My Visit To Kuje Prison Has No Connection With Detained Ex CBN Governor, Emefiele – Ooni Of Ife

December 6, 2023

The Convener, Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has made it clear that his visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Kuje, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had no link with the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele who is being detained there.

His spokesperson, Moses Olafare, in a statement, said that the visit was in commemoration of the Ooni’s 8th year Anniversary on the throne of his fathers.
Speaking against the background of reports in a section of the media, the spokesman said that Ooni of Ife was not at the prison to visit Godwin Emefiele, saying: “The intent of those spreading the news was to blackmail the monarch.
“There is nothing hidden about the event. In any case, the king never met Emefiale because it was an official event organised by the NGO in conjunction with the Kuje Correction Centre.
“The programme centres around giving hope to the inmate that, after serving out their terms, they still have hope to reintegrate back to the society. The Arole Ooni was invited to chair the event in commemoration of his eighth anniversary on the throne.
“What is exclusive about a public programme where different public figures spoke and representatives of the inmate also spoke? How then did the Ooni manage to meet Emefiele?
“We must be careful with how people spread falsehoods about people. The video of the event is available to the public. I am not even sure Emefiele attended the programme because he is only in detention and not an inmate yet, so why link the programme to Emefiele? It is simply to achieve blackmail.”
Source: VANGUARD.

Employers’ Association Honours Nigeria LNG Limited Over Corporate Social Responsibility

Greenbarge Reporters

December 6, 2023

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has honoured Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) with a award for its Investment in Societal Renewal and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The Association described the NLNG’s corporate social responsibility as unparalleled commitment initiatives in Nigeria.
At the 3rd Annual Employers’ Awards in Lagos, the Association also presented the NLNG with the Elimination of Child Labour in the Workplace Award and a recognition award for its contribution to the conference.
The association emphasised that NLNG clinched the awards after undergoing a rigorous evaluation process and surveys by the professional body. NECA described this annual award as a ground-breaking initiative to promote and laud best practices in Corporate Performance, People Management, and Industrial Relations among Nigerian employers.
Reacting to the awards, the NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, said that NLNG’s unwavering commitment to CSR and excellent human resources practices aligned with its vision of being a globally competitive LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria. Dr. Mshelbila underscored NLNG’s role as an inspirational national success story and a significant contributor to the overall development of Nigeria.
According to Dr. Mshelbila, NLNG, driven by its core value of excellence and care, has pursued perfection and achieved remarkable feats in the realm of CSR.
“NLNG’s CSR drive is anchored on four pillars – health, education, infrastructure development, and empowerment – all geared towards supporting sustainable development. We see ourselves as exemplary corporate citizens, fully committed to investing in the advancement of a better Nigeria. Yet, to accomplish this, we require the unwavering support and collaboration of all stakeholders in the country.
“I earnestly urge increased support from these critical stakeholders to help us achieve the pinnacle of CSR excellence for the country.”
NLNG’s flagship CSR projects include the Hospital Support Programme (HSP) and the multi-billion-naira 34-kilometre Bonny-Bodo Road, supporting healthcare infrastructural development in 12 teaching hospitals across the country and socio-economic activities in the riverine parts of Rivers State respectively. These projects are ongoing.
In healthcare, NLNG is implementing its malaria elimination project on Bonny Island through the Bonny Island Malaria Elimination Project (BNYMEP) in collaboration with the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (US-PMI), the Rivers State government and the Grand Bonny Kingdom. The Company also established the Bonny Community Health Insurance Programme (BCHIP), a community-based health insurance partnership with the Rivers State Government and Bonny Kingdom, making healthcare services more accessible and affordable. It has over 12,000 subscribers on Bonny Island.
The Company’s dedication to education was evident in its scholarship programs, benefitting over 4,000 Nigerian students at post-primary, undergraduate, and post-graduate levels. Additionally, NLNG’s commitment to bridging the gap in technical education was exemplified by the construction and equipping of the Bonny Vocational Centre (BVC), which has trained some 920 Nigerians in various vocational and occupational areas.
Other CSR projects also include the completed University Support Programme (USP), where NLNG constructed or rehabilitated engineering laboratories in six universities across the country; and The Nigeria Prize for Science, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, and The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, with cash rewards of $100,000 each for the science and literature prizes, further demonstrating NLNG’s commitment to fostering excellence in education.
In collaboration with industry partners, NLNG extended its CSR footprint by providing essential social amenities to residents in Bonny Kingdom, encompassing a round-the-clock electricity supply and piped water supply in the community.

N15 Billion Infraction: Senate Gives Lee Engineering Clean Bill Of Health

Greenbarge Reporters

December 5, 2023

The Nigerian Senate has Exonerated Lee Engineering and Construction Company of any infraction in accessing N15 billion of the N250 billion fund set aside by the Federal Government in the development of gas infrastructure in the country.
The Senate Committee on Gas had last week investigated Delta State Government, Lee Engineering and Construction Company and 13 oil and gas companies that had accessed N135 billion out of the N250 billion set aside by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to encourage investments in the gas sector.
In a letter today, December 5, signed by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and addressed to the Executive Chairman of the Company Chief Leemon Ikpea, the Senate commended the company for its huge investments in the oil and gas sector and pledged to support the company in adding value to the oil and gas sector.
“The Committee’s investigation revealed that you have invested hugely in the Oil and Gas Industry, with a staff strength of over four thousand employees. We found no Infractions associated with your company. The Senate Committee on Gas writes to commend you on your activities in the Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria.”
He said that during the course of the Committee’s investigations, it found no infraction on the part of the company and particularly commended the management of the company for its sense of patriotism.
“The Committee commends you for your patriotism and pledge to support you in adding value and creating wealth for the Nation,” he further stated.”

Agenda For Kogi Gov Elect, Usman Ododo, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

December 5, 2023

Winning an election in Democratic setting, like in Nigeria, no matter how powerful and calculative you think you are, is not a tea party. There would be always factors at play, including deviousness and armtwisting among several others, to stand in the way of victory.
Difficult as winning election is, staying in power and performing to the satisfaction of the majority appears more harculean. This is also predicated on many factors, both within (the performances or lack of them by those that are selected to work with the victor – Ododo) and without (those in opposition and enemies of progress).
Everybody witnessed the many rivers which Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressive Congress (APC) crossed, to win the November 11 Governorship election in Kogi State. The stumbling blocks are still being mounted by the opposition to undo the victory by all means.
Of course, one of the dark areas that would have made Ododo to lose the election was the issue around the payment of workers’ salaries, and pensioners dues, which the outgoing Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello would always swear he had not defaulted.
Ododo will do well by assemblying people, men and women who will help to address much of the human resource matters. This is because, despite the gargantuan achievements Yahaya Bello recorded in infrastructural development across the State, the seeming neglect of human factor tilted his government to uncomfortable bend. It is indeed, surprising that Governor Yahaya Bello came to know about the negative elements in his governance just at the tail end of his eight years in office.
Ododo, on his part, will do well by running an open government where citizens are informed about the direction of the government at regular intervals. Whatever it will cost, each commissioner and other relevant appointees, should be made to give account of his or her stewardship to the people, at least, every quarter.
As a matter of fact, emphasis should be given to the welfare and happiness of the workers, and if that is done, you can bet they will vounch for the government and stand by it in rain and shine.

Yes, governor Yahaya Bello has been able to tackle many issues around health, security, education and other sectors, Ododo will need to give emphasis to improvement on security, educational reforms, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), road construction (doing some roads through Public Private Partnership and, if it is federal roads, claiming the money spent after) and agriculture and food security, ICT and creation of possible industrial estates.
The incoming Governor should device the methods of personally monitoring the performance of his appointees and a way of encouraging citizens’ participation in governance.
There are bound to be individuals who would feel a sense of entitlement hovering around the government, the governor should not ignore them but find ways of treating such individuals diplomatically.
In fact, once you run an open system, like the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum has been doing, you will be able to manage the crowd of fortune seekers whose idea of government is the free distribution of resources, at the detriment of genuine development.

And, being an African and a thorough-bred Ebira man, Ododo should not ignore the factor of herbal preparation war (jazz), which governor Yahaya Bello referred to as “ahono eweyi-weyi” when he addressed his appointees recently. Ododo and the people around him need to pray very well to avoid being hooked by individuals or groups through such “jazz.”
May Almighty Allah guide you to success.

The Crowd Bombed In Kaduna State ‘Resembled’ Terrorists – Military

Greenbarge Reporters

December 5, 2023

The Defence Headquarters has said that the drone attack on Ligarma community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, was based on information about untoward activities of terrorists in the area.
A statement today, December 5, by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, said that the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detachment had at about 2200 hours on Sunday, observed movement of terrorists at Ligarma, known to be a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State.

It added that the aerial surveillance captured movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorist tactics and modus operandi.
The statement said that the observed advance of the terrorists that were gathered posed a threat to key infrastructure within reach of their activities.
It said that the threat was eliminated to prevent the terrorists from unleashing terror on innocent civilians.
“It should be noted that terrorists often deliberately embed themselves within civilian centres for the civilian population to bear the consequences of their atrocities.”
It stressed that terrorists often disguise themselves as civilians to perpetrate terror as part of their tactics.
“Nevertheless, the Nigerian military does its best at all times to distinguish between civilians and terrorists.
“The military views every civilian death in the course of operations as a tragedy as such tragedies are needless and unwanted, which causes the armed forces to take extensive measures to avoid them.” The statement said that one such measure taken by the military is to continually give precise instructions to communities.
“For instance, communities are to always alert troops of their activities particularly when such a community is known to be infested with terrorists and their sympathisers.
“These instructions are intended at enabling the military to distinguish between friendly and untoward activities.”
It stressed that the armed forces would continue to operate in line with international laws and would also continue its determined and cautious progress in eradicating terrorists from the land.
It said that the military would continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of its operations.

Atiku Laments Many Miscalculated Killings Of Innocent Nigerians By Soldiers

Greenbarge Reporters

December 5, 2023

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has lamented what he described as too many cases of miscalculated air strikes by the Nigerian armed personnel leading to unfortunate death of innocent Nigerians.
Atiku was reacting to Sunday’s bombing over about 100 villagers at the Tudun Biri Village, Kaduna who were said to be marking the year’s Maulud event.
The former vice president said that he was grieved by the news of the drone airstrike that killed dozens of people and left scores of others with various degrees of injury in the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“Ironically, the victims of this unfortunate incident were celebrating the Maulud anniversary.
“The incidence of miscalculated air strikes is assuming a worrisome dimension in the country.”
He stressed the need for the country to develop counterinsurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents of this nature.
“I call on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this tragedy to avert future occurrences.
“Meanwhile, no resource should be spared in medical attention to the injured and assistance to the families of the dead. I pray that the Almighty Allah comforts the bereaved families and grants the dead eternal peace.”
The Nigerian Army had admitted yesterday, December 4, that its operatives mistakenly bombed the worshippers. Reported has it that President Bola Tinubu had ordered an investigation into the miscalculated bombing.

University Of Ilorin Promotes 48 Academics To Professors

Greenbarge Reporters

December 4, 2023

Management of University of Ilorin have announced the promotion of 48 of its academic staff members to the rank of professors.
The university, in a bulletin today, December 4, said that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole, made this known at a meeting he held with the new professors at the university.
Egbewole said that 59 others were also elevated to the rank of associate professors in the latest promotion exercise by the institution.
The vice-chancellor, who is also the Secretary-General of Association of West African Universities (AWAU), said that the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, had approved the request of the university’s Appointments and Promotion Committee.
He said that this culminated in the promotion of the new professors from their previous positions of readers/associate professors.
Egbewole said that the approval of the minister was necessitated by the absence of a properly-constituted Governing Council for the university, which ought to have discharged the responsibility.
He congratulated the new professors for attaining the peak of their careers, even as he expressed confidence in their dignity and competence.
The vice-chancellor said that the promotions were meritorious and well-deserved, even as he commended their dedication to the achievement of the institution’s corporate objectives through quality teaching, meaningful research and impactful community services.
He encouraged the newly-promoted dons not to rest on their oars, but work harder on their responsibilities so as to justify the confidence reposed in them by the authorities of the university and the society at large.
Speaking earlier, the Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla, congratulated the new professors on their promotion to the pinnacle of the teaching career.
Responding on behalf of the newly-promoted professors, Professor Jaiye Opadiji, of the Department of Computer Engineering, expressed profound gratitude to the vice-chancellor and the management for their consistent support which culminated in the attaining the peak of their career.
He pledged their determination to intensify efforts toward advancing the university’s academic excellence and overall success.
Source: NAN.

Over 150,000 Nigerians Overwhelm Us With Visa Requests – US Embassy

Greenbarge Reporters

December 3, 2023

The Embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria has said that over 150,000 Nigerians have overwhelmed the embassy with requests for visas to visit the country.
“What folks do not know is that this year we have interviewed more than 150,000 Nigerians.
“This is in addition to 30,000 students. “Hundreds of thousands of students have had the opportunity to seek visas from the U.S.”
Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S Embassy in Nigeria, David Greene made these points known today, December 3, in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
David Greene stressed that the demand for visa appointments by Nigerians outnumbers the supply
“So, those appointments are available and we are doing everything we can to address that gap.
“We are doing the best we can to get proper ways for all the categories and after having an enormous backlog as a result of COVID-19, and all that.
“We have made great progress though. In March (this year), we instituted a five-year term for visas to the U.S.”
He advised persons desiring to travel to the U.S to apply early and ensure that the visa requests are tied to events.
“Folks that are seeking visas should apply early, make sure that the plan is for an event as they can.
“This is because we do acknowledge that there is a backlog and we will do what we can to make sure people that need a warrant visa to the U.S., can get them.”

Senate President, Akpabio, Preaches Message Of Hope For Nigeria At Christmas Carol

Greenbarge Reporters

December 3, 2023

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has said that in spite of the challenges and uncertainty surrounding the world today, Nigerians should not despair.
He admonished the Christian faithful to embrace Jesus’s teachings in order to discover strength, redemption and the promise of eternal life.
Senator Akpabio, who served as the Chief Host of the 20th Anniversary edition of the Service of Nine Lessons tagged ‘the National Carols 2023″ jointly organised today , December 3, by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Radio Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria (VON) at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, said that the power of hope resonates deeply within Nigeria.
He advised Nigerians to show compassion and forgiveness towards one another.
“As we gather here today, united in celebration and joy, we are reminded of the true essence of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, our eternal hope. Let us, therefore, reflect upon this profound theme of “Jesus Our Hope,” and embrace His love and grace.
“In Nigeria, the power of hope resonates deeply within us. We have faced our fair share of trials and tribulations, but our faith and the hope found in the message of Jesus have kept us resilient. Today, as we celebrate Christmas in unity and love, let us rekindle that hope within our hearts, inspiring change, forgiveness, and compassion towards one another.”
The Senate President, who read the Eight Lesson from Matthew 2: 3-6, said “This Christmas carol event, graciously organised by the Nigeria Television Authority, serves as a reminder for us all that our hope in Jesus shall never fail because God’s word shall never pass away. His love, which was made manifest in Christmas, shall never cease and it brings good will and peace to all of mankind.
“In celebration of this, we have come to witness the power of music, transcending barriers, and touching the depths of our souls. We are reminded of the angelic music the shepherds heard when they heralded his birth. As we embrace these harmonious melodies, let us remember that they, too, carry the message of hope through the ages, reminding us of Jesus’ everlasting impact on humanity.
“In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth echo within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May His hope reignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.
“As we sing our carols and rejoice together, may Jesus, our eternal hope, fill us with renewed faith, strength, and purpose. Let us carry His message of love and hope throughout the year, illuminating our homes, communities, and our beloved Nigeria.
“Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the reason for this season – the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.”
Giving an analogy of his stint as governor of Akwa Ibom state, the Senate President declared: “We are in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest ever ensemble of Christmas Carol Singers. This feat was attained when I was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. We wanted to have a taste of Heaven when the Bible says in Revelation 7:9 that “… a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
“I believe that one day, Nigerians of all tribes, peoples and tongues will come together in unity and patriotism, and share the love of Jesus Christ as He is known to us Christians and Isa as He is known to our Moslem brethren.
“Just as the star led the way to the humble manger in Bethlehem, Jesus continues to light the path for those who place their trust in Him. His birth represents a promise, a divine covenant calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light. His life exemplifies limitless compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love. By embracing Jesus as our hope, we discover strength, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.”

Battle For Kano Government House: 200 Lawyers Volunteer Service For Gov. Yusuf At Supreme Court

Greenbarge Reporters

December 3, 2023

No fewer than 200 private legal practitioners from the 19 Northern states have volunteered to assist Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to win his governorship election appeal case at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Yusuf Ibrahim, spokesman of the group, under the banner of ‘Abba Kabir Yusuf Volunteer Lawyers Forum From the 19 Northern States and Abuja’ called on President Bola Tinubu not to allow the country slide into one party system.
At a news conference today, December 3, in Kaduna, the spokesman said that one party system is an unhealthy democratic practice.
The lawyers expressed concern over independence of judiciary in the country, even as they insisted that the rule of law must be obeyed to ensure that the vote of every Nigerian count during elections.
They expressed solidarity with Governor Abba, saying that the Appeal Court judgment in favour of APC was a clear miscarriage of justice.
“We volunteer as private legal practitioners to participate in the litigation in solidarity for Gov. Yusuf at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“We want to represent the truth in the fight to reclaim his mandate and that of the people of Kano State.”
The group also demanded a reworking of the Electoral Act.
“It is pertinent to state here that the Electoral Act needs a holistic reworking in order to address these anomalies of our judicial system and democracy, if we must save it.”
According to the group, pre-election matters must be seen to be addressed as no longer litigable issues after the winner of an election has been declared.
“The attempts by Court to conclude upon their findings to declare politicians as winners must also be divested of such powers. At best, order a re-run in the affected areas.
“The dangers are that if this trends should proceed without being checkmated, then there would no be need any longer for open balloting and casting of votes by the general electorate.
“This is so as their mandate would be taken over by those who know the rules of the game and of course, it will no longer be a matter of who wins the election at the general voting posts.”
The lawyers called on the Supreme Court to resist any form of external interference to protect the image of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law.
“We are hopeful that the apex court would do the right thing devoid of any sentiments.”
Responding to questions from journalists, another member, Usman Ashafa, said that the judgment of the Appeal Court left much to be desired.

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