What Federal Capital Has Gained From University Of Abuja, Minister Narrates

April 30, 2021

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has itemized some of the gains the capital city has made from the siting of a university at its backyard.

Receiving members of the Presidential Visitation Panel to the University who paid courtesy visit today, April 30 in his office, the minister said that the institution has been closely linked with the FCT Administration as well as the growth and development of the city.

According to the Minister, the presence of the University and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada had enhanced the growth and development of the Satellite town to the benefit of the host community.

He said that the University has also partnered with the Administration to solve specific matters such as the seismic issues regarding some rock formations in some parts of the FCT.

Malam Muhammad Musa Bello added that the University has contributed to the manpower development of the Administration as many of its staff have taken advantage of the proximity of the University to improve on their academic and professional qualifications.

The minister said that judging from the caliber and antecedents of the members of the Visitation Panel, he is confident that they will carry out a very good job of reviewing the situation in the university and guiding its administration properly in the management of the university.

He advised the Panel to ensure that town planning and development control regulations in the university are met and that they fit into the overall FCT Masterplan.

Earlier, Chairman of the Visitation Panel, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji said that the visitation exercise is a fact finding one as part of a statutory responsibility that happens every five years and a critical part of its assignment includes an objective examination of the affairs of the University.

He said that its terms of reference includes examining issues relating to governance, accountability, evaluation of the progress made in the university after the last visitation exercise as well as looking into the working relationship between the host community and the University.

Other members of the Panel present for the courtesy visit were Professor Ahmed Ali Yakassai, Dr Ibinag Oden Ewa, Col. Danladi N. Adamu (Rtd), Engr Abubakar A, Matazu and Arc Samuel Ikani who is the Secretary.

Presidency Describes Father Mbaka As Fake, Looking For Contracts

Editorial staff

April 30, 2021

The Presidency has described Father Ejike Mbaka as fake, in search of contracts from those he claimed to have supported to power.

A statement today, April 30 by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that Mbaka is claiming to be what he is not.

“An outsiders distilling the avalanche of verbiage, will be surprised that after supporting the President two times to win the Presidency, Father Mbaka has made a complete U-Turn, preposterously asking President Buhari to resign or be impeached.

“Here is the point of departure: Father Mbaka asked for a meeting and to the shock of Presidential Aides, he came accompanied by three contractors. The President graciously allowed them in, and to everyone’s surprise, Father Mbaka asked for contracts as compensation for his support.

“Anyone familiar with President Buhari knows that he doesn’t break the laid down rules in dealing with contracts or any other government business for that matter. He requested the appropriate authorities to deal with the matter in accordance with laid down rules.

Inside the Villa, discretion prevailed, that if those pictures and requests were made public, the followers will turn against the religious leader. None of it was released. Now, this is what is eating Father Mbaka.”

We’re Not In Any Financial Stress, NNPC Faults Media Report

Editorial staff

April 30, 2021

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has made it clear that it is not in any form of financial stress as reported in the media.

It explained that the revenue projection contained in the letter to the Accountant General of the Federation being cited in the media pertains only to the Federation revenue stream being managed by the Corporation and not a reflection of the overall financial performance of the Corporation.

A statement today, April 30 by the Corporation’s spokesman, Dr. Kennie Obateru, said that the clarification became necessary in the light of media reports insinuating that the Corporation is in financial straits.

NNPC maintained that it is conscious of its role and is doing everything possible to shore up revenues and support the Federation at all times.

“The shortfall will be remedied by the Corporation as it relates only to the Federation revenue stream being managed by the NNPC and does not reflect the overall financial performance of the Corporation. The NNPC remains in positive financial trajectory for the period in question.”

The Corporation pledged to continue to pursue and observe its cost optimization process with a view to maximizing remittances to the Federation Account.

It would be recalled that NNPC, in a letter to the Accountant General of the Federation entitled: Re: Impact of Hike in Crude Oil Prices on the Deregulated Downstream Sector: Projected Remittance to the Federation Account for April to June 2021, which was inappropriately shared by unscrupulous persons, had projected that it would deduct the sum of N112bn from Oil and Gas proceeds for the month of April 2021 to ensure continuous supply of petroleum products to the country and guarantee energy security.

This has fueled reports of impending revenue shortfalls with dire consequences for the various tiers of government.

NNPC, however, assured that it would continue to meet its financial obligations to the Federation.

Married Woman Lied To Husband Of Going To Funeral But Found Dead In Priest’s House

Greenbarge Reporters

April 30, 2021

A married woman (name withheld), who lied to her husband that she was going to a funeral was found dead in a Catholic priest’s house.
The woman is said to be a member of the Catholic Women’s league from St Maurice Catholic Church in Lusaka, Zambia.
It was learnt that the Church has suspended the Priest, Father Abel Mwelwa and also forced him to pay for the funeral expenses of the deceased.
Father Abel Mwelwa was said to have invited the married woman to the parish house on the night of Holy Thursday. Archbishop Alick Banda eventually suspended the clergyman as the judicial vicar of the Archdiocese of Lusaka moments after the occurrence became public.
Father Mwelwa had ceased being the parish priest of Kaunda Square parish. An official memo from the church also stated.
“I hereby wish to inform you that I have with immediate effect suspended the Rev. Ringford Abel Mwelwa from the priesthood indefinitely. With this suspension, he ceases to be Parish Priest for Kaunda Square Parish. “Secondly, the priest also ceases to be the Judicial Vicar of the Archbishop of Lusaka.” A part of the memo read.
An unconfirmed source, however, said that the priest reportedly injected some substance into the deceased in an attempt to abort her pregnancy .
The deceased’s family has asked the clergyman to pay for the funeral expenses.
The woman’s family called on the police to investigate the real cause of her death.

Boko Haram Leader, Shekau, Kills His War Commander For Betrayal

Editorial staff

April 29, 2021

Factional leader of the outlawed Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has personally killed his war commander Abu Fatimah, accusing him of betrayal.

Information had it that Shekau has quickly appointed Abu Muhammad to replace the slain Commander of War.
It was gathered that two other senior Commanders were also eliminated by Shekau last week..
source: PRNigeria

No Nigerian Airport Is Under Security Threat, National Security Adviser Assures

Editorial staff

April 29, 2021

The Office of the National Security Adviser has assured aviation stakeholders that no Nigerian airport is under any security threat.

The Officer explained that reports of a threat on the nation’s airports by some media in the country were not true because they got it from routine internal government correspondence, which is “a routine threat assessment to ensure preparedness of agencies and not meant for public dissemination.

A statement by the Head of Strategic Communication of the Security Adviser, Z.M Usman, said that in the period covered by the correspondence, threat analysis identified the need to advise Airports Management nationwide to upgrade existing security measures around the nation’s airports.

“Regrettably, the unauthorized release of this advisory is likely to raise fear among airport users at home and abroad.

“Accordingly, this statement is issued to reassure the public and all aviation stakeholders of the safety of our airports. The security and intelligence services will continue to monitor security threats and provide the assessment and timely advise required by Airports Managements to continuously upgrade security measures in the airports.

Reno Omokri describes Father Mbaka As Author Of Confusion, Calls For His Removal

Editorial staff

April 29, 2021

An aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has described the Catholic Priest and Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Father Ejike Mbaka as “author of confusion” and asked the Catholic Church to “defrock” him.

In a string of tweets today, April 29 reacting to Mbaka’s latest attack on Buhari and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Omokri wrote, “Father Mbaka is an author of confusion. Today, he is calling on General Muhammadu Buhari to “resign or be impeached”. In 2015, he told Nigerians that God told him Buhari was Nigeria’s saviour. If the Catholic Church doesn’t defrock this man, he will rubbish their name.

“A man of God should not speak from both sides of the mouth. How could God have told Mbaka that Buhari is the saviour in 2015, and now God is telling him another thing in 2021? This same man falsely accused then President Jonathan of attempting to assassinate him!”

Mbaka had earlier blessed the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for championing the cause of his people and said God had asked him to withdraw his support for the President, Muhammadu Buhari and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and to prophesy against them.

The fiery priest had also caused controversy last year when he prophesied that then Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, would be removed by the Supreme Court and Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress would be made governor.

Mbaka had also prophesied that Buhari would defeat Jonathan and become President in 2015 and continued to support him at various times.

Only last week, Mbaka said that Buhari government had failed to protect lives in the country, describing the situation as devastating.

Source: Punch

Presidency Accuses Benue Gov Of Only Seeing Problems Of Others But Not His Own

Editorial staff

April 29, 2021

The Presidency has accused Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom of only seeing the problems of others and can’t see his own.

In a statement today, April 29, reacting to Governor’s attack on the President, the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the Presidency is disappointed and sad over Governor Ortom’s litany of accusations against the person of the President and his government, following the recent unfortunate incidents in the state.

Garba Shehu quoted Governor Ortom as saying that the rising levels of incidents, especially the killings and violence in various parts of the country calls for further collaboration with security agencies to curb its recurrence.

“No responsible government takes pleasure in such events as the killing of the military and that of innocent citizens taking refuge in an Internally Displaced People’s camp. President Buhari is deeply pained by the terrible acts of violence happening not only in Benue State but also in other parts of the country and expects that the law enforcement agencies will go to every possible extent to catch the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice.

“The lives of fellow citizens should not be desecrated by deploying them in political diatribe which unfortunately appeared to be the intent of the string of emotional attacks and blame laid at the doors of the President for those killings by Governor Ortom. President Buhari took an oath to defend the life and property of every citizen, a duty he takes seriously and is committed to ensuring.

“Those citizens regardless of their affiliations, who either incite, sponsor or are proven to be abettors of these atrocities will face the law squarely and be answerable for their crimes against our fellow citizens and nation.”

He President Buhari had always insisted that the strength of the country should derive from the people’s diversity in faith, culture, and traditions “and attempts to sharpen the divide between northern and southern Nigeria, between Muslims and Christians, and between communities that have coexisted for centuries should be frowned upon and resisted.

“As Nigerians, we accuse colonial rulers of the policy of divide and rule. Today, it is our own leaders who put region against region, religion against religion, ethnic group against ethnic group and community against community.

“The future of Benue State and indeed that of the entire country lies in harmony and the respect for law, order, and the constitution. It is the only way to achieve progress and development.”

Garba Shehu said that while the President will continue to keep security, police and the armed forces on their toes to be on top of their act in troubled parts of the country, the situation in the states will greatly be helped by everyone working together because that is the foundation on which progress and prosperity can be achieved.

“Benue under the Ortom administration ought to cooperate with the Federal Government in the implementation of a number of national strategies programs in addressing underlying issues militating against peace, progress and development.

“This can still get done when the interest of the people is placed above all other interests. A government voted into office by the people, should treat the people as its masters and not as its servants.”

MTN Nigeria Enhances Post-Paid Transactions With Remota

Editorial staff

April 29, 2021

MTN Nigeria has announced the introduction of Remita, a leading electronic payment platform, for the management of all its post-paid invoicing, payment as well as service-and-expense reconciliation needs.

In a statement today, April 29 by its spokeperson, MTN said that with this development, enterprises and individuals on MTN’s post-paid billing system will now be able choose an invoice and amount to pay through any of the multiple payment channels available on Remita, receive a payment notification and an automatically updated transactions record with Nigeria’s largest mobile company.

The statement said that the new project was announced after integrating its system with Remita’s invoicing and payments solutions suite.

It said that the partnership will holistically transform the experience of post-paid customers of MTN Nigeria, enabling them consummate transactions in the most convenient way, achieve payment flexibility and maintain a record that is up-to-date and truly reflective of their payment status.

“With post-paid payments now to be made on Remita, customers can centrally view, pay and manage all their bills. They can also retrieve their invoices and complete payments for their total outstanding bills or selected invoices. They would also be able to enter a custom amount to be settled through a wide array of payment options available on Remita including card, internet banking, electronic wallet, USSD, bank transfer, phone number and registered Remita profile. Remita transactions can also be completed at any bank branch and agent locations nationwide.

“To enjoy Remita’s fast and reliable service for MTN post-paid bills, customers are to visit Remita website, remita.net, select ‘Bills and Purchases’, click ‘Pay MTN Bills’, enter their identification type (Invoice ID, Account ID or Service ID), and then proceed to pay through the option most seamless for them.”

In its announcement to customers, MTN confirmed that it had partnered with Remita for an easier payment experience and encouraged customers to call 216 or email ES.Service@mtn.com for more details on how to enjoy the service which would guarantee them a stress-free payment experience.”

Remita billing and payment system is the first and only one of its kind within Nigeria which offers such an impressive level of transparency, ease of use and instant service consummation for post-paid customers.

Speaking on the collaboration, David Okeme, Divisional Head, Vertical Markets and Payment Applications at SystemSpecs, providers of Remita, said: “with the increasing competition in every sector of the economy today, we at SystemSpecs are always exploring opportunities for collaboration, with the objective of improving customer experience across various levels of existence.

“Partnering to power the payment needs of MTN Nigeria’s post-paid customers is yet another step in this direction which aligns with our insatiable longing to add value through the provision of innovative payment technology.

Remita thrives on partnerships with other players within Africa’s financial ecosystem and has emerged a provider of robust payment infrastructure and solutions to telcos, fintechs, financial institutions as well as individuals, other organisations and governments.

MTN Nigeria provides wireless telecommunication services and offers roaming, Internet, bills payment, device financing, data management, SIM registration and other related services to individuals and corporate customers all over Nigeria.

After My Second Tenure, I May Become A Pastor, – Gov Abiodun Of Ogun

Editorial staff

April 28, 2021

Dapo Abiodun | Photo credit: Premium Times

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has indicated interest in becoming a pastor after serving his second term in office as governor. Governor Abiodun’s first term in office will end in 2023.

Governor Abiodun, speaking at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along Lagos-Ibadan highway, said that he loves reading, studying and sharing the the Bible.

“I may end up on the pulpit after I have served as governor for eight years.”

Governor Abiodun said that if Nigerians could follow the instructions of God in their daily activities, the country would not find itself in its current predicaments.

He however asked Nigerians not to lose hope, saying: “all we need is the fear of God.”

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