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Category: News

  • Mambilla Power Plant: EFCC Arraigns Olu Agunloye for $6bn Fraud

    Mambilla Power Plant: EFCC Arraigns Olu Agunloye for $6bn Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 arraigned a former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye before Justice J.O Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.

    He was arraigned on seven count charges bordering on fraudulent award of contract and official corruption.

    One of the count reads: “That you, Olu Agunloye, whilst being the Minister of Power and Steel on or about the 22nd of May, 2003 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court awarded a contract, titled  “Construction of 3,960mw Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on a Build, Operate and Transfer Basis” to Sunrise Power and Transmission  Company Limited without any budgetary provision, approval and cash  backing and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable  under Section 22(4) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

    Another count reads: “That you, Olu Agunloye, on or about the 10th of August, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, corruptly received the sum of Three Million Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N3,600,000.00) through your Guaranty Trust Bank account no.0022530926 from Sunrise Power and  Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) and Leno Adesanya for having  conveyed the “approval of the Government of the Federal Republic of  Nigeria for the construction of the 3,960 megawatts Mambilla  Hydroelectric Power Station” in favour of SPTCL which you did whilst  serving as the Minister of Power and Steel without the approval of the  Federal Executive Council contrary to and punishable under Section 8(1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

    He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to them.

    Thereafter, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, prayed the court for a trial date and to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel,  Adola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that he has filed a bail application for the defendant and prayed the court to grant him bail and commit him to the custody of the EFCC.

    Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre and  set Thursday, January 11, 2024 for hearing on the bail application.

  • Borno: Governor Zulum Signs N358.7bn 2024 Budget

    Borno: Governor Zulum Signs N358.7bn 2024 Budget

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has assented to the 2024 appropriation bill of N358,732,146,000.00 passed by Borno State House of Assembly with an adjustment amounting to N18.1 billion.

    With the increase in the budget size, the revised capital expenditure now stands at over N208.4b while the revised recurrent expenditure is N150.4b.

    The revised appropriation bill was presented by the speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, to the governor at the council chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

    Speaking at the event, Zulum charged heads of agencies and members of the state executive council to comply strictly with the provisions of the appropriation bill while presenting their memos for approval.

    The governor also commended the leadership and members of Borno State House of Assembly for approving the budget on time.

    “We have to commend the leadership of the House of Assembly, we also have to commend the maturity of the house,” Zulum said.

    Zulum also expressed his optimism regarding the potential impact of the appropriation bill, emphasizing that with capital expenditure standing at N208.7b, it is designed to provide dividends of democracy to the people of Borno State.

    Earlier, the speaker of Borno State House of Assembly commended the governor for the quality projects he has executed across the state in the last five years.

    The speaker noted that the upward review of the appropriation bill was to capture some areas of critical significance to the lives of the people.

    The speaker was accompanied by his deputy, Engr Abdullahi Askira, and other principal officers of Borno State House of Assembly.

  • Tinubu appoints new executive directors for NPA, NIMASA

    Tinubu appoints new executive directors for NPA, NIMASA

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, approved the appointment of new Executive Directors in two agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    For Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) the president appointed Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet as Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Engr. Olalekan Badmus as Executive Director, Marine & Operations and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar as Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services.

    For Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), he appointed Mr. Jibril Abba as Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, Mr. Chudi Offodile as Executive Director, Finance & Administration and Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi as Executive Director, Operations.

    According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, the President approved the appointments with the firm belief, after studying their impressive profiles, that the new appointees would expeditiously and efficiently execute on their collective mandate to create the conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the Marine & Blue Economy sector to the nation’s GDP while evolving the Nigerian economy into a labour-intensive and inclusive one that creates new opportunity for all Nigerians in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the able guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

  • Safety Signatures Boss, Gregg Joins Alfadarai To Open Civil Defense Office In Lagos

    Safety Signatures Boss, Gregg Joins Alfadarai To Open Civil Defense Office In Lagos

    The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Safety Signatures Limited, Dr. Cynthia Gregg, one of the leading private security outfit joined the outgoing Lagos State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Commandant of Corps Usman Alfadarai to declare open the Public Relations Officer’s office in the state.

    The aforementioned, seasoned, security doyen and expert known for her for collaborative impacts and supports within the Private and public security industry as well as humanitarian circle also pledged, to play a formidable role in ensuring the image of the Corps is promoted, in the state as that remained one of her vision for the service.

    The Commandants of Corps Usman Alfadarai and Adedotun Keshinro, were thrilled, by her love for the Corps and they therefore, seized the opportunity to extol her and called on well meaning people in the state to be partners in progress with such efforts as displayed by Dr Cynthia Gregg.

    The CEO/MD of Safety Signatures Limited, made it clear in her remarks during the commissioning that the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer in Lagos has contributed immensely, to the elevation of the Corps’ name in the state and across the federation, without any iota of doubt and as such to encourage such brilliant performances one has to ensure physical, structural and human capacity upgrade and more attention given to the Public Relations Officer and the entire unit for more excellent results.

    “Hardwork and patience is being rewarded and celebrated today,” she says.

  • Tinubu’s New Year Message Lacks Time Frame For Economic Recovery – Oghenesivbe

    Tinubu’s New Year Message Lacks Time Frame For Economic Recovery – Oghenesivbe

    Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communication to Delta State Governor, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that President Ahmed Tinubu’s new Year message to Nigerians was devoid of hope, transparency and time frame for economy recovery.

    He noted that removal of fuel subsidy and liberalization of the forex market were the two key drivers of hardship and high inflation rate in the country, which Mr President knowingly triggered, and that his new year address ought to have focused on strategies put in place by his administration to crash inflation and pump price of petrol.

    Oghenesivbe while reviewing President Tinubu’s speech with Elder Statesman Akin Fatunke on MiTv live show on Tuesday via DSTV Channel 255, further posited that the vague nature of Mr President’s message to Nigerians had increased the level of hopelessness and overflowing tears for the ordinary citizens who majorly bear the brunt of the nation’s economy woes occasioned by unrealistic anti people economic policies of APC national government.

    He averred that national defence, internal security, job creation, macro economic stability, poverty reduction, investment environment stabilization, human capital development, humanitarian services, agriculture, social welfare and/or security which formed the basis of the N28.7 trillion budged signed into law by President Tinubu, ought to have receive prime attention in the speech by way of setting time frame to achieve results for Nigerians.

    Oghenesivbe who is also a full member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, further stated that for foreign investors to be favourably disposed to invest substantially in Nigeria, the Tinubu administration must urgently end the wave of internal insecurity, and to also do the needful to stabilize power supply for industries to thrive, as well as solve the vexed problems of massive corruption at the corridors of power in APC national government.

    He faulted President Tinubu for not deeming it necessary to mention the recent unlawful killings in Plateau State, and for not personally visiting the victims and families of the bereaved, saying that it was old fashioned for Mr President to send his Vice on such a critical mission that requires his personal attention and solidarity.

    And on the political crisis in River State, Oghenesivbe said former governor Nyesom Wike, ought to know that Governor Similanayi Fubara now cut the shots as incumbent governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and her structures in River State, pointing out that it was not the practice for past governors to claim ownership of the party structure, rather the incumbent governor controls the party structure in trust for the party, leaders and all members.

    He said Wike’s claim that he had to support President Tinubu to bring power to the South does not hold waters, adding that after Atiku Abubakar emerged as PDP Presidential candidate, Wike schemed to become Atiku’s Vice Presidential candidate, which obviously nullified his claim and clamour for a southern President.

    “Mr President’s address to the nation on new Year day was vague, deceitful, hopeless and a mere academic exercise.

    “He ought to briefly tell Nigerians the strategies his administration had put in place to end the dwindling value of the Naira, and to explain how the Port Harcourt and Dangote Refineries would crash the pump price of fuel, so that Nigerians can better appreciate his efforts in that direction, if any.

    “President Tinubu should have done well in his speech by briefly articulating his Macro economic reforms and how it will set a new dawn in upscaling our national economic fortunes.

    “He did not also explain strategies for job creation and how many of our unemployed youth would benefit from the N28.7 trillion budget. It was a vague speech altogether.

    “Mr President deliberately avoided the serial massacre which took place recently in Plateau State. Nigerians social contract with Mr President cannot be overemphasized. He didn’t do well by not vising plateau state to sympathize with the bereaved and victims of the unlawful killings.

    “PDP has been vindicated as Tinubu who once said that Fuel Subsidy was a scam to now agree he removed it. In fact, President Mohammadu Buhari paid the highest subsidy ever after demonstrating against what he called nonexistent of petrol subsidy.

    “Coming to power by deceit is now glaring. Nigerians now prefer the PDP. Life was better and enjoyable during PDP government at the centre. Nigerians are pained that PDP missed the golden opportunity of coming to power in 2023.

    “As a party, PDP will bounce back in 2027. The mistakes of 2023 will not again rear it’s ugly head as we strategize to take over power from APC in 2027.

    “As for Rivers State, Former governor Weysom Wike should know that God gives power. He wants to completely crash PDP in Rivers State, but governor Fubara is resisting.

    “We are praying for Fubara and God will secure Rivers for PDP and for the good people of the state who voted Fubara as governor,” Oghenesivbe said.

  • Oborevwori commits to completion, continuity of projects for sustainable devt

    Oborevwori commits to completion, continuity of projects for sustainable devt

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said his administration would ensure completion of all ongoing projects while also initiating new ones for the sustainable development of the state.

    Governor Oborevwori disclosed this during inspection of construction of storm drainage channel from Owa-Alero and its environs through Owa-Alizomor and Owa-Ofie to link Iyi-Amah stream in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.

    The Governor who was conducted round the site by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafiogho and Project Consultant Mr John Onwualu, expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, adding that his administration has zero tolerance for project abandonment.

    He said: “For the past few days we have been going round to inspect projects. We are taking advantage of the dry season to know how many projects that will be completed.

    “We are here to see what they have done because you cannot know the extent of work just from the paper work. I am very impressed seeing what they have done.

    “It is to discharge water from Owa-Alero to Iyi-Ama stream. They have assured us that the job will be completed in the next four months.

    “I am satisfied with the work done so far by the contractor, CCECC. What is going on here is the same thing going on in Warri. The other phase of the Warri storm drainage project will soon commence.

    “The only way to cure the flood water problems here, is to build this storm water drainage and that’s what we are doing here.

    “The major work of about 75% have been done already. The remaining 25% will be completed by April like the contractor”.

  • Gov.Oborevwori felicitates business magnet, Daniel Omoyibo at 55

    Gov.Oborevwori felicitates business magnet, Daniel Omoyibo at 55

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated business mogul and Managing Director of DANMOTECH Nigeria Limited, Chief Dr Daniel Omoyibo on his 55th birth anniversary.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the Oleh-Isoko-born businessman as a consummate entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose benevolence has lifted many lives.

    He said that the government and people of the state appreciated Omoyibo’s support and selfless contributions to humanity through his philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you, my dear brother and friend, Chief Dr Daniel Omoyibo, on the joyous occasion of your 55th birth anniversary.

    “Through your several investments in oil and gas and hospitality, you have created several jobs and provided many opportunities for our people to utilize their God given potential to earn a living.

    “As a government, we appreciate your generosity and benevolence to our people which had earned you a large, devoted and loyal followership across Isoko and Delta State.

    “It is my prayer that God will continue to grant you a life of more accomplishments as you strive to make life better for mankind,” Oborevwori said.

  • Delta Gov hail military for fight against oil theft, sundry crimes

    Delta Gov hail military for fight against oil theft, sundry crimes

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the country for their fight against oil theft and sundry crimes.

    Oborevwori gave the commendation at the 2023 combined West African Social Activities (WASA) for Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion held at the 181 Amphibious Battalion New Barracks, Alifikede, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

    Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said the efforts of the Army and other sister security agencies have helped to maintain peace and phenomenal growth of infrastructure as well as unity across the state.

    He said the success story of the Oborevwori administration cannot be told without the collaboration of the Army, the police and other sister security agencies.

    He said: “I am delighted to be in your midst today at as Special Guest of Honour for the year 2023 West African Social Activities for the Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion.

    “The tradition of WASA dates back to the days of the Royal West African Frontier Force when troops and their families come together at the end of the year to socialise and celebrate the achievements of their formations or units for that year.

    “I am proud to say with all confidence that officers and soldiers of Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion as well as their families have given a good account of themselves in the true spirit of WASA.

    “The year 2023 was an eventful year characterised by challenges and successes. Worthy of note is the gallant performance and sacrifice of the personnel towards the fight against oil theft, sundry crimes and the successful conduct of the 2023 General elections among other operations and assignments.

    “Therefore, I commend you for the sacrifices towards ensuring an enduring peace across the state and I must sincerely appreciate the Commander 63 Brigade and his wonderful team for this,” he stated.

    Oborevwori while urging the officers and soldiers to remain loyal and committed to their duties, assured the Army of the continued support of the State Government and paid special tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to keep the country safe and united.

    In his opening remarks, the Chief host and Commander 63 Brigade Asaba, Brig. Gen. S. Aliyu said WASA is aimed at bringing the soldiers and their families together to celebrate the activities of the year.

    He said the exercise helps soldiers and their families to bond together through the display of various cultural activities

    Brig. Gen. Aliyu said the Brigade will continue to ensure the welfare of soldiers in the performance of their duties and commended Governor Oborevwori, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Port-Harcourt and the Chief of Army Staff for their support.

    Welcoming guests earlier, Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Lt. Col. A. N. Abubakar, said the exercise was one of the activities organised annually to celebrate the successes recorded by the Army during the year.

    The celebration featured the famous tug of war draw, stripping and assembling, cultural dances as well as local cuisines across the country.