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NAPTIP arrests 11 suspected child traffickers, recovers children

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ) on Wednesday said it arrested 11 persons over suspected child trafficking, abduction and sale of children in Anambra.

Mr Josiah Emerole, the NAPTIP Head of Press and Public Relations, said this in a statement in Abuja.

Emerole stated that the suspects were nabbed in different parts of Anambra in a combined operation carried out with the support of operatives of Directorate of the State Services (DSS).

He noted that the suspects, comprising eight women and three men, were said to belong to a criminal syndicate which specialised in kidnapping and sale of babies across the country, notably the States of the South-East, Lagos and Abuja.

The spokesperson disclosed that three children whose ages range from eight months to four years were recovered during the operation, while scores of other children believed to be trafficked by the gang were yet to be found.

According to him, among the children is a two-year-old girl reportedly stolen from Lagos sometime ago and another four-year-old boy allegedly stolen from his parents in Gudaba in FCT.

He added that the boy’s parents were yet to be traced to collect the child.

“The parents of the eight months old child are yet to be traced, while the two years old child whose four year old brother is yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents.

“The baby was stolen from Okpoko in Anambra and recovered in Lagos.”

He said one of the arrested suspects, Rosemary Okafor (30 years old) allegedly sold one of her four children, a newborn baby, to one woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the cost of N350,000.

Emerole noted that the suspect confessed to have sold the baby to be able to train the other three in school.

He stated that the suspects were in custody of the Enugu Zonal Command of NAPTIP, while the rescued children and the remaining three children of Rosemary Okafor’s victims were presently receiving required services at the agency’s shelter.

He, however, added that investigation was ongoing and the culprits would
be prosecuted accordingly after investigation.

NAN

February 28, 2018
No registered member of ALTON was sanctioned by NCC – Chairman

Mr Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman, Association of Telecommunications of Nigeria ( ALTON ) says no current registered member of the association is sanctioned by Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC ) implicated in call masking.

NCC on Tuesday imposed a range of sanctions on licenses of operators implicated in call masking.

Masked calling is a technique used in e-commerce to protect and cover buyers’ and sellers’ personal phone numbers as private.

Adebayo told our reporter on Wednesday in Abuja that his members were responsible corporate citizens who operate according to the laws.

“We are delighted that in the report issued by NCC, there is no current registered member of our association that was involved.

“And what it also goes to show is that our members are responsible corporate people who operate according to the laws.

“They work according to the terms of their licenses, so the assurance we will continue to give is that as responsible association we will continue to comply with the rules of operations,’’ he said.

Adebayo said ALTON as a responsible corporate organisation and with the amount of investment by its members in the country suggested they had to take rules and regulations guiding their operations seriously.

The ALTON Chairman also assured subscribers that operators would continue to provide best services.

“As an industry that provides infrastructure for many other sub sector of the economy, we will continue to do our best to contribute to national economic development

“I am delighted about the report by the Bureau of Statistics on the new Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) that the number of sectors playing critical roles in the development of the economy were supported by the telecom sector,’’ Adebayo said.

The big players in the telecom sector such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, Nine Mobile, are registered members of ALTON.

NCC barred over 750,000 numbers assigned to several Private Network Links (PNL) and Local Exchange Operator (LEO) licensees, which number ranges were found to have been utilised for the practice of call masking.

It listed the licensees whose numbers have been barred to include Vezeti Communications Services Ltd., Voix Networks Ltd., Mobitel Ltd., Peace Global Satellite Communications Ltd.

Others are ABG Communications Ltd. Vodacom Business Africa (Nigeria) Ltd., Swift Telephone Networks Ltd. QVODA Telecoms Ltd., Wireless Telecoms Ltd. Emcatel Networks Ltd.

NAN

February 28, 2018
NNPC investing in renewable energy, says GMD

Dr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ), said on Wednesday that the company is investing in renewable energy to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial development.

Baru said at the ongoing 39th Kaduna International Trade Fair that the NNPC had set up Renewable Energy Division not only to develop solar and other renewable energy sources, but also develop bio-fuels from agricultural produce.

According to him, the multiplayer effects of such ventures include reviving the agricultural sector and generating huge employment.

“It will also contribute significantly to power generation, producing high volume of animal feed, starch and other by-products.

“Not only that, the bio-fuel will be blended to our refineries petroleum products, which will significantly reduce imports of petroleum products into the country.”

The NNPC boss said that decades ago, mining, agriculture and commerce sustained the economy of each region of the country before oil was discovered in the 70s.

He stressed that the feat achieved in the past, can be replicated if the nation re-channel the productive sector through holistic policy actions toward rebuilding infrastructure.

“Key infrastructure sector that needs to be tackled include electricity, transport, information and communication, roads, water and sanitation and rehabilitation of existing oil and gas pipelines facilities.

“It is my sincere belief that revitalising these critical infrastructure will promote efficiency in commerce, industry and agriculture.

“This will enable the nation’s entrepreneurs compete favourably with their peers across the globe,” Baru said.

He commended the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for attracting discussions on opportunities for sustaining industrial growth, boosting commerce and agriculture for international competitiveness.

Also speaking, KADCCIMA President, Dr Muheeba Dankaka, thanked the NNPC for the years of partnership toward building a robust private sector.

Dankaka said that the Organised Private Sector was ready to partner with government agencies in building sustainable industrial sector through the exploitation of agriculture and the productive sector in general.

NAN

February 28, 2018
PLASU new VC assumes office, promises speedy progress

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University ( PLASU ), Bokkos, Prof. Yohanna Izang, on Wednesday assumed office with a pledge to transform the institution to compete with the best in the world.

Yohanna, while addressing the management and staff of the school, commended his predecessor, Prof. Doknan Sheni, for his efforts, and promised to build on that solid foundation.

Izang, who described his appointment as “sheer grace of God”, said he would soon unveil his five years transformation blue print for the university toward placing the institution among the world best.

“My plan is to brand PLASU as a competitive university with its graduates as models for other universities.

“This means that we must together pursue the accreditation of our 15 additional programmes with all seriousness and diligence.

“Human and infrastructural development is paramount to attaining academic excellence. We shall make that our priority,” he said.

The new helmsman who, until his appointment, was the Head, Department of Building, University of Jos, also pledged to build on the visions of the founding fathers of PLASU, and solicited the support of management and staff toward meeting that goal.

Earlier, Sheni had told his successor that he met only 93 staff but was leaving 426 made up of 326 senior, and 100 junior staff.

Sheni attributed his modest achievements to the cordial working relationship he had with staff and students as well as members of the university community.

He said that the Federal Government, through the education ministry and TETfund, played a great role in the infrastructural development of the university, and expressed the hope that Izang would improve on that relationship.

NAN

February 28, 2018
Senate to probe non-passage of Disability Rights Bill

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has promised to probe those behind the delay in the passage of Disability Rights Bill to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The bill is to ensure full integration of Nigerians with disabilities into the society and eliminate all forms of discrimination against them.

Saraki in a Facebook post said, “Today, ahead of my courtesy call with the Kpakpando Foundation for Physically Challenges Persons, led by its Founder and Chairman, Senator Osita Izunaso, I called the Clerk to find out about the status of the ‘Discrimination Against Persons Living with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill, which is also known as the Disability Rights Bill.

“I was very disappointed to learn that due to some administrative mishaps, this Bill, which passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and should have already been on the President’s desk for his signature, has failed to make its way out of the National Assembly system. I have therefore directed the Clerk to query all involved.”

Stressing the importance and fierce urgency with which the bill should be treated, he said, “make no mistake, both the Senate and the House feel very strongly about the impact of this Bill. This is because its passage will further empower people living with disabilities (PLWDs) and ensure that they are not discriminated against in anyway.

“Moving forward, I would like to make this promise: 30 days from today, this Bill will be sent to Mr. President for his assent.

“We will fast-track the harmonization process in both houses, because there is no doubt that once this Bill is passed, it will transform the lives of millions of Nigerians across the country, hence, the sooner that we start implementing the act, the better for all of us.”

February 28, 2018
Dambazau directs relocation of IGP, NSCDC boss to North-East

The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, has directed the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Ibrahim Idris, and the Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Abdullahi Muhammadu Gana, to relocate to the North-East to ensure the deployment of their personnel to all schools in the liberated areas in the three states.

The minister gave the directive in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Ehisienmen Osaigbovo, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Osaigbovo, the minister also directed that the I-G and NSCDC Commandant were to liaise with the Theater Commander of “Operation Lafiya Dole”, to carry out the task.

The statement quoted Dambazau as saying that the I-G and Gana were also to liaise with the governors of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa to ensure the deployment of their personnel to all schools in the liberated areas in the three
states.

” This directive is sequel to the recent visit of the Federal Government delegation led by the Ministers of Interior and Information and Culture to Dapchi in Yobe.

” Where the Interior Minister, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau then directed the Commissioner of Police and the Commandant of the NSCDC in Yobe to ensure security presence in all schools in the liberated communities,” he said.

Osaigbovo also quoted Dambazau as saying that the directive had become necessary to forestall a re-occurrence of attack on innocent school children.

Dambazau said that the government was making efforts aimed at rescuing the Dapchi school girls and other Boko Haram captives, as evidenced by the commencement of 24-hour air surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force.

Osaigbovo said the Minister had also condemned the recent clashes that resulted in loss of lives and property in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The minister in the statement urged security operatives to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

NAN

February 28, 2018
Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said that the Federal Government would continue to encourage partnership among states for their development.

Osinbajo spoke in Epe at a 2-day Lagos-Kano Economic and Investment Summit with theme: “States Partnership as a Tool for Sustainable Economic Development.”

Osinbajo said that the Federal Government would not undermine the economy of any state, adding that the era of doing so was over.

“On our own part, the Federal Government will support the efforts of all state governments to reform their economies, to attract investment and to collaborate with one another.

“The days where the Federal Government will sit to undermine governors and their administrations are now behind us,” he said.

He said that the state governments could attest to the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari was deeply committed to helping every state achieve its full economic potential.

“As a government, we have been careful not to hold back information from the states, because we realised that development can only happen in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration,” Osinbajo said.

The Vice-President noted that if the nation’s economy must be reviewed, there was need for states to leverage and synergise on their comparative advantages to improve their economy.

“This development will as well rub on the nation’s economy and in the overall benefit of the citizenry,” he said.

He commended both state governments for the initiative, saying that it was in line with the federal government’s economic recovery growth plan.

He said that the Federal Government would pay serious attention to the outcome of the summit to help guide and direct its engagement with the two states.

Osinbajo said that going by the current and projected rate of urbanisation, cities, not countries would propel the economy of the future.

“Cities around the world existed longer than the countries to which they belong.

“Lagos and Kano are as much cities as they are states. Long before Nigeria existed, both cities existed as important regional centres of trade and commerce,” he said.

He said that the summit would provide the opportunity for both states to accept themselves economically.

Osinbajo said it would also give room for them to see rapidly emerging opportunities, as well as ride the ways of investments and innovation to become truly globally competitive, and to show the way to other states.

In his remarks, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State called for more inter-regional trade and cooperation among states.

According to Ambode, Nigeria should start thinking ahead, because the country’s economy still remains dependent on oil.

He said that Lagos State would partner Kano State in areas of transport infrastructure, road, rail lines, education, market development, security, among others.

His Kano state counterpart, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, who listed several similarities between his state and Lagos, was optimistic that the summit would generate perspectives that would lead to future prosperity for the two states.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, Gov. Abubarkar Bagudu of Kebbi State, were among dignataries at the summit.

NAN

February 28, 2018
Boko Haram: NSA inaugurates Helipad in Borno

The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, on Wednesday inaugurated a helipad set up by the Nigerian Air Force in Monguno, Borno to enhance its operation against the Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad region.

Monguno also commissioned an office complex and residential accommodation built for officers and airmen at the newly- established 171 NAF Detachment in the area.

The NAF 171 detachment was set up in the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Monguno in Monguno Local Government Area, Borno.

Monguno said the new Air Force unit would add value to the counter-insurgency operation, restoration of peace and stabilisation process in the troubled region.

He described the projects as significant milestone in NAF’s drive to enhance air power in all the nooks and crannies of the country.

The NSA added that the project was designed to provide additional military options in conducting aerial surveillance on the border with Cameroun, Chad and Niger Republics to check terrorists’ activities and cross border crimes.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, explained that the service detachment was designed to enhance the endurance limitations of air power in the counter-insurgency operations in the North-East and the Lake Chad region.

“The establishment of the unit will expand and increase the reach of the service platforms in operations around border areas,” Abubakar added

The projects include: a block of 11-rooms for airmen and a block of flats for officers and a helipad.

NAN

February 28, 2018
Customs FOU intercepts N1.03bn contraband – Controller

The Federal Operatons Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday said it intercepted contraband with a Duty Paid Value of N1.03 billion in February.

Customs FOU Controller, Mohammed Uba, told newsmen in Lagos that among the contraband were 18 assorted vehicles, including a Rolls Royce.

Uba said that some of the vehicles were intercepted along Ijebu Ode – Sagamu Expressway while others were evacuated from a car mart located in Lekki, Lagos.

Umar said that the customs also seized 2001 kg of Pangolin Shells and 218 pieces of Elephant Tusks, worth about N500 million, from an apartment at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

“The Convention of International Trade in Endangered species (CITES 1973) entails that Customs Administration globally protects wildlife by intercepting illegal trade on such animals.

“It further prevents the killing of endangered species since the tusks are only available after the killing of the elephant and pangolin,” he said.

He added that the seized pangolin and
tusks have been handed over to Nigeria Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency ( NESREA ) for further investigation.

According to him, 17 suspects, including a Chinese national, were arrested in connection with the 90
seizures during the month.

“Within the period under review, we also recovered N67.94 million from Demand Notices raised on goods intercepted while attempting to beat the system through transfer of value and under declaration,” he said.

Other items seized included seven trailers loaded with 4201 bags of imported rice, 2,619 cartons of frozen poultry products, 1,105 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 2,637 pieces of used tyres and 1,333 bales of used clothes.

The customs controller urged the media to continue to sensitise the public on the effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

NAN

February 28, 2018
Reactions trail sex scene aired on BBNaija

Several Nigerians have expressed divergent views on the trending video showing BBNaija, ‘Double Wahala’ housemates, Oluwabamike Olawumi, a.k.a BamBam and Tope Adenibuyan, a.k.a Teddy A, allegedly having sex.

The two housemates have been criticised after pictures and video of the act from the episode aired in the wee hours of Tuesday on DSTV, surfaced on various social media.

While some viewers felt the content was too revealing for the Nigerian audience, others are of the opinion that such scenes can be broadcast since the show is classified for age 18 years and above.

Reno Omokri, aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concerns why housemates allegedly having sex in the toilet are being referred to as stars.
In a tweet, the former presidential aide cautioned Nigerians against replicating everything from the Western world.

He wrote, “When I was a child, only animals had intercourse in the open for all to see!

“We have a culture. Not everything from the West is good!”

Below also are some of the tweets:

@bbnaijagossip wrote: “There is life after BBNaija to those of you supporting nonsense and immoral life. And some of you will be the ones that will dig up the history when the time comes. Hypocrites that know the truth but better cover it in the name of entertainment rated 18.”

@barinyang wrote: “Sex, Nudity, Language and Violence are why some television shows are rated 18. That doesn’t also mean that every person, 18 and above, must watch those shows. Copy that.”

@Kaybbie_kubbie tweeted: “You all should stop kids from watching the Big Brother o. I am tired of reading insults after two adults have sex. It is a TV show, rated 18 and some people still complain after watching adults have sex.”

Also, music producer Don Jazzy tweeted @donjazzy, “I am not even judging…You never use toilet before? Cast the first stone.”

Eccentric actorDenrele twitted @denrele_edun writing, “Look at that dewy glow on BamBam.
“Never seen her giggly and vivacious!

Meanwhile, the battle for prizes worth 45 million naira continues as three pairs are up for possible eviction on Sunday.

They include Leo and Ifu-ennada (LIFU), Cee-Cee and Lolu (CEELO) and; Angel and Ahneeka (GELAH).

NAN

February 28, 2018