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  • Service Chiefs: Buhari should listen to Senate

    Service Chiefs: Buhari should listen to Senate

    Aremu Lukman Umor

    SIR: If President Muhammadu Buhari’s reasons for keeping the service chiefs, whom he was supposed to have replaced after their overdue tenure, were because they were doing well in the fight against terrorism, neither the Senate nor Nigerians would be asking him to sack them. Besides, it’s often said that one good turn deserves another.

    But the reverse is the case as they’re underperforming. Civilians and soldiers are being killed every day by men of the underworld (Boko Haram), and other deviant groups. There are no sanctuaries in the country again. Churches, schools and mosques are not safe as they’re being invaded by terrorists. Some Nigerians in the North are seen fleeing to neighbouring countries to seek refuge.

    Soldiers who are supposed to be at the war front are tugging their khakis and resigning over lack of motivation from the service chiefs. There are limited weapons in supply. Recently, over 200 experienced soldiers were reported to have resigned. The Nigerian Army would later debunk it, but investigative efforts by some media houses put paid to the position of the military authorities.

    Besides the recent news of resignation of over 200 soldiers, there were periods when the media was suffused with videos in which some Nigerian soldiers were cursing and blasting the defence authorities for not supplying them the needed weapons and ammunition to combat the Boko Haram terrorists. Most of these videos were allegedly made in the Sambisa forest.

    The soldiers who made the videos would later bite their fingers as they were dealt with. General Olusegun Adeniyi would never forget what befell him few days after he appeared in a viral video where he asked the Nigerian Army to empower his team with the necessary weapons. Another soldier, Lance Corporal Martins who cursed Tukur Buratai in a viral video has since been taken in for questioning. They’re not getting what they need and they mustn’t complain!

    I these service chiefs are not changed at this critical time as the Senate had proposed on Tuesday, there is apparently little chance of the country winning the war against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. A retired sergeant, Mike Omorege, said the same thing few months ago. His words: “If they want the war to end, let them remove the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, bring in a neutral person that is not up to their rank and tell the person that when you succeed, I’m going to promote you, that person will deliver.”

    President Muhammadu Buhari has through his media aide, Femi Adeshina, said it is his prerogative to sack or replace service chiefs. Of course, it is also his sworn duty to protect every Nigerian being terrorised by men of the underworld too. That’s why he should replace the underperforming service chiefs now.

    • Aremu Lukman Umor,

    Lagos.

  • NDDC Probe: ‘Why Ojougboh can’t be trusted’

    NDDC Probe: ‘Why Ojougboh can’t be trusted’

    Our Reporter

    The Niger Delta Alliance (NDYA) has said that Dr Cairo Ojougboh cannot be trusted because his claims on the Commission have twice been refuted by Niger Delta Minister Godswill Akpabio.

    The youth group took a swipe at the Executive Director of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in a statement signed on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Sylvester Maggi.

    It stated that the assertion earlier made by Ojougboh during Arise Television interview on May 25, 2020 that Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo benefited from NDDC contracts had twice been refuted by Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    The statement reads in part, “We are aware that Dr Cairo Ojougboh had earlier on May 25, 2020 averred that the NDDC House Committee Chairman was one of the illegal beneficiaries of corruptly awarded NDDC projects. It is however surprising that this claim had been denied by the Minister in charge of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio.

    Senator Akapbio has stated in a statement he personally signed on Thursday that he never referred to members of the 9th National Assembly as beneficiary of NDDC contracts. He added that no budget has been fully implement by NDDC since the commencement of the 9th National Assembly.

    READ ALSO: Women charge Buhari on immediate sack of NDDC’s EDP, Ojougboh

    According to Akpabio, “In fact, the 2019 budget passed in February and harmonized between the 4th and 5th of March 2020 was received by the commission in the middle of April 2020, when same was designated to expire on 31st of May 2020”.

    The statement further stated that the claim of Ojougboh had been refuted on two different occasions by the supervising minister in charge of NDDC.

    The group added it was rather disappointing that Senator Akpabio has only managed to offer apology after the 48 hours ultimatum given to him by the House of Representatives Speaker instead of members of 9th National Assembly that were falsely accused of getting 60% of NDDC contracts.

    Meanwhile, the youth group has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to provide the needed leadership in purging the NDDC of corrupt managers and corrupt tendencies.

    The statement added that there was no better time than now to expose, block loopholes of corruption and prosecute corrupt managers in the affairs of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “We are not unmindful of the fact that corrupt practices have become deeply entrenched in the NDDC. But now is the best time to combat the scourge of corruption in the Niger Delta interventionist commission. President Buhari should provide the needed leadership that will resolve the intractable problem of mindless corruption in the NDDC once and for all. The president should not allow the looting of the commonwealth of the people of Niger Delta to continue”.

     

  • Chrisland varsity VC counsels freshers

    Chrisland varsity VC counsels freshers

    From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

     

    The Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, has told fresh students that the institution had zero tolerance for cultism, drug abuse, sexual immorality and other vices.

    Mrs. Babalola, a Professor of Pharmacy, spoke as 148 newly admitted students of the university took the oath during the matriculation of the university held virtually Tuesday last week as a result of the COVID – 19 pandemic.

    The students admitted into the university’s three Colleges (Arts, Management and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences and Basic Medical Sciences) pledged to focus on their studies and be of good behaviour.

    A total of 350 people comprising the matriculating students, parents, guardians, the founder of the University, Mrs. Winifred Awosika, the Senate, and the University Council participated in the virtual matriculation ceremony through the Zoom platform.

    Addressing the students, Prof. Babalola, noted that without knowing it, COVID-19 had disrupted many areas of life, including compelling education, for example, to go the e-learning mode.

    She described the pandemic as gold field and urged the students to embrace new ideas, changes, novel learning and behaviour the COVID – 19 has foisted on humanity.

    She advised them to attend lectures regular, shun bad behaviour that could truncate their studies.

    Also speaking, Mrs. Awosika urged the Federal Government to re -open schools across the country, even if the reopening has to be staggered.

    She also called for greater national unity and cohesion, advising Nigerians to shun tribalism and other things that tended to polarise the nation.

     

  • Interswitch postpones science competition

    Interswitch postpones science competition

    The 2020-2021 edition of the InterswitchSPAK National Science competition has been postponed till further notice.

    A statement by the Group Chief Marketing  and Communication Officer at Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, noted that the postponement was to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus during the competition which features a national qualifying examination; masterclass; quiz and innovations competition.

    “We have no doubt that the appropriate course to take as a socially responsible organisation, is to defer this year’s edition of InterswitchSPAK until the dangers to public health posed by the pandemic are sufficiently mitigated.

    To  this effect, we have formally ceased  ongoing  registration of  candidates  by  schools  across Nigeria  and Kenya   for   the current  year,   following   engagement   with   relevant   concerned   educational   authorities   and stakeholders in both countries”, she said.

    Ms. Eromosele said the organisers found a virtual version would be impracticable presently and chose to postpone till when physical contact of the participants is possible.

    “Based on due considerations for the health, safety and general well-being of thousands of young students and the other categories of stakeholders involved in the national qualifying   examinations, Masterclasses and national science competitions across Nigeria and Kenya annually, Interswitch Group has taken the difficult, howbeit, necessary and pragmatic decision to move the activities planned for the 2020 /2021 edition of InterswitchSPAK National Science competition.”

    According to the statement, the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak and its outlook   which   remains   unclear,   including   travel   and   social   gathering concerns among other considerations make it extremely challenging to proceed with the implementation of the 2020 edition as earlier planned.

    “Having   explored   the   options   open   to   them   including   logistics   of   staging   a   fully   virtual implementation of the competition, the organisers have come to the resolution that the most optimal course of action would be to defer the season. ”

    Eromosele said   that   the   organisation   has   commenced constructive   engagement with various   stakeholders and   partners   who  work annually on this initiative and will continue to work with them in unison as they plan towards the subsequent season of the project.

     

  • Police deploy 800 personnel for PDP primary in Ondo State

    Police deploy 800 personnel for PDP primary in Ondo State

    Agency Reporter

    The Police Command in Ondo State has deployed no fewer than 800 personnel to monitor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in the state.

    ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the venue of the primary election in Akure on Wednesday.

    According to Ikoro, police are full on ground not just because of today but because they are always in the frontline when it comes to security.

    “We have mapped out the whole place, like we did during the APC governorship primary election on Monday to ensure that there is no problem throughout the election.

    “Right here we have about 800 personnel and also have other sister agencies to support in ensuring the security of this place.

    “We are certain nobody will misbehave this time around because all politicians are aware that today is for election and not to cause any unwarranted issues.

    READ ALSO: Eight aspirants battle for Ondo PDP ticket

    “If you have come to vote, vote and go and if you have any support to give to your person you can do that after leaving this place,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that eight aspirants are contesting the PDP governorship primary election in the state.

    The aspirants are Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), Eddy Olafeso, Sen. Boluwaji Kunlere, Solar Ebiseni, Bode Ayorinde, Goddey Erewa, Banji Okunomo and Agboola Ajayi, the incumbent Deputy Governor.

    As at 10:30 a.m., activities at the venue had not commenced, although there was a heavy presence of security operatives comprising the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    The Chairman of the Ondo PDP Primary Committee, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State was already at the venue.

    (NAN)

  • Corruption war: Remain focus, ignore distractors, NYCN tells Buhari

    Corruption war: Remain focus, ignore distractors, NYCN tells Buhari

    Jide Orintunsin – Abuja

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Monday advised President Muhammad Buhari, to stay focused in the fight against corruption, alleging that some powerful forces have resolved to thwart the war.

    The advice was contained in a letter by the council to the President, a copy of which was made available to the newsmen, pledging support, solidarity and prayers for the administration to end well.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the President of the Council, Comrade Solomon Adodo commended President Buhari for being open about the alleged sabotage of the anti-corruption fight from within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), adding that for the first time the EFCC itself is being cleansed.

    “The distractions of the naysayers are being tackled by the youths, whose future you work for. Just stay focused and busy with the more important things of building a country that will not collapse on us. They shall be defeated, Insha Allah!

    “Your Excellency, let us use this opportunity to thank you for your leadership recruitment ingenuity in appointing and supporting a capable Attorney General and Minister for Justice like Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN who has against all odds kept faith with your Sanitization Agenda.

    “The enemies of your Rescue Government are deploying all strategies. But our observation shows that he is equal to the task of defending and protecting your vision for a corrupt-free Nigeria. While expressing our unshaken solidarity with you, we commend him for the sincerity and courage in utilizing his office to help protect your Government and its mission and vision.

    READ ALSO: How Elizabeth Jack-Rich intends to empower Nigerians with foundation

    “Finally, we use this medium to bring to your attention desperate attempts by traducers of your government to sponsor and string Media campaign including sponsored editorials against your good person and the ever diligent Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. This is targeted at arm twisting the government of of its patriotic anti-corruption war. We urge you not to relent however as these negative elements are infinitesimal compared to the millions of Nigerians with you.”

    The council also in the letter also commended the efforts of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami in the recovery of a lot of monies looted from the common treasury and properties acquired through corruption.

    “We have also been saved from the criminal nightmare of the P&ID by the focus of your Government, especially through the efforts of your Patriotic and loyal Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN.

    “We know that hell has been let lose because of your insistence that the quantum corruption in the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) must be thoroughly investigated. This is the first time a Nigerian President is committed to saving the Niger-Delta people through Probity. All the culprits and opposition have aligned to deceive the country, malign your person and criticize the Government. But the Nigerian Youths are with you. We shall win those detractors and punish them under our law for their crimes.”

  • Oluchi Akpu’s TCM brand expands operations

    Oluchi Akpu’s TCM brand expands operations

    Our Reporter

    The management of popular fashion brand, The Collections Merchant, have expressed commitment to spreading its tentacles across Nigerian and the world.

    Led by entrepreneur, Akpu Tessy Oluchi, TCM Brand was inspired to create a product that serves as a leading beacon in affordable yet quality fashion items.

    According to Tessy, the brand is borne out of the desire to provide affordable and quality products for individuals and businesses, especially in the fashion retail and wholesale space.

    Founded in January 2019 in the corner of her home, Tessy says that she started with just a smartphone and desire to succeed.

    After several trials, she says, her husband invested the sum of Five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) into the business, which She was able to religiously convert a humble Five hundred thousand naira investment into a thriving multi-million naira enterprise.

    “In less than a year the business boasts of over three thousand retail customers and over two hundred and fifty wholesale clients. Despite the daunting task of sourcing for genuine suppliers, manufacturers and shipping complications faced, we have been able to create working partnerships with shipping companies whilst enhancing free flowing business operations,” she said.

    READ ALSO: TABUKO FRANCA: Fashion is instant language

    She further noted that the brand has grown in leaps and bounds, and this has led to the birth of two subsidiaries, The TCM Hair brand as well as TCM Bridals.

    Since making its debut on the entrepreneurial stage in early 2019, Tessy has been nominated for several awards. She recently emerged the Entrepreneur of the Year at the Nigerian Women Achievers Award.

    Her love for the kids has seen her play a major sponsorship role in the Nigeria Peace Initiative, “Take a Child off the Street” campaign to help vulnerable kids at several internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the Northern part of Nigeria.

    She currently has her store located at Ogunlana drive, Surulere Lagos while work is currently in progress to open more outlets nationwide and overseas as the brand fast gaining global recognition.

    Born and raised in Port Harcourt, Tessy started her education at Uwa nursery and primary school. She had her secondary education at the Model Girls Secondary School Rumueme. She then bagged a BSc. in Economics from the International University, Benin Republic in 2015.

    She is married to Mr. Michael Olisedeme Akpu with kids.

  • APM congratulates Ojo on appointment as NASS clerk

    APM congratulates Ojo on appointment as NASS clerk

    Our Reporter 

    The Osun Chapter of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has lauded the appointment of Mr Amos Olatunji Ojo as the clerk of the National Assembly.

    In a congratulatory message signed and issued recently by the chairman of the party, Mr Wale Adebayo, in Osogbo Ojo is a round peg in a round hole, considering his experience over the years.

    “Mr Ojo’s indelible imprint as Permanent Secretary, Estate and Works/Procurement at the commission is legendary.

    “I urge you to bring your experience to bear in this new national assignment and a good ambassador of our dear State.

    “Your appointment is well deserving, considering your track record of achievements in the civil service,” he said.

  • Akpabio exonerates, Tunji-Ojo, others from NDDC contracts award

    Akpabio exonerates, Tunji-Ojo, others from NDDC contracts award

    Our Reporter

    The Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has exonerated the Chairman, House Committee on the NDDC, House of Representatives, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and other members of the National Assembly from allegations of getting contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Senator Akapabio made the clarification on Monday during the probe by Committee into the allegations of financial malfeasance against members of Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC.

    It was earlier alleged by Senator Akpabio during the House Committee’s sitting that Hon. Tunji-Ojo and other members of the National Assembly were awarded most contracts of NDDC. However, this claim was later retracted by Senator Akpabio when confronted with the fact that Tunji-Ojo was only sworn in as member of National Assembly in June, 2019 and later became the House Committee Chairman on NDDC in September, 2019.

    Akpabio said, “I only said that NDDC had awarded a contract for the place of Hon. Tunji-Ojo. I don’t think NDDC has given a contract directly to Hon. Tunji-Ojo. Before you can day that, you must be sure that such contract was awarded to the company of Hon. Tunji-Ojo”.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had earlier recused himself presiding over the probe panel in a bid to demonstrate to Nigerians that he was not on a mission of vengeance and to allay the fears of witch hunt, unfair hearing and biased investigations.

    However, a mild drama had earlier ensued at the National Assembly when the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei slumped while being grilled by members of the House Committee on NDDC. It took the intervention of security details to revive Prof. Pondei before he was subseqyently moved to the National Assembly hospital for medical attention.

    However, a Research Director of a nongovernmental agency known as ACT, Kolawole Johnson, also testified before the House Committee. He revealed that additional illegal payments that amounted to over N6billion had been made by members of the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC from June 1 to July 17, 2020. He also revealed that chunk of the illegal payments were made by IMC of NDDC even after the House Committee had commenced its investigation into the illegal spending.

  • Oyin Frances bags doctorate degree

    Oyin Frances bags doctorate degree

    Our Reporter

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Aswani Division (Area ‘D’ Command), CSP Oyin Frances, has been conferred with a Doctorate Degree by an International institution for her outstanding contributions to the development of the society.

    Oriental News Nigeria reports that CSP Oyin, as she is popularly known, was among the recipients of Doctor of Arts Honorary Award by the European American University Commonwealth of Dominican Africa Regional Operation.

    The event took place on Saturday 18th July, 2020, at NECA House, Hakeem Balogun Way, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr J.C.Egbuta, while giving the award, said that Oyin was found worthy in character and was recognized for her contributions to the economic, political and social welfare of the society.

    Oyin may have been recognised internationally for her dedication and passion for humanity and commitment as a Senior Police Officer for her several contributions to save live and property.

    She is currently serving as the DPO, Aswani Police Division, under the Lagos State Police Command in Nigeria.

    CSP Oyin is an intelligent officer born and raised in Warri, Delta State.

    Oyin is a graduate of Sociology and holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Labour Relations both at Delta State University, Abaraka.

    She enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet (ASP) Assistant Superintendent of Police in 2002.

    She, like many others, were trained at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, before she was posted to Enugu State.

    According to her “Nigeria Police is an organisation that should be appreciated rather than dishonoured, when she spoke with the journalists at the venue.

    Oyin stressed that while the police is busy pursuing strategies to enhance operations for the safety and security of citizens, critics are busy looking for opportunities to condemn men and officers; stressing that if the people really understand the extent of sacrifice and risk that police do and face, they will appreciate them better.

    Stating that policemen should be encouraged, Oyin said that in this pandemic alone, officers and men faces the greatest risks enforcing the laws, even when it had to do with dragging recalcitrant citizens who may be highly contagious.

    She therefore plead members of the public to give moral, spiritual and logistics support to policemen, knowing that they are vulnerable to all forms of danger.

    Her honest submission is that the police is the most patriotic outfit in Nigeria. She believes that all officers and men should keep serving diligently and most patriotically.

    She passed out in 2004 from the Academy and has also attended several courses and conferences both at home and abroad. She is a member of (IACP) International Association of Chiefs of Police, a member of International Association of Women Police (IAWP).

    She was a one time (PRO) Public Relations Officer of POWA and presently the Social Secretary of POWA Lagos State Chapter. Oyin was also a one time secretary to the famous Baptist Girls High School Agbor, Old Girls Association, Lagos State Chapter and presently their Security Adviser.

    She has worked in various States and Departments of the Police Force. She was OC JWC, Uwani Division, Enugu, DCO Gwagwaruwa Division, Kano, AO Fillinhuki Division, Kano, DTO Man Centre Division, DCO Man Centre Division, AO Ikeja Division, DCO Ikeja Division, Acting DPO Ikeja Division, DPO Man Center. She was 2ic Area West and Acting Commander Area West, Airport Police Command, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Isolo Okota Division and later moved to Ago Palace, Okota as DPO, She was transferred to Lion Building Area ‘A’ Command as 2ic Area Commander and later moved to Aswani Division, her present Division.

    Oyin has won numerous awards as a Police Officer. Due to her kindheartedness, she was honoured with the title Ezinne (Good Mother) by C.W.O. Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Kano, in the year 2009. She was among the 50 recipients that got honoured by the Lagos State Government at the Lagos@50 Hall of Fame Awards as a Peace Ambassador. Other awards Oyin has received included:

    – Best Media Friendly Police Officer of the Year Award by Rainbow Event Magazine

    – Most People Friendly Police Officer in Nigeria, courtesy of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN)

    – Most Outstanding Police Officer of the Year by MOPO

    – Pragmatic Leadership Awards by Zenith International Magazine among other awards.

    READ ALSO: COVID-19: Oyin Frances gives palliatives to Lagos communities

    CSP Oyin is passionate, smart and a lover of peace with a special gift in conflict resolution. Testimonies abound on how she had helped solve disputes that would have ordinarily ended up in Court as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Officer. She has equally taken serious criminal cases and pursued them to logical conclusions and with that her simplicity cannot be taken for granted. She is presently the Social Director – POWA; working with the wife of CP, Alhaja N.O. Odumosu, who is the Chairperson of POWA.

    Recently, CSP Oyin Francess received International awards and chieftaincy title in far away Ghana for her courage, passion and commitment to save life and serve humanity by singularly averting ethnic crises during 2019 election in Okota area of Lagos, when she was DPO Okota Division.

    The International award for selfless service and chieftaincy title as Nne udo ndi igbo na Ghana – meaning Mother of Peace, was significant because of the circumstances that led to the recognition.

    CSP Oyin has received more than six awards in 2019 alone for her feat and professionalism which included Echo Nigeria International award of patriotism in the Federal Capital city, Abuja. Other awards included D Elite Award for outstanding DPO of the Year 2019, Most Outstanding DPO in Community Policing in 2019 by The New Experience Media organization and among others.

    CSP Oyin has demonstrated professionalism and leadership in Police Public Relationship and recently shared palliatives to three communities during the Covid-19 lockdown, a unique gesture which has endeared her to the people in Lagos.

    “My hero’s are those who risk their lives everyday to protect our world and make it a better place, police, fire fighters and members of our armed forces”

    It is particularly important to note that policing is very demanding, as their work demands that they be permanently on call. At the same time the police force has had a bad name over the years because of a few rogue Officers who have given new meaning to the saying; one rotten eggs spoils the entire pudding. By their selfish acts, they have dented the image of the police and as fate would have it, the bad elements in the Force are easily noticed. However, it would be dishonest to deny the existence of a good number of police officers who execute their duties with diligence and dedication bearing in mind Robert Peel’s saying that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only the members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of the community welfare and existence.