Celebrating 62nd Birthday Of Senate President, Akpabio

December 10, 2024

On hand yesterday, December 9, to participate in the celebration of the 62nd Birthday of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio are from left to right: Senator Eteng Williams, Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu, Senate Deputy Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Former Senate Whip, Orji Kalu, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and wife, Unoma; Senators Cyril Fasuyi and Olalere Oyewumi, during the 62nd birthday celebration of the Senate President.

The Role Of NCC In Facilitating Digital Economy

Greenbarge Reporters

December 9, 2024

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), regulates the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, ensuring that operators comply with relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
NCC mandate as enshrined in the National Communications Act 2003, is a wide-ranging one that includes the establishment and oversight of a Regulatory Framework for the Nigerian Communications Industry, as well as the promotion of efficient, reliable, affordable and easily accessible Communications Services across the Country.
This Mandate connotes that NCC plays an important role in Nigeria’s transition to a truly Digital Economy. An important aspect of this role involves facilitating the deployment and safeguarding of Telecommunication Infrastructure – which is essentially the backbone upon which Digital Services are delivered across various Sectors of the Economy.
The Role the Commission is playing in the Digital transformation of Nigeria by providing the backbone of our Connectivity, while emphasizing our commitment to building enduring Partnerships across Government and key relevant stakeholders in Nigeria; with regards to the following mandates:
Licensing and Authorization
NCC issues licenses and authorizations to telecommunications operators, ensuring they meet the required standards and criteria.
Spectrum Management
NCC manages the radio frequency spectrum, allocating frequencies to operators and ensuring efficient use of this scarce resource.
Consumer Protection
NCC protects the rights and interests of telecommunications consumers, ensuring they receive quality services and are treated fairly.
Promoting Competition
NCC promotes competition in the telecommunications industry, ensuring that operators compete fairly and that consumers have access to a range of services and providers.
Cybersecurity
NCC works to ensure the security and integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications networks and services, protecting against cyber threats and attacks.
Numbering and Addressing
NCC manages the allocation and assignment of telephone numbers, as well as the management of internet protocol (IP) addresses.
This pivotal advancement of NCC in facilitating a Digital Economy is achieved through its proactive Advocacy and Strategic Collaboration with relevant Key Stakeholders.

Source: The Greenland news.

President Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills Infringe On Nigeria’s Constitution – Revenue Mobilisation Commission

Greenbarge Reporters

December 9, 2024

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform bills, which the National Assembly is currently considering infringed on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a nine-page memorandum, the RMAFC outlined a range of legal, constitutional, and technical objections to the proposed legislation.
The document, signed by RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Bello Shehu, said that Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants authority to the Commission to determine the formula for equitable revenue sharing among the three tiers of government. It added that the mandate also includes ensuring that the formula reflects principles of fairness and justice.
“The Constitution designates RMAFC as the final authority on matters of revenue allocation.
“As such, no Act of Parliament, including the VAT Act, can infringe upon this constitutional responsibility. Any such attempt would constitute a violation of the Constitution.”
RMAFC said that its role as the exclusive arbiter in developing fair revenue allocation formulas must be respected, adding that any deviation from its constitutional duties could undermine the integrity of the Commission and compromise the principles of justice in revenue sharing.
The Commission called for an approach to Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation that accounts for the unique nature of VAT as a consumption tax. It proposed a formula developed by RMAFC that would ensure equitable distribution among federal, state, and local governments.
The memorandum outlined the following points:
1. Equitable Allocation Formula: VAT allocation and derivation should be based on a formula developed by RMAFC. This formula would consider VAT’s consumption-based nature, ensuring fairness in distribution.
2. Recognition of Consumption Patterns: The formula would factor in consumption rather than merely production or the location of company headquarters, ensuring balanced benefits.
3. Support for Weaker Economies: Special consideration would be given to states with weaker economies, promoting national cohesion and fairness across all tiers of government.
RMAFC went on to make several recommendations, advising the federal government to empower the Commission to finalize a VAT allocation formula in line with its constitutional mandate, reinforcing Constitutional Mandates by ensuring that VAT allocation strictly follows RMAFC’s framework, not arbitrary provisions in the VAT Act or the proposed reform bill.
It called for a dialogue among federal, state, and local governments to secure consensus on the RMAFC’s formula, to reduce tensions and ensure acceptance.
The Commission cautioned legislative or executive measures that would undermine its authority and even as it advocated implementing systems like electronic invoicing to tag VAT collections to end-user locations, enhancing transparency and accuracy.
The Commission warned that the proposed tax reform bills threaten national unity and constitutional harmony. By adhering to its constitutional mandate, RMAFC believes it can provide an equitable solution to revenue allocation disputes while safeguarding the principles of fairness and justice.
The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has been established and constitutionally empowered to ensure the equitable distribution of the country’s financial resources among the three tiers of government: the federal, state and local governments.
It is mandated that the revenue allocation formula be reviewed to ensure equitable distribution among the three tiers of government to reflect fairness, justice, and equity, taking into account.
It is also empowered to monitor the accruals and disbursements from the Federation Account to ensure compliance with the revenue-sharing formula and advise the federal, state, and local governments on fiscal efficiency and revenue diversification.
Source: By PRNigeria

Doctors Without Passion Are Dangers To Sick People, Dr. Odafen Tells Graduating Medical Students

Greenbarge Reporters

December 9, 2024

The Pro-Chancellor of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State, Dr. Omo-Ehijele Odafen, has said that medical doctors that lack passion are dangers to sick people in hospitals and other areas where medical attention is needed.
Speaking as Guest Lecturer at the induction of 28 graduating medical students of the University of Abuja, Dr. Omo-Ehijele said: “a
doctor without the passion for the vocation is a very unhappy and dangerous doctor and may you not be dangerous doctors.”
He advised them to develop unwavering passion for the practice of medicine, which he said “is the surest way out for a satisfying, fulfilling and enjoyable practice.
Omo-Ehijele acknowledged that it is easy for Doctors and other medical personnel to become disillusioned when practicing in a challenging health environment like Nigeria.
This, according to him, is due mainly to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure and limited appreciation for work done.
The Pro-Chancellor did not fail to point out what he called “poor appropriation for the health sector” in the nation’s budget, explaining that less than five per cent of the total budget of trillions of naira is allocated to health as against 15 per cent WHO/UNESCO recommendation.
He however , advised the graduands to be kind in practice and respectful of whoever they come across, in practice and in their social engagements.
This was even as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, advised the graduands to put what they learned into proper practice out there.
According to her, medicine is not just a profession, “it is a calling; one that demands excellence, empathy and unwavering commitment.”
Professor Aisha Maikudi reminded them that the induction marks an end as well as a beginning.
“Today marks both an end and a beginning as you recite the Hippocratic Oath and swear to uphold the principles of your profession.
“You are not just joining the fraternity of healers; you are assuming a sacred cross. You will hold in your hands the power to heal, to comfort and to save lives.
“This responsibility is as heavy as it is rewarding and it requires of you without hesitation to learning, innovation and service.”
Also, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Titus Ibekwe, called on the graduands to put to practice the excellent grooming they received from among the best in the profession.
He said that the College will increase its carrying capacity from January 2025 to 300, saying that the University of Abuja is truly a Nigerian university as its catchment area covers all states of the federation.
Before administering the Hippocratic Oath, Professor Fatima Kyari of the College of Health Sciences, UNIABUJA, counselled the new doctors, amongst other things, not to “japa” but stay in the country to contribute their quota to fatherland.
The induction ceremony, the 6th for the university saw 28 students taking the Hippocratic Oath, a mandatory ritual administered to young medical doctors before they embark on the practice of Medicine, committing them to uphold the ethics of the medical profession.

Commission Appoints Andrew Nwoba As New Senate Clerk

Editorial staff

December 9, 2024

The National Assembly Service Commission has approved the appointment of Mr. Andrew Ogbonnaya Nwoba as the new Clerk of the Senate, effective December 11, 2024.

This decision was announced in a statement Today, 9 December, 2023 by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Emmanuel Anyigor, following its December 4, 2024, meeting.

Before his appointment, Nwoba served as the Secretary of the Directorate of Legislative Budget and Planning, a role now taken over by Dr. Obasi D. Ukoha.

The Commission also elevated other officials in the National Assembly bureaucracy. Emmanuel Oda was named Deputy Clerk (Administration) Senate, and Vivien N. Njemanze was appointed Deputy Clerk (Administration) House of Representatives.

Further deployments include Rawlings Agada transitioning to Deputy Clerk (Legislative) Senate, and Florence Kehinde A. moving to Deputy Clerk (Legislative) House of Representatives.

Additionally, the Commission previously approved key appointments, including Ogundayo Mofoluwake Olufunmilayo as Secretary of Special Duties, Alkali Umar Abubakar as Secretary of Human Resources & Staff Development, and Essien Eyo Essien as Secretary of Zonal Liaison Offices.

New Malware Stealing Banking Details, NITDA Alerts

Editorial staff

December 9, 2024

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has alerted the public to the emergence of a new variant of the Grandoreiro banking malware, targeting users worldwide through advanced phishing campaigns.

In an advisory issued by NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team, the malware was described as a severe cybersecurity threat, employing techniques such as screen overlay attacks and remote device control to steal sensitive information, including banking credentials.

Distributed through phishing emails and fake websites, the malware bypasses security protocols once installed, enabling unauthorized access to devices. NITDA warned of the potential for financial losses and identity theft, urging users to adopt precautionary measures.

The agency recommended avoiding unknown links, downloading software only from trusted sources, enabling multifactor authentication, and keeping antivirus software updated.

It also advised against using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions and encouraged regular monitoring of bank accounts to detect unauthorized activities.

“Cyber threats like Grandoreiro are constantly evolving, requiring heightened vigilance and strong security practices,” NITDA stated.

Corruption Fight Must Begin With Leaders, Obasanjo Declares

Editorial staff

December 9, 2024

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has emphasized that the fight against corruption in Nigeria must start with accountability at the highest levels of leadership.

Speaking on Sunday 8, December 2024, via a virtual session titled “Boiling Point Arena”hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Obasanjo underscored the importance of leadership by example in tackling corruption.

“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head,” Obasanjo asserted, adding that genuine commitment to integrity from top officials would set the tone for the rest of the nation.

He described corruption as a “hydra-headed” problem deeply rooted in society, requiring sustained and consistent efforts to overcome.

Using a vivid analogy, he likened corruption to a “babariga” (traditional attire) that is difficult to manage from all angles without compromise. Obasanjo also called for reforms in leadership recruitment, advocating for merit-based appointments over tribal or political affiliations.

The former president concluded by urging leaders to prioritize transparency and divine purpose to achieve sustainable national development.

Ex Ghana’s President, Mahama, Returns To Power, Defeats Ruling Party In Saturday’s Election

Greenbarge Reporters

December 8, 2024

Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama has made it back to power, defeating the candidate of the ruling part and the immediate past Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, in a presidential election on yesterday, December 7.
The defeat ended two terms in power for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, marked by worst economic crisis in years, involving high inflation and a debt default.
Reacting to the result of the election, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and candidate of the ruling party conceded defeat and congratulated the winner.
He said: “the people of Ghana have spoken; the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility.”
Bawumia said that he called Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to congratulate him.
Earlier, NDC spokesman Sammy Gyamfi told reporters that the party’s internal review of results showed that Mahama won 56.3 percent of the vote against 41.3 percent for Bawumia.
“It is very clear the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi said.
The vice president said Mahama won the presidency “decisively.”
Mahama, who was president of Ghana between July 2012 and January 2017, confirmed on X that he had received Bawumia’s congratulatory call over his “emphatic victory.”
Blaring horns and cheering, supporters of the 65-year-old Mahama were already gathering and celebrating outside the party campaign headquarters in the capital, Accra.
During his campaign, he promised to “reset” the country on various fronts and tried to appeal to young Ghanaians.
His win marks a historic victory, making him the first president in the three decades of Ghana’s Fourth Republic – since the 1992 return to multi-party democracy – to reclaim the presidency after being voted out.
Ghana’s economic woes dominated the election after the gold and cacao producer went through a crisis of default and currency devaluation, ending with a $3bn International Monetary Fund bailout.
On corruption, Mahama vowed during the campaign that he will create a new office tasked with scrutinising government procurement above a $5m threshold.
He said that unchecked procurement processes are a major source of corruption.
But Mahama supported the anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana’s parliament in February but is yet to be signed into law and has sparked international criticism.
Ghana’s election commission had said official results were likely due be released on Tuesday.
With a history of democratic stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the NPP and NDC, have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party politics in 1992.

New President Of Organisation Of Muslim Unity, Prof Ahmed Lists Core Values Of Islam

Greenbarge Reporters

December 8, 2024

The new National President of the Organisation of Muslim Unity, Nigeria, Professor Abdul Ganiy Ahmad of the University of Abuja has listed the core values of Islam.
Professor Abdul Ganiy, who emerged President, taking over from Engineer AbdulWaheed Shittu yesterday, December 7, at the Organization’s meeting in Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State, said that Islam has made it clear that the best among Muslims are those who do not discriminate on the basis of the differences in tribe, religion and creed.
According to him, if it were the wish of the Almighty Allah, He would have created humans with a single language and even one religion, stressing that the unity and individual state of piety constitute the core values of Islam.
The Professor who emerged new leader after the review of the Organisation’s Shurah Committee report that was ratified at the Extra-Ordinary meeting of the 51 year old Muslim brotherhood organisation, called on the Nigerian Muslims to be united, irrespective of their ethnic or ideological differences, saying that cultural diversity is a creation of Allah as contained in the Holy Qur’an.
Professor Abdul Ganiy Ahmad spoke on the current economic hardships in Nigeria, and advised the Federal and State governments to address the circumstances that have led to widespread poverty in the land. He also advised those in authorities to lead by example.
He called on Nigerians to support the leaders with prayers as per the Allah’s injunction in the Holy Qur’an, adding that the welfare of the people must not be taken for granted, bearing in mind that leadership is a trust that must be accounted for on the day of judgement.
New members of the national Executives include Ma’aruf Elegbede as Vice President; Ashimiyy Al Ameen as Secretary General, AbdulGaniyu Adisa as Assistant Sectary General, Murtadha Odunlami as Treasurer; and Wasiu Jimoh as Financial Secretary.
Others are Abdulrasheed Balogun as Auditor; Sheikh Awwal Gunmi as Missioner; Imam Sulaiman Ali as
Assistant Missioner; Idris Ibrahim Owoloku as Public Relations Officer; Abdulkareem Shuaib as PRO II; Yakubu Ogbera as Welfare/Branch Affairs Officer;
Abdullah Okeji as Security Co-ordinator; and Barrister Ghazali Adepoju as Legal Adviser.
The organisation makes all state Rois (Chairmen) automatic members of the Headquarters while the following members would serve as Ex Officio: Engineer AbdulWaheed Shittu (Constitutional mandate), Dr. Hamusa Daudu, Barrister MBO Ibrahim, Professor Sulaiman,
Abdulmalik Abdulkarim, AbdurRahman Sulaiman and Dr. Hadi Moshood.
Established in 1973, the Organisation of Muslim Unity, Nigeria, has been promoting the universal brotherhood of the Muslim Ummah and advancement of Islamic education.
It constructed schools, masjid (mosques) and hospitals in some states of the federation. It organises seminars, conferences and workshops on salient issues such as the Shari’a, Zakat and has consistently hosted routine yearly Dawah Camps from one state to the other.
The camp brings together, Muslim brothers with their wives and children for Islamic enlightenment, lectures on family values, and entrepreneurship mentoring.

Over 45,000 Applicants Sit For Job Recruitment At NNPCL

Greenbarge Reporters

December 7, 2024

No fewer than 45,689 applicants, today, December 7, sat for a Computer-Based Aptitude Test as part of the recruitment process to secure employment at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The aptitude test, administered at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Centenary Resource Centre in Maitama, Abuja, as well as at various other testing centres across Nigeria, marked the second stage of the rigorous recruitment process that began earlier this year.
Recall that on July 25, 2024, the company announced openings for new entrants into the company.
The NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement, had said that the recruitment would be for various positions across various departments within the energy company and interested applicants to visit the NNPCL careers page for application instructions.
In a new post on its official Facebook handle to update the public on the process on Saturday, the national oil firm reiterated that only the most qualified candidates would be selected for employment at the end of the exercise.
The post read: “As the Computer-Based Aptitude Test for NNPC Ltd.’s recruitment begins today at various centres across the country, 45,689 applicants compete in a transparent and inclusive recruitment process.”
This is even as the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, paid a visit to the centre, and promised a smooth, transparent, fair, and credible process.

“As an equal opportunity employer, NNPC Ltd. has made special provisions to ensure that applicants with disabilities can take the test without any hindrance.

“The GCEO reiterated that only the most qualified candidates among the 45,689 applicants will be selected for employment,” the statement added.

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