Insecurity: Police Acknowledges Key Roles Of OPC In South West

August 22, 2019

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has recognised the key roles which the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has been playing in collaboration with the police to significantly reduce the state of insecurity and crime rate in South West of the country.

The IGP, who spoke through a delegation sent to the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland and Leader of the OPC, Gani Adams, in Lagos on today, August 22, said that he would sustain the synergy and partnership to further reduce crime rate and ensure peace in the region.

This was even as the Aare Ona Kankanfo commended the initiative of Mohammed Adamu to partner with his organisation to fight crime, pledging that the OPC will not betray the trust.
Gani Adams said that the most important part of security is intelligence gathering, recalling how the police in Lagos were able to end the menace of the dreaded Badoo cultists involved in several killings in the state by forming a partnership with the OPC.
He made it clear that the OPC was not set up as a crime-fighting organisation but that the circumstances that led to its involvement in security matters was when the landlords associations on Lagos Mainland sought its assistance to stem the tide of rising crimes.
He recalled the confrontations between the OPC and the police between 2000 and 2004, and expressed joy that today the IGP has found the organisation worthy of his collaboration in crime fighting.
Commending Mohammed Adamu for believing in community policing and taking pro-active steps, Gani Adams said that the OPC would work with the newly established Police Special Squad deployed to the South West to fight kidnapping and armed banditry, as his men who know the territory well are ready, willing and able to confront criminals in the region.
The Leader of the IGP’s delegation, Jude Nwankor, assured the Aare Ona Kankanfo that the mistake of the past would not be allowed to repeat itself.
Members of the delegation included the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Lagos State, Chief Superintendent of Police Peter Gana and the Commander, Seme Border Patrol, CSP Ogechi Moses Udu.
Also at the parley on the side of Gani Adams were the former Special Adviser, Political, to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Basorun Akin Osuntokun; OPC’s Director of Mobilisation, Comrade Dauda Asikolaye; Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo; Osi Aare Ona Kakanfo, Gani Kola Balogun; Segun Sani; and key members of the OPC.

CBN’s Magnificent Centre Of Excellence In ABU Zaria

Greenbarge Reporters

August 22, 2019

Multi-million Naira magnificent Centre of Excellence, built and fully equipped by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of its social responsibility, was commissioned today, August 22 by President Muhammadu Buhari at the main campus of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in Kaduna State. The Centre is for senior students in account and finance as well as other related subjects.

Our Editor-In-Chief, Yusuf Ozi-Usman to capture the sprawling edifice.

Buhari Commissions CBN’s Multi-Billion Naira Centre Of Excellence At ABU Zaria

Editorial staff

August 22, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned a multi-billion naira Post-Graduate Centre of Excellence built and equipped by the Central Bank of Nigeria at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State.

Speaking today, August 22 before he unveiled the commemorative plaque, in a symbolic opening, President Buhari commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for supporting the Federal Government’s investments in the educational sector as well as other keys areas of the economy which are tied to overall national development.

He advised the Bank to sustain such funding support for research and overall economic development.

This was as the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele said the Bank’s involvement in the funding and infrastructural support in the educational sector was borne out of the conviction that an educated workforce played a critical role in the advancement of the Nigerian economy and the society in general.

He said that the Bank’s analysis of the factors responsible for the growth of successful economies indicated that investment in education played a prominent role in driving innovation and growth in advanced and emerging economies, while also contributing to significant reductions in inequality.

He said that the CBN, being a knowledge-driven organization, had to ensure the sustenance of improvements in institutions of higher learning across the country.

Emefiele said that the Centre of Excellence project was designed to accommodate the Central Bank of Nigeria Collaborative Postgraduate Programme (CBN-CPP), which he described as a child of necessity in the Bank’s intervention programme in the educational sub-sector.

He explained that the project was conceived to produce a critical mass of skilled professionals that will be able to apply their knowledge towards supporting growth and continued innovation in our nation’s financial sector and the economy in general.

“This was against the recognition that the dearth of skilled manpower constituted a binding constraint towards making Nigeria the number one hub for economic activity in Africa.”

He said that the three first generation federal universities in the country across the six geo-political zones (Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan and the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka) have been selected under the first phase of the intervention programme.

He added that the programme was later expanded to cover six other tertiary institutions across Nigeria, which are nearing completion.

According to Emefiele, the project is mainly to ensure that students at post-graduate levels in Economics, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Statistics study in a serene environment that would stimulate effective learning with a view to building human capacity for the financial services sub-sector.

The apex bank boss stressed that the bank had taken steps to ensure that the investment in the special education yields considerable benefits.

He explained that the curricula for the target disciplines had been reviewed and harmonized across board to ensure that students are provided with the optimum level of knowledge relative to their peers in other parts of the globe.

“We believe that the Centres of Excellence will help support the government’s efforts towards reducing the incidence of brain drain, and curtail the huge foreign exchange being spent on school fees for Nigerians studying in other countries.”

Emefiele said that the three Centres of Excellence in Zaria, Enugu and Ibadan will commence operation in October 2019 and called on the universities to take maximum advantage of the world class facilities provided by the Bank to challenge their counterparts in London, New York and Dubai in the provision of training programmes in banking and finance-related disciplines for the global business community

He expressed appreciation to the stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the contractor, Messrs Afdin Nigeria Limited, for their support in completing the project.

The Post-Graduate School project is made up of a Faculty building and a block of rooms, as well as a 544-seater auditorium, four lecture and four tutorial rooms, traditional and e-libraries, and a telepresence room.

Emefiele used the opportunity to announce that the apex bank will subsequently provide funding support for the health sector in the country through the establishment of six diagnostic centres across the geo-political zones of the country.

He said that the decision of the bank to support the health sector is based on the realization that education and health formed the bedrock of development in any society.

Why I Assigned 2 Powerful Ministries To Zainab Shamsuna – Buhari

Editorial staff

August 22, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has given reasons why he decided to assign two powerful ministries to Hajiya Zainab Ahmed Shamsuna. She is minister of both Finance and Budget/National planning.

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Zazzau in Kaduna state when he paid him a visit today, August 22, President Buhari acknowledged the commitment of Hajiya Zainab to his government’s actions at making life better for Nigerians.

“I also chose her because of her wealth of experience,” the President said, even as he made it clear that giving Kaduna State two ministerial slots is a way of showing his appreciation for the support the people of the state have been giving him.

He acknowledged that the state gave him one of the highest votes in the February 23 Presidential election, adding that he would do much to show his appreciation.

“I have heard the shopping list presented by the Emir. Despite the hard times, I will try to fulfill most of the desires of the people of the emirate so that when I leave office, I will be remembered for what I’m able to give.”

President Buhari said that the water project he had gone to commission in the emirate was part of the programme of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governments in the state and federal government to meet the essential needs of the people.

The Emir, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Idris had asked the president look into the issue of collapse of industries in the state.

He also requested the president for financial intervention in the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, the largest in the country that was established in 1967.

Emir Shehu Idris begged President Buhari to rehabilitate Zaria-Pambegua road, Kaduna-Jos road and Zaria -Funtua road.

He commended the President for his efforts in the fight against insecurity, adding that Kaduna State is now enjoying peaceful coexistence.

“We are highly delighted to say that the visit your Excellency today, will mark another history in my palace when you will honour us with commissioning of the Zaria Water Supply Expansion Project. We do hope that by this gigantic effect, the perennial water shortage in Zaria and environs will be a thing of the past.”

Nigerian Army Embarrassed By Police Video Of Kidnap Kingpin, Wadume’s Confession

Editorial staff

August 22, 2019

The Nigerian military high command have expressed concern over a video trending in social media, released by the Nigeria Police showing how the suspected kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Wadume implicated the officers of the army in the incident that led to the killing of three police men in Taraba State.

A member of the military panel set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that the matter should be investigated, complained that Wadume’s purported confession had put the military high command in bad light.

The officer, who spoke in confidence, stressed that the new development should have been ironed out with the police high command since the investigation is ongoing.

“We are seriously disturbed and alarmed by the latest video on the purported confession of the re-arrested kingpin, Wadume while in the custody of the police.

“Though it is a commendable effort for the re-arrest of the kidnap kingpin, the video recording of the alleged confession of Wadume while the panel is still conducting its investigation is quite worrisome as efforts are being put in place to ensure smooth relations between the military and the police before the offending confession.

“Though our panel was inaugurated on Friday, August 9 which had an initial one-week deadline, we have been mandated to continue and conclude the probe as soon as possible. The arrest of Wadume would definitely shed more light on our investigation considering the volume of arrests and interrogations so far.”
The trending video revealed Wadume confessing that the Army took him to their base and had his handcuff removed through the effort of a welder before he escaped after his initial arrest by the police.

The Joint Security Panel headed by Rear Admiral Ibikunle Olaiya, has representatives of the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Meanwhile, PRNigeria gathered that the Chairman of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu has summoned an emergency meeting of the forum to discuss issues on inter-agency cooperation.

In an invitation notice to the member agencies, Colonel Nwachukwu who is also the Director Defence Information said “the special meeting is sequel to a decision reached at the meeting of CDS with Service Chiefs and Head of Security and Intelligence Agencies on the need for spokesperson/Directors of Information to hold regular meeting to harmonise positions and address joint press conferences to inform the public on efforts of security agencies in addressing security challenges in the country and other relevant issues.”

With its Secretariat at the Centre for Crisis Commission, FOSSRA has 17 member-agencies in the military, security, response, and intelligence service.

Source: PRNigeria.

Ex Cross River Gov, Duke Loses Property To AMCO, UBA Over N537 Million Debt

Editorial staff

August 21, 2019

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria and United Bank for Africa to take over an Ikoyi, Lagos property of a former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, over an alleged debt of N537,334,360.77.

The court made the takeover order in a ruling by Justice Chuka Obiozor. The order was pursuant to an ex parte application, marked, FHC/L/CS/1373/2019, taken before the judge by AMCON and UBA.

Listed as first to third defendants were Stonehedge Investment Limited, Mr. Donald Duke and Mrs. Owanari Bob-Manuel Duke, respectively.

The applicants had prayed the court for “an order of interim attachment, possession, and custody of the property being No. 3, Temple Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.”

They told the court that the property was mortgaged by Duke “as collateral in securing the 1^st respondent’s indebtedness to the applicants.”

They urged the court to grant them possession of the property “pending the institution and disposal of proceedings for recovery of debt against the respondent, pursuant to Section 49 of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act 2010 (as amended).”

They also prayed the court for an interim Mareva injunction to take possession of funds in the accounts of Duke and others in any bank “pending the institutional and disposal of proceedings for the recovery of a debt of N537,334,360.77 made up of the principal debt and interest against the respondents pursuant to Section 50 of AMCON Act 2010.”

The judge granted the prayers, in addition to an order restraining the respondents from “transacting, transferring, changing or howsoever dealing in any manner or interfering with the applicants’ possession” of the Ikoyi property.

The judge ordered AMCON and UBA to ensure service of substantive originating processes on the respondents within 20 days of the making of the order.

He adjourned the case to September 2, 2019.

Buhari Re-Appoints Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu As Spokesmen, Others

Editorial staff

August 21, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has re-appointed Femi Adesina as his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and Malam Garba Shehu as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

The President also re-appointed Laolu Akande as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice President.

President Buhari equally retained Tolu Ogunlesi, Bashir Ahmad, Lauretta Onochie and Nazir Bashiru as Special Assistant, Digital/New Media, Personal Assistant, New Media, Personal Assistant, Social Media and Personal Assistant, Visual Documentation, respectively.

Following the election of Hon. Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada, the former Personal Assistant, Broadcast Media, as the lawmaker representing Kano Municipal Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, the President has appointed Buhari Sallau as his replacement.

All appointments take effect from May 29, 2019, except that of the new entrant into the team, Buhari Salau.

Gov Ganduje Visits Saudi Ambassador

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2019

Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in a handshake with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan bin Mahmoud Bostaji in his office at the embassy today, August 21 to congratulate the custodian of the two Holy mosques and to the crown price for the successful completion of this year’s Hajj.

The governor expressed his gratitude and appreciate the great effort of the kingdom in rendering services to pilgrims in general, and to Nigerian pilgrims in particular.

Issues of mutual interest between the two countries were also discussed during the visit.

Buhari’s 43 Ministers And Their Portfolios

Editorial staff

August 21, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has assigned portfolios to his new 43 ministers, with him still holding on to Petroleum resources.

The President, after the inauguration of the ministers today, August 21, returned most of the old ministers to their ministries before the dissolution of his first term cabinet.

Below is the list of the ministers with their portfolios:

1. Dr. Ikechukwu Ogah (State, Mines & Steel)

2. Mohammed Musa Bello (FTC)

3. Godswill Akpabio (Niger-Delta)

4. Chris Ngige (Labour & Employment)

5. Sharon Ikeazor (State, Environment)

6. Adamu Adamu (Education)

7. Maryam Katagun (State, Industry)

8. Timipre Sylva (State, Petroleum)

9. George Akume (Special Duties)

10. Mustapha Shehuri (State, Agriculture)

11. Goddy Jedy Agba (State, Power)

12. Festus Keyamo (State, Niger-Delta)

13. Ogbonnaya Onu (Science)

14. Osagie Ehanire (Health)

15.Clement Ike (State, Budget)

16. Richard Adebayo (Industry)

17. Geoffrey Onyeama (Foreign Aff.)

18. Ali Isa Pantami (Communication)

19. Emeka Nwajiuba (State, Education)

20. Suleiman Adamu (Water Res.)

21. Zainab Ahmed (Finance)

22. Muhammad Mahmood (Environment)

23. Sabo Nanono (Agriculture)

24. Bashir S. Magashi (Defence)

25. Muhammad Buhari (Petroleum)

26. Sen. Hadi Sirika (Aviation)

27.Abubakar Malami (Justice)

28.Ramatu Tijjani (State, FTC)

29. Lai Mohammed (Information)

30. Gbemisola Saraki (State, Transport)

31.Babatunde Fashola (Works & Housing)

32.Adeleke Mamora (State, Health)

33. Mohammed H. Abdullahi (State, Science & Tech.)

34. Zubair Dada (State, Foreign Aff.)

35. Olamilekan Adegbite (Mines & Steel)

36. Tayo Alasoadura (State, Labour)

37. Rauf Aregbesola (Interior)

38. Sunday Dare (Youth & Sports)

39. Paulen Talen (Women)

40. Rotimi Amaechi (Transport)

41. Maigari Dingyadi (Police Aff.)

42. Sale Mamman (Power)

43. Abubakar D. Aliyu (State, Works & Housing)

44. Sadiya Umar Faruk (Humanitarian & Desaster)

Handball: Angola Beats Nigeria In Ongoing African Games In Morocco

Editorial staff

August 20, 2019

Tuesday in Casablanca lost their opening match against Angola (0-2) in a match at the ongoing 2019 African Games in

Angola has beaten Nigeria Senior Male national handball team by 0 – 2 in the opening match in the ongoing 2019 African Games in Morocco.

It was also sad day for the female team who lost to host,Morocco on Tuesday in Casablanca, the Nigeria women’s handball team were defeated (0-2) in their first group A Women’s Priliminary match.

In the women’s match between Morocco and Nigeria, the first half ended (9-15) while the second half ended (11-6).

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