The Nation Newspaper

Tag: seeks

  • Cleric seeks unity against terror

    The General Overseer of Shiloh Word Chapel (aka Faith Nations), Prophet Ikechukwu Samuel, has urged Nigerians to unite against the Boko Haram terror ravaging the nation.

    Samuel, who spoke with reporters in Abuja ahead of the forthcoming third anniversary of the church, appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to have a change of heart and stop bloodshed to avoid the wrath of God.

    He said: “If members of Boko Haram want to release the Chibok girls, it is a change of heart that will make them do so.

    “Let Nigerians pray because this country is a nation with faith. Every citizen of Nigeria has faith; let us use our own faith, irrespective of our religious beliefs to ask our God to change their hearts.”

    He added: “Boko Haram insurgents are still in the dark because they will still do more and we will keep exchanging. Yet, it will not solve the problem.

    “Let our leaders and every citizen show love. Releasing people in places of evil will in turn increase the problem. It is not the solution; we should kneel down and pray for a change of heart.”

    The church, he assured, has been raising a generation that will change the nation.

  • AfDB seeks improved banking access for women

    AfDB seeks improved banking access for women

    African Development Bank (AfDB) has called for improved funding for women-owned businesses. The third African Women’s Economic Empowerment Summit, held in Lusaka, Zambia last week called on African governments to make more land available to women.

    Co-organised by New Faces, New Voices and the AfDB, this biennial event brings together key stakeholders in the financial sector throughout the continent, as well as influential global leaders, to look at how to put women at the centre of the African finance and economic development agenda to realise Africa’s potential.

    The theme of this year’s meeting was “African Women, Realising Africa’s Economic Potential”.

    Speaking during a session on land and property rights for women, Graça Machel, founder of New Faces, New Voices, said land is a key natural resource in unlocking the entrepreneurship among women.

    “We need to demand the right for women to own land so that they can contribute effectively to the development process of their countries’ economies,” she said.

    Machel regretted the practice of underestimating the role that women play in the economic development of their countries, arguing that without the active participation of women, African nations cannot fully develop economically.

    “Women have the potential to change their own economic status, as well as that of the communities and countries in which they live. Yet, more often than not, women’s economic contributions go un-recognised, their work undervalued and their promise unnourished,” she said.

    Earlier, Rose Mwebaza, Special Advisor to the African Union Chairperson on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Political Participation, called on African Governments to increase their budgetary allocation to programmes that will help women to own land.

    African Governments should come up with an effective strategy that will help support women economically as well as ensure that they own land, Mwebaza said. “Women must acquire land so that they can create wealth and help their families to come out of abject poverty.”

    Contributing on the same topic, Professor of Law at Jomo Kenyatta University, Jane Kamangu said giving land to women will inspire them to fully participate in the running of their countries’ economies.

  • Ashafa seeks end to vices

    Ashafa seeks end to vices

    The senator representing Lagos East, ‘Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa, yesterday urged Muslims pray for Nigeria to overcome its sundry socio-economic vices.

    “As the celebration continues, we should all reflect on the ideals of good living, which all religions preach; avoid any form of violence and promote peace, harmony and religious tolerance among all men, regardless of ethnic, colour and religious affinity,” he said.

    The lawmaker noted that “having undergone the rigours of the holy month of Ramadan with its concomitant diverse ibadah (acts of worship), we should thank Almighty God and live according to His dictates among family members, friends and associates as well as the larger society to enable us have a country that is free from the shackles of social vices as a result of injustice, inequality and hate”.

     

  • ABCON seeks 40-week timeline for BDCs

    ABCON seeks 40-week timeline for BDCs

    THE Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has proposed a 40-week time table for bureaux de change (BDC) operators to meet the N35 million new minimum capital requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    On June 23, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among others, raised the minimum capital requirement of BDCs to N35 million from N10 million. It also raised the mandatory caution deposit to N35 million from $10,000.

    On July 7, the apex bank extended the deadline from July 15 to July 31, in response to appeals and intervention of ABCON and both chambers of the National Assembly.

    ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe said the proposal had been sent to the CBN Governor for approval.

    He said though the apex bank has extended the deadline by three weeks to July 31, the time was too short to enable BDCs comply with the statutory and legal requirements of the new policy. The timetable, he said, contains actions needed to be taken to enhance the successful implementation of the CBN policy for the subsector.

    According to Gwadabe, “The timetable starts with sensitisation seminars to educate members on various options to consider in meeting the minimum capital requirement. We plan to hold these seminars in each geo-political zone of the federation. Moreover, we would assist members scout for consultants to guide them on issues of valuation of existing companies in order to accommodate new members and or achieve harmonious merger. This is in line with what the CBN did for banks during the recapitalisation exercise of 2004”.

    He said in addition to the 40- week timetable,  the Association has also appealed to the CBN to take a critical look at the minimum capital requirement of N35 million and the requirement of N35 million as caution deposit, because both requirement implies that the apex bank has raised the minimum capital base of BDCs to N70 million, since the N35 million caution deposit would not be immediately refunded once it is deposited.

    “Consequently, we have appealed to the CBN Governor to allow the minimum capital  base to be at N35 million and the caution deposit at N5 million so as to source the caution deposit  from the capital base of the company and the balance of N30 million be used as working capital of the BDCs.

    “We have also appealed to the CBN to consider paying treasury bills interest rates on caution deposit to the BDCs, and because of volatility of the rate, an annual average rate could be used when crediting the interest due on the caution deposits.

  • ASSBIFI seeks stronger industrial harmony

    The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has urged the Federal Government to ensure a stronger  industrial harmony for decent working conditions.

    Its National President, Comrade Sunday Salako who spoke on The needs for objective dialogue that would sustain industrial peace during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said this was only the way growth and economic prosperity could be achieved.

    He said: “We call on the government of Nigeria to put in place policies that would ensure objective dialogue that would sustain industrial peace as no establishment can survive without a good rapport with its workforce.There should be a symbiotic relationship between employers and employees to ensure harmony of purpose where both parties get what they want.”

    Salako lamented that some employers of erroneously place more value on the work to be done and profit than on employees. He said: “We urged such employers to always take proactive measures to prevent conflicts between them and workers to degenerate before intervention for better relationship. Unionism is not about pay, but the dignity of labour. We should be the whistle-blowers in our organisations today,” he said.

    According to Salako, it is unfortunate that some organisations place less value on their workers who are part of their assets.

    “Management that often disrespects workers should know that  without workers there is no production. Workers are assets, but when most organisations list their assets, they exclude workers who are the most valuable assets of any organisation.

    “They are highly indispensable because workers are the engine that make organisations function,” he said.

    He also said labour unions were supposed to make organisations desirous of the unions which served as arteries of growth for both workers and organisations.

  • NCS seeks digital approach to national challenges

    The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has urged the Federal Government to seek digital solutions to the multi-faceted challenges confronting the nation.

    Its President, Prof David Adewumi, said it is improper to deploy analogue technology in the digital age to proffer solutions to the social, economic and security challenges facing the country.

    Adewumi, who spoke on the sideline of a press conference held to announce its 25th National Conference slated for Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, said the simple ubiquitous deployment of close circuit television (CCTvs) across the country could just be the game cahnger.

    He said: “We need a digital approach to solving all our problems in this country. though security issues are not supposed to be discussed on the pages of newspapers, I think the simplest example that could be drawn is the deployment of CCTvs across the country.

    “If a criminal commits a crime, it will easy to track the criminal down wherever he might go. All that is needed is just to play the video and that will be all. This technology has worked in other countries of the world. There is no reason for it to fail in this country.”

    He said this year’s conference theme will be Building a knowldeg-based economy in Nigeria: The role of Information Technology, adding that it underscores the vital role of IT in driving development in any  economy.

    He said: “NCS has always being at the forefront of new innovative engagements and the adaptation of cutting-edge technological solutions. We are committed to facilitating the deployment of digital and internet based technologies to not only drive improvements but to change and redirect our energy on how Nigeria’s economy is defined, organised and delivered.

    “We build thought leadership through emphasis on relevance and significance in using IT to enable inclusive and sustainable development. We are committed as a professional advocacy group to advancing the interests of the IT industry and profession and the nation as a whole.”

  • Nursing mother seeks abducted husband’s freedom

    Since her husband, Obazee Omhenimhen was abducted from their home on June 18 in Lagos, for Stella Omhenimhen, a nursing mother, life has been hellish.

    She said her husband, whom some suspected cultists and criminals have always accused of being a police informant, was whisked away while watching a football match in their sitting room at 7, Coker Estate, Alakuko, a Lagos suburb.

    But his disappearance, The Nation gathered, may not be unconnected to cult violence, killings, robbery activities as well as gang shootings, which have become rampant in the area.

    The hoodlums, it was learnt, have on several occasions threatened to deal with him for being an informant to law-enforcement agencies.

    Although the woman confirmed that her husband had survived attacks by the hoodlums a couple of times, she said he was not an informant.

    “As we were watching a match, some armed men came and knocked at the door. At first, I thought they were armed robbers, but it became clear when they did not steal anything. Sighting their weapons, my husband ran towards the back, but he was pursued, caught and taken away. Since that day, I have not seen my husband and I have our new baby to nurse,” she lamented.

    Continuing, she said her husband’s phones were all in the house, adding that they had searched everywhere they could to no avail.

    “They should please release him for me and his baby. My husband is not an informant, he is a chemical engineer. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should please assist us,” she pleaded.

    A police source said the hoodlums usually kill and dismember the body of anyone they suspect to be giving police information leading to a clampdown on them.

    The source confirmed that the man had been missing since June 18, just as he stated that there had been serious of violent attacks in the area.

    “It is a known fact that this area is dominated by dangerous cult groups like the ‘Eiye’ confraternity and the Black Axe Movement. Both are dangerous and troublesome. Recently, cult activities left more than 20 people dead in this part of the state. Their nefarious activities range from robbery, killings by rival gangs, extortion, maiming, looting, raping and other heinous crimes.

    “There are several cases of young men who have been killed and or had to run for dear lives forever. These cultists have wealthy sponsors, most of whom do not even live anywhere near Alakuko, yet they are always causing problems for innocent people,” the source said.

    The state police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, could not be reached for comment as calls to her telephone were not answered.

  • Fed Govt seeks $200m loan from Germany for real sector

    The Federal Government is to secure a $200 million (about N32 billion) loan from Germany.

    The German Minister for Economic Planning and Development,  Gerd Mueller and other top German officials and businessmen are in talks with the Federal Government on the facility, as well as other areas of investment and cooperation with Nigeria.

    Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who hosted the delegation, which also included the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Janetzke Wenzel, in Abuja, said Germany has a strong development bank, adding that Germany was fascinated by how the country built such a successful institution.

    She said the quest to replicate such an institution in Nigeria that would cut interest rate to boost investment and ensure the growth of the real sector inspired the Federal Government to seek the establishment of a development finance institution.

    The minister hinted that the Federal Government was seeking the  loan at concessionary rate. Although information on the proposed loan was sketchy, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala had earlier met  with Mueller, Wenzel and other officials and businessmen to discuss  areas of economic cooperation between both countries.

    Mrs Okonjo-Iweala urged German investors to cash in on the great potential available in various sectors of the economy, including power, creative industry, agriculture and infrastructure.

    She noted, for instance, that the nation’s creative industry, particularly Nollywood, creates over 200,000 jobs yearly, urging German

    Sources close to the meeting said  Mrs Okonjo-Iweala is billed vist Germany soon for further discussions.

    The Federal Government last year unveiled plans to set up a development finance institution to provide long-term, low interest finance to the real sector as part of efforts to grow the economy.

  • Alleged incitement: NJC seeks compelling order against judge

    Alleged incitement: NJC seeks compelling order against judge

    THE National Judicial Council (NJC) has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to compel  former judge of the court, Justice Gladys Olotu,  to appear in court and substantiate her allegation that the council has instigated anti-corruption agencies to arrest and detain her.

    Justice Olotu was recently forced into compulsory retirement.

    The request is contained in a fresh application filed by the NJC in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Justice Olotu pending before Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

    But NJC has denied the allegation in its counter-affidavit.

    The NJC, on February 27, recommeded Justice Olotu for compulsory retirement on the ground of “gross misconduct”. President Goodluck Jonathan promptly accepted the recommendation.

    Some days later, the judge was invited and quizzed for hours by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over some undisclosed transactions.

    She went to court, following her interrogation by the anti-graft agencies, seeking, among others, to restrain the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), the Police and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from further inviting or quizzing her.

    Justice Olotu, in a supporting affidavit to the fundamental rights enforcement suit, accused the NJC and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN), of instigating the various security agencies against her for challenging her compulsory retirement in a separate suit.

    She averred in the affidavit of March 24 that following the service of processes (in relation to her earlier suit challenging her compulsory retirement) on them, the AGF and NJC “very unfortunately felt and indeed expressed anger against me”.

    Justice Olotu said: “In fulfilment of these threats, the seventh and eighth respondents (AGF and NJC) ganged up with the ninth to the 18th respondents against me, and I was subsequently invited by the first respondent (EFCC) to its office on March 18, 2014.

    The ninth to 18th respondents in the suit include former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Salifu Alfa Belgore, and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion – the Esama of Benin and father of former Edo State Governor  Lucky Igbinedion.

    Others are: Ponticell Nigeria Limited, Stolt Offshore Services S. A.; a vessel, M. V. Theo; the owners of the vessel, M. V. Theo; Elf Nigeria Petroleum Nigeria Limited; A.B.C. Maritime AG;  a vessel, M.V.Lara and a vessel, M.V.Krysia.

    Justice Olotu also averred that in honouring the invitation by the EFCC, she arrived its office at 10am on March 18 and was “arrested, interrogated and detained until about 4pm before I was released to go with instructions to come back on April 1, 2014, for another round of humiliation and detention”.

  • Tambuwal seeks support for govts’ peace initiatives

    Tambuwal seeks support for govts’ peace initiatives

    House of Representative Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has called for support for the Federal, state and local government governments’ peace initiatives to fast-track the nation’s development.

    The Speaker also urged Nigerians to support the security agencies with genuine information to reduce the insecurity in the land.

    Tambuwal spoke at the weekend in Gombe, the Gombe State capital, during the constituency outreach programme of Hajia Faima Binta Bello, the member representing Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency in the state.

    He said: “Our country is in dire need of peace, and without peace, there cannot be development.”

    Tambuwal urged Nigerians, irrespective of the ages, tribes and religions, to embrace peace.

    The Speaker noted that Nigerians are peace-loving and development-oriented people.

    He hailed Bello’s initiative and urged other lawmakers in the National Assembly to empower members of their constituencies to become self-reliant.

    According to him, this is the best way to assist government at all levels to provide democracy dividends and reduce poverty among Nigerians.

    Tambuwal noted that besides their legislative duties, “members of the National Assembly …decided to come up with constituency outreach programmes to ensure that we support, not only our governments, but even private individuals in addressing what we have as a challenge of poverty among our people”.

    The Speaker called for the re-election of many members to the National Assembly.

    He urged the people of Kaltungo/Shongom to ensure that Hajia “Binta Bello goes back to the House of Representatives in 2015 for her to continue with the good work she has started”.

    Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo hailed the lawmaker for putting together a unique constituency programme.

    The governor noted that the lawmaker’s contributions to the development of her constituency and the state would not be forgotten.

    He urged the other five House of Representative members in the state to assist their constituents.

    Dankwambo urged the lawmakers to empower their constituents without considering the votes they got during elections.

    Hajia Bello hailed the governor for his indiscriminate overall development of the state.

    The lawmaker said the governor’s development strides inspired her to embark on her numerous outreach programmes.

    She said her programmes were aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of her constituents through poverty reduction interventions.

    Among the items she donated were 100 hospital beds, mattresses, pillows and bedspreads for the Snakebite Hospital.

    Others are 10 wheel chairs, 200 sewing machines, 120 grinding machines, 100 hair dryers, 100 barbing kits, 100 generators, 40 irrigation pumping machines, 52 Keke NAPEP tricycles, 20 car washing machines and 50 taliya-making machines.

    Hajia Bello urged the beneficiaries to use the items properly for the improvement of their lives.