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  • $16b Egina probe: $400m gas proceed unutilized

    $16b Egina probe: $400m gas proceed unutilized

    The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Investigation of Local Content Element on Total Upstream Nigeria Limited $16 Billion Egina deep sea oil project and other related projects on Wednesday stumbled another un-utilised $400million proceed from sale of gas resources.

    The committee made the discovery when its chairman, Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) requested to know from the Group General Manager of NAPIMS, Mr. Roland Ebuware who represented NNPC Group Managing Director Mr. Maikanti Baru, the fate of gas fallout of the 200,000 barrel per day Egina Oil project.

    Adeola noted that so far only the crude oil aspect of proceed is in public domain.

    Mr. Ebuware told the committee that no agreement is in place on what to do with the proceed of the gas from the project which is to be piped to Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company other than putting it in an escrow account.

    He added that a similar ongoing project, the Bonga Deep Sea Oil Project already have $400million in an Escrow account waiting for a detailed agreement on sharing formula between the Nigerian Government and the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

    He regretted that since no agreement is in place for such sharing the fund is just lying idle.

    He noted that it is expected that similar proceeds from Egina will lie idle until an agreement on sharing formula is arrived.

    He said that the Senate could come in through legislation or other instruments to ensure that such huge funds are utilized for developmental purposes.

    Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North West) expressed disbelief that such huge funds has been un-utilized for developmental purposes due to lack of agreement.

    Akpabio noted that in an era of serious budget deficits year in year out, such funds should have come handy in North East Development, the Second Niger Bridge and even payment of the monthly N5,000 benefits promised by the Federal Government to unemployed youths.

    Engineer Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) stated that in execution of the Egina projects there are infractions of the Local Content Act sometimes occasioned by exigencies of lack of capacity as well as infringement of expatriate quota adding that it is often difficult to enforce some provisions of the law as conviction through litigation process has to take place before enforcement.

    He suggested the need to amend the Local Content Act for sanctions for breaches without the long drawn litigation process adding that he will forward the various infractions to the committee as a guide in possible amendment of the law.

    Senator Adeola reiterated the need for a holistic amendment of the Local Content Act of 2010 in light of the various discoveries of the committee if the Act is to achieve it aims of allowing Nigeria to benefit from the Oil and Gas industry and prevent leakages of our foreign currency adding that such amendment will also include broadening the law to include manufacturing, ICT and construction industries.

     

     

  • We’ll not tolerate indecent dressing – LASU VC

    We’ll not tolerate indecent dressing – LASU VC

    Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University ( LASU ), on Wednesday warned new intakes that the institution would not tolerate indecent dressing on its campuses.

    Fagbohun said this at the 2017/2018 matriculation ceremony of the University at its Ojo campus.

    “The University has zero tolerance for any form of indiscipline, indecent dressing, rude behaviour and disrespect to constituted authority,” the VC said.

    He urged the matriculating students to focus on their studies and strive to excel in both character and learning.

    Fagbohun said the institution would strive to provide adequate facilities and conducive learning environment for students to explore and maximize their academic potential.

    Read Also: LASU no longer using Ojuelegba, Anthony campuses – Spokesman

    “Let me emphasise that your admission as students of Lagos state University is not enough for you to rest on your oars, indeed, this has thrown at you both opportunities and a challenge to engage in healthy intellectual competitions.

    “At the end of the day, you must all excel in both character and learning, bearing in mind that penalty to cultism is expulsion,” he said.

    The VC urged parents of the new intakes to continue to nurture their wards by giving positive counsel, as much would be expected from them henceforth.

    “Starting off is good, but nurturing them through it is the most delicate part; I wish to implore parents to continue to look after these young adults.

    “The fact that they have gained admission to the university does not take them out of the range of parental care, so parents should counsel them against bad association and negative social influence,” he said.

    The Vice-Chancellor said the institution had developed a culture of rewarding excellence by establishing a university Scholars Award to challenge new students.

    ” Students who distinguish themselves academically by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 4.50 and above will be rewarded at the end of every academic year,” he said.

  • PDP chair bemoans fate of Nigerians under APC

    PDP chair bemoans fate of Nigerians under APC

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), Prince Uche Secondus has said that Nigerians never bargained for the hardship they are currently going through with the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

    Accusing the administration of practicing “nuclear nepotism” in the running of the government, the party chair said that all hands must be on deck to save the country from what he described as a “monumental disaster” that the administration has become.

    A statement on Wednesday by Ike Abonyi, media adviser to the party’s chairman, said this was part of the conclusions reached at a meeting the leadership of the PDP had with members of the party’s National Assembly caucus on Tuesday.

    Secondus was quoted to describe the legislature as the centre of national politics, adding that only the PDP could save the country from implosion in the months ahead.

    Lamenting the rate at which people are being killed on a daily basis, the party chair was also quoted to have criticised the lop-sided appointments in critical sectors at the federal level.

    “Nuclear nepotism is in vogue, you have to come from Daura to be appointed into a federal position”

    “This is the time for all to stand up to save this country and all eyes are on the PDP to lead the way. I am ready and determined, even to be arrested for us to regain our liberty in this land.

    “What we have ruling Nigeria today at the Villa is a broken party and a broken government. Spiritually, the APC has already left the villa, what we must fine tune is the physical accomplishment”, Secondus was quoted as saying.

    The party chairman was said to have charged PDP members at the National Assembly to brace up to the challenges ahead, stressing that  they are the leaders of the party at the grassroots.

    He was also quoted to have assured them that the PDP leadership under his watch determined to take the appropriate and right the decisions while consolidating the party at the grassroots.

     

  • NAFDAC destroys expired good worth N80m in Abuja

    NAFDAC destroys expired good worth N80m in Abuja

     

    National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ) today destroyed expired and counterfeit products worth N80 million in Abuja.

    The products which were gathered over the last one year were voluntarily forfeited by companies, while others were mopped up from circulation through the enforcement activities of the agency.

    The products were gathered from states around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Speaking at the destruction site in Kuje, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, Director General of the agency said NAFDAC is continuously waging war against counterfeiting and faking of regulated products.

    Adeyeye noted that the destruction that was carried yesterday was part of the efforts to rid the country of counterfeit and fake products.

    She said: “This period exercise further give credence to the fact that NAFDAC is continuously waging war against counterfeiting and faking of regulated products. We will continue to work relentlessly to ensure that this incidence is reduced to the barest minimum and only safe, efficacious and wholesome regulated products are available to the populace.

    “Today, we witness the destruction of various categories of regulated products worth over eighty million naira (N80, 000,000.00). It is important to note that some of these expired products were voluntarily forfeited to NAFDAC by companies and non-governmental organizations while others were mopped up from circulation via enforcement activities of the agency.”

    Read Also: NAFDAC  warns women against Drug abuse

    In spite the many successes made to thwart the activities of fake product peddlers and counterfeiters, NAFDAC boss said the agency still face some daunting challenges as violators continue to evade arrest.

    “Our enforcement and surveillance systems are not without daunting challenges as violators continue to adopt different strategies to ensure that they evade arrest and enjoy proceeds of their nefarious activities.”

    The agency, she however said will continue to deploy effective strategies to ensure that violators are not only arrested but also face the full wrath of the law.

    She also posited that the agency will continue to collaborate with othe agencies so as to ensure success in its operations.

    Adeyeye also solicited for the support and cooperation of the general public in tackling the menace of fake, counterfeit and unwholesome regulated products.

     

     

     

     

  • NPA begins exportation through Ikorodu terminal

    NPA begins exportation through Ikorodu terminal

    The Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA ) has commenced the exportation of agricultural products through the  Ikorodu Lighter Terminal as part of measures to decongest the Lagos sea ports and boost the economy.
    The movement of export cargoes from Ikorudu terminal to Apapa sea ports, NPA said, would enable Nigerians to maximize the facilities at the moribund terminal.

    Speaking during the official flag off of using barges to veery over 31 containers laden with agricultural produce from Ikorodu to Apapa port yesterday, NPA’s Managing Director Ms Hadiza Bala Usman said her agency has the mandate to ensure effective utilisation of the Ikorodu terminal for export.

    Read Also: OGFZA,NPA partner on free zone operation 

    President Muhammadu Buhari administration, she said, is committed to encourage export promotion through the terminal while NPA would ensure adherence to occupational, health and safety as  panacea to efficient port services in line with international best practices.

    She urged Nigerians to come forward and avail themselves of the emerging opportunities in the agricultural export market to boost for foreign exchange earnings and to strategically position the country on the global business community

    Exporters at the forum said they were happy that a major infrastructure at the Ikorodu which has been idle for decades came alive again with productive economic initiative of the current managing director of NPA.

    One of the exporters, Mr Ken Adeyanju said, the  rejection of Nigerian commodity and produce at the international market would soon be a thing of the past with the current efforts of the Federal Government through the NPA.

  • Tension as six members distance selves from Reps’ call for IGP’s removal

    Tension as six members distance selves from Reps’ call for IGP’s removal

    The unity in the House of Representatives suffered a setback yesterday as six  members distanced themselves from the resolution of the House calling for the removal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris from office.

    The House had earlier yesterday adopted a motion of urgent national importance where they opined that the IGP, due to his utterances, actions and inactions can no longer be trusted to conduct his job in an apolitical manner, and thereby putting the lives of Nigerians in jeopardy.

    However, Johnson Agbonayinma (APC, Edo), Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya (APC, Kano), Muhammad Sani Abdul (APC, Bauchi), Ayuba Bello (APC, Borno), Abubakar Chika Adamu (APC, Niger) and Basir Babale (APC, Kano) promptly disagreed with their colleagues, saying that the decision of the House did not follow due process. 

    The lawmakers promised to move for the the rescission of the resolution, adding that most members played to the gallery at the resolution thereby denying the IGP a fair hearing.

    Read Also: IGP orders arrest of IBB’s media aide

    At a press briefing, the six lawmakers said their position against the resolution of the House to sack the IGP will be presented to the House in form of a motion.

    Agbonayinma, who spoke on behalf of the others said, “The motion on Kano did not go down well with some of us. The Speaker has always guided the House and tried his best, but all of us played to the galary. We should be fair to all.

    “On the issue that IGP should be replaced, I  think we were too in a rush, the motion should have been refered to a Committee.

    “Every Nigerian has a right to fair hearing. The issue should have been investigated. Not only me but some of our colleagues were not too happy with the resolution. 

    “Some of us are going forward to rescind the decision. We were not fair to the IGP”.

    For emphasis, Agbonayinma said the group will not waste a moment to sponsor a motion to rescind the decision, “This is because a decision on a critical actor in enforcement of our laws without thorough investigation would be uncomplimentary to the position of this hallowed chamber, known for fairness, equity and good purpose”, he added.

    According to the lawmaker,  the title of the motion will be “The House rescind the resolution from the motion on the need to curb thuggery in political activities in Kano and Nigeria in general and refer to the relevant communities for proper investigations and report back to the House within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.”

     

  • APC to deal with all those perpetrating illegalities in Cross Rivers

    APC to deal with all those perpetrating illegalities in Cross Rivers

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has warned that all those perpetrating acts of illegality and gross indiscipline within the party will henceforth be investigated and prosecuted in line with the party constitution.

    The party said it has voided the sack of the party Chairman in Cross River state, Sir James Ochalla, warning against any attempt to cause disunity within the rank and file of the party.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja that James Ochalla remain the party chairman in Cross Rivers state and asked members of the party in the state to remain calm and be law abiding.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to recent developments in the All Progressives Congress, Cross River state chapter. For the avoidance of doubt, please be guide as follow

    Read Also: APC Chieftain, others attacked by thugs in Ebonyi

    “That the state executive of our chapter in Cross River state led by Sir John Ochalla is the duely recognized executive of the state. That we condemn in totality, the activities of Friday 2nd to 6th February, 2918 in which some party members allegedly broke in, vandalized, occupied the state secretariat and allegedly claim that there is a change in leadership of the state executive committee.

    “All perpetrators of this illegality and acts of gross indiscipline causing undue disaffection amongst party faithful shall be investigated and prosecuted in line with the constitution of our great party.

    “It is imperative to state that our great party has laid down procedures of resolving any internal dispute. We appeal to all our teeming members to be calm, law abiding and loyal to the sir John Ochalla led state executive committee as the party is poised to resolving all contending issues in Cross River chapter”.

     

     

  • Six authors win $200,000 NLNG prize for science, literature

    Six authors win $200,000 NLNG prize for science, literature

    The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas ( NLNG ) on Wednesday presented 200, 000 dollars prize to six winners of its “Nigeria Prize for Science and Literature ’’.

    Ikeogu Oke emerged the winner of the Prize for Literature and received a cash prize of 100,000 dollars for his poetry ‘The Heresaid’.

    For the Nigeria Prize for Science, three works jointly won the award for the competition which has as its theme :“Innovation for Malaria Control”.

    The 100,000 dollars prize would be shared by the five authors – Dr Chukwuma Agubata, Prof. Olugbenga Mokuola, Dr Bidemi Yusuf, Dr Ikeoluwapo Ajayi and Prof. Ayodele Jegede.

    Speaking at the public presentation of the winners in Lagos, Mr Sadeeq Mai-Bornu, NLNG Deputy Managing Director, said that the prizes were aimed at bringing Nigerian scientists and authors to public attention.

    “The Nigeria Prize for Science, the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism sponsored by NLNG, is to celebrate excellence in scientific breakthroughs and literary accomplishments in our country.

    “At NLNG, we believe that the NLNG Science Prize will provide leaders with answers to crucial issues in development, improve the standard of living and re-energise the scientific community to seek solutions to national problems.

    “With the Nigeria Prize for Literature and Prize for Literary criticism, it is expected that the quest for a prestigious prize will improve the quality of writing, editing and proof-reading.

    “It will also have positive outcome on publishing with far-reaching positive effect on print and broadcast journalism,’’ he said.

    Read Also:  NLNG  awards $100,000 to three winners of 2017 Science Prize

    In his remarks, Prof. Ayo Banjo, Chairman, NLNG Literature Prize Advisory Board, said that Oke emerged the winner for 2017 after diligent consideration and critical, objective application of the guidelines and criteria by the judges.

    “Oke’s poetry, `The Heresaid’ was outstanding and the decision for its winning was based on its apt topicality, relevance, artistic heft and the pursuit of artistic provenance.’’

    According to Banjo,  in a world increasingly threatened by encroaching totalitarianism and even bare-faced tirany and intolerance, the wit, wisdom and message of the poetry `The Heresaid’, are infinitely crucial.

    “It is our hope and goal that the kind of vibrancy found in the collections of poetry submitted is enough vital evidence that NLNG is making unprecedented difference in the intellectual development of Nigeria.

    “The Heresaid, published by Kraft Books, employs the epic form in questioning power and freedom,’’ Banjo said.
    Also speaking at the presentation, Prof. Akpoveta Susu, Chairman, NLNG Science Prize Advisory Board, said the winners were selected after diligent consideration and critical application of guidelines and criteria.

    Susu, who was represented by Prof. Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, said that due to the very high standards set, none of the entries on their own could be adjudged the winner.

    “The judges acknowledged that some entries which were believed to have significant contributions to the effective control of malaria could become better with more work in consonance with the progressive nature of science.

    “Therefore, to encourage researchers, three entries were recommended as the winners for the 2017 Nigeria prize for science.

    “The works include “Improving Home and Community Management of Malaria: Providing the Evidence Base’’ by Ikeoluwapo Ajayi, Ayodele Jegede and Bidemi Yusuf.

    “The “Multifaceted Efforts at Malaria Control in Research: Management of Malaria of Various Grades and Mapping Artemisinin Resistance’’ by Olugbenga Mokuolu also came through.

    “Another entry, “Novel Lipid Microparticles for Effective Delivery of Artemether Antimalarial Drug Using a Locally-Sourced lrvingia Fat From Nuts of lrvingia gabonensis var excels (Ogbono) by Chukwuma Agubata, also won the prize,’’ Nnaji said.

    Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, represented by Elizabeth Ibezim, said that the current socio-economic challenges in the country required scientific researches to solve.

    Onu commended the NLNG for promoting excellence in scientific breakthroughs as this would encourage scientists in the country.

    “Nigerian scientists have continued to demonstrate that they can defend their space and provide lasting solutions to national problems.

    “The ministry will continue to support and provide the enabling environment for organisations such as NLNG to complement government’s efforts toward promoting scientific researches in the country,’’ he said.

  • Christ Fire World Evangelism Ministries holds international prophetic night

    The Christ Fire World Evangelism Ministries, aka City of God, will hold its yearly international prophetic night on Friday, February 9, 2018 at the Church Auditorium located at 3/5, Christ Fire Street, behind Asela Bus Stop, Igbe, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    According to a statement issued by the General Overseer of the Church, Prophet Dr. Israel Owonibi, the prophetic night programme brings to an end the forty days prayer and fasting undertaken by the church to herald year 2018. Prophet Owonibi assured that 2018 will be a better year for the country because “the lost glory of the nation will be restored in manifolds as the glory and favour of the Lord is already shining forth in the spiritual realm”.

    He urged both members and non-members alike to avail themselves of the opportunity presented by the international prophetic night as the sick will be healed, the lame will walk and other diverse kinds of miracle will be wrought by the power of the Holy Spirit.

  • Knocks, Kudos for Corps member who turns trouser to skirt

    Knocks, Kudos for Corps member who turns trouser to skirt

    In connection with the controversial picture  on social media on Tuesday of a Youth corps member, who turned her trouser to skirt, Nigerians have been quick to reacting.

    while some thinks her action was right, others feel she should be punished for it.

    Some of the reactions are:

    Adesimbo Oluwasusi, backing up his point with a picture of Sweden Police in skirt, he said:

    “If female officers can wear skirts, why can’t “youth corper” wear one. The important thing is that modified attire does not interfere with her responsibilities and she is comfortable. We worry too much about other people’ headache o! Na wa!”

    Lawan Ajimi

    “See hypocrisy of Nigerian just imagine recently a one Muslim girl deny her to call to bar just because she wear hijab ? but when this girl change her trouser to skirt they started compare her with Sweden police skirt”

    Yinka Afe

    “NYSC should by now develop strict (printed) rules, give to 400Levels across institutions, if you concur, you sign before collecting a call up. After this process, if you get there to alter the rules and regulations, you’re fired. The same goes for the Law School. It’s indiscipline to alter the rules you’ve agreed to uphold”

    Benny Odhomi 

    “She should be decamped as she has violated the dress code! Every religion forbids disobedience of constituted authorities.”

    Israel I-sax Adeyanju

     “NYSC uniform is a paramilitary uniform and not religious uniform. We really need to stop these religious hypocrisy. The problem with us in this country is that we lack discipline. We don’t respect the authority. We always want to justify irregularities.  This is a great sign of failure on the part of our religious leaders.”

    Efe Obibi

    ” She should be given a robust exemption certificate if she can’t comply to the set down practice of the board.”

    Ogboji Ikwuta 

    “funny though but its her choice… I think d main reason why it all comes in trouser is bcus it makes you look smart and active at all times.”

    Orlarwoying Newton D’or

    “It’s a stupid choice.. She’s gonna engage with another of work out in the camp and skirt won’t be appropriate..”

    Abimbola Omolara Asegbeloyin

    “You can’t choose what to wear on camp ground, there is a uniform that everyone must comply with. She just want to be disobedient”

    Idara Udo-inyang 

    “So putting on a skirt makes her more of a Christian than every other person huh?…. I feel disgusted when people try to mix religion and law. You’re meant to put on a trouser for the rigorous exercises you’d undergo. You can still cover all parts of your body, from your head to your toe and still go to hell!!!!!”

    Engr Suleiman Mora Zakariya 

    “Nothing wrong about it. After all the most discipline organization (armed forces) that train them also have skirt as part of their dressing regulations. So bravo to her.”

    Igwilo Noble Ngozi

    “Is her choice to make but i do belive d NYSC board has got some do’s and dont moreover d trouser of a thing is due to the numerous activities which involves stretching d legs like jogging climbing and lots more. Nw she has turned it to skirit dats simply exempting herself from most activities in d camp.”

    Read Also: NYSC chief warns against parties, trips

    Olayinka Gbenga

    “she is supposed to be sent out of the camp for this. it’s disobedience to constituted authority. Is a skirt part of the NYSC uniform?”

    Olushola Ogunmodede 

    “It’s a sin for you, if u don’t obey the law that guide an organization. Help me to tell her that she is a siner.”

    Mpi Kenneth Chinaka 

    “Nigerians and the spirit of destruction,they will soon destroy the beauty and respect of this program.”

    Mcox Otobo 

    “All Corps member are addressed as gentlemen Corps member. She should be decamped instantly.”

    Hussaini M Labbo 

    “What wrong with this outfit. ? Do what is right and leave what’s legal .“

     

     

    What do you think?