sense of security, regain their lost identity of self, and ask hard questions before they can serve.

    Read Also: 20 get First Class, as AFIT graduates pioneer degree students

    For Dr. Opeke, the need to have a structured place that would help to understand and upscale when starting a business is paramount. She harped on the importance of networking, focus, mentorship, building things that are sustainable.

    She said: “Identify your strength. Anywhere you are, be a resource to anybody. Be self-motivated, hold yourself accountable. Whatever you want to do, go for it. Relationship is important. Don’t burn bridges. Be that person of diligence. You are your most valuable asset.”

    Entertainment lawyer, Oluyemisi Falaye and Bankole Williams said that it is important to have a mentor, be attentive ready to learn, serve your way to the top , find problems and fix them.

    Convener of the event, Kelvin Voen, Founder, We Hold A Hand explained what informed the programme: “For me, it was really out of my comfort zone but it is something I think we need. If we are going to encourage the young people to start businesses and stay in the country and not feel like the need to travel abroad, we need to give them support because mentorship is not only telling somebody that this is how we do it but that mental strength, confidence that they need is where a lot of young people need to sustain their businesses and also when they have the job, they can keep the job. If you don’t know what you are doing, you would most likely lose your job.

  • Ewhrudjakpo blames political class for Nigeria’s backwardness

    Ewhrudjakpo blames political class for Nigeria’s backwardness

    Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has blamed Nigeria’s comparative backwardness in the comity of nations despite its huge pool of material and human resources on the selfishness of the majority of the country’s political leaders.

    Ewhrudjakpo made the assertion yesterday at the Literary Swansong and Day of Tributes organized in honour of the late Paramount Ruler of Tombia Community, HRH Christian Atani Otobotekere, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

    Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who spoke as special guest of honour at the event, lamented that selfishness had been the bane of progress in the country, stressing that every progressive nation has leaders who are not only patriotic but selfless.

    Describing the departed foremost traditional ruler and educationist, popularly known as The Poet King, as a man of impregnable integrity, he urged the political class to emulate people like Chief Otobotekere to make positive impact in society.

    Read Also: Ewhrudjakpo performs groundbreaking

    He said the lifestyle of the late nonagenarian was devoid of greed and selfishness, which enabled him to lead the Tombia community for about 50 years and his native Ekpetiama Kingdom as Clanhead for 14 years without recording any major intra or inter-communal crisis.

    In his 30-minute book review, Professor Kontein Trinya of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, stressed that although Otobotekere’s creative writings had not been streamed in the global literary screen, his works are quite outstanding, especially in the genre of poetry.

    Prof. Trinya, who was represented by Professor Saviour Agoro, cited several works of Chief Otobotekere such as Live Two Lives, Beyond Sound and Voice, All Around About, amongst others, saying “he was a contemporary poet of revered ancestral order.

  • How communities can benefit from PIA, by PIND, Ford Foundation

    How communities can benefit from PIA, by PIND, Ford Foundation

    The Partnership Initiative in Niger Delta (PIND) and the Ford Foundation have called on host communities of oil and gas to trust the process of implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to enable them the overall benefits of the Act.

    Speaking to over 100 stakeholders in Port Harcourt at a one-day PIA training and sensitization for host communities, PIND’s  Programme Director, Essien Effiong, appealed to participants to take advantage of the provisions contained in PIA.

    Effiong advised host communities to develop positive attitude towards the PIA and make efforts to fulfill all its requirements to enable them reap all benefits enshrined in the Act.

    He said the training funded by Ford Foundation was designed to provide community leaders, youths, women leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders deep and better understanding of the PIA.

    He said the training was designed to equip the stakeholders with perfect understanding of their roles in the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

    Read Also: Sanlam, aYo partner on affordable insurance for Nigerians

    In his speech, the PIA Consultant for PIND Foundation, Ineba Bob-Manuel, observed that most members of Community Board Committee lacked knowledge of the provisions of the Act.

    Bob-Manual said: “I think from the interactions we can see that when a question was raised on who has prior knowledge of the PIA, only two persons raised their hands.

    “So this obviously brings to the open the fact that communities need to be sensitised. It is very important for the various communities to understand what the Act says so that they would be able to work towards ensuring proper implementation.”

    Also, the Advocacy Manager, PIND, Chuks Ofulue, said the training became necessary following the cumbersome nature of PIA as a new law.

    He insisted that for the host communities to benefit from the Act they must understand their roles and expectations and set up the governing organs of the Host Community Development Trust.

    One of the participants, Prof. Christopher Ahiankwu, a member of BOT of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni cluster communities of Agip, called on the oil multinationals not to misinterpret the provisions of the PIA  

  • Obaseki: we are proud of LASU’s record-breaking Aminat Yusuf

    Obaseki: we are proud of LASU’s record-breaking Aminat Yusuf

    THE Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has congratulated Yusuf Aminat Imoitesemeh, for emerging as the Best Graduating and best-ever student at the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 obtained in the institution’s Law Degree programme.

    In a statement, Obaseki hailed Yusuf on her remarkable and pacesetting feat, noting that she has once again displayed the indefatigable Edo spirit of excellence and hard work.

    According to him, “I congratulate Yusuf Aminat Imoitesemeh on her record-setting feat as the best graduating and best ever student at the Lagos State University. With a perfect 5.0 CGPA, she has indeed shattered the glass ceiling and cast her name in stone at the institution.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu gifts LASU’s best graduating student N10m

    “We are proud of her and celebrate her outstanding academic feat, which serves as an example for millions of Edo children needing role models as they journey through life.

    “Yusuf has proven, once again, that with dedication, hard work, and diligence no record is too difficult to break. She embodies the indefatigable Edo spirit and represents the best of us.

    “I celebrate her genius and the hope she represents for our youths. I also commend her devotion to excellence which reflects in her determination to continue to strive for the best despite challenges faced in the course of her academic journey.”

    He added, “I celebrate her remarkable feat and wish her even more resounding success in her future endeavours.”

  • Pension fund operators strategise to include 49m Nigerians in MPP

    Pension fund operators strategise to include 49m Nigerians in MPP

    The association of pension fund operators is strategizing to ensure about 49 million Nigerians in the informal sector participate in the Micro Pension Plan (MPP).

    This is in line with the Micro Pension Fund which was launched by the former administration to ensure the informal sectors are included in the contributory pension scheme so they can save for their retirement.

    The Director-General, National Pension Commission, Mrs. Aisha Dahir-Umar, noted that the current economic challenge was discouraging people from voluntary contributions, though stating that regulators are devising means to ensure investments are not affected by key economic indices, especially inflation.

    Read Also: PDP kick against suspension of council chairmen

    The PenCom D-G, who was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Buwai, Assistant General Manager in PenCom said efforts were on to ensure inflation index investments come on stream.

    According to him, the commission is liaising with the Debt Management Office for inflation index bonds that will not be affected by the rising inflation currently being experienced by the country.

    Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of PenOP, Oguche Aguda said Nigeria has about the largest number of informal sector workers, as there is a need for robust implementation so as to assist these workers in saving for their future.