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  • HMO denies diverting NHIS fund

    Health Management Organisation (HMO) Clearline has denied allegations by an ex-employee that it was involved in over N60 million fraud against the federal government.

    An arrested former employee Funmilayo Oyelaja had alleged that the company was in the habit of diverting money paid by the National Health Insurance Scheme for onward transfer to hospitals and clinics that rendered services to beneficiaries.

    Oyelaja, who was arrested alongside her live-in partner Tunde Ogunseye by the Lagos State Police Command after two years on the run, had indicted both Clearline and two other senior employees of the company in the alleged fraud.

    She claimed she diverted over N60million with the consent of the bosses and that N38million was her personal share which she used to buy properties.

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    Clearline denied the allegation describing it as the claim of a drowning man looking for others to drag along.

    At a briefing on Monday, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Clearline Dr. Tunde Ladele said the other employees she mentioned have been handed over to the police for investigation, adding that it was the firm that uncovered the fraud while she was on vacation and reported same to the police.

    He said, “We discovered the fraud and reported to the police. We went ahead to declare her wanted and placed a N2million bounty on her head, which worked very well. The moment she was seen, we were called on the phone numbers provided and we contacted the police who arrested her and her lover.

    “To tell you that we are serious, we have handed over the three staff she indicted to the police. We do not cheat the system. We do not cheat the government and it is even impossible to cheat. Individuals could try, but we must find out as we did in Fumilayo’s case.

    “We are willing to cooperate with the police to get to the root of the matter.”

  • Western Naval Command to illegal operators: steer clear

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Oladele Daji, on Wednesday warned illegal operators to stay off the Western Command maritime domain.

    The FOC gave the warning after the successful completion of “Ategun Alafia,” an exercise aimed at creating a crime-free maritime environment within the Command’s areas.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise began on September 29 and ended on October 2.

    Daji said that the Nigerian Navy would not hesitate to resist any defiant that does not adhere to the warning

    “My warning to those who carry out illegal activities is that they have no space within the Western Naval Command maritime area of operation to operate.

    Read Also: Navy begins recruitment for graduates, HND holders

    “For those of them that are stubborn, we will match them and defeat them at their own game,” he said.

    The FOC also commended those who participated in the exercise, saying it had largely achieved its d esired aims and objectives of sharpening the officers’ skills.

    “Let me say that the exercise has largely achieved its desired aims and objectives, which are to sharpen the skills of personnel, to validate the training that they have been given ashore and to ensure that their professional skills are put to test at sea.

    “The various exercises that were conducted had generally given sea-farers within Western Naval Command area of operation the assurance that the sea is safe.

    “It is conducive for them to carry out their legitimate activities,” he said.

    He also thanked the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, for providing logistics for the successful exercise.

    NAN reports that board, search and seizure exercise, as well as vertical replenishment at sea, among other exercises were conducted.

  • Dangerous crave for ‘unviable’ airports

    The desire for airports is becoming attractive for states in Nigeria. Despite criticisms, more states are building or plan to build theirs. Are the airports viable? Are they of any benefit to citizens? Could the funds have been better used? KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR sought answers.

    The crave by state governments to build airports, especially the cargo variants, has come under intense scrutiny.

    Besides the huge cost of such critical air transport infrastructure, the viability of such projects has also become a subject of intense debate.

    Experts say one kilometer of airport runway could open a state to the world than one hundred kilometers of road.

    But, the existing airports built and managed by some state governments are not viable.

    Observers say there is need for cost-benefit analysis by states planning to build airports.

    Of the over 30 airports in Nigeria, 24 out them built by the Federal Government are managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    The other airports were built and managed by states.

    States that have embarked on airports, whether for passenger or cargo operations, include Akwa Ibom, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Gombe, Imo, Taraba, Katsina, Bayelsa, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Niger, Ebonyi, Nassarawa and  Yobe.

    The latest entrant in the state cargo airport initiative is Anambra, which intends to invest over N6 billion in the project.

    The Anambra State Cargo Airport, located at Umueri, near Awka, the state capital, according to Governor Willie Obiano, is expected to bring economic development to the state.

    Obiano, who launched the Umueri Cargo Airport Project in 2017, said it will be developed on a 1500-acre site with two runways, an aviation fuel facility, airport hotel, business park and international conference centre.

    The project, the governor said, is expected to generate 1200 direct and 3600 indirect jobs.

    The project, estimated to cost more than $2 billion, will be developed through a partnership between Anambra State Government, Orient Petroleum Resources and Elite International Investments.

    Elite International Investments is expected to provide all funds under a build, operate, manage and transfer agreement.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Anambra Airport City Infrastructure Limited has allocated 75 per cent stake to Elite International Investments , Orient Petroleum Resources Limited will hold a 20 equity stake while the Anambra State Government will hold five per cent equity.

    Necessary projects?

    But, the deal has thrown up many questions as some who are indigenous to the state see it as another white elephant project.

    They have faulted the viability of the project considering the closeness of Asaba Airport, Owerri Airport and Akanu Ibiam Airport in Enugu.

    Aviation experts including Managing Director of Centurion Securities Limited, Group Captain John Ojikuti (rtd); former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways Limited, Captain Mohammed Joji; Managing Director of Finum Aviation Services Limited, Engineer Sheri Kyari; Managing Director, IRS Airlines, Mr Yemi Dada and former Nigeria Air Force Flight Surgeon and Chief AeroSpace Medical Consultant, Dr Makanjuola Owolabi have cautioned state governments to weigh the options before they embark on construction of cargo or passenger airports.

    They noted that some airports built by some state governments, namely Jigawa, Kebbi, Taraba, Delta, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Nassarawa are case studies of unviable ventures.

    According to them, other  states  should not commit billions of naira supposedly meant for infrastructure and other developmental needs into construction of cargo airports.

    While many of the airports were envisaged as status symbols, propelled by political motivations and self-aggrandisement, others came up merely to facilitate the airlift of pilgrims.

    Joji said governors need to think deeply before embarking on construction of state cargo or passenger airports.

    Investigstions reveal that Birnin Kebbi Airport, built by the Kebbi State Government, is subsidised to the tune of N5 million monthly for maintenance.

    An official of the state, who pleaded not to be named, said: “The airport has a total workforce of 210 from the state and 22 from the Federal Government. For this reason, the state government had to approve N4.5 million monthly for salaries.”

    Joji said building airports should not be the priority of states in the face of dwindling revenues.

    He said: “The various states must first stimulate their economic environment, develop skills and develop agric/mineral resources on a mechanised/large scale.

    “They should set up industries before embarking on building airports, which to us all, are to serve the opulent lifestyles of few elite.

    “State governors must first address the poor state of the roads, dilapidated hospitals, schools, lack of water, sanitation, unpaid salaries still bedeviling these states.

    “Regional approach to infrastructural deficits should be initiated. States should  not go to capital market or issue bonds to build airports.”

    In spite of the unviable nature of these airports, other states such as Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Delta, Anambra, Nasarawa, Zamfara and Abia embarked on the project.

    Experts say Ekiti, with meagre Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), had no pressing need for an airport given its closeness to Akure, where there is an under-utilised airport.

    Investigations reveal that the Dutse Airport, built by Jigawa State government at a whooping N15.5 billion from the state’s loan purse, though inaugurated a few years ago, is yet to attract scheduleddomestic flights, except for charter operations and airlifting of pilgrims for Hajj.

    States should collaborate on airports

    Aviation and Security Consultant, John Ojikutu, said what is needed now is the establishment of specialised airports, adding that states could collaborate to establish airports based on their comparative advantages.

    He said: “You need money for landing and parking. You need money to pay for services and salaries. So, why building airports that will not be viable?”

    According to the retired Group Captain, to build an airport in a particular location, the promoters will have to take into consideration the availability of passengers and cargoes.

    ‘‘The state governments should look for technical partners, who are willing to invest in aviation.

    “They have to do a lot of business plan to know if their airport project will be viable.

    “The states that are neighbours too should come together to have a joint project.

    “Osun and Oyo can partner to buy Ibadan Airport and turn it into agricultural cargo airport.

    “Ondo and Ekiti can do the same and buy Akure Airport and turn it into international agricultural airport. Lagos and Ogun can develop another agric airport,” he said.

    Managing Director of IRS Airlines Mr Yemi  Dada said airports are built to bring air transport service to a particular locality.

    But he was quick to ask: “Is that airport needed in that area?”

    He added: “If the strategy of a state is to encourage tourism, fine. A larger demand for air services is a natural requirement for an airport.

    “You can create the demand for this service by making it a specialised airport. It can be for agricultural purpose.

    “One of the big challenges we have now is to set our priorities right. Looking at states as they are today, it is a misplaced priority to want to build an airport. Maybe they want to have it as a long-term project.”

    Recently, the Federal Government granted approval to Ebonyi State to construct its international airport. Governor David Umahi said the airport would boost economic growth.

    But, the move by Ebonyi State Government has drawn flak from industry experts who pointed out that the closeness of Enugu Airport was enough reason for a neighbouring state not to consider building an airport.

    But, a former Nigerian Air Force Officer, Chief Flight Surgeon and Chief Aerospace Medical Consultant, Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi, has a different view. To the renowned aviator, some of these states really need airports in their different states.

    Citing Ekiti State, for instance, Dr  Owolabi said the proposed establishment of cargo airport in Ado Ekiti, the state capital was desirable.

    Owolabi said farmers in the state would only earn justifiable income from their produce if they are evacuated.

    Speaking on the N15.5 billion Dutse International Airport built by his predecessor Sule Lamido, Governor Mohammed Abubakar hinted at plan to partner with investors to establish a flying training school in Dutse to make the airport viable.

    According to him, the idea is part of several measures being worked out to enhance the economic viability of Dutse International Airport.

    This, he said, was part of measures initiated by his administration to ensure effective utilisation of the airport for the benefit of the people.

    His words: “We have been discussing how best to utilise the airport. The state government is approaching investors who plan to have a flying school in Nigeria with a view to using our airport for training and build the school around the airport.”

    The Bauchi Airport, which was built at over N7.9 billion by the administration of former Governor Isa Yuguda, has been unviable and inactive.

    The airport stirred was in the news last year when passengers aboard an Aero aircraft disembarked using a wooden ladder.

    Taraba is another state in the Northeast that has built a N10 billion airport. The viability of the facility has been a big issue as only Overland Airways operates scheduled flights to the airport.

    In the same region, Gombe Airport was built a few years ago with over N7 billion.  It attracts limited flight operations.

    In faraway Kebbi State, an airport was inaugurated in Birnin Kebbi, its capital. It was built for N17 billion in 2015.

    The airport in Katsina State, built a few years ago for a whopping N11 billion, has remained under-utilised as no airline operate flights to it.

    States not relenting

    Despite the under-utilisation of existing airports and widespread criticisms, state governments are unrelenting in their quest to have airports of their own.

    In the Northcentral region, Nassarawa State is proposing a N20 billion airport in Lafia, the state capital.

    Writing off the multi-billion project, Captain John Okakpu believes the airport cannot stimulate the growth of air cargo.

    According to him, Nasarawa Governor Umaru Al-Makura may not have been properly guided before deciding to build such an ambitious infrastructure.

    Statistics, he said, shows that the airport will attract low patronage.

    Relying on International Air Transport Association (IATA) statistics and market analysis for last year, Okakpu insisted that the airport would not be sustainable.

    His words: “To me, the government of Nasarawa ought to have devoted its strength to empowering farmers for agro-allied produce rather than building an airport.”

    In Lagos State, work has advanced on the proposed cargo airport at the Epe / Lekki axis. The project, which is expected to gulp over N102 billion, is being developed to service the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

    Of all the airport projects being planned, only that of Lagos State has not attracted much criticisms. Many argue that a mega city state such as Lagos deserves an alternate airport to relieve the congested Muritala Mohammed InternationalAirport, Ikeja.

    In Osun State, construction worked which commenced a few years ago on the N11 billion Moshood Abiola International Airport billed for Ido Osun, has been enmeshed in controversy.

    Sheri Kyari, the Managing Director of Finum Air Services, welcomes the idea of building airports for as long as the facilities can be positioned in such a way that it would  be commercially viable.

    He said: “I think it is alright. But, looking at the economic challenges confronting the country currently, embarking on such projects at this point in time is a mere wastage.”

  • Two arrested for Oyo Assembly ‘theft’

    Two people have been taken into custody for allegedly stealing electrical appliances and other gadgets at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex.

    The suspects were picked up following police investigations of the invasion of the generator house of the Assembly complex from where the items were taken away.

    At a briefing, the Clerk of the House, Mrs Felicia Oyediran said the invasion was reported to the police because of its recurrence.

    Oyediran was accompanied by the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Mr Francis Adetunji, the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Mr Gabriel Olatundun and the Director, Administration and Supply, Mr Ojo.

    The clerk said those in custody, including two night guards, have been invited for interrogation by the police, adding that the management of the complex still awaits the findings of the police on the matter before deciding on the next line of action.

    Read Also: Three Ghanaians among suspects held for ‘illegal’ fishing

    Oyediran said the issue has not in anyway disrupted legislative duties of the lawmakers who are on recess.

    While calling for a better working relationship with the media, the Clerk assured that the management will get to the root of the matter.

    The clerk assured workers and visitors to the complex that additional security measures have been put in place to ensure their safety.

  • Councilor assassinated in Delta

    A councilor and Majority Leader of Sapele Local Government Legislative Arm, Chief Venture Kagbude has been shot dead by suspected assassins.

    It was gathered that the tragic incident occurred about 6pm on Tuesday along the Sapele/Effurun/Warri Road, The Nation learnt.

    Until his death, Chief Kagbude was the Chairman of Okirighre community in Sapele council area, as well as the chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), in the local government area.

    According to reports, the deceased was returning from Okuoke community where he had gone to inspect a house under construction for his mother.

    He had no inkling that his would-be killers were waiting for him. They emerged from their hiding place and shot him dead.

    Director of the Asaba and Osubi International Airport, Austin Ayemidejor, while reacting to Kagbude’s death, said, “It is A sad news; a young man dreams to build a better society and is cut short by gunmen. He will surely be missed”.

    Read Also: Group leader killed in Adamawa

    A source related to the victim claimed that the late lawmaker was a frontline campaigner against cultism and ritual activities in the area, adding that his demise must have something to do with his crusades.

    “I am sure his death must have come from there,”

    A senior police officer at the Sapele Police Area Command, name withheld, confirmed the development, stating that a search for the killers has commenced.

    But efforts to get official comments from the Delta State Police Command proved abortive, as repeated calls to the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke, mobile phone were not answered as at the time of filing this report.

  • Navy begins enlistment for Direct Service

    The Nigerian Navy has commenced the enlistment of graduates and HND holders into the Direct Short Service Commission.

    Navy Director of Information, Commodore Suleman Dahun, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Dahun said interested applicants, who must be Nigerians by birth, should possess a minimum of Second Class Upper Division for first degree holders and Upper Credit for HND holders.

    “Male applicants must not be less than 1.68 metres tall while female applicants must not be less than 1.65 metres in height.

    “Applicants must possess NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate and should be between 22 and 28 years by Feb. 20, 2020,

    Read Also; Navy nabs six rice ‘smugglers’ in A’Ibom

    “Except for Imams, Chaplains and Medical Consultants who should not exceed 30 years and 40 years respectively by Feb. 20, 2020,” he said.

    Dahun said guidelines for the enlistment could be accessed on the Nigerian Navy Enlistment Portal: www.joinnigeriannavy.com.

    He said the portal will remain open till Nov. 14, 2019 for interested candidates to apply online.

    “Candidates are to note that all the processes ranging from online registration, aptitude test and the selection interview are free of charge,” he said.

    He advised candidates to be wary of scammers and refrain from giving money to any individual under any guise.

  • Abiodun sets up business council

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said he will set up a Business Advisory Council to maximise the set objectives of his administration on Public Private Sector Partnership (PPP).

    According to the Governor, the council will be saddled with the responsibilities of monitoring and evaluating the framework to actualise the agenda his administration “considers fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of Ogun State.”

    Abiodun said the state government’s economic blueprint provided a conducive and competitive environment for business enterprises to thrive.

    He said this while addressing labour leaders, activists, unionists, students and market women at the OK Centre, venue of the reception ceremony for Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary.

    Read Also: How Ogun’ll remain top most investment destination, by Abiodun

    The council, he said, would set clear predictable standard of engagement that would apply to all development partners.

    He noted that a Public-Private Partnership office had already been created with the aim of ensuring that the business environment and partnership were system-driven, rather than being personality-driven.

    “We are sincerely committed to a Public-Private-Sector Partnership approach, in ensuring our resolve to have a sound PPP approach. We now have a Business Advisory Council that comprises stakeholders and focuses on ensuring that the business environment remains conducive and competitive for investments to grow in Ogun State,” the governor said.

    He also said that the state government was committed to attracting and retaining investments as well as promoting the prosperity of its citizens.

    His government, he said, had signed into law the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency Bill (Ogun Invest) to boost the facilitation required to invest in the state.

    “The purpose is to boost the facilitation required to invest in our dear state and commence operations e.g. land acquisition and ownership, community relations, statutory documentation, and linkages with the suppliers, especially farmers,” he said.

    The governor further informed the people, especially the Small Medium Enterprises owners, of the government’s determination to boost their capacity as major producers of raw materials.

    He assured them that he had engaged off-takers made up of big industries to which they could serve as distributors, adding that to provide incentives to them an Enterprise Development Agency would be established to assist in the facilitation of all available intervention funds from the Federal Government.

  • Ondo Assembly gets make-shift chamber

    Three months after a strange reptile reportedly appeared in the hallowed chambers of the Ondo State House of Assembly and sacked the lawmakers, the Assembly is now set for a ‘robust’ legislation.

    The incident was then blamed on the dilapidated state of the Assembly complex, especially the floor of the house.

    However, the state assembly yesterday inaugurated a make-shift chamber to be used as a temporary avenue for conducting the plenary sessions of the House.

    The inauguration of the temporary chamber was witnessed by the Assembly members, staff and invited Christian and Islamic Clerics, including the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Rev. Simeon Borokini.

    Read Also: ‘Ondo Assembly worst in infrastructural facilities’

    The clerics, who prayed for the lawmakers, the staff and the Ondo State Government, highlighted the importance of the legislature to the sustenance of democracy.

    Borokini spoke on the mace and the covenant box in the Bible, noting that as important as the covenant box was to the Israelites, so is the mace to the assembly and the people.

    He urged the lawmakers to work in harmony with the Executive arm in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

    The Chief Whip of the House and lawmaker representing Owo State Constituency II, Adeyemi Olayemi hailed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his timely intervention by facilitating the renovation of the temporary chamber.

    He noted that it would further enhance the performance of their legislative duties.

    He said: “We now have a more convenient place to carry out our legislative duties pending the complete and total rehabilitation of the old structure by the Executive arm.”

    Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, said the House was not standing akimbo as being insinuated in some quarters.

    He maintained that while the renovation of the temporary chamber was on , members were busy with other legislative assignments such as committee meetings and oversight functions.

    The legislators suspended all legislative duties in the old chamber sometime in July, following the dilapidated form of the Assembly complex.

    The state government came to the rescue by renovating a space in the assembly complex to temporarily facilitate execution of legislative activities, pending the rehabilitation of the old Structure.

  • 15 suspects paraded in Enugu

    The police in Enugu State have paraded 15 suspected criminals involved in various heinous crimes in the state.

    The command in three weeks recovered four locally-made guns, four live cartridges, 13 handsets, three vehicles, one tricycle and an English sword.

    Parading the suspects in Enugu yesterday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmad Abdurrahman said the arrest of the suspects followed intelligence as well as collaboration with sister security agencies.

    Abdurrahman noted that the command arrested the suspects within three weeks in various locations within and outside the state.

    He said that within the period, the command through painstaking intelligence was able to bust a seven-man robbery gang in the country.

    “This group, whose members were arrested in Lagos, Port Harcourt, FCT, Aba and Enugu, has been terrorising and snatching vehicles all along within the state and move them to other parts of the country for sale.

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    “The Command through its intelligence operatives and the Independence Layout Police Division travelled most parts of the country to round up this well networked criminal group.

    “The recovered items from the suspects included a Toyota Corolla; a Toyota Spider Camry Car, one Honda Odessey, one locally-made pistol and one English sword,” he said.

    The commissioner also said three suspects were arrested for conspiracy and armed robbery as well as disturbing the peace of Umuebi community in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

    Abdurrahman said that police operatives also arrested one Pastor Chukwuemeka Ezeh for allegedly murdering his girlfriend and church-member within the Railway axis of Enugu metropolis.

    He noted that Ezeh allegedly murdered the girl and carted away all her belongings and N2 million cash.

    “The command also arrested a 75-year-old man, one Boniface Onoja, for allegedly defiling a 11-year-old girl within the premises of Community Secondary School, Ogbunite in Igboeze North Local Government Area,” he said.

    The commissioner solicited the cooperation of residents in prompt reporting of suspicious persons and objects within their neighbourhoods to the nearest police station.

  • ‘Why Makinde is reviewing inherited projects’

    The Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe, has revealed the reasons behind the cancellation and review of some projects inherited by the current administration.

    Ogedengbe explained that his principal had been canceling and reviewing projects after determining the motive behind their establishment.

    For Makinde, who he said had zero tolerance for corruption, Ogedengbe said any project, which establishment was motivated by personal gains or which was not serving the interest of the state and its people would be axed or reviewed to ensure public good and accountability.

    The cleric disclosed this while speaking at a thanksgiving service organised by the Special Strategic Group (SSG) for Makinde’s election at Maranatha Chapel, Iwo road, Ibadan, during the holiday.

    Read Also: ‘It’s unfair to assess Makinde now’

    Since his inauguration, Governor Makinde has cancelled the N3,000 annual levy paid by pupils in public secondary schools in the state. He has also cancelled the Ibadan-Iseyin road contract, among others.

    The executive assistant also said Makinde’s election was a fulfilment of a long time prophecy about Nigeria, pointing out that the governor came at a time God ordained a new Nigeria to emerge, starting from Oyo State.

    He explained that Oyo would not just be a pacesetter of a new nation of Nigeria, but that of Africa at large.

    According to Ogedengbe, Governor Makinde stands at a vantage position to carefully assess the achievements and mistakes of past leaders in the state to learn from them and move the state forward.

    While giving the assurance that Makinde’s achievements would surpass those of his predecessors, he admonished Christians to prayerfully consider going into politics once they had got the assurance that God was directing them.

    “There is nothing wrong for Christians to go into politics. Once you are sure God is leading you towards that direction, pray very well, join a political party, attend their meetings from ward level, make sure you participate actively in all the activities of the party of your choice and make up your mind to make a positive difference as a Christian,” he said.

    Speaking earlier at the meeting, the convener of the Special Strategic Group, Dr. Olatunde Oladoyinbo, thanked members for their selfless and relentless service at the time needed.

    He urged them to pray daily for the success of Makinde’s administration.