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  • Nigeria has all it takes for technology development – S/Korea Ambassador

    The Republic of South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Lee In-Tae says Nigeria possesses capacity for technology and agriculture development among other industrial sectors which could create jobs for its citizens.

    Lee disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a visit to Sen. George Akume, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

    The ambassador said his mission was to discuss how the two countries can collaborate in the areas of technology, energy and agriculture development.

    The Ambassador also pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government on job creation and the power sector improvement.

    ”My mission here is first, to congratulate the minister on his appointment and to discuss on business in areas of technology, agriculture; energy which I know will create jobs for Nigerians.

    ”We have discussed a lot which we will take into consideration, and I think Nigeria has a great potential in these sectors,” he said.

    In his response, Akume appreciated Lee for such initiative and the collaborative pledge on job creation and power sector, adding that it’s the major challenges disrupting the country’s industrial development.

    “Actually we have discussed a lot of issues and basically we were talking about collaboration between Korea and Nigeria and we want to commence in area of technology, agriculture, job creation and energy.

    “Korea, from my discussion with the Ambassador is very friendly with Nigeria with a lot in the areas of technology and power which draws much attention of this government, because we cannot make meaningful development without power.”

    Akume said from their discussions, Lee had pledged to pulling investment into Nigeria by bringing Korean companies to invest in Nigeria`s economy.

    “He has been talking of pulling investment to Nigeria and inviting Korean companies to partake in economy of this country.”

    According to the minister, if Nigeria harnesses its resources from all the collaborative areas with the Korean government, it will generate a lot jobs for the teeming youths who are now indulging in drug business.

    Akume also pleaded with the Korean Ambassador on the need to establish SAMSUNG electronics industry in Nigeria which he noted was a blooming industry and business across the globe.

    “We are looking forward to the time that we will also begin to manufacture some of your items here in Nigeria; this will also create more job opportunities for our people.

    “If you look at the number of people who have access to your electronics in terms of telephone, television, air condition, I mean virtually every home has SAMSUNG products, the number is enormous.

    “Korea, you have a very big market here, we should also be thinking of establishing your presence here in the county,” Akume said.

    The highlight of the visit included the decoration of the Korean Ambassador and his entourage with Benue State attire.

  • NU MI showcases best of Nigeria interior, product designs

    The best of Nigeria’s interior and product designers will exhibit their products from 21st September to 22nd September in Lagos.

    The exhibition is the initiative of NU MI Design House, the integrated interior, procurement, bespoke furniture manufacturer and homeware product designer.

    Nigerian art, according to the organisers, has captured the imagination of a global audience and introduced a new generation of world-renowned artists to an eager public. But far less known, and equally innovative, is the emerging Nigerian design sector and a range of creative collaborations between art and design are taking it to a new level.

    To showcase this unique new sector, NU MI Design House is curating the NU MI Design Exhibition, featuring a combination of leading Nigerian artists alongside established and emerging Nigerian furniture and other product designers and a unique selection of NU MI founder, Tanwa Newbold’s own work that includes a stunning collaboration with artist Polly Alakija.

    Building on 2018’s first edition hosted at the Oando Wings building, the 2019 NU MI Design Exhibition will take place at LASWA Yard, Falomo Jetty, the new headquarters of maritime Lagos.

    Read Also: Erelu to fashion designers: don’t imitate others

    It features works from product designers like Studio Lani, Tosin Oshinowo, Alaga Collections, Funferekoroye, Kelechi Odu and Oguma Adegoke alongside renowned artists Polly Alakija, Ghariokwu Lemi, Olumide Onadipe and a curated selection from the Nike Art Gallery.

    Speaking at the launch, Creative Director and Founder, Tanwa Newbold, said: “Whether you are looking for the luxury of a world-renowned furniture producer, the highest quality local design and production or African-inspired unique homeware, the NU MI Design Exhibition has something for you. We are privileged to be able to bring together so many talented designers, and I am hugely encouraged by the innovation and creativity that is coming out of Nigeria at the moment.

    “At NU MI, we combine contemporary interior design, with the ability to produce or procure unique pieces, specifically designed to suit your vision. We believe that in a world where choice and flexibility is increasingly important to consumers, we are able to offer a service that maximises your ability to achieve your vision, whether you want to source locally, or internationally.”

    The event is supported by LASWA, the owners of the Yard venue, Bank of Industry, Plascon Paints and La Connaisseur, the exclusive concept store for wine lovers.

  • We are adopting Edo-HIP to revamp Edo healthcare sector – Obaseki

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration has adopted a reformist agenda to transform the state’s healthcare sector with the Edo Primary Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP).

    Obaseki said this at an interactive session with healthcare stakeholders at Government House, Benin City, the state capital, on Friday.

    The governor, who presented the Edo State Health Improvement Programme (EDOHIP) to the stakeholders during the session, said the purpose of the interactive session was to have an honest and open discussion on how to make the state’s healthcare sector more effective and efficient.

    “Our healthcare system in Edo State must be restored. We want to make this state a destination for medical tourism. I don’t want to see any patient passing through Edo to other states. Rather, I want them to stop in Edo State for treatment.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s initiative to fix points of failure on roads kicks off

    “Our goal as a government is to ensure that by the time we finish with all the reforms in the health sector, Edo will become the healthcare hub of the nation”.

    He said he is championing a reformist administration that prioritises programmes and policies that make life better for the people of the state.

    According to him, “We are a reformist government. We try to prioritise our programmes as a government and the healthcare sector is not left out as we have a road map to guide us in developing the sector and making it more efficient and effective.

    “Healthcare is not cheap; we need a system to identify who pays for healthcare and how the payments will flow. We don’t have all the resources but we can create the enabling environment and pull in the resources. We will create the structure and bring all elements on board to ensure the sector works effectively.”

    “By the end of next year, we would have enough diagnostic centres. There will be five to seven centres with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines and Computed Tomography (CT) scan machines for basic diagnosis. We will have 10 to 12 centres for dialysis. It is not the money but the way to organise the system.”

    Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Osamwonyi Irowa, said the Governor Obaseki-led administration has done well in developing the healthcare sector and needs the support of stakeholders to move the sector to the next level with Edo-HIP.

    Uzor Okomah, of Edo-HIP, said the state government was working hard to meet objectives set for the programme in the state.

    She explained that the government’s focus is on improving the state’s primary and secondary healthcare systems; enhancing healthcare financing and revamping training institutions to produce quality health workers.

    Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Chapter, Dr. Omoifo Valentine, urged government at all levels to improve services at the healthcare centres with good facilities and trained manpower.

  • P&ID $9.6bn judgment: FG arraigns ex-Petroleum Resources official on bribery charges

    The Federal Government has arraigned a former Director, Legal Services of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Grace Taiga on charges relating to acceptance of bribe in connection with the controversial gas supply contract awarded in 2010 to Irish firm, Process and Industry Development (P&ID) Limited, over which a $9.6bilion judgment is now pending against Nigeria.

    On Friday, Mrs. Taiga pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and on which she was arraigned.

    Read Also: $9.6bn judgment: Court liquidates P&ID, affiliate

    The arraignment took place before filed Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of Court 14, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Apo, Abuja.

    In the charge, Mrs. Taiga is accused among others, of receiving bribe through her offshore bank account in signing the Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) between P&ID Limited and the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Petroleum Resources Ministry on January 11, 2019.

    The then Minister of Petroleum Resources, Rilwan Lukman (now late) was said to have also signed the contract.

    Details shortly.

  • Where is Ooni’s ex-wife, Olori Wuraola?

    Royalty laced with affluence is sweet, most especially when it’s blessed with opulence and splendor. It soothes body and soul. But for Zaynab Otiti Obanor, the ex wife of HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, she is indeed an epitome of royalty with blue blood flowing in her veins.

    During her days as the heartthrob of stylish Ife monarch, she commanded respect at all strata of life. Her gait, composure, charming smile and endearing persona, earned her public acceptance. At the sight of her at any public function, paparazzi flashed just to catch a glimpse of her ravishing beauty.

    When she announced her breakup with the Ooni of Ife, it generated mixed reactions as different tongue wagged at her over such decision. Many wondered why she decided to leave such glitz and glamour in the house of Oduduwa.

    READ ALSO: I am no longer with Ooni – Olori Wuraola

    Ever since her divorce from the royal union, the Edo- born Queen has since recoiled into her shell. She has left the societal cynosure with her pet project and foundation abandoned.

    Her whereabouts have generated mixed reactions as close associates divulged that “She now shuttle between Dubai, Qatar, Lebanon and Nigeria”.

    Some are of the opinion that she left the shores of Nigeria to start a new life. All these are mere speculations as her whereabouts remain a mystery to her fans and well-wishers across the country.

  • Buhari meets Ag. Head of Civil Service, Yemi-Esan

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with the Acting Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, at the State House, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yemi-Esan took over from Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, who was asked to proceed on indefinite leave to allow conclusion of the investigation being carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    Read Also: Eight things you should know about Yemi-Esan new Head of Service

    NAN reports that the agenda of the meeting between the president and the new acting HoS was unknown as at the time of filing this report.

    However, NAN learnt that Yemi-Esan, who was in the Presidential Villa for the first time since her appointment on Wednesday, might have used the opportunity of the visit to formally introduce herself to the president.

  • Troops eliminate seven top commanders of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists

    Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force and Nigerian Armed Forces have eliminated not less than seven commanders of Boko Haram terrorists in Tumbus of Lake Chad region, Army Headquarters says.

    The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Musa said that the neutralised commanders were Abba Mainok, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu kololo, Abor Kime, said to be of Arab origin and likely their ISIS trainer.

    Others according to him are, Mann Chari, Dawoud Abdoulaye from Mali and Abu Hamza.

    “All these were said to be commanders of various Tumbus controlling fighters before they were decisively dealt with l by the military bombardment.

    “Although these names may not be real and may likely nicknames.

    Read Also; Boko Haram: Army assures Maiduguri residents of safety

    “Nonetheless, it is an unprecedented feat to our quest of clearing the remnants of these criminals in the area.

    “Consequently, efforts are ongoing to get more information on their true identities,” he said.

    Musa disclosed that the troops were in celebration mood as a result of successes of their combined efforts of artillery and air bombardments of suspected hideouts of the terrorists.

    He added that it was mourning and a monumental set back to the erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters hibernating at the triangular area of the region.

    Musa said information coming from the criminal group’s enclave escaping to Sudan and CAR, indicates that at least not fewer than seven of their key commanders have been wasted by the superior forces of the MNJTF.

    Army spokesperson said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai had commended the troops for this great efforts and enjoined them to do more.

  • Implementation of cashless policy is in public interest, says Emefiele

    Mr Godwin Emefiele the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the implementation of cashless policy in six states of the federation is in public interest to promote efficient payment system.

    Emefiele stated this while fielding questions from journalists after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held in Abuja on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CBN on Tuesday issued a circular to deposit banks to commence the implementation of the cashless policy in six pilot states across the country.

    The apex bank directed that implementation should commence from Sept 18 in Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Abia, Anambra, and Rivers States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    It, however, stated that the nationwide implementation of the cashless policy would take effect from March 31, 2020.

    The CBN explained that transactions will attract three per cent processing fees for withdrawal and two per cent processing fees for lodgement of amounts above N500, 000 for individual accounts.

    Similarly, corporate accounts will attract five per cent processing fees for withdrawal and three per cent processing fee for lodgement of amounts above N3 million.

    Reacting, Emefiele said the policy was not new as it was inaugurated in the country in 2012 and implementation began in 2014 while several engagements were held across multiple stakeholders before its commencement.

    He said withdrawal charges had been in place since then, only deposit charges were new now to some people though it was part of it from beginning but later withdrawn.

    “The policy says if you deposit money in the bank above a particular threshold which for individual is N500,000 and N3 million for corporate bodies, then you will be charged, same for withdrawal.

    “It has been like this but after stakeholders engagement, we agreed that it was too early to begin to charge people who want to deposit money in banks.

    “We agreed at that time that they were a lot of cash outside the bank industry and there is no need to penalise the people who want to bring in their money to the banks and then we relaxed the essence of charging on deposit.

    “We expected that after five years, that is from 2015 to 2019, all cash kept in peoples’ houses should have been brought to the banks,” he explained.

    He announced that full cashless policy would commence all over the country by March, 2020.

    READ ALSO: We’re sorry for cashless policy inconvenience but… -CBN

    He stated that the policy was not designed to de franchise hard working Nigerians as perceived by some categories of people.

    According to him, a data conducted, revealed that close to 95 per cent of cash deposited and withdrawn fall bellow this threshold.

    Emefiele said already, Nigerians had embraced electronic channels and online transaction in market places.

    He added that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises now had various options and channels available to them to collect a legitimate payment for good and services, like POS, banks transfer using ATM, USD code among others.

    He said that the cashless policy increases transparency in financial dealings and reduce crimes such as ransom payment and extortion among others.

    The governor said the bank had the mandate under the CBN Act 2007 as amended to promote a sound and stable financial system through credible efficient payment system.

    (NAN)

  • Video: Tanker falls, spills fuel on Otedola bridge

    A truck laden with diesel fell off while driving inward Berger shortly after the Otedola bridge Lagos.

    The truck has been spilling Its contents since the accident and a Physical assessment is being conducted in order to avert the occurrence of fire incident.

     

    Details shortly

  • Police arraign 15 for attempting to kill Patience Jonathan

    The Bayelsa State Police Command has dragged 15 persons to the state High Court sitting in Yenagoa for robbing former First Lady, Patience Jonathan of jewellery worth N200m and plotting to kill her.

    The 15 suspects were slammed with a 17-count of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit felony with armed robbery, malicious injury to property, conspiracy to commit a felony with stealing and burglary.

    The suspects were identified as Golden Vivian,40; Erama Deborah, 45; Precious Kingsley, 20; Vincent Olabiyi, 28; Ebuka Cosmos, 25; Williams Alamo, 29; Tamunokuro Abaku, 32 and Boma Oba, 42.

    Others are Emmanuel Aginwa, 42; Emeka Benson, 33; Tamunosiki Achese Frisberesima, 30; Wariboko Salome, 28; Sahabi Lima, 35; Reginald Sunday, 20; and John Dashe, 39.

    Read Also: Jonathan’s absence delays decision on PDP’s running mate

    The charge sheet was signed by S. A. Ofoegbu of the Legal State Criminal Investigation Department, Yenagoa Bayelsa State.

    The lawyers listed as defendants to the accused persons are Stanley Damabide, Padiowei P.P. Tamuno, E. Samuel and Chuks Momoh.

    But they all pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

    One of the counts accused the arraigned persons of conspiring to commit murder which is an offence punishable under section 252 of the Criminal code law cap.C14 laws of Bayelsa State.

    Others are: “All the accused and some at large, sometime in the month of June,2019 at Otuoke community in Ogbia local government within the Ogbia Judicial Division of the state High Court did conspire to kill Her Excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan, former First Lady.

    “That you and some other persons at large, on the same date and place aforementioned Judicial Division of Bayelsa did steal seven gold bangles and jewellery, five Samsung Air Conditioner,Two sets of upholstery chairs, six Samsung flat-screen television stands at two hundred Million naira (N200,000,000). These are property of Dame Patience Jonathan”.