Plus Naija

Category: Politics

  • COWA President Kikelomo Unveils Vision to Empower 100,000 Women, Combat Drug Abuse

    COWA President Kikelomo Unveils Vision to Empower 100,000 Women, Combat Drug Abuse

    President of Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi has unveiled an initiative that will help to empower 100,000 women in the fight against drug abuse.

    Mrs. Adeniyi made this known while giving a speech at the relaunch of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in Abuja on Thursday.

    The event witnessed the presence of members, stakeholders, government officials, business moguls, and diplomats – and was centred around the importance of the association.

    According to the wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, it is an avenue to support the Federal Government in empowering women, mitigate drug abuse and job creation.

    She also asked for the support of the country’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Bola Tinubu so as to improve the general well-being of women in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Adeniyi stated that the association has launched a pilot program to empower 1,200 women, adding that the plan is to assist over 100,000 women, thereby making them to be impactful in their various families.

    She revealed COWA’s readiness to kick-start a fully-equipped ultra-modern Skills Acquisition Center in Abuja, where members will undertake vocational training for empowerment.

    The President of COWA added: “The association aims to provide food and other humanitarian support to about 100,000 less privileged individuals across the country before the end of 2024.”

    Mrs. Adeniyi stressed that the relaunch of the association offers an opportunity to bring their activities to the forefront and will help in raising funds from corporate organizations and spirited Nigerians for the implementation of their programs and activities.

    She continued: “COWA plans to establish Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools across major border communities and even within cities and towns to offer decent, qualitative, and affordable education to the children and wards of serving and retired Customs Officers.

    “The schools will reduce the financial burden of Customs officers who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children. It will also enable us to instill in our children high moral values associated with the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “COWA has been established with a clear aim to touch lives in a meaningful and impactful manner, and our primary drive is to build relationships, partnerships, and friendships that support the nurturing of healthy communities to alleviate poverty, create jobs, and support the economic empowerment of our members through initiatives that promote prosperity and economic opportunities.”

    She lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their support and commitment to improving the welfare of Customs officers.

    Mrs. Adeniyi also disclosed that plans are being made to provide suitable accommodations to officers and their families.

    Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who was also present at the gathering expressed delight towards the advancement made by the association.

    Comptroller Adeniyi heaped praises on her wife and the rest of the team for their tremendous works that have resulted in COWA’s rise.

    He revealed that NCS has placed women in strategic and vital positions across various units and commands, stressing that it is a significant achievement in attaining gender balance.

    CG Adeniyi further stated: “We appreciate our wives whose support encourages us to maintain our stance in fighting against smuggling and sources of strength, especially during challenging times. We are fully committed to supporting them in their work whenever and wherever necessary.

    “The service is supporting COWA in building schools, supporting widows, and conducting medical outreach programs in our border communities. This initiative significantly enhances our corporate social responsibility program and demonstrates our holistic approach to community engagement.”

    “Given the substantial impact of COWA’s work, we wholeheartedly support the revival and relaunch of their activities. Confidently, we will continue to contribute positively to our organization and the community.”

  • Results of Our Partnership With NDLEA Impressive, UK Home Office Int’l Operations Says

    Results of Our Partnership With NDLEA Impressive, UK Home Office Int’l Operations Says

    The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO) has revealed that it has gotten great results from the collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on several drug law enforcement operations and projects.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi on Wednesday following the HOIO’s Director of Africa region operations, Mr. Richard Lloyd visit to NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Mr. Lloyd, who led a four-member delegation to the NDLEA office disclosed that following the impressive performance of the Agency, the UK government will embark on the construction of a maritime headquarters for NDLEA in June to further enhance the capability of the anti-narcotic body.

    He lauded the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, stressing that it has achieved tremendous successes in dismantling a lot of trans-border drug trafficking cartels.

    Lloyd also said that as further proof of their commitment to the result-oriented partnership with NDLEA, his office will be glad to sign an already drafted Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NDLEA in no distant time.

    His words: “I have heard so many good stories of the agency and your team. I will start by saying thanks for your support and the relationship that we have. I’ve been nothing but impressed since I arrived in Nigeria 10 days ago.

    “I met a lot of the teams in Lagos and in Abuja and I must say they have been fantastic. The way that we work together with the Home Office International Operations and the NDLEA is astonishing. I manage a lot of countries and teams in Africa and I have a lot of teams across the continent and in Nigeria here is by far head and shoulders above everyone.”

    He added: “To be fair, not only in Africa, because I work in Africa I may be biased but across all of our operations, we are massively ahead of everyone and it is really good for me to go back to the UK and highlight the amazing work that NDLEA does with Home Office team in the country. The office has a keen interest in Nigeria and the way that we work to disrupt organized crime and gangs in the country. Congratulations to the NDLEA team for doing a fantastic job.”

    The director further revealed that the HOIO has just completed the refurbishing of two patrol boats for the maritime operations of the Agency and vowed to support with more logistics.

    Meanwhile, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in his remarks expressed gratitude to Lloyd and his team for their kind comments about NDLEA’s work, adding that such commendation will further encourage the officers and men of the Agency to do more.

    The NDLEA boss stated: “We thank you very much for these encouraging remarks. These commendations coming from you are considered highly because we are glad to be meeting our mandate. I will like to give you the assurances that the NDLEA is very committed to our mandate.

    “We plan to go down to the 774 local governments of the country so that at the community levels, we are able to check what is going on there and do whatever needs to be done there. We know these are difficult times in the UK as it is with other countries, and we appreciate that even with that you find the resources to support us is much welcome, especially the training, and capacity building which is very important.”

  • NiMet, NIRSAL Plc to Collaborate, Boost Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

    NiMet, NIRSAL Plc to Collaborate, Boost Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc have announced that they will partner on several projects to boost agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

    This comes following a meeting that was held on Wednesday between the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike and NIRSAL’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abbas Umar Masanawa at NIRSAL Plc’s headquarters in Abuja.

    “The urgency of climate action requires that critical stakeholders collaborate, invest in preparedness and ensure that smallholder farmers are protected by early warnings of climate disaster. NiMet is keen on exploring opportunities for both NiMet and NIRSAL to partner in de-risking agriculture. With the work that NiMet does and the data it generates on a daily basis, this will help farmers to plan effectively and efficiently,” Professor Anosike said.

    The NiMet boss added: “Climate change impacts greatly on farming activities and agricultural yield, hence the need for data-driven farming operations. This will help to de-risk the agricultural value chain.”

    Similarly, NIRSAL’s MD, Mr. Masanawa in his remarks disclosed that NiMet has done well over the years not only in the aviation sector but also in the other economic sectors including agriculture.

    His words: “The DG/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike and his team have been doing very well not only in aviation but in agriculture as well. NIRSAL is interested in collaborating with them to support small holder farmers for increased productivity. This is in line with NIRSAL’s mandate.”

    He also noted that collaborating with NiMet is critical as the focus will be on increasing primary production.

    “This will be beneficial to all as the farmers are the ones that are most vulnerable. We are also happy that NiMeT downscales its weather and climate data and information in different local Nigerian languages for wider reach and understanding.”

  • Delta Gov. setup panel of Inquiry, suspends commissioner, other officers in Agric Ministry

    Delta Gov. setup panel of Inquiry, suspends commissioner, other officers in Agric Ministry

    The Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon Elder Oborevwori has constituted a seven man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu to investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme by the Ministry.

    According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, that consequent upon the interim report of the committee and in other to have an unimpeded access to information during the period of the investigations, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O Oborevwori has approved the immediate suspension of Hon. Omoun Perekebena Perez, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, while Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary; Engr. Oki Preowei Yintareke, Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering and Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko, Chief Accountant are to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with Civil Service extant rules.

    The statement further added that the government’s action is in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias.

  • Deltans Jubilate As Construction Of Fly-over Begins In Warri, Effurun

    Deltans Jubilate As Construction Of Fly-over Begins In Warri, Effurun

    Residents and motorists plying the busy Warri and Effurun roads have expressed joy with the mobilisation to site of Julius Berger to commence the construction of flyover bridges and road expansion works in the twin metropolis of Delta State.

    The construction giant on Monday mobilised to DSC Roundabout to commence the construction of the three flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and ancillary road expansion projects as part of the plans of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration for the infrastructure development and urban renewal of Warri, Uvwie and environs.

    A supervising engineer from the State Ministry of Works, Emmanuel Oghorodje who was on ground to ensure the smoothness of the operation informed that the contractor has completed the planning and demarcation of the roads before mobilising to site and expressed confidence that with the commitment of Governor Oborevwori to ensuring the speedy completion of the projects, the company will deliver as scheduled.

    He assured that measures have been put in place to reduce traffic jam on the road while the construction works are on, and urged road users to follow instructions and obey the traffic officers.

    Many of the motorists lauded Governor Oborevwori for the landmark projects and called for its speedy completion, just as many of the traders in the area were full of praises for the Governor, noting that when completed the projects will boost economic activities in the metropolis.

    It would be recalled that on October 18, 2023, the Delta Government and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc signed a N78 billion contract for the construction of three flyovers, a cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and ancillary road expansion projects in the oil-rich Warri and Effurun metropolis, regarded as the economic nerve centre of Delta State.

  • Tinubu’s Administration Owes Nigerians Explanation for NNPC $3.3bn Emergency Loan – Atiku Says

    Tinubu’s Administration Owes Nigerians Explanation for NNPC $3.3bn Emergency Loan – Atiku Says

    Flag-bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Atiku Abubakar has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration owes Nigerians explanation for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) $3.3 billion emergency loan.

    Mr. Atiku made this known on his X, formerly Twitter account on Thursday, stressing that the deal is supposed to be handled by the African Export-Import Bank.

    “In what appears to be a landmark economic decision of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, the Federal Government last year, precisely on August 16, 2023 through the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) secured a $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan, which according to the NNPC, was to help give support to the Naira and stabilize the Foreign Exchange market.

    “The curious thing about this transaction is that up till now, the Federal Government continues to keep mum about it, and the only information available to the public on the mega deal is coming only through unofficial sources from the NNPC. The deal is supposed to be a crude-for-cash loan arranged by the African Export-Import Bank,” he stated.

    According to him, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Project Gazelle Funding Limited initiated the deal and it was incorporated in the Bahamas.

    “The SPV is the borrower while the NNPC is the sponsor, with an agreement to pay with crude oil to the SPV in order to liquidate the loan at an interest rate that is a little over 12 per cent.

    “What is even more confounding about this deal is why the Federal Government would register a company in the Bahamas, knowing full well the recent scandal of the Paradise Papers that involved that country.”

    The former Vice President also stated that the current Barrels Produced Daily (BPD) in Nigeria is 1.38 million and “according to the Project Gazelle deal, Nigeria is to supply 90,000 Barrels of its daily production, starting from 2024 till it is up to 164.25 million barrels for the repayment of the loan.

    “Now, this is where the details get disturbing because Nigeria’s benchmark for the sale of crude per barrel in 2024 is $77.96. A simple multiplication of that figure by 164.25 will give us a whooping $12bn. It is on this note that we are calling on the Federal Government to speak up on this shady deal.

    “It is inconceivable that the Federal Government will lead the country to take a loan of $3.3b with an interest rate that is not more than 12 percent, but with estimated repayment amounting to $12bn. That is a humongous differential of about $7b between what is in the details of the deal on paper and what indeed is the reality.”

    He asked the Federal Government to provide details on the deal so as to keep the citizens abreast of what is happening in the sector.

  • Governor Makinde Boosts Security Agencies with Provision of Operational Vehicles

    Governor Makinde Boosts Security Agencies with Provision of Operational Vehicles

    In a bid to elevate security measures, Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde has provided the security agencies in the state with over 100 operational vehicles.

    The governor made this known on his X, formerly Twitter account on Wednesday, adding that the vehicles are provided with communication devices.

    “This morning, we handed over 100 operational vehicles equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies in Oyo State including the Police, ‘Operation Burst,’ DSS, Correctional Service and Oyo Amotekun.

    “We also presented vehicles to the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA),” he stated.

    Governor Makinde assured the security agencies in the state that his administration will continue to support them with the equipment they need to do their jobs, stressing that their welfare will always be prioritised.

    He also thanked them for their contributions towards securing the state.

  • 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.