Mass Communications Graduates of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Marks 30 Anniversary

June 24, 2022

The Association of Mass Communication Graduates of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, 1992, has concluded plans to mark its 30th graduation anniversary on July 1 in the school.
The graduates, who scheduled a visit to the school as part of the celebration, said that such visit would allow the old students to support the Department of Mass Communication of their alma mater in key areas.
A statement by the Chairman, AMACOG 92, Adekunle Adeshina, said that the members plan to unveil a television studio, which the old students had renovated and in which modern equipment had been installed.
The presentation of the renovated studio is expected to draw the Acting Rector, MAPOLY, Adeoye Odedeji; Head of Department, Mass Communication Department, Lekan Togunwa; and Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, who is also a member of the association.
Adeshina said: “We can’t allow 30 years of our graduation from the school to pass away unnoticed and uncelebrated.
“Many of our members have grown in their fields, but don’t forget that they started their tertiary education in this place.
“In this unique set, we have Editors of national newspapers, Publishers, General Managers of radio and television stations, Proprietor of broadcast stations, Directors in both state and federal ministries, a first class traditional ruler and many outstanding professionals.”
The AMACOG chairman added that the association recognise that such celebration could not be deemed notable without the set giving back to the school through the department.
“We have renovated a television studio in the Mass Communication department and installed modern equipment which will aid the impartation of modern education and practical skills in contemporary media practice to the current and future students.”
Adeshina stated that the one-day event would be rounded off with a dinner on Friday, adding that this would allow the old course mates to network and exchange ideas on how to move the association and the department forward.

Popular Nollywood Actress, Tonto Dikeh Is Deputy Governorship Candidate In Rivers 1

Editorial staff

June 24, 2022

Popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has been nominated as the running mate to Tonte Ibraye, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers state.

The actress, who has long been nursing her political ambition, broke the news in a statement today, June 24.

Dikeh said that she will be working alongside Ibraye towards increasing women’s inclusion in the state’s governance system, supporting small businesses, and strengthening our traditional institutions.

“I thank Mr. Tonte Ibraye(@tonteibraye), the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State for nominating me as his running mate,” the actress wrote.

“We are looking forward to investing massively in social protection, creating a social value system for young people, increasing women inclusion in our governance system, supporting small businesses and strengthening our traditional institutions to be active players in the drive to bring sustainable development to the people of Rivers.

“I am glad to be a proud member of the #RiversRescueMission2023. Please get your PVC and join the movement. You are the Future and The future is now!”

Yes, We Recovered Over N300 Million, Cars, Others But Not From Ex Military Boss – ICPC

Editorial staff

June 24, 2022

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has admitted the recovery of huge sums of money in various currencies, cars and other properties from K Salam Construction Company, a military contractor, and not the former Chief of Army Staff, Yusuf Buratai as was published in an online newspaper.

In a statement titled: “ICPC Clears The Air On Media Report Of Abuja Property’s Raid And Seizure,” issued today, June 24, ICPC spokesperson Azuka Ogugua said that the commission, on June 16, 2022, between 5:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., one of its operatives raided a property in Wuse 2 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on suspicion of money laundering.

According to the statement, the commission collected cash and other items from the property, including N175,706,500; $220,965; G-Wagon; 2022 editions of BMW and Mercedes Benz cars; customized mobile phones; several designer wrist watches, including three Rolexes, and some property documents.

It said that following the discovery, one Kabiru Sallau, the managing director of K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited was arrested, adding that because investigations were underway, the commission would prefer not to predict the verdict in order to minimize the media trial hysteria.

Kogi Gov Angry As Gunmen Bomb Police Station, Kill Officer…In Benue Too

Editorial staff

June 24, 2022

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is angry with bad people that are trying to make nonsense of his avowed claim of the state being the safest in the country.

The governor, who swiftly reacted to a bomb attack on the Area Command office of the Nigeria Police at Eika-Ohizenyi in Okehi Local Government Area of the State, by unknown assailants, resulting in the death of a police inspector, directed the state security adviser to mobilise adequate security personnel and equipment to the affected area to ensure watertight security and restore confidence in the citizens.

He said that the state government will go ahead to implement an effective action plan to avert reoccurrence, working closely with the security chiefs in the state as well as the people in the affected area.

A statement by the commissioner of information, Kingsley Fanwo quoted the governor as appealing to residents of Okehi to cooperate with security agencies as necessary measures will be put in place to curb violent crimes in the area and also flush out the criminal elements “bent on denting the security credentials of our dear state which is comparatively the safest in the country today.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police in the State, Edward Egbuka, had visited the scene of the incident ordered the deployment of additional operational assets consisting of operatives of the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Quick Response Unit and State Intelligence Bureau in synergy with other security agencies to restore normalcy in the area.

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Kogi Police Command, William Aya, said that part of the area command office was razed by dynamite used by the attackers.

“Sadly, a police inspector died in the exchange of fire with the hoodlums, before the area commander and a detachment of military in the area reinforced the scene of the incident and the attackers fled.”

Aya assured that the command is committed to working in synergy with other security agencies, as well as patriotic stakeholders to make the state a safe and secure place for all and sundry.

He said the Commissioner of Police has further tasked his Deputy in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence investigations into the unfortunate incident.

This was even as about five people, including two policemen, a university lecturers have been killed in a bandit attacks in Benue State. The attacks took place in Guma and Ukum Local Government Areas of the state.

It was gathered that the two policemen were killed in Yelewata of Guma LGA, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa States when the armed men stormed the area.

Similarly, one Fred Akaayar, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communications at the Federal University, Wukari in Taraba State and two others were gunned down at Jootar in Ukum LGA, a border community between Benue and Taraba States on Thursday night.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, has confirmed the Guma incident, saying: “I received information about two policemen killed in an operation but I am yet to receive details please,” the PPRO stated in a reply to a text message sent by our correspondent.”

NYSC Boss Reminds Youth Corps Members: No Jobs Out There, Better Be Creative

Editorial staff

June 24, 2022

Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mohammad Fadah, has reminded corps members that there are presently no white cola jobs out there except they find ways of acquiring skills and getting entrepreneurship development.

The NYSA boss, who was addressing the 2022 batch B, stream 1 corps members in the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos today, June 24, said that skills acquisition will prepare them to be self-reliant after the programme.

He advised the corps members to abide by the rules/regulations of the orientation camp, even as he charged them to acquire monetizable skills and take advantage of the scheme’s entrepreneurship programme.

“As good children, you have to adhere strictly to the camp rules/regulations by doing all the Dos and staying away completely from all the Don’ts as you are observing this orientation programme.

“Movement anyhow in and outside the camp is not encouraged, don’t do it, but if you must and have cause for such, take necessary permission from the camp.

“There are no ‘White collar’ jobs out there, that is the reason for the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAID), and you identify the one you want to learn.

“Take it very seriously. It is additional knowledge so that you can have something to practice, take home and fall back on after the one-year mandatory service to the fatherland.

Makeups Are For Wayward Women; Engagement Ring Unchristian – Evangelist Victor

Editorial staff

June 24, 2022

Founder and Senior Pastor of Royal House of Grace Minitries International, Evangelist Victor Edet has said that using rings for engagements is wrong and unacceptable as the Bible forbids it.

This is even as he kicked against the makeup worn by women, saying that makeups are for wayward people “and this category of people won’t enter the Kingdom of God.”

Evangelist Victor Edet, was reacting to the popular Nigerian gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo on her engagement to Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, in a post he shared via his official Facebook account.

He first congratulated the songstress and then proceeded to outline some areas she got it wrong, backing up his arguments with some verses from the Bible.

He wrote:

“CONGRATULATIONS to you Mercy. Meanwhile, Using Ring for engagement or Wedding engagement is Completely wrong and Totally unacceptable. As Christians, the Bible forbids us from using ring’s and Jewelries as stated in Isaiah:3-16-26.

Wearing Make-Up is another Sin of it’s own. Make-Up are for spoilt people (Prostitute) as stated in Jeremiah:4-30, and no spoilt person will enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

You Can’t Try Third Term In Nigeria; Person Who Tried It Failed, Buhari Tells British PM

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he dare not attempt to exceed the two-term in office as President, as allowed by the Constitution of Nigeria because, obviously, he would not succeed.

Responding to what looked an innocent question by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on the margins of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, today, June 23, Buhari said: “another term for me? No! The first person who tried it didn’t end very well.” (General laughter).

The Nigerian leader, who held a bilateral meeting with Boris Johnson, insisted that he would leave office for incoming President in September 2023.

On the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, not being allowed to see his lawyers privately, the President dispelled such insinuation, saying the detained separatist was being given every opportunity under the law “to justify all the uncomplimentary things he had been saying against Nigeria in Britain.

“He felt very safe in Britain, and said awful things against Nigeria. We eventually got him when he stepped out of the United Kingdom, and we sent him to court. Let him defend all that he has said there. His lawyers have access to him. Remember he jumped bail before, how are we sure he won’t do it again, if he’s admitted to bail?”

On the PM’s expressed readiness to help Nigeria in the area of security, the President said that helping to stabilize Libya could be an initial good step, as the fall of Muammar Gadaffi after 42 years in power unleashed his armed guards on countries in the Sahel, “and they are causing havoc everywhere, as the only thing they know how to do is to shoot guns.”

On Boko Haram insurgency, President Buhari said there is serious effort to educate the people on the fact that only an unserious person could kill innocent people, “and say Allah Akbar (God is Great). God is justice. You can’t take innocent souls, and ascribe it to God. And the education process is working, the people now understand Boko Haram as anti-God, and not about religion.”

PM Johnson said that he was delighted about the good news on trade between the two countries, adding that the UK was further reducing tariffs on some goods going to Nigeria.

He described the relationship between the countries as “very strong attachment. I just want to be sure that we are doing enough. It’s a massive partnership for us, and we need to capitalize on it.”

The Prime Minister offered condolences on some recent attacks in Nigeria, particularly on churches.

Senator Ekweremadu, Wife In UK Court Over Alleged Attempt To Use Boy’s Kidney For Daughter

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

A Nigerian senator, Ike Ekweremadu of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his wife, Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremad, have today appeared in court accused of plotting to traffic a 15-year-old boy to the UK from Lagos in order to harvest his kidney for their ailing daughter.

The court heard that the couple, who have four children and a house in Willesden, North London, hoped to transplant the boy’s organs to their daughter who suffers from kidney failure.

Police had earlier been alerted to potential offences under modern slavery laws last month and arrested the couple two days ago at Heathrow Airport before they flew to Turkey, the court heard.

The child is now under the care of safeguarding authorities and the Metropolitan Police, officials said.

Ekweremadu, 60, and his wife Beatrice, 55, are charged with conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.

The senator was wearing a grey sweater while his wife was wearing a black and white knitted cardigan at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court today.

Prosecutor Damla Ayas said: ‘It is a conspiracy in relation to human trafficking offences for the purposes of organ harvesting. The victim, in this case, is 15 years old

‘The couple were interviewed at the police station. Both of the defendants have provided a prepared statement.

Ekweremadu, in his prepared statement, denied allegations of human trafficking, saying that at no stage has he arranged transport for anyone with the intention to exploit them.

His wife similarly denied the allegations in her prepared statement, the court heard.

Gavin Irwin, representing Ekweremadu, said: ‘There is no question this is a serious allegation. Mr. Ekweremadu is a member of the senate in Nigeria.

“He has previously held an even more senior role as deputy president of the senate.

“He is a member of the bar in Nigeria. He is a principal in a law firm that bears his name.

“Those issues taken together go way beyond him being a person of good character…rather that he has led a blameless life as a public servant.”

Mr. Irwin added that the allegations are “nothing short of preposterous.”

Antonia Gray, for Mrs. Ekweremadu, said: ‘She has never been complicit or involved in any alleged illegal trafficking of any young person.

“She is a financial accountant…with an unblemished record.”

The couple have an address they could stay at in Willesden, northwest London, the court heard.

The prosecutor made an application to adjourn matters for 14 days.

Ms. Ayas said: ‘In respect of these offences, Attorney General’s consent is required and the Crown requires 14 days for that to be obtained.”

Magistrate Lois Sheard said: ‘These are serious allegations and these matters are now adjourned until 7 July back here at Uxbridge.”

Ms. Sheard remanded both defendants into custody ahead of their hearing next month.

The Ekweremadus are charged with ‘conspiring to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation….between 1 August 2021 and 5 May 2022 within the jurisdiction of Central Criminal Court’.

The investigation was launched by the Met’s Specialist Crime team after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.

The Met Police has confirmed that the boy is safe and being looked after. Mr Ekweremadu was held with Nwanneka Ekweremadu in Britain this month.

Ekweremadu has been an elected senator at the Abuja-based parliament since 2003 after moving into politics after years as a lawyer.

His wife, five years his junior, is an academic and doctor and also a major public figure in Nigeria. They are believed to have four adult children.

More African Apex Banks Explore Digital Currencies – IMF

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Several sub-Saharan African central banks are exploring or in the pilot phase of a digital currency, following Nigeria’s October introduction of e-Naira.

Nigeria was the second country after the Bahamas to roll out a CBDC.

IMF, in its Blog chart of the Week said: “CBDCs are digital versions of cash that are more secure and less volatile than crypto assets because they are issued and regulated by central banks. As the Chart of the Week shows, South Africa and Ghana are running pilots while other countries are in the research phase.

The South African Reserve Bank is experimenting with a wholesale CBDC, which can only be used by financial institutions for interbank transfers, as part of the second phase of its Project Khokha. The country is also participating in a cross-border pilot with the central banks of Australia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The Bank of Ghana, by contrast, is testing a general purpose or retail CBDC, the e-Cedi, which can be used by anyone with either a digital wallet app or a contactless smart card that can be used offline. Countries have different motives for issuing CBDCs but for the region there are some potentially important benefits.

The first is promoting financial inclusion. CBDCs could bring financial services to people who previously didn’t have bank accounts, especially if designed for offline use.

In remote areas without internet access, digital transactions can be made at little or no cost using simple feature phones. CBDCs can be used to distribute targeted welfare payments, especially during sudden crises such as a pandemic or natural disaster.

They can also facilitate cross-border transfers and payments. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most expensive region to send and receive money, with an average cost of just under 8 percent of the transfer amount. CBDCs could make sending remittances easier, faster, and cheaper by shortening payment chains and creating more competition among service providers.

Faster clearance of cross-border payments would help boost trade within the region and with the rest of the world. There are risks and challenges that need to be considered before issuing a CBDC, however. Governments will need to improve access to digital infrastructure such as a phone or internet connectivity. While the region has made significant strides, more investment is needed.

More broadly, central banks will need to develop the expertise and technical capacity to manage the risks to data privacy, including from potential cyber-attacks, and to financial integrity, which will require countries to strengthen their national identification systems so know-your-customer requirements are more easily enforced. There is also a risk that citizens pull too much money out of banks to purchase CBDCs, affecting banks’ ability to lend.

This is especially a problem for countries with unstable financial systems. Central banks will also need to consider how CBDCs affect the private industry for digital payment services, which has made important strides in promoting financial inclusion through mobile money.

Dangote Opens Articulated Truck Driving School

Editorial staff

June 23, 2022

Leading Cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc, has opened Dangote Articulated Truck Driving School in a move aimed at inculcating safe driving culture in its drivers so as to stem the tide of road crashes.

The school, established in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is expected to make the drivers become better road users.

The Academy, which was officially commissioned by Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi, was described as historic and unique.

The new Academy for truck drivers, according to the Corps Marshal, is a significant step forward that will benefit not only the Dangote Group but Nigeria as a whole.

The country’s top road safety official hailed Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, for taking “a big step” towards reducing truck accidents.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for. You made it. I have observed that Dangote has done a lot to address truck crashes and I must commend them for this.”

He extolled the conglomerate for leading other companies on this path, saying the new school will play a key part in the country’s efforts to make roads safer.

He said he had suggested such a school long ago, adding that he is happy that the school has come to fruition.

In his remarks, the National Director, Logistics of the Dangote Cement (Transport section) Mr. Juan Carlos Rincon, said the new school is an expression of the determination of the company to bring to halt the incidences of auto crash in the country.

Speaking also Executive Secretary National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Professor Idris Bugaje who was represented by Engr S.M. Yusuf, said the NBTE will partner with the Dangote Cement Plc for a successful accreditation and takeoff of the new school.

In his remarks, the Bajana of Obajana HRH Oba Idowu Isenibi said he was optimistic that the school will help address auto crashes in the country, even as he described the President of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote as a “rescuer and God sent to their communities that should be emulated by other investors in the country.

Speaking in the same vein, the Olu of Akpata Oba Frederick Balogun urged other investors to emulate the company.

Both the Dangote Cement Transport and the FRSC signed a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) on how to cooperate to ensure that the school is a success.

Dangote Cement has also organized thorough block molding training for block makers in both Kano and Katstina states respectively.

This, according to the company is to ensure that the blocks moulded for building constructions are strong, reliable, and durable, noting that some block makers do not really know how to make strong and reliable blocks.

The Coordinator of the programme, Johnson Olaniyi, said the workshop would give the block molders and allied product manufacturers the opportunity to once again build capacity and adhere to global best practices.

Olaniyi said the Dangote Cement Plc is desirous of reversing the trend of collapse building through the capacity building of block manufacturers.

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