The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Reward

  • Reward for givers

    Reward for givers

    Sponsor A Child, a Nigerian charity organisation for children, gave awards to some of its own last Friday at Terra Kulture. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    Last Friday, guests dressed in classic and beautiful outfits gathered at terra Kulture on Victoria Island, Lagos State for an award ceremony.

    The hall was decorated with white, blue and red fabric. Chairs were set around tables.

    It was a gathering where ‘Good Home’, a quality service advocacy scheme; a project under Sponsor A Child Organisation recognised some child friendly institutions in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states for their improved child welfare services.

    Sponsor a Child is a charity group for children.

    Among those recognised were the University of Lagos Social Work students; SOS children’s Village Isolo, Lagos State; Compassionate Orphanage Lagos State, Heritage Homes Lagos State; Nigerian Red Cross Society Lagos  State; Children ps Homes Idi Araba Lagos State; Motherless Babies Homes Lekki Lagos State and Samuel Francis Private School Lagos State, among others.

    Temitope Denton was the Master of the Ceremony.

    A documentary on ‘Good home’ was shown for about 20 minutes to guests payed attention.

    A Child Rights Lawyer, Mrs Folashade Adetiba spoke on: “Protection of the  rights/welfare of the child and the family court”.

    She congratulated the coordinator of the programme, describing the initiative as fantastic.

    She said the child right law defines a new child protective system and allows opportunity for the particitipation of children in matters that concern their rights and welfare.

    “The law covers every subject that involves the welfare of a child, including adoption, fostering, taking into protective custody and creation of special units within the police force to take care of welfare of children among others.

    She said a  child has unfettered opportunity to approach  the family court to enforce his rights under the Child Rigths Law adnf the court is empowered to appoint a legal practitioner to represent the best interest of the child where it deems it fit to do so.

    Presentation of awards and certificate followed.

    Secretary, Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Dr Gabriel Oyediji lamented that lack of grants is a major challenge to Orphanage Homes. He therefore called on the government to look into this so that Homes would not close down in the nearest future.

    Coordinator, Spomsor a Child, Olatoun Williams, said the institutions were awarded and recognised for their compliance to guidelines and also the quality of their care services as verified by our evaluators.

    “Sponsor a Child is a child right based institution that support institutions, through training. We teach them what to do to improve their services, develop libraries, playground and donate sanitation facilities to them among others.”

    She said Good Home scheme is about reaching the institutions on how to implement their right, measuring the quality of their services,writing reports and also know how to formulate recommendations.

    “We also encourage institutions to reward their staff when they do well because it motivates them and that is why we are having this award ceremony to motivate institutions doing well and to motivate the others so that they can get recognition for performance reward,” she said.

     

  • Loyalty reward as bait for online shopping

    Loyalty reward as bait for online shopping

    Like other conventional wholesalers and retailers trading in fast moving consumer goods and allied products, online store merchants in their quest to grow their businesses have also come up with ingenious ways of attracting customers, reports TONIA ‘DIYAN

    Altough online shopping is still relatively new and remains an emerging market in the country, most owners of online shopping portals across the country are not leaving anything to chance to grow their customer base. Like their counterparts in real time sales, online store merchants know too well that the strategy to retain customers, get prospective ones, gives birth to improved sales. Thus, these online merchants say they are not left out of this, as they have also spread their tentacles to consistently indulge in the act of purchase-driven loyalty promotions knowing the benefits involved in the act.

    The former chief executive officer of Broll, Mrs. Gbadebo Erejuwa once said savvy retailers are defining innovative ways to achieve the benefits most important to their customers and online merchants are not an exception too. One of the now trending ways is the loyalty reward system. This involves giving back to the customer rewards for patronage.

    According to Erejuwa, online stores seem to have also caught the “customer loyalty reward” bug and thus, have imbibed the trend and have kept it going. “They are aware that if they reward their customers they will want to visit again and again,” she said.

    Stakeholders in the online business are of the opinion that while the concept of loyalty is not new in marketing, it has also led to a significant surge in retailers investing in ‘loyalty programmes’ that give them valuable insight into how to better meet their customers’ needs.

    Since online shopping gained a foothold in this part of the world almost three years ago, it has continued to thrive at a phenomenal rate, bringing with it relative ease or convenience of transacting business without leaving the comfort of one’s home. And like the shopping malls, online stores now appreciate their customers in diverse other ways apart from the usual discount offers, price slash and other seasonal offers given to shoppers who buy from their website.

    Now, the online stores are confident that they have outgrown their teething problems and have proven themselves worthy, thereby brightening their prospect for further. For these operators, the number of people who now patronise them across the country and beyond is continually on the increase as they enjoy convenience, transparency in service delivery, availability and affordability of their choice items, among other benefits apart from the reward programme.

    At the early stage of its entry into the Nigerian marketing space, online store, now considered a novel concept reshaping the way shopping and marketing is done, was a pariah; it was not a first or second option for prospective shoppers. However, with growing awareness in technology and more exposure to western markets, the tide has changed. Therefore, the once despised mode of shopping is now the beautiful bride being embraced by techno-savvy shoppers.

    The reasons for this change are numerous: one of which is the ease of buying and paying that it offers. From the comfort of one’s home, purchase, payment and delivery are made. This and many other reasons have made online stores warm their ways into the hearts of the Nigerian shopper.

    Aware that loyalty programme is one of the many ways of boosting sales, Tomiwa Oladele, Head of Public Relations and Marketing, Kaymu.com.ng said that her online store has packaged more exciting campaigns, promotions, and giveaways for its customers as a means of expressing their appreciation for customers’ patronage. “We are aware that our customer is King and as a result customer service efforts at Kaymu.com are optimised to ensure they are satisfied with our services and those of our sellers whom we connect them with, being the number one online market place in the country, we bring buyers and sellers together under one roof,” she said. Oladele added that as a brand, her firm extends the customer experience beyond customer service to reward systems that ensure their customers feel appreciated.

    In similar vein, customer reward is nothing new to jumia.com. This is because for almost three years of this foremost online store’s existence, it has continued to provide various initiatives that have been carefully tailored to reward its customers.

    Afam Anyika, Head, Offline Marketing, Jumia.com.ng explained that her store’s reward programme is an indication of the priceless value placed on its customers, whom she explained, they have always been committed to, to consistently provide them with convenient, professional service, and an excellent shopping experience. She said that the essence of the reward programmes from jumia is to ultimately provide customers with a delightful shopping experience that is hinged on great deals and best prices or incredible discounts on quality products.

    “For instance, in December 2014, we launched our Customer Appreciation day. This will now be an annual event where we thank our customers, and celebrate a great year together and a time when we not only continue to build e-commerce in Nigeria, but also a day we provide them with exclusive massive discounts off on selected premium products across all categories on the Jumia store,” Anyika said. He gave other examples of such initiatives to include “Black Friday” sales, ‘Awoof Vouchers’ pre-sale’- where customers bought vouchers up to N 20,000 with its value doubled for purchases on the Jumia Black Friday store. “More recently, we also initiated a partnership with First Bank of Nigeria, where customers can now buy any item of their choice and pay later, this is just one of many of such initiatives we plan to unfold in 2015,” she said.

    Certainly, better deals await online stores’ customers with different loyalty schemes, even as the trading platform gets more acceptance and thus, fuelling more competition.

  • FCMB begins promo to reward customers

    FCMB begins promo to reward customers

    First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited is set to reward more of its customers as the bank commences another promotion tagged, ‘FCMB Millionaire Promo,’ which will run from February to July 2015. This follows the huge successes recorded in the first and second phases of the FCMB 30th Anniversary Promo held between 2013 and 2014 across the country.

    In a statement, the bank announced that the millionaire promo is targeted at all segments of the society and for existing as well as potential savings account customers. The eligible products/accounts for the promo include FCMB basic savings, kids account, Nairawise, e-savings, premium savings, third party and vibe accounts.

    During the promo, various exciting prizes will be won by qualified customers. While three customers of the Bank will each win the star prize of N5million at the grand finale of the promo scheduled for August, 3 others will each be rewarded with N1million at the regional draws in April, June and August. Other fantastic prizes to be won at the regional draws include 120 LED televisions, 120 generating sets, 1000 decoders, 300 tablets and 600 smart phones.

    On how to participate in the FCMB Millionaire promo, all an existing or new customer of the bank needs to do is to Save N10,000 in any of the eligible savings account of his or her choice for 30 days to qualify for the electronic selection of winners where the star prize of N1million and other fantastic prizes will be won.  Multiple savings of N10,000 will increase chances of winning.

    To qualify for the grand finale draws in August, where three customers will each smile home with N5million, existing and new customers are to save N50, 000 in any of the eligible accounts for 30 days. Multiple savings of N50,000.00 increases winning chances.

    According to the Divisional Head, Retail Banking at FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, ‘’the Millionaire Promo is in response to the excitement recorded among our customers about the success and rewards they received during the first and second phases of our 30th Anniversary promo’’.

    He added that, “our customers are the reason why FCMB exists. And as a Bank committed to continually satisfying their needs, this promo is to further empower them, encourage savings culture, engender the desire to establish small businesses with limited capitals and show appreciation through the fantastic prizes on offer’’. Mr. Akanmu pointed out that, ‘’the chances to win are quite high. We therefore encourage everyone to take advantage of the reward opportunities of this promo”.

  • Reward for hardwork

    Reward for hardwork

    Official activities of the Priority Communications Limited were last Friday halted for a dinner and award at Four Points by Sheraton Hote

    The usual hustling and bustling of staff members of Priority Communications Limited, a data and service providing company, were set aside last Friday for a dinner and award.

    Venue was the Four Points by Sheraton Hotels in Lekki, Lagos.

    Members of staff of the company and their customers had a nice time last Friday.  There was light music to keep the atmosphere alive as guests stormed the hall.

    Registration of guests was done at the right corner before entry.  A red carpet activity took place briefly before the event began. Guests posed for pictures with members of the company’s management and some personnel.

    One of the features that made the occasion unique was the outfit of the guests and the company’s workers. They appeared in black suits with matching tie and pairs of shoes.

    The hall was superbly decorated; chairs and tables were covered with white overlays. Flat screens were strategically placed at every corner of the hall for all to watch the happenings.

    Monkals, a comedian, anchored the event. He enthused guests with various jokes that left everyone laughing.

    Welcoming guests to the event were magnificently dressed women. They directed guests to their tables on entry.

    Shortly after the guests settled down, the Managing Director of the company, Mrs Abimbola Samuel, thanked them for their presence.

    She reminded the gathering that the purpose was to appreciate workers and their customers for their hard work and support over the years.

    A fifteen-minute documentary on the company’s profile was screened to the admiration of all. Each slide of the documentary was full of detailed activities of the company; all applauded as this lasted.

    After the presentation, Mrs Samuel sid her company appreciated hard work and good customer relationship – the essence of the gathering.

    “We simply want to appreciate our customers for the support they have been giving us. Also, we want to recognise our staff, we believe that without our personnel, we cannot serve the clients,” she said.

    The company’s Executive Director, Mr Olumide Samuel, reemphasised the importance of appreciating staff and customers for their hard work and patronage.

    Samuel urged the awardees to see it as an impetus to do more for the growth and development of the company as he promised to continuously reward his staff for their hardwork.

    When it was time for award presentation, which was classified into different categories, there was excitement in the hall. All were enthusiastic to know who will go home with which prize.

    There was joy in the face of members that went home with the plaques.

    The awards were categorised into four groups. The four categories of the awards included the third and fourth quarters awards, out-stations awards, long service awards and Managing Director’s special recognition awards.

    Mr Segun Samuel went home with Long Service award and Mrs Adetutu Adebayo carted away MD’s special recognition award.

    Other members of staff were also rewarded for their hardwork.

    ls, Lekki, Lagos, writes AMIDU ARIJE. 

  • Reward for service, excellence

    Reward for service, excellence

    The 19th edition of the Pearl Awards Nigeria was held on Sunday at the Grand Ball Room of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    The Pearl Awards is  a gathering of business tycoons. This year, they gathered for the 19th edition at the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Guests were in suit and bow tie, evening gown and native attire.

    They beamed with smiles, exchanging pleasantries and posing for photographs on the red carpet before moving into the hall for the event.

    A bevy of pretty, tall and fair women decked in coffee brown net dress, lined in gold, welcomed guests.

    The hall was decorated in gold and coffee brown with lights. Chairs were covered in the same colours. There were lots to eat and drink

    The event started with the national anthem. The duo of Bimbo Akintola and Gbenga Adeyinka were the comperes.

    The President, Pearl Awards Nigeria, Mr Tayo Orekoya welcomed guests.

    He said the gathering was to celebrate the titanic quest for corporate excellence in the Nigerian capital market and also to bring to the front line the remarkable achievements of quoted companies in the year under consideration who have served and contributed to the growth of the capital market in the country.

    He said one of the main objectives of the awards is to engender healthy competitiveness among quoted companies with the view of enhancing their performance, making them globally competitive and enhancing shareholders wealth.

    He said awards like this will go a long way to stimulate excellence performance by quoted companies. He congratulated the awardees for the outstanding performances for which they are being rewarded and urged them to sustain and improve on the past performance.

    He said the night will also feature the public presentation of the 2015 edition of the Nigerian Stock Market Annual (NSMA), an annual publication of Pearl awards Nigeria, which incorporates the awards practice, criteria, facts and figures of how the winning companies emerged.

    A popular singer, Yinka Davies led the Pearl Awards theme song.

    In his opening remarks, the chairman on the occasion, Chairman CFAO Nigeria Plc, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas said he was proud to be at the gathering. He said that the ideal for which the award was set up is laudable and credible, adding that is why it has lasted long.

    He said Nigeria must be great and urged the gathering to tell the truth always.

    “We have people in this country who have the abilities and what it takes to make the country great but we are not doing the right things; those of us that know these dishonest people are not saying anything about it, we are afraid to say the truth. We know people who are not good enough for where they are, but we cannot say the truth,” he said.

    He lamented that only 10 percent of the population of the country can be described as rich people.

    “When you are in a position of honour please tell the truth, God is watching; say it as you see it, then you will correct most of the things in this country and bring an end to corruption,” he said.

    Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC) Arunma Oteh, in a goodwill message, said one of the things we do not do in Nigeria is to celebrate excellence, adding: “it is important that we do so.” She said it is good to have an initiative like Pearl Awards to promote hard work and the best of Nigeria based on facts and verifiable data.

    She said Pearl Awards had done a great service to the nation in the last 19 years, adding that its achievement will continue to encourage our leaders, journalists and companies to influence the society.

    “I’m glad that this award takes different kinds of indicators so that we can celebrate market excellence. The launch of the Annual is also an important initiative because knowledge is very crucial as it will allow many more Nigerians to be familiar with the capital market,” she said.

    Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ghana, Mr Adu Anane Antwi, represented by his deputy, Mr Alexandra Williams, congratulated all the award winners and the nominees. He applauded Pearl Awards for its good job.

    Representative of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Adebiyi Mabadeje said he was impressed by the programme. He said that the state is always ready to associate with anything that celebrates merit.

    Another known artiste, a singer, Lara George entertained guests with songs.

    The Nigerian Stock Market Annual (NSMA) was presented by Chief Okoya-Thomas, who is the Asoju Oba of Lagos.

    It was reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer, RTC Advisory, Mr Opeyemi Agbaje. Mr Orekoya is the publisher/Editor-in-chief. The annual was edited by Festus Odume and forword by the Chief Judge of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST), Dr Ngozi Chianakwalam.

    Patrick Doyle anchored the launching of the annual

    Market excellence awards and secretarial leadership awards were given to 22 companies who emerged winners from the list of 66 nominees. Among the winners are Arbico Plc; Roads Nigeria Plc; Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc; Dangote cement Plc; UAC of Nigeria Plc; PC Cussons Nigeria Plc; University press Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc.

    The high point of the event which most companies look forward to was ‘who will be the overall winner of the year 2014 Pearl awards Nigeria’.

    Guests were expectant and applauded as the emcee announced Forte Oil Plc as the overall winner.

    Representing the company, Head brand and corporate communications, Odion Aleobua walked tall to the stage to receive the award.

    Dr Okoya-Thomas presented the award to him, assisted by Mr Orekoya and other guests.

    They all took photographs after the presentation.

    Aleobua described the award as a charge to do more.

    “We just don’t want to be winners at the podium like this we want to be winners at our retail station, we want to have integrity and we want to have shareholders. We promise that our company will be one where shareholders value creation will be top of our objectives,” he said.

    Special honorary awards were also given to some individuals. A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Bankers, Dr Joseph Sanusi was given Pearl Special Recognition award for Capital Market Development; Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement Plc, Devakumar Edwin was given 2014 Pearl Most Outstanding CEO of the Year award; Assistant business editor, Capital market, Vanguard, Peter Egwuatu  got 2014 Pearl Capital Market Journalist of the Year award and ThisDay newspaper got the 2014 media award for capital market reporting.

    Just Dance Entertainment thrilled the guests with dance to sound track.

     

  • Reward for service

    An Islamic group, the Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah in Mushin, the popular Lagos Suburb  has honoured some members of its community. The event was held at the Mushin Sports Centre Hall, Mushin, Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE reports. 

    The Mushin Sports Centre Hall was beautifully decorated. Guests were received by gaily dressed women, who appeared in customised dresses with hijab covering their heads.

    It was a two-in-one programme, an award ceremony and Maolud Nabiyy celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

    The ceremony, organised by an Islamic organisation, Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah, was anchored by Hussein AbdulKareem.

    Touched by the contributions of some people in helping Mushin, where it is based, grow, the association showed its appreciation by rewarding them.

    After the introduction of guests, Hon Fatai Oyatayo, in his welcome address, urged them to remain steadfast on the path of God.

    Speaking on the topic, Moral decadence, the guest lecturer, Alhaji Monsuru Adeleye, said lack of parental care is the cause of societal decadence.

    Alhaji Adeleye said immorality was a signal that the society and religions have failed to give the right education to children.

    “The father should provide shelter and food for the family; educate the child in Islamic way and give special attention to the training of the female child,” he said.

    He said the consequence of not givng children proper education could be seen in societal disorderliness.

    After his speech, the profiles of the awardees were read by Mr Shamsudeen Oyeshina. The awardees are Alhaji Sulaiman Oyekola and Prince Abiola Edward Afariogun.

    They were presented with the awards by Imam Ololade Salisu, the Chief Imam of Papa Ajao Mosque in Mushin, the popular Lagos suburb. He was assisted by the President of the Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah Alhaji Maruf Adebayo-Abidogun.

    Prince Afariogun said the award was an opportunity for him to do more.

    “It came as a surprise to me because I am a Christian, but I am a Nigerian who loves both religions. I thank God I see the organisation as a good one and decided to work with it,” he said.

    Alhaji Abidogun said the essence of the occasion was to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and give award to community leaders who have contributed immensely to the development of the community.

    “This is the first time we are giving awards to community leaders, and it is going to be an annual affair  to motivate others to contribute to their community,” he said.

    He said the choice of a Christian is to show the world that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance.

    Students of the Halqat-ul-ulum Islamiyyah entertained guests.

    Guests were treated to choice foods and drinks.

  • Ikeja City Mall reward customers

    Connecting with shoppers goes beyond the sales- point care offer. That is why Ikeja City Mall is providing in-mall purchase driven-reward promotions for loyal customers.

    And at it’s just-concluded one month shoppers’ promo, which commenced October 1 and climaxed with a raffle draw on November 13, three lucky winners emerged with cash prizes and shopping vouchers.

    The grand prize was $1000 worth of shopping voucher and an all-expense paid trip to Obudu cattle ranch for a couple; second prize was $900 shopping voucher and the third,  $600 shopping voucher.

    The promotion was for shoppers who purchased a minimum of N25, 000 worth of items in any of the stores within the mall and handed over their receipts to the Hemingway’s Safari promo members who were stationed at all the mall entrances during the promo with drop-boxes. In exchange for the receipts , shoppers were given raffle ticket for the draws.

    Held in the presence of the management, staff and some journalists, the selection of the winners was done through a lucky dip. Winners were contacted via phone calls as soon as they were picked to inform them of their selection and confirm availability for the reward.

    Mr Emmanuel Fariogun, the Outdoor Marketing Manager, Harmingham Safari, sponsors of the promo, said the brand wants to give back in their little way to the mall.

    “It is a way of giving back to the mall and to help our marketing as well.

    “From its inception, we have been supporting promos and are willing to sponsor more whenever we are called upon,” he said.

  • Terrorism: US paid N19.7b reward to 80 informants in 29 years

    Hope appears to have risen for those who can locate Boko Haram leaders as the United States (US) confirmed the payment of N19.7billion ($125million) reward to 80 informants in 29 years.

    The payment was made through The Rewards for Justice programme, which is being managed by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

    Some of the beneficiary informants included those who provided clues for the arrest of Uday Hussein, the eldest son of the former President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein.

    Besides the payment, some of the informants were also relocated to undisclosed safe haven to prevent being hurt by terrorist groups.

    The US statement followed recent $25 million bounty placed on key leaders of three terrorist organisations in West Africa. They are: al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA) and the Signed-in-Blood Battalion and Boko Haram.

    The US Secretary of State John Kerry had authorised rewards of up to $7 million for information that can lead to the location of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau; $5 million for AQIM leader Yahya Abu el Hammam and Signed-in-Blood Battalion leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar; $3 million each for another AQIM leader Malik Abou Abdelkarim and MUJWA spokesperson Oumar Ould Hamaha.

    A document by the US Government said: “The Rewards for Justice Programme is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

    “Since its inception in 1984, the program has paid more than $125 million to more than 80 people who provided actionable information that put terrorists behind bars or prevented acts of international terrorism worldwide.

    “As a result of this information, the following individuals, among many others, have been brought to justice: Uday Hussein; Qusay Hussein; Ramzi Ahmed Yousef; Mir Aimal Kansi; Hamsiraji Marusi Sali; Toting Craft Hanno; Muhsin Khadr al-Khafaji; Khamis Sirhan al-Muhammad; Muhammad Zimam Abd al-Razzaq al-Sadun; Khadaffy Janjalani; Abu Solaiman and Edgar Navarro.”

    The document gave details on how the informants had operated and the protection given to them by the United States.

    It added: “During the Persian Gulf War, a brave informant in an East Asian country came forward with alarming information about a series of planned terrorist attacks. The terrorists had already surveyed their intended targets and had assembled automatic weapons, grenades, and explosives.”

     

  • $23m US reward on Boko Haram chief Shekau, others

    $23m US reward on Boko Haram chief Shekau, others

    20-year jail for sect’s members

     

    INSURGENTS and their backers have suffered another major blow.

    The Federal Government, which is fighting insurgents in three states – Yobe, Adamawa and Borno – has proscribed Boko Haram.

    Besides, it prescribed a 20-year jail term for its members, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Also yesterday, the United States posted up to $23 million in rewards to help capture five leaders of militant groups which have spread terror in West Africa and Nigeria.

    The highest reward of up to $7 million is offered for the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, while $5 million each is posted for Al-Qaeda veteran Mokhtar Belmokhtar and Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, a top figure in Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, US officials said.

    The government secured an order from the Federal High Court, Abuja to ban Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad (Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan(JAMBS) from either existing or operating in the country.

    Boko Haram is beleived to have killed over 1,000 Nigerians since 2009. Ansarul emerged this year when it attacked a military convoy on Itakpe-Okene highway on January 19, in protest against the crackdown on terrorists in Mali by African forces.

    JAMBS in February claimed responsibility for the abduction of seven expatriates , including Lebanese and their European counterparts working with a construction firm, SETRACO.

    In proscribing the two groups, the government invoked Section 2 of “The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2011” in approaching the court.

    According to a document obtained by our correspondent from the Registry of the Federal High Court, the proscription order was granted by Justice A. Abdu Kafarati on May 25.

    The motion ex-parte from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation was supported by what a source in the court described as “revealing affidavit sworn to by the Litigation Officer in Civil Litigation Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ballah Alli.

    It was learnt that the government obtained the court order so as to be able to enforce the ongoing operation by Special Forces in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

    It was also learnt that the government’s application was also informed by the need to overrun Boko Haram and Ansarul and apprehend all their sponsors.

    With the court order, any Nigerian who belongs to or professes to belong to Boko Haram or any terrorist group, is liable to 20 years imprisonment.

    Also, any Nigerian who assists, provides logistics, equipment or attends a meeting of either Boko Haram or Ansarul will be jailed for 10 years.

    According to the court records, the government’s ex-parte motion was moved by Mrs. A.O. Mbamali, SAN and supported by Chief State counsel, B.A Saidu Esq; Principal State Counsel, Mrs. O.V. Nwechukwu; and another Principal State counsel, Mrs. H.U. Chime.

    The order of the court, signed by its Registrar, Ashada Babatunde M, dated the May 23, and filed on May 24.

    •declare the activities of the defendants (‘Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad(otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan in any part of this country as terrorism and illegal;

    •proscribe the existence of the defendants Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad(otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan in any part of this country either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called; and

    •restrain any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the said group.

    The court heard Mrs. A.O. Mbamali, SAN (with her B.A Saidu Esq, Chief State counsel, Mrs. O.V. Nwechukwu, Principal State Counsel, Mrs. H.U. Chime, Principal State counsel for the applicant and declared the activities of the defendants illegal.

    It proscribed the existence of the defendants, in any part of this country either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called.

    “An order is hereby granted restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the said group,” the court said.

    A source said the government applied for the proscription of the two groups based on Section 2 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2011.

    Section 2(1-6) in the Act reads in part: “Where two or more persons associate for the purpose of, or where an organisation engages in: (a) participating or collaborating in an act of terrorism (b) promoting, encouraging or extorting others to commit an act of terrorism; or (c) setting up or pursing acts of terrorism, the judge in chambers may on an application made by the Attorney-General, National Security Adviser (NSA) or Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the approval of the President declare any entity to be a proscribed organisation and the notice should be published in official gazette.

    “An order made under subsection (1) of this section shall be published in the official gazette, in two national newspapers and at such other places as the judge in chambers may determine.

    “A publication made under subsection (2) of this section shall contain such relevant particulars as the judge in chambers may specify.

    “A person who belongs or professes to belong to a proscribed organisation commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years.

    “The Attorney-General upon the approval of the President may withdraw the order if satisfied that such proscribed organisation has ceased to engage in act of terrorism (a) the proscribed organisation or person affected by the order made an application on notice; and (b) he is satisfied that a proscribed organisation has ceased to engage in the acts specified in subsection (1) of this section and that there is no likelihood of the organisation engaging in such acts in the future and shall be published in the official gazette.

    “A person who (a) arranges, manages or assists in arranging or managing or participates in a meeting or an activity which he knows is connected with an act of terrorism; (a) provides logistics, equipment or facilities for a meeting of an activity which he knows is connected with an act of terrorism; or (b) attends a meeting which he knows is to support a proscribed organisation or to further the objectives of a proscribed organisation, commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 10 years.”

    As at the time of filing this report, it was not clear whether the Federal Government has foreclosed talks with Boko Haram leaders.

    A source said: “As far as the government is concerned, the two groups are no longer in existence. The government provided a window for dialogue but they have refused to embrace it.

    “You should not expect a government to negotiate with illegal groups anymore.”

     

  • Rivers varsity rewards students with laptops

    Rivers varsity rewards students with laptops

    To encourage fresh students of Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt to be focused on their studies, the management incorporated an awards ceremony as part of the 31st matriculation of the institution.

    The awards tagged: “Vice-Chancellor’s Special Award to Best Performing First Year Students in the faculties”, were presented to seven 200-Level students who returned impressive Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) during their first session.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barineme Fakae presented laptops to each of the students.

    He said the award has become an annual tradition, urging “those matriculating today to strive to be winners next matriculation ceremony.”

    In his speech to the 3,817 fresh students, Fakae charged them to start working hard early on their studies to make proper use of both material and human resources at their disposal, which he said are comparable to those in other countries.

    He further stressed that those of them interested in leadership positions must make a minimum CGPA of 3.5 in line with a new policy in the university.

    “Only those with a minimum of second class upper division cumulative aggregate (i.e. 3.5) can be part of Student Union leadership and such leadership position should not be held in the student’s final year of study. This is the same for leadership of faculty associations and fellowships because academia is the primary reason for being in this university,” Fakae said.

    Listing a litany of don’ts that exist in the university now, the VC warned them not to engage in despicable activities such as cultism and examination malpractice as they attract serious consequences.

    “The Senate of the university frowns at such anti-social behaviour and will not fail to show the way out to all bad eggs from the system,” he warned.

    Fakae advised the students to be ICT compliant and “ensure that you save a copy of all your online transactions both as electronic and printed hard copies at all times as evidence of your dealings as most businesses in the school are done online now.”

    He also informed the students of the ban of unapproved text books, handouts and levies.