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  • OPS decries effects of bad Apapa roads on businesses

    OPS decries effects of bad Apapa roads on businesses

    The Organised Private Sector ( OPS )  has urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the problem of bad access roads to Apapa ports in Lagos which is affecting the cost of businesses.

    The OPS spoke on Wednesday at a conference in Lagos on the Petroleum Industry Bill and the impact of bad roads in Apapa on businesses.

    The OPS comprises Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association ( NECA ), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN ) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ( NACCIMA ).

    The others are the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises ( NASME ) and the National Association of Small Scale Industries ( NASSI ).

    Mr Segun Oshinowo, Director-General of NECA, said many companies would close shop if Apapa roads remained bad.

    “The OPS is concerned about access roads to the Apapa ports. It is affecting overhead costs of businesses of  our members.

    “Preventable accidents as a result of the bad roads lead to huge loss of revenues; loss of jobs and closure of businesses. This will further worsen trade facilitation,’’ Oshinowo said.

    He advised the government to create alternative roads, put measures in place to free traffic and proffer lasting solutions to gridlocks in Apapa.

    On the Petroleum Industry Bill, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, Director-General of MAN, advocated creation of two regulatory bodies for the petroleum industry as against one body recommended in the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill ( PIGB ) before the National Assembly.

    Ajayi-Kadiri said that there was the need to avoid “costly mistakes’’ that could work against reforming the sector.

    Read also: Fed Govt to shut depots over Apapa gridlock

    According to him, one of such mistakes is a provision in the PIGB for a single regulator for the industry.

    He said that two regulatory bodies – one for the upstream and another for the downstream – would serve the sector better.

    “A cursory look at some of the provisions of the PIGB revealed the likely emergence of the Petroleum Regulatory Commission (PRC) – an omnibus commission that will be empowered to regulate the entire petroleum sector.

    “We do not share the view of the Assembly on creation of a regulator for a sector that is not homogenous in its activities and deliverables.

    “The idea of a single regulator for the whole sector runs contrary to industry standards which by default already provides for an upstream and downstream regulator, ‘’ Ajayi-Kadiri said.

    The director-general of MAN said that the responsibilities of the proposed commission was too wide as it cut across various value chains in a key sector of the economy.

    He commended the National Assembly for taking steps to reform the petroleum industry through the PIGB, and called for accelerated actions.

    NAN

  • Coca-Cola advises Nigerians to reduce sugar intake

    Coca-Cola advises Nigerians to reduce sugar intake

    The Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd. has advised Nigerians to choose a healthy lifestyle by reducing their sugar intake and eat more fruits.

    Mr Gbolahan Sanni, the company Marketing Manager, Stills and Flavours, gave the advice at the launching of three new variants of Five Alive juice in Lagos on Tuesday.

    The new variants are Tropical, Apple and Family size of pulpy orange in Lagos.

    Sanni said that taking more of fruits daily, either by eating or drinking, makes one healthy.

    According to him, this made our company to introduce more natural content drinks into the market.

    “The new variants contain natural and local fruits such as pineapple, apple, mango, passion fruit and orange.

    “There is no limit to the number of bottles that can be consumed by an individual because it contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to health.

    Read also: Coca-Cola to launch ‘safe birth initiative’

    “It is made from natural fruits, vitamin and minerals unlike carbonated drinks which were made from chemical compounds and sugar.

    “It does not contain artificial flavours, colours and preservatives,” Sanni said.

    He said the company had realised that consumers’ taste were changing which made them to introduce new products.

    “I can assure you that we will continue to innovate, introduce and produce new variants of natural fruits drink tirelessly.

    “Five Alive drinks is a product of Coca-Cola Company and the most sought after drinks because of its uniqueness and quality.

    “People should always take breakfast with five alive because it is fresh and contains natural products,” Sanni said.

    NAN

  • CBN tasks investors on job, wealth creation

    CBN tasks investors on job, wealth creation

    The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has urged the private sector to support the Federal Government’s efforts at increating jobs and stimulating growth of the Nigerian economy.

    The CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said that Emefiele made the call at the Blueband Factory launch organised by the Unilever in Agbara, Ogun.

    Emefiele also pledged the CBN’s continued support for companies committed to the objective of job-creation.

    He said that there were many Nigerian youths whose potential could be harnessed to strengthen the industrial base of the country.

    The CBN governor recalled the practice in time past when companies tested and offered jobs to the brightest among fresh graduates of different disciplines before they proceeded for their national youth service.

    He said that a vast number of Nigerian youths was hardworking and willing to contribute their quota to the development of the country.

    The CBN governor also commended the management of Unilever Nigeria Plc for heeding the bank’s call to return to Nigeria and build a world class plant after the foreign exchange restrictions on some 41 items, including margarine.

    Emefiele said the policies of the apex bank and its aggressive intervention in the inter-bank foreign exchange market management had ensured transparency in the foreign exchange market.

    Read also: CBN, Dickson, others laud Mosilo Bayelsa Rice Outgrowers Scheme

    With a population estimated at about 180 million people, the CBN governor said Nigeria was a ready market for investors and was indeed ready and open for business.

    He, therefore, reiterated his call to investors to take advantage of the opportunities in Nigeria by bringing more investments  into the country.

    Emefiele, however, cautioned that Nigeria, with the population growing at an average of three per cent per annum, had to focus on growth and prosperity if it would transform its population into assets.

    “We must plan to feed our growing population so it does not become a disadvantage,” he said.

    Earlier, the Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Mr Yaw Nsarkoh, lauded the CBN for supporting the company to achieve its goal of setting up the plant in Nigeria and boosting capacity in Africa.

    While urging investors to disregard negative stories about Nigeria, Nsarkoh noted that businesses must be part of the solution to thriving communities.

    According to Okorafor, the high point of the event was an inspection of the new Blueband factory by the CBN governor and other guests.

    NAN

  • Government belongs to us all – Hon. Rasak Ajala

    Government belongs to us all – Hon. Rasak Ajala

    Accountability is the true litmus and indication of any progressive government saddled with the overwhelming responsibility and sacred obligations to delivering the dividends of democracy to its people.

    On Monday, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala gave a lucid account of his four months helmsmanship of the LCDA.

    According to him, “the business of governance is indeed challenging, especially in this period when the country is coming out of recession, hence, the abundance of limitless demands from our constituents has been very daunting.

    “Despite this, I make bold to state, with all sense of humility that we have a robust testimonial of activities driven by the demands and needs of our people with empirical evidence dotting the nooks and crannies of our LCDA.”

    Hon. Rasak wasted no time in enlightening the people of the community about his administration’s strides in Health, Works and infrastructure, Education, Sanitation, etc.

    “We left no stone unturned in the health sector as we engaged in massive sensitization and advocacy, especially during the outbreak of the dreadful diseases such as Lassa Fever, Monkey pox etc.

    “We also introduced a community based health insurance scheme in partnership with the state government.

    “We partnered several well-meaning organisations to bring some health benefits like immunization, eye screening, ante-natal delivery, post-natal, free medical treatments, free blood pressure check and the treatment of hypertension amongst others to our people.

    “In infrastructural development, we completed four major drainage projects in Ago-Owu, Alhaji-Otta, Anuoluwapo and Opeloyeru streets, covering a total distance of 727 meters.

    “Also, we focused heavily on roads. We re-constructed three major roads in the LCDA, namely, Araba, Ogunji and Ibukunolu streets; we covered a total of 3,269 square meters. Rehabilitation of three roads namely: Abiodun, Kumuyi and Fafolu streets; we covered a total of 1,901 square meters.

    “Also, we have commissioned 135 boreholes in the community, with high powered generators to power the constant supply of water.

    “These are a few of our efforts in infrastructure in tandem with our promises to our people,” he said.

    In waste and sanitation, he said that his administration had invested heavily on regular mopping up of refuse around the LCDA, sensitization programmes, desilting of drains, purchase of sanitary equipment etc.

    Concerning Education, the Chairman stressed that there is an urgent need to get objective and up-to-date data on the number of schools, pupils and students, and teachers; this will in turn help the decision making process in meeting the academic and structural needs of the schools in the LCDA.

    To this end, the Chairman has set up a committee whose organic function is to come up with developmental proposals and plans to meet the academic, structural and training needs of schools based on data obtained by the committee.

    He further said, “part of the projects and programmes to be delivered before the end of the year are: health week, workers forum, Christian fellowship programme, Jumat service, commissioning of roads and drainages, donation of food items to widows, aged and indigents people, launching of feedback and public complaint boxes to all wards etc.

    “Government belongs to all. Citizens should play their complementary roles in terms of meeting civic duties and responsibilities like the payment of taxes, rates, levies etc.”

  • 2019: APC to win in Cross River – spokesman

    2019: APC to win in Cross River – spokesman

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Cross River has expressed confidence in its ability to win the 2019 general elections including the governorship election in the state.

    Mr Mens Ikpeme, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, expressed the confidence in an interview in Lagos.

    Ikpeme said he was optimistic of the APC success because of the unimpressive performance of the government of Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) in the state.

    “APC in 2019 will run an issue-based campaign and focus on three core areas namely, the fight against corruption, stabilising the economy and the restoration of peace and security in Cross River State,’’ he said.

    The secretary said the party would ensure that its candidates in the 2019 elections were of impeccable character and could deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

    He said the party would also ensure internal democracy and conduct free and fair primaries.

    Read also: ‘INEC is working to achieve credible election in Cross River’

    “APC is the party to beat in Cross River State in the 2019 general elections. We are determined to provide democratic dividends to our people.

    “APC has been sensitising the people of what is happening and the people can see for themselves that we have a government that does not serve their interest.
    “Calabar used to be a beautiful place, but the streets are now being taken over by wastes.

    “We are determined to move the state from its present political squalor to greatness,’’ Ikpeme said.

    He said the APC-led Federal Government was fixing the country’s economy, infrastructure and rebuilding its image at the international level.

    “When we took over in 2015 at the federal level, we promised Nigerians that we will fix the economy, ensure security of lives and property and fight corruption no matter who is involved, and this is what we are doing,” he said.

    NAN

  • Rivers APC Chairman calls for unity ahead of 2019 elections

    Rivers APC Chairman calls for unity ahead of 2019 elections

    Mr Davies Ikanya, Chairman, Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged members to unite and strengthen the party’s political base ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Ikanya made the appeal when he led a delegation of the party’s state executives in continuation of their sensitisation tour to NGO town in Andoni Local Government Area on Monday.

    Report said the sensitisation visit was in continuation of their tour of the local governments to mobilise the people for 2019 elections.

    They have so far visited 15 of the 23 local government areas.

    “Our coming to NGO town is part of efforts across the 23 local government areas of the state with a view to re-educate our members on the party’s operational guidelines,’’ he said.

    According to him, it is necessary to check the activities of members, especially those who have either consciously or unconsciously engaged in some activities organised by a factional arm of the party in the area.

    Report also said a factional local government executive of the party was earlier formed and led by Mr Mike Amakri, a member of the party in the area.

    The factional group had petitioned against the state Party Chairman, Ikanya, who also hails from the area demanding for his sack.

    Although their demand was not acknowledged, the party chairman said the act was insubordination to the party.

    He said such action was punishable by the law of the party and he therefore, announced the suspension of members of the factional executives.

    Ikanya also inaugurated a caretaker party executives to be led by Mr Jephter Alaka.

    Read also: APC,  others set to boycott Ekiti council poll

    Attributing the activities of the factional group to greed and impatience, he warned members against acts capable of disintegrating the party.

    Ikanya assured the members that the APC in the state was intact and could not be divided by any selfish group because members were all working toward the same goal to deliver victory to the party.

    “APC is like a big house and in every big house people struggle to get something, especially when the thing in question is good but limited to a few persons.

    “Everybody cannot lead at the same time, we should learn to support our leaders with positive inputs that will move our great party forward,’’ he said.

    Ikanya also urged the members to adopt available mechanisms for dispute resolution rather than sponsor unguarded statements in the media as such was not in the interest of the party.

    In the same vein, the state Secretary of the party, Mr Emeka Bekee, applauded the rapid growth of the party in the area and welcomed over 400 new members who defected from other parties to APC.

    He said that the gesture was an indication of victory at the 2019 general elections and urged the members to remain committed to the party.

    The secretary also urged them to take advantage of the ongoing party registration exercise to register new members as well as revalidate their existing information.

    Alaka, the Acting Chairman of the party in the local government, thanked the state executive for handling the issue of factional party activities in the area.

    He promised to strictly follow the party’s guidelines and to ensure that members obtained their voters registration cards from the INEC designated centers.

    NAN

  • Supreme Court rules on Dasuki’s detention March 2

    Supreme Court rules on Dasuki’s detention March 2

    The Supreme Court on Monday fixed March 2 for judgment on an appeal by former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, challenging his alleged indefinite detention.

    The panel of five Justices, led by Dattijo Mohammed, gave the date after counsels to the parties in the case adopted their addresses.

    The ex-NSA had on June 15, 2016 at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, lost his bid to enforce his freedom after securing bails on all the charges against him.

    It is recalled that Dasuki is standing trial for allegedly mismanaging 2.1 billion dollars meant for purchase of arms to fight the Boko Haram insurgents.

    Dasuki’s counsel, Mr Joe Daudu, argued that the decision of the Court of Appeal was erroneous, adding that it was incumbent on the Supreme Court to restore the integrity of all courts.

    Daudu submitted that it was out of place for the court of appeal to scuttle the fundamental rights of a citizen after well-considered decisions of four courts that admitted the applicant to bail.

    He said that his client needed the bail to prepare his defence, adding that he could not have access to security documents while in detention.

    “My Lords, Dasuki is already being treated as a convict, even when none of the charges brought against him has been concluded.

    “We sincerely pray this esteemed court to do the needful by setting aside the decision of the lower court.

    “We also pray the court to momentarily halt the applicant’s trial until the Federal Government obeys the bail order of court,’’ Daudu said.

    Mr Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to EFCC, opposed the appeal, saying that it lacked merit and should be dismissed.

    He said the bail condition granted Dasuki was perfected on December 29, 2015, adding that a warrant of release to that effect was served on the Comptroller of Prisons in Kuje, upon which he was released.

    Jacobs said the Federal Government had not violated his rights, adding that the applicant was only re-arrested by the operatives of the DSS over other fraud allegations.

    He said that it was unfair for the applicant to consider his re-arrest as a disobedience to court’s order on his bail.

    He said that no court bail was targeted at the DSS when granted.

    Read also: Dasuki: Court declines request for arrest warrant against DSS’ DG

    “The EFCC which put Dasuki on trial on criminal charges at the FCT High Court cannot be held responsible for the action of the DSS on the ground that the two agencies are different entities.

    “Besides, My Lords, the appeal court has said there was no existing order against the re-arrest of Dasuki.

    “Suffice to say that there cannot be a disobedience to a non-existing court order.

    “We pray the apex court to affirm the decision of the lower court which ordered the continuation of the applicant’s trial even while he remains in detention,’’ he said.

    Dasuki had approached Supreme Court praying it to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal which exonerated EFCC from his re-arrest shortly after he perfected his bail conditions.

    He further asked the court to void the ruling of the Federal High Court.

    The trial court had held that DSS and EFCC were distinct agents of the Federal Government, which is the complainant in the charges against the applicant.

    Dasuki had alleged that such pronouncement had given the two agents of government handling the trial to act at variance and against justice.

    NAN

  • Navy urges DSS to hunt sea pirate network in Rivers

    Navy urges DSS to hunt sea pirate network in Rivers

    The Nigerian Navy has called on the Department of State Security ( DSS ) to go after the sponsors of notorious sea pirate network believed to be terrorising costal waterways in Rivers and environs.

    Capt. Victor Choji, the Executive Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship ( NNS ) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt made the call when he handed over five suspected sea pirates to DSS operatives on Wednesday.

    He said aside piracy, the suspects allegedly carried out several kidnappings and robbed vessels as well as innocent commuters and their valuables in the maritime domain of Rivers.

    “The suspects were arrested at various times between October 31, and November 12, following credible intelligence on their involvement in armed robbery at sea, kidnapping and piracy.

    “The suspects have availed us with sufficient information to the extent of their illegal activities within the maritime space of Rivers state.

    “So, we are handing them over to the DSS, so that they can unravel the extent of this network and to also uncover their collaborators and sponsors.

    “We believe that if this is done, then we can nip it (crime) in the bud once and for all, thus bringing peace within the maritime space of Rivers state,” he said.

    Read also: Navy to launch 20 new patrol boats in Delta-Ag.Director

    Choji said the navy had observed that whenever troops destroy illegal refineries and bunkering sites, perpetrators often times mutate to piracy, kidnapping and sea robbery.

    He said the trend was particularly worrisome to the navy but assured that strategic measures had been put in place to tackle the ugly development.

    According to him, the navy has succeeded in reducing illegal bunkering and oil theft to its barest minimum, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.

    “But, what we are seeing now is actually a mutation of this other crimes to kidnapping and piracy and the likes.

    “However, we have re-strategised, and as such confident that within the shortest times that these crimes at sea would be brought to the barest minimum as well.

    “This will ensure that we have safety and security within the maritime environment for lawful activities to take place,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Police nab armed robber, recover ammunition

    Police nab armed robber, recover ammunition

    The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested an armed robber identified as Agbo Ikechukwu, alias Sugar, in Enugu metropolis.

    Police operatives recovered a locally made pistol with three rounds of live cartridges from him.

    The Command’s Spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement on Wednesday that the feat was achieved on December 3 by operatives of Trans Ekulu Division using a well-coordinated intelligence information.

    Amaraizu said the operatives conducted a raid in some suspected spots where they nabbed Ikechukwu, who claimed he hail from Mgbo in Ebonyi but residing at Ogbanokwute Trans Ekulu, in company of his cohorts now at large.

    “Ikechukwu and his cohorts allegedly robbed their victim of some money and other valuables on November 24 and thereafter, escaped,’’ he said.

    He said the suspect had been helping operatives in their investigation into his alleged nefarious activities.

    In a related development, two suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism and stealing of cast pipes at Iva-Head works water scheme had been nabbed by the operatives of the Central Police Station.

    Read also: Police in Katsina arrest 3 undergraduates over murder

    Amaraizu said the two suspects, who were rounded up through intelligence information, gave their names as Sunday Nweke and Chibuike Nwosulor.

    “Police operatives have intensified their crime preventive and control in-line with the directives issued to Divisional Police Officers ( DPOs ) and Formation Commanders by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Danmallam, for a safe and secure environment in the state,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Army kills Three insurgents in Borno

    Army kills Three insurgents in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said its troops had killed three Boko Haram insurgents in Sabsawa axis of Sambisa forest area of Operation.

    Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, the Director, Army Public Relations, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    Kukasheka said that the troops killed the insurgents in an ambush on Monday at Sabsawa while trying to cross into Tangos area.

    Read also:Army rescues 212 captives, capture one Boko Haram commander

    He further disclosed that the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the insurgents.

    “Troops of 202 Battalion, Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE at the early hours of Monday Dec.4, sprang an ambush on unsuspecting Boko Haram terrorists along Sabsawa axis.

    “During the encounter, the troops neutralised 3 Boko Haram terrorists trying to cross between Tangos.

    ‘’In addition, the troops recovered AK-47 rifles and Improvised Explosives making devices from the terrorists,“he said.

    NAN