The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Court orders DSS to release detained Benue council chairmen

    Court orders DSS to release detained Benue council chairmen

    A Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, has ordered the Department of State Security Service, DSS, to release the four detained Local Government chairmen in Benue State.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice Abdu Dogo gave the order while ruling on an ex-parte application brought by counsel to the chairmen, Joseph Oche, praying the court to grant bail to the council Chairmen, pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion for the enforcement of their fundamental human right.

    Veronica Gajir (Ushongo), Alfred Atera (Katsina-ala), James Oche (Ado) and Mike Ubah(Guma) have been in detention after honouring the invitation of the DSS early this week, for reasons yet to be known.

    Read Also: DSS has powers to prosecute cyberstalking, Judge rules

    Based on the order of the court, the chairmen are to be released on bail with effect from today (Friday), and failure to do so, the DSS will come and show cause on Monday, July 10th, 2023, why the chairmen should not be released pending the application for the enforcement of the fundamental right.

    Justice Dogo also ordered that the Motion Exparte along with the affidavit and written address in support and the affidavit of urgency be served on the DSS yesterday.

    The Court gave the DSS up till Monday, July 10th, 2023, by 12 noon to file and serve on counsel to the chairmen their response or counter affidavit in opposition to the release of the chairmen on bail.

    Justice Dogo thereafter adjourned the matter till Monday, July 10th, 2023 at 2pm for the DSS to show cause why the four council should not be admitted to bail.

  • Heineken marks 150th anniversary

    Heineken marks 150th anniversary

    Heineken, one of the world’s most recognised beer brands, is today marking its 150th anniversary with an unconventional celebration of the many ways the brand has been nicknamed, misspelled or mis-served over the years, all to showcase how good times and sparking true connections over a beer are, in the end, what matters most.

    Freddy Heineken’s famous words “I don’t sell beer, I sell gezelligheid” have never rung so true. “Gezelligheid” translated is that feeling of good times, something that has been at the heart of the Heineken® brand for the last 150 years.

    Read Also: UCL: Glitz as Heineken Cheers to All Fans Campaign ends

    To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Heineken is putting good times front and centre of its global birthday festivities.At a Press Conference to announce plans for the anniversary held in Lagos, Sampson Oloche, Portfolio Manager – Premium, Sessionable & 0.0 Lager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said, “In celebration of our 150th anniversary and our deep ties to Nigeria, we have exciting plans specifically designed for our Nigerian consumers. We will be organizing events in key cities across the country, where our valued consumers can come together and experience the true essence of gezelligheid. These celebrations will showcase the vibrancy of the Nigerian culture, featuring live music, entertainment, and unforgettable moments that capture the spirit of Heineken.

  • 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, says Rep

    48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, says Rep

    The member representing Oshodi/Isolo 2 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, said about 48 million people in Nigeria practice open defecation. Moving a motion on the need to end open defecation in Nigeria and increase the number of toilets annually, Dawodu also said that about 95 million Nigerians still live without access to basic sanitation services across the country.

    He also said that about 1.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) or N455 billion is lost annually due to poor access to sanitation – health, healthcare saving and productivity. Quoting UNICEF Chief of Water for Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Dr. Jane Bavon, the lawmaker said that Nigeria need to build 3.9 million toilets annually to meet the ending of open defecation by 2025 target.

    Read Also: Open defecation: Nigeria needs 3.9 million toilets annually – UNICEF

    According to him, Nigeria cannot continue business as usual as it will miss the target for 2025 and 2030 for the elimination of open defecation, adding that there was the need to strengthen and scale up proven strategies to reach the country’s goals.

    The House however asked governments at all levels and private individuals to embark on aggressive rural water projects that will ensure that each community is provided with portable water and functioning toilet facilities. They also ask the Federal Ministry of Information and, Culture and other relevant agencies to give proper sensitization on open defecation in the Community’s hygiene and safety.

  • Pernod Ricard Nigeria drives sustainable water for communities

    Pernod Ricard Nigeria drives sustainable water for communities

    In partnership with Teach for Nigeria, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Pernod Ricard Group, a leading producer of wines and spirits, has shown its commitment to supporting the well-being of communities as the company commissions a water sanitation and health project in Imosan Town in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The activity is in line with the theme of the 2023 Responsibl’All Day event tagged “The Well-being of our people and communities”.  

    Responsib’All Day is a day during which the over 19,000 employees of Pernod Ricard around the world dedicate their time to actively contribute to the Group’s Sustainability and Responsibility Roadmap, ‘Good Times from a Good Place’.

    This year, Pernod Ricard’s teams focused on how to take better care of themselves and their local communities.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 2.2 billion people lack access to improved water sources.

    In Nigeria, only 26.5% of Nigerians have access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, leading to a state of emergency that affects the life of 130 million Nigerians, predominantly children.

    Read Also: Abuja: FCDA to demolish police station, others on waterways

    As part of its intervention, Pernod Ricard Nigeria embarked on the project to increase the water supply and improve the health and well-being of people in the Imosan community.

    The project includes drilling a water borehole and providing storage facilities and power through sustainable energy with solar panels in the selected community.

    “The successful completion of this project is expected to serve over 1,000 people in the community: improving water accessibility, enhancing hygiene practices, and decreasing water-related illnesses.”

    Mr Sola Oke, Managing Director Pernod Ricard Nigeria and Western Africa added, “We believe that access to clean water is fundamental for the well-being of every individual.”

    The Teach for Nigeria project coordinator, Faith Emoukhare, also thanked Pernod Ricard: ” We are thankful for Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s commitment to completing the project, ensuring long-term sustainability, and helping improve the well-being of the community.”

  • Tinubu hosts Benin Republic President Talon

    Tinubu hosts Benin Republic President Talon

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening hosted President Patrice Talon at his residence in Abuja.

    The meeting between leaders of the neighbouring countries was the second within two weeks.

    President Tinubu hosted Talon in Paris, France, on June 23 during the Summit on New Global Financing Pact signing.

    Although there was no information available on the meeting held in Abuja on Friday, the Presidency released pictures of both leaders in President Tinubu’s residence.

    A brief text accompanying the pictures said “President of the Republic of Benin Prof Patrice Talon on a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his residence in Abuja, Friday evening”.

    During their meeting in Paris, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, Tinubu had emphasized need for African countries to enhance the position of the continent among the comity of nations.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s approval of tax changes will create more conducive business environment – Okumagba

    “I believe in Africa. We have the necessity to grow the continent. The world’s economy is wobbling, and Africa has been left behind. On risk factors, Africa is always placed high, with higher interest rates on borrowing. We are always classified as high risk. We must work together for systematic recovery and growth,” he added.

    President Tinubu described Nigeria’s relations with Benin as that of siamese twins, joined at the hips and supported by other friendly countries.

    “We must recognise the fact that we need each other. We are in a loop and no one should separate us, ” he stated, assuring that his administration will always be open and accessible to all neighbouring countries.

    “I just appointed someone who will work with you as Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, and he will be available for our common interest,” the President noted then.

  • French Montana thanks brother, Davido for topnotch hospitality in Nigeria

    French Montana thanks brother, Davido for topnotch hospitality in Nigeria

    Moroccan-American rapper Karim Kharbouch, popularly known as French Montana has expressed profound gratitude to music icon, Davido for the amazing hospitality he enjoyed courtesy of the singer, during his stay in the country.

    Having enjoyed memorable moments which he documented, Montana shared several videos on his insta stories appreciating Davido for availing him of his high-level security details and ‘spaceships’ (exotic automobiles).

    One video displayed the grand reception accorded the rapper upon his arrival at the airport. It highlighted the hospitality and excitement surrounding the rapper’s visit to the metropolitan city.

    Another spotted exploring the lively nightlife, accompanied by fellow rapper, Swae Lee, and sensational Nigerian act, Lojay. Club-goers and other fun-seekers alike were pretty buzzed by their presence.

    Read Also: Hip Hop icon Boosie signs two Afrobeats artistes, seeks Davido’s support

    The 38-year-old rap star in another video at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport thanked the security details and other entourage for making his stay a smooth one.

    He said: “Yo mehn! Shout out to my brother, Davido! Davido, serve it up! My guys, you know what I’m saying?”

    Over the clip, he wrote: “Davido gave me his spaceships in Nigeria. Appreciate you, my guy.”

    According to French Montana, “Nigeria was everything he needed”.

    Montana’s visit to Lagos, Nigeria, demonstrates how well-known the country is as a thriving center of music and culture that draws musicians from around the globe for collaborations and cross-cultural interactions.

    The visit strengthens the international recognition of Nigerian music, the Afrobeats genre, and is an example of the solid cross-cultural connections being formed in the music business.

  • DSS never raided CCB offices for documents against Tinubu – Spokesperson

    DSS never raided CCB offices for documents against Tinubu – Spokesperson

    The Code of Code Bureau (CCB) has denied reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) raided its offices to cart away incriminating documents on President Bola Tinubu.

    The agency, in a statement by Daniel Okafor, Director of Education and Advocacy Services, said the claim was false.

    “The attention of the Code of Conduct Bureau has been drawn to a publication on Friday 7th July, 2023, in Sahara Reporters, claiming that the DSS raided offices of anti-corruption agencies, specifically the CCB, ICPC and EFCC, and carted away documents affecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his associates”, it reads.

    “While the CCB would have preferred to ignore the write up given the unprofessional manner the story was put together, doing so will give the tale some value and help the writers achieve their aim of misinforming and misleading the general public about an event that happened only in their minds.

    Read Also: Why DSS arrested Senator Yari

    “The CCB wishes to state unequivocally that at no time did the DSS or any apparatus of the Federal Government of Nigeria carry out any raid or search for incriminating documents on the President and his associates at its Head Office in Abuja or any of the offices in the States and the FCT.

    “It is also necessary to state clearly that at no time since this government assumed office on 29th May, 2023 was any directive received from the Federal Government of Nigeria to cover up any matter regarding the President and his associates as conveyed by the publication.

    “The general public is therefore urged to disregard the publication as fake news because it has no iota of truth and evidence.

    “The CCB however reassures the Nigerian people that as a foremost anti-corruption agency, it will continue to discharge its functions as contained under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”

  • Court adjourns Mobil ex-staff’s case till Oct 30

    Court adjourns Mobil ex-staff’s case till Oct 30

    The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned till October 30 and 31 for ExxonMobil Corporation and its Nigerian arm, Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited, to cross-examine its former staff, James Nwagbogwu Ebede, over a claim of alleged forceful retirement.

    The ex-staff, in Suit NICN/LA/22/2018 – James Ebede v Exxon Mobil & Mobil, is seeking a declaration that his harassment, intimidation, discrimination and unfair treatment by the defendants’ officials led to his involuntary retirement.

    But Mobil maintained that Ebede resigned voluntarily from the company and has his letter of resignation pleaded before the court.

    When the matter came up before Justice Rabiu Gwandu on July 7, Mobil’s counsel Mr. Ituah Imhanze informed the court of Mobil’s application, seeking to amend its defence.

    Read Also: Court fixes Sept. 22 for judgment in suit against Sylva

    The judge granted the application with cost.

    The judge then set down the matter for trial on October 30 and 31, 2023.

    Mobil also has a pending application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter on the ground that ExxonMobil company is an entity incorporated under the laws of the United States of America and that the Nigerian court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

    Justice Gwandu informed the parties that the court would hear the application on the next adjourned date alongside the trial.

    Counsel to Exxon Mobil, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, and Ebede’s counsel, Chucks Uguru, did not object.

  • Delta firm to generate 10mw for business owners

    Delta firm to generate 10mw for business owners

    A Delta cooperative group, Anioma Energy Cooperative, says it has pooled resources to provide cheap and reliable electricity to business owners, it was learnt yesterday.

    This was made known at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Anioma Energy Cooperative and Bastanchury Power Solutions Limited in Asaba, Delta State.

    Its President, Mr. Chukwuka Nwokposi, who spoke with reporters, yesterday, stressed the imperatives of reliable power for businesses.

    Decrying epileptic power supply in the country, Nwokposi expressed optimism that the MoU with Bastanchury Power Solutions Limited would provide sufficient electricity for businesses in Delta North Senatorial District.

    Read Also: Delta tribunal dismisses LP petition against Gov. Oborevwori

    Chairman, Bastanchury Power Solutions Limited, Mr Chidi Goziem, noted that the Anioma Energy Cooperative would off-take its generated power.

    He stressed that the MoU complied with the existing regulations of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    He said: “We are grateful to the Anioma Energy Cooperative leadership committee for bringing this to our attention; purchasing power in bulk. As usual, Bastanchury would source means to effectively fund the project and make energy available for the cooperative’s members.

    “We are starting with 10MW, but we intend to do more as fast as possible.”

    He said the groundbreaking for the project would be conducted in the coming weeks.

    He went on: “We implore Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to come and do the groundbreaking for us. We have been lucky to have spoken to him, and he has expressed his commitment to continue the power programs of ex-governor Ifeanyi Okowa across the state.

    “We know, through sources within the system, that there are extended discussions on implementing the state power policy. Our prayer, therefore, is that the deliberations would be fruitful so that there would be fewer challenges for us to provide electricity for every Deltans who need it”.

  • Nigerian selected for United Nations graduate study programme

    Nigerian selected for United Nations graduate study programme

    A Nigerian Roseline Adewuyi has been chosen as the Nigerian representative for the prestigious United Nations Graduate Study Programme. Adewuyi is a passionate gender advocate and social educator.

    The program, organized by the United Nations Office in Geneva, aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the United Nations system and its various organizations, as well as explore crucial global issues.  Adewuyi’s selection highlights her exceptional abilities and potential to contribute to the program

    stands out as a visionary Nigerian youth making a significant impact.

    When asked about her motivation for applying to the United Nations Graduate Study Programme, Adewuyi emphasized the alignment of her language skills and academic background. “As a graduate student in French literature, knowledge of French played a significant role in my decision to apply,” she explained.

    “Additionally, my prior experience in NGOs and the development space fueled my desire to deepen my understanding of international development and the role of NGOs within the framework of the United Nations.”

    Adewuyi’s previous work as a translator and interpreter for the African Union exposed her to the intricacies of international organizations. Eager to learn more about the United Nations and its mission, she is excited to gain insights into its workings, structure, and operations through the graduate study program.

    “My prior experience as a translator and interpreter for the African Union exposed me to the intricacies of international organizations. My desire to learn more about the UN and its many organizations has been piqued by this encounter. I would be able to increase my knowledge and get a thorough understanding of the UN’s mission, structure, and operations by taking part in the graduate study program”.

    Expressing her thoughts on being selected as a Nigerian representative in the program, she acknowledged the honor and responsibility it entails. “It signifies the recognition of my abilities and potential to contribute to this program. I would like to mention that my Nigerian peer, Ifeoluwa Oluwatuase, unfortunately, could not make it due to unforeseen circumstances. It would have been wonderful to have had a fellow countrywoman in the program, and I share the sentiment of wishing she could have been present”.

    Knowledge of French holds immense significance for the program, as Geneva is a multilingual environment where French is one of the official languages.

    Adewuyi emphasized on the effective and efficient communication: “Being able to communicate fluently in French enhances the ability to actively engage with representatives from the United Nations, other international organizations, and NGOs. It also facilitates interactions with the local community and institutions in Geneva. For me personally, as a graduate student in French literature, possessing knowledge of French aligns perfectly with my academic background and language proficiency. It enables me to fully immerse myself in the program, contribute effectively, and deepen my understanding of the United Nations and International Geneva in a meaningful way”.

    During the course of the event which will run from 3rd to 14th of July, the social educator highlights are area of interest

    “My main objective as a participant in the two-week summer seminar is to gain an understanding of the United Nations, International Geneva, and the theme of human rights. I want to expand my knowledge on a variety of topics, including gender equality, humanitarian action, and sustainable development. I intend to widen my perspective and get a comprehensive awareness of global concerns by participation in lectures, research, and trips to Geneva-based institutions”, she noted.