Saraki Takes A Shot At AGF From His Seat, Says He Must Appear Before Senate

July 12, 2016

Embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has joined his colleagues in the red chamber of the National Assembly to insist that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, should appear before the senate committee in respect of the allegations of forgery of the 2015 Senate Standing Rules preferred against Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

Saraki, who spoke after the Senate Committee Report on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters was presented by Senator David Umaru(APC), Niger North Senatorial District, wondered if the Chief Law Officer of the Federation could undermine the Senate as to shun in citronella.

“The Constitution is very clear on the issue of Powers of the Senate in dealing with Public Officers and I cannot fathom the Chief Law Officer who should know to turn down Senate invitation. He should be given time within one week to appear and if he refuses again, the Senate will sanction him accordingly,” Saraki maintained.

Earlier while moving the motion through Order 43 of 2015 Standing Rules, David Umaru submitted that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami had turned down the invitation on two consecutive times.

“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, I want oblige the Senate to consider the Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the imminent threat to Nigerian Democracy.”

Senator Umaru explained that on the 21st June, 2016, the Chamber resolved that the AGF be mandated to explain the cause behind his decision to prosecute Saraki and 3 others for Senate Standing Rules, which made the Committee to invite him on 23rd June, 2016, but he wrote asking for extension, but did not honour the meeting of 30th July, 2016, a situation he said, was undermining Nigeria democracy.

He said that the AGF sent an Aide, Mr. Obono Oba, who he said was walked out even as he said that Senior Special Assistant (Senate), Ita Enang while reaching out to the Committee on the issue, had apologized on behalf of the AGF.

The AGF had failed to honour the invitation extended to him by the senate committee to explain the rationale behind the prosecution of Principal Officers of the senate at the FCT High Court, over alleged forgery.

Senator Saraki warned that the Senate would the AGF will be sanctioned in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, if he refuses Committee’s invitation yet again.

He urged the Committee to quickly invite him and revert within one week. [myad]

Medical Doctor Lists What Journalists Should Do To Live Well, Long

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

A medical doctor, Dr. Moses Alao, has listed some of the things Nigerian journalists should be doing to live well and long.

He said that the first thing is for them to maintain a balanced lifestyle by engaging in physical exercise as well as working and eating to live.
Alao, who is a staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, spoke at the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists South-West Zonal lecture in Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday.
Speaking on the theme: “Work-Life Balance,” Alao advised journalists to always see life from the perspective of success.

“One needs balance in life in spite of life’s challenges. Always do periodic health check up, find ways to distance yourself from the things that cause stress, learn to manage time and avoid procrastination.
“Share your load; get your partner or other family members to help you with personal and family responsibilities. Also, always find a way to simplify your life.
“Learn to choose less taskful works; take little things to do at a time, prioritize ruthlessly, always do daily database, etc.”
The Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Gbenga Opadotun, said that most journalists are more engrossed in their assignments than in paying attention to their health.
“I will, therefore, urge you to learn from the lecture on how to manage stress and avoid unnecessary death,” Opadotun said.
Earlier, the NAWOJ Vice President for Zone B, Fola Ade-Adeniji, called on journalists to care for their lives even as they take their work to heart.
Ade-Adeniji promised to always support the Oyo NAWOJ as her own zone.
In her address, Lola Foluso, the Oyo State NAWOJ Chairperson, appealed to members to partner in building a great association.
“We should come together as one; the association is beyond individuals and we need to support the leaders no matter our differences,” Foluso said.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, represented by High Chief Lekan Alabi, challenged journalists to be disciplined and to always uphold the noble profession.
“Always wait for your time in life; whatever will be will be,” Adetunji said.
Highlights of the event included investiture of matrons and patrons and the presentation of awards of recognition to Alao and the Iyalode of Remoland, Kessington Adebutu. [myad]

I Will Never Forget The Role America Played In Stabilizing Nigeria’s Democracy – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he would never forget the role the United States of America played in stabilizing the Nigeria’s democracy, with emphasis on the 2015 general elections.

Receiving the outgoing Ambassador of the U.S, Mr. James Entwistle, at the Presidential Aso Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, President Buhari said the U.S insistence on free, fair and violent-free elections largely contributed to the deepening of democracy in the country.

“The U.S support before, during and after the 2015 elections was vital to Nigeria’s stability and I will never forget the role they played in the stability of Nigeria. We were lucky to have had an INEC Chairman who was competent and courageous.

“Mr. Ambassador, you occupied a position at a very strategic time in Nigeria’s history and I hope our historians will record this because it meant so much for our stability.

“I hope you write a book on your experience in Nigeria. The commitment of U.S in supporting Nigeria has been unprecedented”

President Buhari also thanked the Americans for their military, intelligence and humanitarian support to Nigeria on the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency.

He said that Nigeria valued U.S contributions to promoting regional peace and stability through the instrumentality of the G7.

President Buhari also received in audience, the outgoing High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Ambassador Perry Calderwood.

The President commended the Government of Canada’s humanitarian assistance to Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the North East, and their commitment to polio eradication in the country.

He highlighted the Federal Government’s effort to facilitate voluntary return of displaced persons in addition to ensuring that conditions in North-eastern Nigeria improve significantly before the next farming season.

In their separate remarks, Ambassadors Entwistle and Calderwood had expressed concern on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the North East with looming reports of food crisis and malnutrition.

Entwistle said the bilateral relationship between both countries had remained very vibrant and cordial.

“I had a marvelous three-and-half years in Nigeria and I am grateful to have been involved in the memorable elections in 2015.”

On his part, Calderwood conveyed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s desire to strengthen ties with Nigeria in Canada’s quest for partnership on international engagements, including its bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council, 2021-2022. [myad]

FCT Minister Asks Infrastructure Advisor To Consider Satellite Towns In Rail Transportation

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has asked Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF), to consider satellite towns in the territory in the plans for massive railway transportation system now in the offing.

He asked the body to carry out a study with a view to according attention to the satellite towns to better the lives of residents dwelling in such areas, adding that he gives priority attention to the provision of basic infrastructure in these areas because a large number of population resident in them.

The minister spoke on Tuesday when a delegation of the NIAF, led by its Technical Team Leader, Mr. Michael Mutter, paid him a visit in his office, to make presentation on public transportation in the Territory.

Muhammad Bello who appreciated the support the FCT Administration has been receiving from NIAF, assured that his administration would support the International Donor Agency to achieve more results.
He assured that his government would avoid some of the pitfalls in the management of the bus system and that a lot of work has been done in the rail transportation policy with all the other related items captured in the draft paper that has been sent to the National Assembly.
He asked NIAF to take a closer look at the operations of the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company (AUMTCO) to give professional advice on how to improve its services, adding that efficient mass transportation is very significant to the smooth running of every municipality.
The Minister said that maintenance of the Bus Rapid Transit system in the FCT has been quite stressful as result of the quality of the buses as well their suitability for the terrain they are operating.
“Even if the buses were up and doing, we’ve realized that the way the company is structured now, their revenue stream cannot pay for their expenses. So, these are the challenges that we are facing. Especially on the Central Business District to Masaka corridor, I have read some reports from the FCT Engineering Department, from Federal Road Safety Commission as well as the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the general feeling is that the road as presently designed is not wide enough to meet up on the requirements of BRT operation. It’s not as wide as the 10 lanes that we have on the Kubwa and Airport Expressways. These are areas that people have raised concerns,” he stressed.
“But, in overall, I’m so pleased that we are relating and partnering with a very reputable organization like yours, with the full support of the UK AID and also the government of the United Kingdom. I’m happy that you consider the FCT as one of your best clients.” [myad]

Ministry Of Finance Organizes 2 Day Retreat In Kano On Revenue

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

The Federal Ministry of Finance has organized a two-day National Retreat on Revenue generation to be held in Kano. It is aimed at evolving new ideas and strategies for boosting revenue generation to finance the 2016 budget and upgrade the country’s infrastructure.

A statement from the the Director of Information, Malam Salisu Na’Inna Dambatta, said that the retreat is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 15.

The statement said that Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state would deliver the keynote address, while the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, would declare the Retreat open.

It said that experts on revenue generation and administration are said to have been invited to make presentations and contribute in articulating the way forward in revenue generation for Nigeria.

The statement said that eight state governors, ministers, Chief Executives of various government revenue-generating agencies, Directors of Accounts and Audit as well as Revenue Officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies are expected to participate in the Retreat to share their experiences and articulate new strategies on boosting revenue generation and prudent application of such resources to finance the implementation of various development projects.

It said that some of the presentations will focus on expanding Nigeria’s revenue base in which strategies and new sources would be discussed; another paper will address non-oil revenue and proffer the way forward for success, while the extraneous factors that could affect the implementation of the 2016 budget would also be dissected at the Retreat.

“The experts would also speak on continuous audit of independent revenue in the age of change and mechanisms for enhancing Internally Generated Revenue by States through non-tax revenue to finance their budgets.

“There would also be discussions on guidelines for domestic borrowing, techniques on improving revenue generation from Oil and Gas and how to fund a national budget under a dwindling mono-economy.

“At the end of plenary, participants would be broken into several syndicate groups to assemble and forward the ideas and new strategies that emerged from the presentations as recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration and implementation.” [myad]

Ship Tracking: Nigeria Seeks Technical Cooperation with International Mobile Satellite

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

Nigeria has sought greater Technical Cooperation with the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) to enhance the performance of the country’s Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system.

This request was made by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi when he visited the Director General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed in London recently.

The minister, who expressed appreciation to the IMSO for its technical assistance to the country observed that as a member state of IMSO, Nigeria has a Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) data centre operated by Pole Star.

He said that Nigeria can benefit from greater collaboration with the IMSO to enhance the performance of the LRIT system.

The minister requested for further collaboration with the IMSO on the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre based in Nigeria and guidance on integrating Nigerian Maritime and Aviation Search and Rescue services.

In his remarks, the Director General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed expressed his pleasure for hosting the minister and assured Nigeria of the cooperation of the IMSO.

Captain Ahmed promised to collaborate with the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in terms of staff training and update on new technology and equipment.

He also pledged the commitment of IMSO to offer guidance on the integration of the Maritime and Aviation Search and Rescue services in Nigeria.

IMSO is the intergovernmental organization over sighting public satellite and security communication. It was appointed by the IMO to act as the International LRIT Coordinator to ensure the operation of the international system for the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) worldwide, by auditing and reviewing the performance of the system. [myad]

GTB Wins Euromoney Awards, Becomes Best Digital Bank In Africa

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

Foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc has reaffirmed its position as a leading global brand with its recent recognition as the Best Bank in Nigeria and Best Digital Bank in Africa’ at the 2016 Euromoney Awards. The award ceremony was held in London last week Wednesday, at the prestigious Tower of London.

Now in its 25^th year, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence covers more than 20 global product categories, best-in-class awards and the best Banks in over 100 countries around the world by recognizing institutions that have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and momentum in the markets they operate.

In selecting its recipients, Euromoney combines quantitative and qualitative data to honor institutions that have brought the highest levels of service, innovation and expertise to their customers.

According to Mr. Clive Horwood, Euromoney Magazine’s Editor, “Competition for the awards this year was tough, arguably the toughest it has been since the start of the global financial crisis. In winning these awards, GTBank stands out not only because of its stellar performance but by its ability to define what its core strengths are, abide by these strengths and build its business around them. According to him, banking in the future will be about what you do, as well as what you don’t do. GTBank stands out as Euromoneys’ best bank in Nigeria & Africa’s Best Digital Bank for its ability to adapt to local situations while maintaining international standards of best practice.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Managing Director/CEO of GTBank, Segun Agbaje, said: “We are humbled and proud to emerge double award winners for Best Bank in Nigeria & Best Digital Bank in Africa. Winning these awards is an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of our staff, management and Board. It also represents our commitment to serving our customers and making banking simpler and more accessible for them.

He said that winning the “Best Bank in Nigeria” award a record nine times is a reflection of the loyalty of our stakeholders which enables us consistently deliver superior performance.

GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation. [myad]

See Ya Later, Outgoing US Ambassador Seems To Be Saying To Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2016

The outgoing United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James F. Entwistle in a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari, who received him and US Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, Mrs. Maria Brewer on Tuesday at the Presidential Aso Villa, Abuja when the envoy paid him a farewell visit. Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wife of the President was there to add her voice to a goodbye to the Ambassador. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze. [myad]

Niger Delta Commission Owes Contractors N450 Billion

Greenbarge Reporters

July 11, 2016

The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, has said that the commission is currentlyowing contractors about N450 billion.

Semenitari, who spoke with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, promised that the NDDC would clear the debt as soon as funds are made available to the commission by the Federal Government.

She maintained that the NDDC would not deliberately refuse to pay contractors who have completed contracted awarded to them, adding that the paucity of fund is responsible for the delay in payment.

Semenitari, who spoke ahead of Tuesday’s commissioning of the Rivers State Secretariat of the NDDC, pointed out that some contractors within the category were not paid because they could not provide their Tax Identification Number.

“The NDDC is owing contractors about N450 billion, but if we get that money, we will clear the debt we are owing contractors. The commission cannot refuse to pay for the jobs done.

“When we came on board, there was debt as far back as 2009. We have cleared the debt of N10 million and below, which we were owing some of the contractors.”

Semenitari, however, disclosed that the NDDC is planning to decentralise the commission so that the commission at the state level would have more powers, and that the headquarters of the NDDC will only be for policy making.

“We are strengthening the NDDC at the state level to make them stronger. The centre should be for policy making. Based on this, we are going to have more competent hands at the state level.”

She said that that the NDDC has not received a dime as ecological funds, even as she called on multinational oil companies operating in the country to always remit three percent of their annual budget to the commission as stipulated by law.

The NDDC boss stated that the failure of the oil firms to remit such funds was making it difficult for the commission to carry out their objectives.

She noted that the NDDC was taking a look at the records to know the level of compliance of the oil companies in remitting such funds to the commission within the past 16 years.

“Payment from the oil firms, which is three percent of their budget is also an issue. The challenge with this is that when the funds are not remitted by the oil companies, the region suffers because the commission will not be able to fund some projects.

“Again, the destruction that is going on in the region means that we cannot go on with all our plans. When we sell oil, we get more funding; if we don’t get oil, we don’t get funding,” Semenitari added.

On contractors, who abandon projects after collecting mobilisation funds, the acting managing director of the NDDC explained that the commission had decided to give zero mobilisation in order to eradicate the abandonment of projects.

Source– PUNCH. [myad]

Buhari’s Government Considering Special Tariffs On Agric Sector – Osinbajo

Greenbarge Reporters

July 11, 2016

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has announced move by the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to create special tariff regime for the growth of the agricultural sector in the country.

Osinbajo, who had a meeting on Monday with a group of Nigerian and Mexican agro-business interests at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, made it clear that agric sector remains an integral part of the country’s plan for sustainable economic growth and development.

“President Buhari has said it repeatedly that agriculture and solid minerals, especially agriculture is our economic way out. This is the president’s vision, and our job is to look for ways to get that dream actualized.”

The Vice President emphasized that President Buhari is ready to support the agricultural plans “in any way necessary,” adding that the federal government will ensure conducive customs and immigration policies including tariffs in order to attain the vision.

He added that this is why the President set-up the Presidential Council on the Ease of Doing Business to attract local and foreign investors.

“There is no doubt in which direction we should go, agriculture is in the forefront and we do realize the urgency of the moment and the importance of getting things done quickly.”

He said that with the experience of the Mexican company-Carlos, he is optimistic that the plans and projections tabled at the meeting would be attained.

He said that under the plan, Wells Farm would partner with Carlos in several agricultural business initiatives and employ a total of about 85,000 Nigerians.

A suggestion to replicate the partnership with Carlos in the other geopolitical zones just like Wells Farm which is based in the South-South was also discussed.

Farms are being opened and talks are already on with a number of other states in the federation to ensure this. Carlos, the Mexican agro-business interest is said to be one of the biggest concerns in the South American country and is part of the story of how Mexico raised its foreign earnings from Agriculture in the last few decades to about $398B.

Those who attended the meeting were the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Heineken Lokpobiri Lokpobiri, a Mexican agro-business concern, the San Carlos Group and their Nigerian partner, Wells Farm, from Edo State as well as the CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo, Jnr. [myad]

1...1,8171,8181,819...2,500 Page 1,818 of 2,500