The Nation Newspaper

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  • ‘Company executives who mismanage employees’ pensions should be jailed’

    Company bosses, who mismanage their employees’ pensions could be jailed for up to seven years, Britain’s Work and Pensions’ Secretary, Amber Rudd, has said.

    She said displaying reckless behaviour towards pensions’ scheme will be seen as a criminal offence, adding that alongside a custodial sentence, authorities would have the ability to issue unlimited fines.

    She said: “To curb these freelancers playing fast and loose with your cash, I am going to make ‘wilful or reckless behaviour’ relating to a pension scheme a criminal offence, with jail terms of up to seven years for the worst offenders.

    “We will also give the courts powers to levy unlimited fines. So, if you run your company pension into the ground, saddling it with massive, unsustainable debts, we are coming for you.”

    Ms Rudd issued the stark warning following the BHS pensions scandal.

    A year after it was sold by Sir Philip Green for £1 in 2015, the retailer collapsed into administration, leaving a £571m pension deficit.

    Sir Philip later agreed to pay £363m towards it to end action against him by the Pensions Regulator.

    Treasury Chief Secretary, Liz Truss, backed Ms Rudd’s proposals, saying it was wrong Sir Philip could “play merry hell” with pensions.

    “It’s about saying that’s not acceptable, it’s not acceptable to play merry hell with the contributions workers have made over a period of time and essentially run off without making good the pensions you promised to those people in the future, and so we’ll take further sanctions,” she told Sky’s Ridge On Sunday.

    –Sunday Telegraph

  • Train crushes two to death in Kano

    TWO persons were crushed to death yesterday by a moving train in Kano.

    According to a witness account, the incident happened at about 8a.m. on a rail line behind Kano Club in Nassarawa Local Government Area. The witness said the two unidentified persons were said to have laid down on the rail track.

    The rationale behind their laying on the rail track was yet to ascertain. But sources said it could be a case of “suicide”.

    Read also: Train crushes beggar to death in Lagos

    A statement by Kano State Police Command spokesman, DSP Abdullahi Haruna, said at about 8a.m. yesterday, the police received a report that two yet-be identified persons, who were laying on the rail track, were crushed by a moving train behind the Kano club.

    “The police’s visit showed that one of the victims was cut into two parts and the bodies were evacuated to the hospital,” the statement said.

     

  • ‘My husband punishes me whenever I deny him sex’

    A housewife, Mrs. Tosin Rabiu, yesterday implored the Ado-Ekiti Customary Court, Ekiti State, to dissolve her marriage because her husband starved her whenever she denied him sex.

    Tosin, 33, of 8, Onisinla Bank Road, Ado-Ekiti, alleged that her husband was fond of beating her, adding that each time they fought, he would throw her belongings out.

    The mother of two told the court that she could no longer withstand the persistent maltreatment by her man, Ayodeji Rabiu.

    She alleged that Ayodeji had been beating her since they wedded, adding that she thought he would change.

    The petitioner said there was a day she went to the market and he threw out her personal effects before she returned.

    She added that when she begged him to allow her pack the remaining items, he beat her up and seized her phone.

    Tosin said she called her grandmother to intervene, but he locked the door and she forced the door open and asked for her phone, but he refused to give it to her.

    She said they fought and he ordered her grandmother out of the house.

    The woman said they fought regularly because he refused to give her feeding allowance.

    She said each time she denied him sex; he would not give her money to cook.

    The petitioner said she heard that her children were staying with her mother-in-law, adding that they would not enjoy good care.

    “I pray this court to divorce us and give me the custody of my children, namely Rabiu Fathia, nine, female and Rabiu Faidat, three, female.

    Ayodeji, 37, of 42, Omisanjana Street, Ado-Ekiti, denied beating his wife constantly, but admitted that he beat her once.

    He said she was temperamental, adding that she was fond of fighting co-tenants and even landlords. “This is why we are always ejected.”

    The respondent alleged that his wife was in the habit of committing adultery.

    He denied disgracing her, saying she instead abused and disgraced him.

    Read also: I no longer love my husband – Housewife seeking divorce tells court

    Ayodeji said he supported the dissolution of the union and sought the custody of the children.

    The court President, Mrs. Olayinka Akomolede, held that the marriage had broken up irretrievably and consequently dissolved it.

    She gave the custody of the children to the petitioner, saying the respondent should be responsible for their upkeep.

    Akomolede ordered that the respondent should pay N3,000 each on the children as their feeding allowance.

    Access was granted to him to see his children.

     

  • Court arraigns man for allegedly defiling minor

    A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday arraigned a 60-year-old man, Samuel Orji, for alleged defilement of a minor.

    The defendant was arraigned by the police on a one-count charge of rape before Magistrate Mrs. Modupe Afeniforo.

    Prosecuting Inspector Oriyomi Akinwale said the defendant committed the offence on April 1 at Ire-Ekiti.

    He alleged that the defendant defiled a 12-year-old girl.

    The court heard that the defendant lured the girl into his room by telling her to buy something for him and he sexually assaulted her.

    He told the court that the victim was brutalised in the private part, resulting in bleeding.

    Akinwale said the defendant confessed to the crime.

    The prosecutor urged the court to remand the accused in prison pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    The accused’s plea was rebuffed.

    Magistrate Afeniforo remanded the defendant in prison and adjourned the case till May 22.

     

  • Academy empowers 100 with vocational skills

    Pixels International Academy has empowered over 100 Nigerians with photography, creative designs and branding skills.

    The academy’s Digital Photography division has received the nod of the Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BOTAVED) to run courses.

    Pixels Digital Photography Chief Executive Officer Omolaraeni Olaosebikan made this known at its office in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    According to her, the market is large enough to accommodate emerging ideas because of the country’s population.

    She added that photography has become very competitive with many opportunities for well-trained photographers to explore in fashion, wedding and entertainment, among other industries.

    “For this reason, Pixels International Academy, a new-age creative school, founded by Pixels Digital Photography, to empower Nigerians who want to build a career in photography, creative designs and branding. Through the academy’s programme, which is designed to enable all Nigerians to develop professional confidence and technical proficiency, to explore and to define their own distinct creative vision, we have empowered over 100 Nigerians who are doing greatly.

    “Our goal is to help many Nigerians discover where an exciting career in photography can take them. It is also to give competitive edge to our students through the comprehensive foundation we provide for them through world-class sophisticated photography equipment and practical they would be exposed to while taking our courses. We are happy to state that the academy has received the approval of the Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BOTAVED). The institute got the endorsement of BOTAVED following the completion of its state-of-the-art the facility in Ibadan, which is open for students’ admission,” Olaosebikan said.

    The Head of the Academy, Dolapo Ishola, urged Nigerians who will like to build a career in creative designs, branding, to take advantage of the programme.

    According to her, the primary aim of the academy is to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria through technical and vocational training.

    “To this end, the academy is out build a class of professional photographers whose skills are at par with global standards. It is empowering its students with a wide range of skills using an established curriculum, learn more than photography skills, learn from professionals, enjoy the benefits of a creative learning community, establish industry connections and become a sought-after professional.

    ‘’It is also offering short courses and online programmes on studio photography masterclass, photo editing and retouching masterclass, compositional techniques, smartphone photography and photography foundation programme,” Ishola stated.

  • Mushin residents protest power outage, estimated billing

    Some residents of Mushin yesterday protested at the head office of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Marina, Lagos Island, alleging estimated billing, power outage and assault by officials of the company.

    The residents, who identified with Mushin Constituency 2 and were joined by a group – Advocacy for Anti-Bribe Corruption and Crime Prevention Initiative (AABCCPI) – thronged the EKEDC office at 11am.

    The protesters also alleged that officials of the EKEDC regularly extorted money from them, using armed policemen.

    Our reporter, who visited the protest scene, saw hundreds of protesters carrying placards. They chanted: “EKEDC Ole. Enough of abysmal extortion and assault. Mushin people no be thugs. We are gentle people.”

    The inscriptions on some of the placards read: “We cannot continue paying for darkness.” “Our mumu don do.” “We deserve 24hrs electricity.” “No light no NEPA bills.” “No estimated billing payment.”

    Mrs. Adoronke Osoba, a lawyer, said they had written EKEDC several times, calling for a dialogue on how to resolve the issue of “outrageous estimated billing” in Mushin.

    “We have written several letters. All our yearnings and cries have fallen on deaf ears. They never took us serious. We’ve engaged community leaders and their branch office at Idi-Araba. We tried all means of having dialogue on this matter, but to no avail. This is why we are protesting. People think we are thugs in Mushin. We are not. We are enlightened and gentle people.”

    Efforts to reach the principal officers and the management of EKEDC proved abortive, as heavily armed security operatives stationed on the premises locked people out of the gate.

     

  • Police allegedly kill IPOB member

    There was pandemonium yesterday in Asaba, Delta State, after the police allegedly shot dead a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The Nation gathered that IPOB members, who were on a peaceful demonstration on Nnebisi Road, were accosted by policemen near the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

    Although details of the clash were sketchy last night, an eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the victim was shot by the police, who were detailed to disperse the IPOB members.

    REad also: Our members never burnt police station in Anambra – IPOB

    Police spokesman Chuks Orisewezie denied that a protester was killed.

    He said the police, however, arrested four IPOB members, adding that one protester was seriously injured.

    Orisewezie said: “The IPOB members this morning protested and attacked our men at ‘A’ Division, Asaba. They were arrested. They assembled on the Lagos-Asaba Expressway and marched to Nnebisi Road to attack the police station.”

    He said items recovered from the IPOB members included pump action, four jack knives, charms, a Biafran flag and cans of fuel.

     

  • Govt, Magodo residents in war of words over master plan review

    Disturbed by the Lagos State Government’s plan over the proposed review of Magodo GRA Phase 2, the residents are in a running battle with the government.

    Magodo is an upscale residential development, created by the government in the 1980s. It comprises Phase 1 and 2.

    The Magodo Residents Association (MRA), alleged that the government planned to convert the area to mixed use, to accommodate other forms of development other than residential.

    MRA accused the government of reviewing the master plan of the area and presenting it for their approval without their input.

    It said on March 22, it received a letter informing residents that officials of the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), Lagos, were ready to make a presentation of the final draft.

    Addressing reporters at Magodo, Lagos, yesterday, MRA Chairman Jade Niboro accused NTDA General Manager Wasiu Akewusola of being behind the planned review of Magodo Scheme 2.

    He said: “We want to respond to the statement of Mr. Akewusola in the newspaper (Not The Nation).

    In the report, Akewusola alleged that the residents had turned the area to mixed use- illegal conversion of residential buildings to schools and offices, hence the move by the government to review the developmental plan. He said the review was just for law and order to legalise conversion of residential buildings to other uses.

    But Niboro said: “We hereby state categorically that the statement is untrue, false and misleading. Magodo residents have always fought against further commercialisation of the estate. MRA came up with a commercial policy in 2013 aimed at stopping the conversion of residential properties to commercial use. We fought those who attempted to convert their properties to other uses and we have record to that effect.

    “We went to court to stop a school from converting a residential plot to other uses. The matter was eventually settled out of court, with a resolution that the property reverts to its original use. Other businesses were either stopped or made to close down.”

    Mr. Adebayo Osinubi MRA 1st vice chairman said early last month, the association wrote the government to know what was happening with the review, but got a response that there would be a stakeholders’ meeting on the final draft.

    REad also: NTDA urges Lekki resident associations to work together

    “This means everything done has been put aside. So, the MRA refused by writing to the commissioner. He replied that the meeting was for approval and rubber stamping,” Osinubi added.

    He said Magodo Phase 1 residents refused to attend the meeting, while those of Phase 2 attended, but rejected the draft.

    The MRA 1st vice chairman alleged that by refusing to carry the residents along, the government planned to make a mess of the estate.

    He said in the last five years, the government had tried to link the estate with virgin marshy land, which were supposed to have wetland, adding that the review might be a fast way to achieve that.

    Second Vice Chairman Mrs. Kemi Omotoso  said: “We have written letters to the government under ex-Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and Governor Akinwumi Ambode. We have a petition signed by at least 2,000 residents stating their stand against commercialisation of the estate. This was forwarded to the government.

    “It seems some interests are bent on distorting facts for their selfish and personal interest. We will not allow anybody or group of people, whether internally or under any guise, to destroy our estate.”

    Mrs. Waleola Bello, the publicity/social secretary, said: “The wetland bounding the estate and Omole Phase 2 is about to be eroded and turned to residential plots. This area is for conservation and preservation of the eco-system and should be limited to passive recreation, flora and fauna water receptible against flooding and discharge of storm water from Agege-Ikeja, Ogba, Alausa CBD, Omole, Otedola to Lagos.”

    She added that the immediate effect of the attempt to develop the wetland has led to massive encroachment by monkeys on the estate.

    “The NTDA that is supposed to work in conjunction with the government to find a solution to the problem of Adeyiga vs Lagos State matter is now in conjunction with land speculators to bastardise the estate,” Bello said.

    Rotimi Abdul, a town planner, analysed the difference between existing land use and the proposed land use plan, as well as the security threat it posed to the residents.

    Akewusola said: “It’s a technical issue in the sense that when we are talking of review of master plan, even without having the input of the inhabitants and as a professional, there is supposed to be an orderly plan. So, when execution is being made, you will see challenges of your plan, after that you will review. This review of a thing is not a new thing in any of our scheme. You just heard of Lekki Phase, which we’ve just reviewed. For Magodo, we told them that we are going to do a review.”

    He added:  “Planning is dynamic and Magodo is over 30 years old. We planned it as a residential area, but even at that, there should be provision for other activities, not everywhere will be residential; there will be schools and others.

    “The problem with Magodo is that we said you people have started turning this place to commercial and our problem is that we should sit and plan it together and physical planning will approve it.

    “Look at Allen Avenue. It was residential that was planned for it, but now through the government, they turned it to commercial.

    “You have started turning this thing to commercial, with places of workshop springing up here and there. Instead of turning it on your own, let us review this thing, where you want it to be commercial or place of worship, we will approve it. But the only thing is that what they are doing there now is illegal. If we review it and we agree that this place will be for commercial and this place will be strictly for a place of worship, then physical planning will approve it. Now we have never approved it. Magodo scheme is residential and you are turning it to commercial. You have never given us any review.”

    The general manager said the review was just for law and order and to legalise conversion of residential buildings to other uses.

    On a plan to link Agiliti, Mile 12 and other suburbs to the estate, he debunked the claim, saying: “I’m not in charge of it. I don’t have any capacity to link roads; it is not part of my jurisdiction.”

     

     

  • Council bans street trading, unlawful garbage dumps

    Residents, road users, community development areas (CDAs) and the entire communities of Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have been warned to desist from street trading and dumping of refuse in drainage.

    The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Ramotalai Akinlola-Hassan gave the instruction while inaugurating the council’s projects, however, appealed to the residents to protect the infrastructure provided for them by the government so that more projects could be provided in their communities.

    The projects inaugurated included the Iyagbe Link Bridge, Paul Shotinoye Road and Estedo Road.

    Akinlola-Hassan noted that the upland and riverside communities within the local government had been beneficiaries of most of the programmes and projects of the government.

    Expressing her happiness that the road project had been completed, she, however, commended the efforts of the contractors that handled the road projects.

    In a related development, the council chief has formally presented the proposed 2019 budget of N2.17 billion the LCDA to the legislative council.

    The budget, she said, would enable the council to initiate new developmental projects and complete ongoing ones.  It will also place emphasis on critical infrastructural renewal and completion of community projects such as construction of drainage and roads as well as construction of additional office blocks.

    Tagged “Budget of Consolidation”, Akinlola-Hassan said the council would give priority attention to primary health care reforms and environmental waste management, even as she added that education support programmes such as e-leaning and distribution of exercise books to pupils in all the primary schools in the council will receive major boost.

    On revenue generation, she revealed that the council would adopt a robust strategy aimed at enhancing the council internally generated revenue to help it carry out the projects it has planned to execute.

    According to her, the 2019 budget will take into consideration the Lagos State development plan initiatives with a special focus on infrastructural developments and renewal as critically championed by the executive chairman.

    She noted that the capital and recurrent expenditure ratios in the budget which were 60:40 underlined the point that greater emphasis would be placed on critical project development and renewal which, according to her, would have direct impact on the lives of the people.

    Akinlola-Hassan urged the legislative arm to expedite action on the budget proposal so as to enable them to pass it on time.

    “I am ready to work. I have been doing it and I will continue to do it better than the people expected.

    “A speedy passage of the budget is solicited to enable us to discharge our promises to the people who are eagerly anxious of development from our government,” she added.

    The Leader of Council, Hon. Jamiu Abiodun Kasali, agreed the proposed budget estimate was aimed at improving the lives of the residents through provision of social services and infrastructural development.

    He expressed the commitment of members of the legislative arm in quick consideration of the budget proposal as well as its quick passage.

    “Looking at the budget, it is expected the executive chairman should go out and ensure that the promises made in the budget were fulfilled.

    “Expectations of this year’s budget are high, because it’s a budget of consolidation. The chairman has to consolidate on what she has been doing, the projects that we have not finished we would try and accomplish them this year”, he said.

    Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2, Hon. Akeem Bello commended the council chief for accomplishing some of the road projects in the area, adding that most of the roads are now motorable to everybody that resides within the community

    “It’s a laudable project; it has never happened before. Initially we were waiting for state governor to officially inaugurate the roads, but since the government has given them the go ahead to inaugurate all the outstanding projects, that’s why she has to do that before the end of her tenure,” he said.

    “We are expecting more from the government, we are expecting more from the local government for the people of Oriade. In many areas, including the ongoing project at the Navy Gate that leads to the Young Shall Grow Motors and to Satellite Town as well, it’s a laudable project,” he added.

  • Organisation enhances professionalism

    The President of International Organisation for Democracy and Human Rights (IODHR) Norway, Dr. Demostine Olariu and the Ambassador Maurice Echemoi Nkwocha of Chaplain Ambassadors Peace Mission (CAPM), Nigeria have joined forces to promote and protect human rights in the country.

    Speaking at a workshop in Ejigbo Lagos, Ambassador Maurice said the plan was aimed at enhancing professionalism in education career, tourism and research which will, in turn, benefit all.

    “There will be mutual understanding and commitment by the parties in international laws and regulations and in line with United Nation (UN) system of operations.

    “Awarding honorary titles as Ambassador of Peace, Goodwill Ambassadors and honorary doctorate degree respectively will depend on the internal regulations of the signatory organisations.

    Also Superlife World in partnership with Chaplain Ambassadors Peace Mission (CAPM) has agreed to use a well food therapy product from Switzerland and Malaysia namely STC30 to restore, rejuvenate, replace and replicate human body normal cells and increases the number of circulating adult stem cells in the body.

    “Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will enhance humanitarian services in the communities by impacting lives positively, saving souls,” Maurice said.