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  • Enyo oil & Gas top shot, Abayomi Awobokun, celebrates birthday

    Today, 20th of September, should be tagged “World Surprise Day” for Abayomi Awobokun, Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Enyo Retails and Supply, one of the fast growing downstream oil and gas supply chains in the country.

    Today marks the 41st birthday anniversary of the Ibadan -born stylish businessman. In celebration mood, his staff took him unawares by staging a surprise office reception party for him.

    At the early hours of today, the usual Yomi sauntered gleefully into his office complex at the Enyo Headquarters, Lekki, bubbling with life, looking sharp, fitted in a dark native kaftan with a white piece of hands free tucked in one of his ears, wearing an endearing smile.

    He was accosted by his staffs, all dressed in white native attire as they welcomed him warmly with birthday songs accompanied with tunes from a saxophonist.

    In an elated mood, the Non-Executive director at Anchoria Asset Management Limited, was caught up in the awe of the surprise office reception party. He was showered encomium accompanied with gigantic birthday cakes, gifts and cards from well-wishers.

    Interestingly, his sojourn into the oil and gas business started at Oando Plc where he spent eight years, moving positions from Head of Investor Relations to COO and then CEO of Oando Marketing PLC and finally, Divisional CEO (International Trading & Marketing Company).

    READ ALSO: Enyo, Bosch strengthen pact for automotive parts, services

    With over thirteen years’ experience in the Oil & gas industry. Abayomi has a great deal of financial acumen with expertise in Risk management, Corporate Governance, Entrepreneurship, Organization development & Human Resource, Divestments, Mergers & Acquisition management.

    Abayomi holds a B.Sc. in Pure & Applied Mathematics and an MSc in International Business Management. He is a member of the Institute of Directors and the founder of “The September 20 Foundation” (TS20F).

    He was nominated for Young Global Leader (YGL)at the World Economic Forum in 2016 and the Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu (Tutu Fellow) in 2017.

  • Furore over Edo new roads washed away by flood

    There is furore in Edo State over new roads washed away by flood after Wednesday’s heavy downpour that lasted several hours.

    Some roads like Apostolic Street in Bénin City that were just asphalted and others constructed few months ago were washed away.

    Mr. Kola Edokpaiye had blamed Governor Godwin Obaseki for executing poor jobs across the state.

    He said the roads were poorly executed.

    Speaking to journalists after inspection of some affected areas by flood, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, attributed damage to properties at Apostolic Street, Off Sokponba Road on the bad job done by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “NDDC did a bad job while asphalting the road in the area, as the manhole that ought to take water out of the area was blocked while constructing the road.

    READ ALSO: Furore in ATBU over students’death, infrastructure

    “I call on them to collaborate with the Ministry of Infrastructure to ensure that a good job is done when constructing roads in the state.

    “This will help us develop the state and the people will enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.

    Commissioner for Infrastructure, John Inegbedion, who was also part of the inspection team, said the bad work done by the NDDC caused flooding in some areas of the state.

    “The NDDC engineer in charge of the road constructed at Apostolic Street off Sokponba Road did a poor engineering job; it was a poor project.

    “The flooding is man-made as natural waterways and the moat were blocked. Water, naturally, will find its way hence the destruction we saw on Wednesday.”

  • AEDC secures $1.06m for off grid areas projects study

    The United States Trade Department Administration (USTDA) has signed an agreement for the provision of $1.06million grant to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

    The fund, according to the power from Managing Director, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya, is for the a feasibility study on the extension of off-grid energy to underserved urban and areas far from grid network.

    Speaking with reporters after signing the pact in Abuja, he noted that “the grant will facilitate some feasibility study so that we can package these areas into bankable projects. Bankable projects implies that we can now partner with our investors to accelerate electrification by rolling out grid that are supplying power.”

    Asked to give an estimate of the capacity expected from the feasibility study, he added that “our catchment area has a population of 10 million.We project that if we are to have 100 percent electrification our current amount would have to triple. But by augmenting it with renewable sources, it means that they would have to come from solar.”

    According to him, the study is expected to be completed in the next six months for the company to start working on sources and partners for the projects.

    He expressed gratitude to the USTDA that has committed funding to help the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company provide electricity to under-served communities through the implementation of up to 1,370 solar-powered mini-grids with energy storage systems.

    He revealed that Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Institute will carry out the study.

    READ ALSO: AEDC declares state of emergency in Niger

    The AEDC Chief Financial Officer, Ijeoma Okeke revealed that the company is partnering with the Rural Electrification Agency on energizing economies.

    She said “we have identified four places we are working with them on.”

    On the payment plan, she said that on a monthly basis, the AEDC will assess the project for payment.

    Meanwhile, the US Charge’ d’ Affaires, Kathleen FitzGibbon confirmed that the USTDA is committing funding to help the AEDC provide electricity to underserved communities through the implementation of up to 1,370 solar-powered min-grids with energy storage systems.

    She said that the agency is funding a study to help Havenhill Nigeria Ltd develop off-grid solar and storage mini grid sites in up to 110 Nigerian communities. She added that Colorado-based US firm Odyssey Energy Solutions Inc will carry out the study.

    FitzGibbon revealed that USTDA has now funded more than 70 projects in Nigeria focused on energy, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare and agribusiness.

  • Closure of borders yielding positive results -Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari says the closure of Nigerian land borders for a limited period due to massive smuggling is already yielding positive result for the economy.

    The president stated this when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Association for Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

    The delegation also comprised of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) and representatives of the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

    Buhari said that the closure was necessitated by the lack of adherence to the business ideals by various stakeholders which was detrimental to the country and its people.

    ”After many years of diplomacy and aggressive regulatory oversight which yielded few results, we decided to close our land borders for a limited time to assess the impact of this measure.

    ”Within a few short weeks, we are already seeing a decline in the volumes of counterfeit smuggled goods in some of our major markets across the country.

    ”This validates our action as a Government when we insist that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) must not only promote free trade, but legal trade of quality made in Africa goods and services,” he said.

    Buhari says everyone must play by the rules when it comes to trade and business activities that are central to Nigeria’s economic development.

    He added that his administration would ensure that the trade and business sector continues to flourish in job creation.

    He said: ”Unfortunately, in recent times, many traders simply do not play by the rules.

    ”Our markets are flooded with smuggled and counterfeit goods. By these selfish practices, we help keep foreign factories working while closing ours.

    ”From medicines to electronics to food items, our potential to manufacture and create jobs locally is severely hindered by a handful of Nigerians who choose profits over patriotism.

    ”We have all heard stories about the dangerous and sometimes, fatal impact of fake drugs and foods on our citizens.

    ”We have also seen how fake electrical items have led to fires in homes and markets thereby destroying lives and properties.

    ”Most of these substandard and illegal items are smuggled through our land borders.’’

    According to the president, his administration will continue to solicit the support of the organised private sector, both in Nigeria and across West Africa, to bring an end to the dumping of substandard items.

    He urged the Association to continue its ‘‘positive and patriotic contribution’’ towards achieving a free trade area that employs Africans to produce quality made in Africa products.

    Read Also: Buhari orders security chiefs to end crude oil theft

    ”We will soon finalise the National Action Committee on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Your Association is a member of this committee.

    ”I expect you to continue your positive and patriotic contribution to support us in achieving a free trade area that employs Africans to produce quality made in Africa products,’’ the President said.

    In her remarks, Hajiya Saratu Aliyu, President FEWACCI, NACCIMA and OPS, commended the recent decision by the President to constitute a new economic team to steer the Nigerian economy on the path of sustainable growth.

    On the Economic Advisory Council (EAC), she said: ”NACCIMA, FEWACCI and indeed the OPS are full of hope that a new era is on the horizon with the calibre of persons on the team which reassures us at the OPS that Government is ready to turn around the story of Nigeria.”

    Aliyu also hailed significant accomplishments recorded in all sectors of the economy including but not limited to reduced corruption, foreign exchange stability, bottom of the pyramid programmes, increased ease of doing business, increased capital expenditures, among others.

    The president of NACCIMA appealed for the President’s intervention in the provision of property within Abuja for the location of FEWACCI headquarters.

    She also briefed the President about the 21-point NACCIMA programme, tagged ‘‘Unleash the Giant’’.

    She added that the association intended to engage the Federal Government on 16 of those stated points with the goal of ensuring business growth and socioeconomic advancement through public and private sector collaboration.

     

    (NAN)

  • Barcelona’s prodigy Fati granted Spanish citizenship

    Barcelona’s 16-year-old forward Ansu Fati is eligible to join the Spanish national football team after he was given the country’s citizenship.
    Having lived in Spain since 2009, Fati was born in Guinea-Bissau in 2002.

    Fati’s citizenship application was processed by the Spain’s Interior Ministry before the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup squad deadline ends.

    The tournament will begin in Brazil on Oct. 26th.

    Read Also: Barcelona held to surprise draw at Osasuna

    Fati, who became the youngest player in the Champions League, is expected to be called to the squad of the Spanish national team for the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

    He also became the youngest scorer for Barcelona, making a great start in his career with two goals and one assist in four games so far.

  • Livid Gbajabiamila vows to report Security Chiefs to Buhari over snub

    Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday vowed to report Security Chiefs personally to President Muhammadu Buhari for snubbing a security meeting convened by the House of Representatives.

    The House had summoned the meeting with the Security Chiefs for briefing on the anti-terrorism war.

    But the Security Chiefs, including Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok Ete- Ekwe and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar snubbed the summon.

    Instead, they sent representatives, a development the Speaker considered a slight on the House leadership.

    The Chief of Defense Staff was represented by Chief of Defense Training and Operations, Army Headquarters, Major General Leo Irabor while Chief of Account and Budget Army, Major General Kola Bakare accompanied him.

    Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun (Chief of Policy and Plans, Army), represented the Chief of Army Staff while the Chief of Naval Staff was represented by Rear Admiral Tariworio Dick (Chief of Training and Operations) and the Chief of Air Staff was represented by Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao (Chief of Training and Operations).

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila visits Katsina over security challenges

    However, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, the Director General of Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi and the Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration service, Mohammed Babandede were present

    The House had on Thursday stepped down a motion by Ifeanyi Momah titled: “Review of the Military strategy of ‘Super Camps’ in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East Zone.”

    A visibly upset Gbajabiamila expressed his disappointment with their absence.

    He said: “Let me commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the commitment he has shown to stem the tide and to put a handle and lead on the security situation in Nigeria today.

    “Unfortunately, Mr President cannot work alone. He has to have people to delegate those powers to as the Commander in Chief as directed by our constitution.

    “But because Mr President has delegated those powers to the Service Chiefs, we decided to call this meeting as representatives of the people.

    “This meeting was not called by a Committee of the House. It was called by the highest level of the legislature, personally by me as the speaker of the house.

    “Let me commend the IGP, DG DSS and Nigerian Immigration for coming here.

    “Let me say that as a House and institution, I cannot understate my disappointment or our disappointment for the service chiefs that are not here.

    “We called this meeting because it was important, you can see member from Borno here. There is crisis in Borno State right now.

    “We wanted to hear from the Service Chiefs to know what is going on, to know how the House can help.

    “What are the problems, what are the challenges, to talk about strategy and what we need to do?

    “I am sure you do not expect the House to fold its arms over what is going on in Maidugiri and other parts.

    “There is a migration now from Local Government to Maidugiri but here we are we called the Armed Forces coordinated by Chief of Defence Staff who is not here, Service Chiefs being represented by their accountants.

    “I am actually at a loss. For me, I believe are in tandem with this, the absence of the Service Chiefs, the Navy is not represented as far as I am concerned, Air Force is not represented, ditto the Chief off Army Staff.

    “I know one or two of these Service Chiefs were somewhere yesterday night. I can almost say that it showed the disdain for this institution.”

    He added: “The budget is on its way, we need to talk about it, what do you need? What is required? I am almost embarrassed to tell the truth.

    “There was no call placed to my office to explain why. I am just seeing accountants and Representatives.

    “I am not sure how to handle this. I do not think this happens anywhere. Any parliament in the world where the Head of Parliament will call the Service Chiefs for a nagging problem on how to resolve it and will not show.

    “I think it is important to postpone this meeting to Monday morning. I will personally see the President myself because we are supposed to work as one, to work together as a body.”

  • Five die in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway accident

    Five persons were Friday morning killed and 10 others injured after a Lagos bound commercial bus crashed around Onigari along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    It was gathered that the lone accident occurred around 8:50am shortly after the white Mazda bus with registration number WWD302CB picked some passengers at Ibadan enroute Lagos.

    The 18- passenger bus was said to have taken off from Sokoto State and was heading to Lagos when it lost control as a result of over speeding.

    It was gathered that the vehicle rammed into a median around Onigari, upturned and exploded killing four men and the only female passenger on the spot.

    According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ogun State, there were 17 men and a women in the bus at the time of the accident.

    Sector Commander Clement Oladele said those who sustained injuries were taken to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Sagamu for treatment.

    READ ALSO: Nine die in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway accident

    He advised those whose relatives travelled and who may need more information about the crash to contact the FRSC Ogun command or the hospital.

    “The corpses of those killed in the crash were also deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital. There is need for the people to drive cautiously and obey the speed limit of 50km/h at the construction area.

    “Passengers are reminded to caution their drivers against reckless driving and when such drivers refuse to listen, the passengers should call the FRSC on toll free number 122 to report such traffic misdemeanour,” he said.

  • Tribunal judgement: I won’t give up until I get justice, says Atiku

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 2019 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has explained his reason for seeking legal redress challenging Buhari’s victory in the February 23 presidential election.

    In his first official statement since the judgement of the election petition tribunal dismissing his case, the former vice-president said he is still pursuing the ‘judicial route’ despite the tribunal’s decision.

    He said, “Nothing good comes easy, and hard as the task to rid Nigeria from the forces of fascism, and be an instrument for the full restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria is, your support makes the struggle worthwhile.”

    Atiku also appreciated his supporters and urged them not to underestimate the effect of their belief that justice will be done.

    “I write to personally thank you for your support for our shared common goal and the solidarity I enjoyed from all walks of life and every strata of society, right from July 21, 2018, when I informed you, the good people of Nigeria, that I would contest the 2019 Presidential election, to Wednesday September 11, 2019, when the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal rendered its verdict.

    “I owe so much to this great land of Nigeria that took me from the streets of Jada, where I sold firewood, to the heights I have attained, by God’s benevolence, in the civil service, in corporate Nigeria, and in public service.

    “If I do not play my part in making it possible for other orphaned children, indigent youths and the less privileged, to replicate and even surpass my path to significance, I would have failed my Maker. If I do not ensure that the ladder I climbed remains accessible to those at the bottom, middle and top tiers of society, I would not have fulfilled my purpose.

    Read Also: Buhari, Atiku: What next after judgement?

    “And only by ensuring that democracy is not just done, but seen to be done, can Nigeria and Nigerians have a sense that this our dear land is indeed a land where Unity, Faith, Peace and Progress reside.

    “It is for this, and other patriotic reasons, that I am pursuing this judicial route: To ensure that the votes of Nigerians count and are counted.

    “Yes, those who do not want this as Nigeria’s reality, will use every trick in the book to undermine, discourage, misinform and mislead, but with God’s help and the support of Nigerians, we will ensure that Nigeria makes a course correction away from tyranny and towards democracy.

    “We must return to being Africa’s bastion of democracy, where the rights to Freedom of Speech and Freedom after the Speech, are guaranteed. We must stand together to pursue this just cause all the way, so that our judiciary are not afraid to do their jobs and have to be wary of blackmail, intimidation, and victimisation.

    “I note the immense outpouring of goodwill from ordinary Nigerians in every nook and cranny of Nigeria and from all regions, religions and relationships. Once again I thank you all for your support. I also thank the governors elected on the platform of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as the National Executive Committee, for their unanimous and unambiguous support for the judicial phase of this struggle, especially after it was announced that we would go on to appeal.

    “I urge all Nigerians to continue their support for this recourse to constitutional order via the courts. Even if there is little or nothing you can do to ensure that justice is done in Nigeria, just believe that it will happen. Let us never underestimate the effect of our belief in Nigeria.

    “Finally, I say to all concerned, that we will all die and give account of our lives to our Creator.

    “Thank you and may God bless Nigeria.”

     

  • Absence of police witness stalls Evans’ trial

    The absence of a police witness on Friday, stalled the trial of alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike ,alias Evans in an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

    The trial had to be adjourned due to the absence of Insp Idowu Haruna, the Investigation Police Officer (IPO) and a member Inspector General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Response Team.

    Informing the court of the development, the state prosecutor, Mrs O.A Badulaiye-Bishi, said “the matter is for continuation of trial.

    “The prosecution witness has traveled outside the court’s jurisdiction. Unfortunately, we will have to request for an adjournment date,” she stated.

    Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned the case until Oct. 25 for further hearing.

    In the first criminal suit, Evans is charged alongside Victor Aduba, a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army.

    They are charged with four counts of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

    Evans and the dismissed soldier are accused of kidnapping Mr Sylvanus Ahamonu, holding him hostage for at least nine weeks and collecting a ransom of 420,000 dollars from his family.

    In the second criminal suit, Evans is facing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Upong over the attempted kidnap of Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors.

    READ ALSO: Evans’ trial stalled as witness gets accident

    They are charged with seven counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sales and transfer of firearms.

    According to the prosecution, Evans and his three co-defendants committed the offences on Aug. 27, 2013 at Third Ave., Festac, Town Lagos.

    Evans and his accomplices are alleged to have killed Mr Chijioke Ngozi and attempted to kill and kidnap Obianodo.

    The prosecution also alleged that in 2008, Upong sold and transferred two AK47 rifles and 70 rounds of live ammunition to Evans.

    (NAN)

  • Buhari felicitates with gospel musician Ayewa at 70

    President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with renowned evangelist and Christian gospel musician, Joseph Adebayo Adelakun, popularly known as Ayewa, on the celebration of his 70th birthday.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, felicitated with the retired soldier-turned-musician and lauded him for using spiritual music to contribute to the emergence of a better society.

    Read Also:  Buhari meets Ag. Head of Civil Service, Yemi-Esan

    The vehicle of music, President Buhari noted, is one that commands the attention of millions of people, and the fact Evangelist Adelakun has used his natural endowment to serve God can only be handsomely rewarded here, and in the hereafter.

    The President wished Ayewa longer life, greater grace, and more rewarding service, as he serves the God he loves so much.