The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin

  • Benin monarch declares Oba Ovonramwen Soccer Tournament open

    Benin monarch declares Oba Ovonramwen Soccer Tournament open

    The centenary soccer tournament of Oba Ovonramwen was officially declared opened on Sunday by the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa.

    The Oba Ovonramwen Soccer Tournament is part of activities lined up for the centenary celebration of Oba Ovonramwen N’Ogbaisi which has been scheduled for between January 13 to 18, 2014. The centenary celebration is being sponsored by the Solomon Edebiri Centre for Change in collaboration with the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

    The Oba, who was represented at the Opening Ceremony by the former chairman, Nigeria Premier League board, Oyuki Obaseki, made a case for the revival of school sports festivals across the country.

    The Oba said revival of school sports festivals would provide a platform for raw talents to be harnessed for various sporting activities in the country. While commending the organisers, he said the soccer tournament was an avenue for young talents to be discovered.

    He urged the participating teams to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship during the tournament.

    He noted that the one time Oba of Benin, Ovonramwen was known for his sport prowess, and so, he hoped that the best team emerges victorious.

    The tournament’s director, Ikpomwosa Edebiri said the tournament would be played in accordance with FIFA rules.

    He also disclosed that the winner of the tournament goes home with N100, 000 cash prize and a giant trophy.

    The tournament which involves six teams from the three senatorial districts of the state would be played in a league format with the best two playing the finals scheduled for January 14, 2014.

    In Sunday’s opening ceremony match, Palace FC defeated the BJ foundation FC by one goal to nil.

  • Insurance FC poised to return to elite club – stakeholders

    Insurance FC poised to return to elite club – stakeholders

    Ahead of the 2013/2014 league season, stakeholders of the Bendel Insurance Football Club has reiterated their commitment to ensuring the return of the club to the elite division.

    This was the position of the stakeholders after a meeting at the Samuel Ogbemudia’s stadium in Benin on Thursday.

    While expressing their displeasure over the continual stay of the club in pro-league division, they stressed that all needed to return the club to the premier league has be done.

    The stakeholders however urged the government to play its part and not to relent, but improve on their current funding of the club to ensure a successful campaign in the coming season.

    The stakeholders who met includes, Insurance FC supporters club, ex-Insurance players, the state’s chapter of coaches association, Edo state referees council.

    Solomon Ogbede who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, noted that that they were willing to make the necessary sacrifices and provide support that would see the club gains promotion in the 2013/2014 season.

    On his part, the present coach of the club, Loveday Omoruyi said the club has embarked on friendly matches with premier and pro-leagues club sides in the country.

    He said the objective was not only to prepare the club for but also get the best legs for the club to execute the season.

  • Man defiles 20-month-old baby

    …my sperm poured on her lap
    A 24-year old man identified as Ifeanyi Nwong has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 20 months old baby in his apartment.
    Ifeanyi was arrested after parents of the victim (names withheld) saw her child was walking and some sperm on her.
    The offence was committed at Uselu quarters in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.
    He was among 29 suspects paraded by the Edo State Police Command yesterday.
    Ifeanyi was alleged to have lured the victim into his room where the act was committed.
    In a chat with newsmen, Ifeanyi said his sperm only dropped on the laps of the victim but he did not penetrate.
    He said, “I returned from work and was wearing my towel to go the bathroom when the girl ran to me. I carried her and my penis erected and placed her on my lap. I release sperm on her lap but people said I defiled her.”
    Other suspects held for defiling minors included Elvis Idemudia who allegedly had carnal knowledge of a 12 year old girl, Stanley Edomwonyi who defiled a 9 year old fish seller inside a bush and Precious Omoruyi who allegedly defiled a 10 year old girl.
    Two women, Helen Otorhila and Imuwahen Atoe, were arrested for being in possession of 280 live cartridges which they claimed they sold to hunters.
    A civil engineering student of Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, John Imhona and one Monday Evbuomwan were arrested for threatening to kidnap and kill their victims if the said victims did not pay the ransom demanded.
    John said he demanded the money because cultists in his school were disturbing him to pay some money while Monday said he threatened his aunt to raise money his business.
    Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo said the suspects would soon be charged to court.
    He disclosed that several persons have been arrested in connection to the killings of several persons at Ukhorumi community in which several buildings and cars were razed.

    The anti-kidnapping law is good for now.

  • Commissioner opens TVE conference in Berlin

    The Rivers State Education Commissioner, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi has praised Germans for partnering with the government in the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) Centre in Port Harcourt.

    Speaking at the opening of the 15th Education Conference of the German skilled crafts sector in Berlin, which focused on the export of vocational education and training, the strengths of the German dual training system and the recruitment of skilled employees, Mrs Lawrence-Nemi said the partnership will create a future for Rivers people

    As the centre of oil and gas business in West Africa, the Commissioner said Port Harcourt needs to develop an effective TVE centre to equip young people with vocational skills.

    “Our Governor visited Germany sometime last year and was impressed with what he saw concerning the human capacity building in your country. He discovered that youth unemployment in your country is low. This he found out was because of the well-functioning German Education system especially in the area of Vocational and Technical Education.

    “Rivers State is one of the 36 States of Nigeria. This city is the hub of oil and gas businesses in West Africa. It has two Seaports and an International Airport. As the Treasure Base of the Nigerian Nation, the city has witnessed over the years influx of multinationals and international oil companies. Hence the development of a very effective technical and vocational institution in the State is very vital. My Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi wants to create a future for the Rivers State people using the German style. We believe our marriage with ZWH will give us that,” she said.

    Mrs Lawrence-Nemi also said that the TVE centre will be functional by the first quarter of next year. She said agreements have been signed while the equipments will soon be installed in the centre, and training commence for the trainers.

    At the centre, she said the youths will acquire various skills like bricklaying, tiling, plastering, electrical, metal and welding and sanitary works when in full operation.

    The Education Boss noted that the vision of Governor Rotimi Amaechi is to create an economy where every youth will be employable by different multinationals operating in the State by the German firm, ZWH.

    ”We also believe that with the ZWH and German craft that are being imparted to our youths in the areas of bricklaying, tiling, plastering, electrical, metal and welding and sanitary works would make these youth’s readymade materials for the industries and even self-employment,” she said.

     

  • Homes, schools submerged in Benin flood

    Homes, schools submerged in Benin flood

    The heavy rain, which fell on Monday, resulted in a massive flood, which submerged homes, schools and other buildings in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Businesses were paralysed, schools shut and residents remained indoors. Workers and pupils, who went to offices and schools, got there late.

    The downpour, which began about 4am and stopped about 10:30pm, caused frustration among residents as the resultant flood resulted in traffic jams with vehicles wading through water.

    At 8am, many government offices were yet to open, while workers, who came to work, arrived their offices about 9am.

    A visit to primary and secondary schools in the Benin City metropolis showed that many pupils were absent due to the rain.

    Roads that experienced heavy traffic included Sapele Road, Airport Road, Ekenwan Road, Ugbowo and Upper Sakpoba, while some adjoining streets were blocked following the heavy rain.

    Those who defied the downpour and went about their businesses had a hectic time as they were stranded in the traffic gridlock for hours. Some resorted to trekking to their destinations.

    Commercial motorists made brisk business, increasing their fares. Ring Road to Aduwawa, whose fare was between N70 and N100 was increased to N200, while Airport Road, which was N50, was increased to between N70 and N100.

    Some of the people, who spoke to our reporter, decried the sudden increase in fares. They said most commercial motorists even declined to convey people to long distances.

  • Edo revenue board seals off Benin Airport

    •We didn’t shut airport, says Oshiomhole
    •Police arrest board chairman
    •FAAN: agency exempted from tax payment

     

    Activities were grounded at the Benin Airport yesterday as the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue sealed off the administrative offices of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) for non-remittance of N40million Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.

    It was gathered that FAAN owed the government N15million and NAMA N25million allegedly deducted from the salaries of employees in 2011.

    Passengers could not leave the airport as the two gates in the facility were locked.

    Some passengers left by breaking down the barbed wire that served as perimetre fencing at the airport.

    Passengers scheduled for morning flights were stranded.

    EDIRS Chairman Oseni Elemah, who led security operatives to open the airport gates, said the locking of the gates was a ploy to blackmail the government.

    Elamah said only the offices were sealed off by his officials.

    He said several means have been deployed to get the airport management to pay the tax.

    Elamah was later arrested on the orders of the Inspector-General.

    A FAAN official said sensitive documents regarding flight plans were in the locked offices.

    Airport Manager Sunday Ayodele refused to comment but was seen being whisked away by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS).

    The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Dati, described the sealing off as an invasion.

    He said the board could have explored all avenues of communication instead of carrying out activities that could threaten public safety.

    But Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at a briefing, said the airport was shut by Sunday after officials of the revenue board served a restraining order on him.

    Oshiomhole said it was unfortunate and worrisome that the police arrested those enforcing the law rather than those breaching the law.

    Dati said significant revenue has been lost by airlines, the airport authority as well as the airspace agency.

    In a statement he said: “The Edo State Government forcefully entered the premises of the Benin Airport and locked out all workers and airport users.

    “The government claimed that FAAN and NAMA had not paid relevant taxes, including tenement rate, to it.

    “This action, which has effectively shut down flight operations at the airport, is in contravention of the laws setting up FAAN.

    “The act establishing FAAN states clearly that ‘the Authority shall be exempted from the payment of taxes and tenement rates and any arrears whatsoever in connection thereto’.

    “The Authority, therefore, views this action as not only unlawful but provocative because it is a well known fact that all airport lands are acquired by the Federal Government and are exempted from paying charges to the states where they are located.

    “The unlawful closure of the airport and the invasion of the airport’s restricted area is a security breach.

    “We wish to assure all passengers, airline operators and other airport users that the Authority is taking urgent steps to ensure that the airport is re-opened for normal flight operations immediately, even as we regret any inconvenience caused them.”

    Oshiomhole noted that the restraining order was served in a way that it does not affect the operation of the airport.

    He said the airport manager assaulted officials of the revenue board and that he was embarrassed when the commissioner of police arrested Elamah.

    Oshiomhole said: “The Edo State Government did not close down the airport. We believe it was possible for FAAN and NAMA to pay their tax obligations without causing pains to travellers.

    “The closure of the airport was unilaterally done by the airport manager, who wanted to shield himself from the charges against him namely deducting taxes and not remitting same to the government in accordance with the law.

    “We need to remind him that these are criminal issues. It is a criminal act if you do not pay your tax. We will pursue it legally. He is using forceful act by dragging the police into it but we will use due process of law to bring the airport manager to justice because we are all creations of the law.

    “The airport manager decided to shut down the airport. He shut the arrival and departure lounges and ensured that nobody goes into the airport. The sealing of his office could not have affected the operations of the airport.

    “When laws are violated, it is those who violate the laws who should be invited and not those who seek to enforce the law. I don’t think the action of the police is appropriate.

    “We need to observe the rule of law with all finesse. The revenue board acted according to the law.

    “We are working hard to send out a clear message that we are under the law. The fact that I am a governor does not give me immunity from my tax obligations. It is a criminal act to collect tax and not remit same.”

  • NFF’s N.2m gift divides Oliha’s family

    NFF’s N.2m gift divides Oliha’s family

    The family of the late Thompson Oliha is divided over the two hundred thousand naira gift paid into one of the sibling’s account by the Nigeria Football Federation for his burial.

    The late Super Eagles midfielder, who died in June, was buried last Friday in Benin City.

    Our sources said trouble started during a meeting held at the Edo State Football Association office where discussions on the burial arrangement took place.

    According to our sources, it was agreed at the meeting that one of the siblings’ account number be sent to the NFF for onward remittance to the family.

    “My brother, as we speak now, the same person is saying he has not received an alert as regards the money, while the NFF has confirmed the payment.

    “This same man is fighting everyone in the family over our late brother’s properties. He’s also fighting seriously to get documents to some of Thompson’s properties, but I assured him, he can’t get it, because the children will grow to reap their father’s labour, “one of the sources said.

     

     

  • Edo seals Benin Airport over tax

    Edo seals Benin Airport over tax

    Business activities were on Tuesday paralysed at the Benin Airport as the Edo State Internal Revenue Services sealed up the administrative offices of the Benin Airport over non-remittance of N15m “Pay As You Earn Tax.”

    The money was allegedly deducted from FAAN employees in 2011.

    Passengers that arrived Benin could not leave the airport as the two gates leading to the airport were under lock and key.

    Some of the passengers had to leave the airport by breaking down the barb wire that served as perimetre fencing to the place.

    Cab operators were also trapped inside the airport as well as other passengers that did not want to leave through the fence.

    Passengers scheduled for morning flights could not leave as flights did not depart the airport following the shut down.

    Chairman of EDIRS, Chief Oseni Elemah, who led security operatives to open the airport gates, said the locking of the gates was a ploy to blackmail the state government.

    He said only the offices were sealed by his officials and not the gates.

     

  • Pastor held for defiling two teenagers

    A pastor with the Deeper Life Bible Church, Eze Fidelis, has been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly defiling two teenagers at the same time.

    Fidelis was among the 32 suspects paraded for various offences ranging from kidnapping, car snatching, armed robbery, cultism and fraud.

    He was alleged to have had carnal knowledge of a nine years old girl at Abudu in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

    The state Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, said it was the victim’s father that noticed that she was not walking fine and upon enquiry said the painful movement was as a result of sexual intercourse with the pastor.

    In a chat with journalists, Fidelis blamed the devil for his ordeal, saying he committed the act over a year ago.

    He said the victims who are in primary school came to his house during school-break but did not have proper sex with them.

    “I am 47 and have been a pastor for 10 years. The parents were my church members before they left but they were still coming to my house. Joy came with her friend and the devil tempted me. They didn’t cry and I did not do anything reasonable with them. I gave them N50. The parents discovered and confessed after which they forgave me,” he said.

    Fidelis, however, denied having sex with the victim recently.

  • Army smashes police robbery gang

    Army smashes police robbery gang

    The 4th Brigade of the Nigeria Army has smashed a police robbery gang allegedly led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Okubopagha.

    It said ASP Okubopagha and Inspector Okoro were from the B Department, Nigeria Police Force, Bayelsa State Command.

    The Commander of the 4th Brigade, Pat Akem, who spoke through the unit Public Relation Officer, Capt. Roseline Managbe, said the smashing of the gang followed the arrest of one Nanagha Aduoumemi who claimed to be an Inspector in the A Department of the Bayelsa State Command.

    Capt. Managbe said Inspector Okubopagha was arrested by troops of the 222 Battalion at Orhoror junction along Bomadi road in Delta State after blocking the road with woods while other members of the gang hid in the bush.

    She said the Inspector was arrested while attempting to run into the bush while other members of the gang escaped into the creeks.

    “The suspect revealed that members of his gang are all serving police personnel who indulge in robbery activities after their normal police duties, “the spokesperson said.