A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
By AbdulSalam Muhammad KANO – Suspended House of Rep member, Abdulmumuni Jibrin Kofa has dismissed his purported expulsion from All Progressive Party, as he declared it was the handiwork of impersonators.
Abdumumin Jibrin
In a reaction to his expulsion by the local chairman of his party Thursday evening, the embattled lawmaker said “this is yet another round of character assassinations from career political antagonizers who are perpetually threatened by our advocacy for transparency in public service and political leadership. ”
Jibrin said “the initiators of this false claim of my expulsion by my party are hired hacks engaged by some politicians in Abuja in continuation of their futile bids to frustrate my anti-corruption campaigns. ”
He stressed ” I wish to remind the public, and especially the media, that this report did not originate from my party, the APC. I have a cordial relationship with my party, and we have been working hand in hand to actualize our agenda for a better Nigeria. ”
Speaking further on the characters of those behind the expulsion, Jibrin said ” this report, I’ve gathered, came from a dubious character and known fraudster who is neither the chairman of my party at the local government level nor a part of the party executive at the state level. The party is not even aware of this impersonation making the rounds in the media. ”
The federal Mp said “recall that I honored the invitation of the EFCC in a bid to shed light on the cases of corruption perpetrated by some principal officers of the house of representatives, despite dissuasions by these saboteurs of my party’s change agenda and stand against corruption. “
Hayat Kimya Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Hayat Group, Turkey, a home care company, has expanded its fast moving Consumer Goods, FMCG, product line with the launch of two products; papia and Familia. Both products are toilet tissues.
Managing director of company, Haran Misri, said the company is establishing itself in the Nigeria tissue market with the launch of these products.
He said: "Papia aims to offer the highest quality products in Nigeria, by adopting the latest technology, Visconip. Papia updates and improves herself and offers innovative products . we will continue to break new grounds in the industry.
Unlike ordinary toilet tissues, the brand is produced from 100 percent natural cellulose, it is a three-layer toilet tissue with the logo embossed on the tissue sheets."
On Familia, he said, "Familia redefines tissues with wide range of high quality products. Just like Papia, Familia is manufactured using a fully automated process without any human contact and unhygienic conditions."
He said also that Familia is produced under the same condition like Papia, using the 100 percent natural cellulose, but it is scented with the strawberry smell.
He said that the company has deployed some marketing materials like point of sale materials which include branded tables, umbrellas and flyers to draw the attention of end users.
The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Wednesday said that culture is more important to Nigeria than petroleum especially if well preserved and given the value it deserved.
Mohammed made the statement in Lagos when he declared open an exhibition of stolen artifacts recently repatriated from Europe and America.
The exhibition of the no fewer than 150 artifacts was titled "Return of the Lost Treasure."
Some of the artifacts on exhibition at the National Museum include NoK Terracotta head, Oba Esigie ivory pendant, Plague of One Ozolua Nibarami Eko and the Ogiurho Game Board.
The minister said the country's diverse cultures had more value than any natural resource including petroleum.
Lai Mohammed
Mohammed, however, said there must be conscious efforts by all stakeholders to appreciate and harness the potential of culture to drive the economy.
"Culture is as important to the economy as petroleum. As a matter of fact, culture is even more important to the economy than petroleum.
"This is because, petroleum is an exhaustive resource. Culture is not, because it is about us as a people," he said.
The minister said the country's artifacts were part of our culture as they told our history and represented our way of life.
While saying artifacts had immense economic value, Mohammed called for perception change of the works by Nigerians.
He said a good number of Nigerians erroneously linked artifacts with fetish practices, saying the belief had affected appreciation of the works locally.
He described as ironical that foreigners valued Nigerian artifacts more than Nigerians themselves, hence, why some of them were smuggled out of the country.
Mohammed said the repatriation of some of the most valuable artifacts from the West was cheery news in view of their historical, cultural, social and aesthetic values.
"Als,o the importance of these artifacts as a source of education and an enabler of tourism cannot be over-emphasised.
"Nigerian traditional art, the works of our forefathers bears testimony to skilled craftsmanship, and creative ingenuity of the great dynasties that once existed in our country," he added.
He said the artifacts, some of which he claimed were centuries old, were repatriated after series of engagements between the government and governments of those countries into which they were smuggled.
He said other stakeholders, as well as international security agencies also helped in the repatriation of the works.
The minister said, but for legal challenges and the fact that some of the works were being hidden in homes abroad, more would have been repatriated.
He however said government was unwavering in efforts at combating the smuggling of artifacts and recovery of stolen ones.
He commended the governments of Switzerland, France, South Africa and the United States for their efforts in helping to repatriate the artifacts from their respective countries.
The minister also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts at tracking some of the artifacts especially at the borders.
He, however, said illicit trade in stolen artifacts was still a challenge and urged the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to double its effort in checking the trade in the cultural property.
"It is my wish that the commission will begin to look at the means and opportunities to re-invigorate its export and clearance permits operations and even devise other methods of checking the illicit trafficking in cultural property "he said.
The minister said he would liase with the police authorities to see the possibility of creating a special unit to fight trafficking in artefacts.
He also said the ministry would continue to study the cases of trafficking and see how it can domesticate the provisions of UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Cultural Property.
In his speech, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Alhaji Yusuf Usman commended the efforts of the minister in the repatriation of the artifacts.
He said the great synergy between the ministry and the repatriation unit in his office helped a great deal in achieving the feat.
Usman said the commission would come up with result oriented strategies to ensure a lid was put on illicit trafficking of artefacts.
In a remark, Chairman of Culture and Tourism of the House of Representatives, Mr Omoregie Ogbeide described the return of the artefacts as a welcome development.
Ogbeide, represented by Rep. Oghene Egoh however urged Nigerians to show more interest in artefacts by visiting museums in the country to learn more about them.
"The return of these artefacts is commendable but Nigerians especially young people should appreciate these artefacts by visiting museums.
"If the works are back in the country and nobody goes to see them at the museum, then what we are celebrating today is nothing more than a carnival "he said.
A culture expert at UNESCO, Prof Folarin Shylon said policing was central to combating trafficking of cultural property.
He, therefore, advocated the setting up of a special unit to fight the menace in the police, saying that is the practice in most advanced countries.
Also known as the the Tournament of Champions, the FIFA Confederations Cup is a curtain-raiser for the World Cup holding the year after. It is a tournament that brings together the champions of the six confederations registered under FIFA.
The tournament this time around goes to Russia as they are the host of the World Cup holding next year. Here we take a quick look at how the participating teams qualified and the key players to watch out for.
Confederations Cup
Russia: Qualified as host
Qualified: 2 December 2010
The Sbornaya qualified for their first FIFA Confederations Cup as hosts, when they were chosen to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, almost seven years ago
Player(s) to watch: Igor AKINFEEV
Germany: Qualified as winners of FIFA World Cup 2014
Qualified: 13 July 2014
Germany reached Russia 2017 after their dramatic 1-0 victory against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Final, with Mario Gotze's extra time wundertor the decider.
Player(s) to watch: Julian DRAXLER, Leroy SANE
Australia: Qualified as winners of 2015 Asian Cup
Qualified: 31 January 2015
Australia reached their first Confederations Cup as an AFC member after winning the 2015 AFC Asian Cup on home soil, defeating Korea Republic in the final in extra time in Sydney.
Player(s) to watch: Tim CAHILL
Chile: Qualified as winners of the South American (CONMEBOL) Cup
Qualified: 4 July 2015
La Roja reached their maiden Confederations Cup with a historic Copa America victory. They claimed the first major trophy in the nation's footballing history with a penalty shootout win against Argentina at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.
Player(s) to watch: Alexis SANCHEZ, Arturo VIDAL
Mexico: Qualified as winners of CONCACAF Gold Cup
Qualified: 10 October 2015
The CONCACAF Cup was held in 2015 to determine which CONCACAF Gold Cup winner (USA, from 2013 or Mexico, from 2015) would be heading to Russia 2017. Mexico won an enthralling tie 3-2 in extra time in front of over 90,000 at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, which hosted the 1994 World Cup Final.
Player(s) to watch: Javier HERNANDEZ, Giovani DOS SANTOS
New Zealand: Qualified as winners of Oceania Football Confederation Cup
Qualified: 11 June 2016
A goalless draw after extra time meant a penalty shootout determined the winner of the OFC Nations Cup, which also doubled as Oceania's second round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Marco Rojas's spot kick sent the All Whites to the Confederations Cup, defeating Papua New Guinea to claim the continental crown.
Player(s) to watch: Chris WOOD
Portugal: Qualified as winnners of Euro 2016
Qualified: 10 July 2016
Portugal won their first major trophy in dramatic fashion to claim an inaugural FIFA Confederations Cup spot. Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew injured early in the UEFA EURO 2016 final, but an unlikely hero emerged. Eder scored an extra time stunner to defeat hosts France and seal his side’s Russia 2017 place.
Player(s) to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cameroon: Qualified as African Champions
Qualified: 5 February 2017
The Indomitable Lions claimed their first continental crown for over a decade by coming from behind to see off Egypt in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final in Gabon. Vincent Aboubakar's 88th-minute strike saw Cameroon crowned Africa's kings, and complete the line-up for Russia 2017.
Player(s) to watch: Benjamin MOUKANDJO, Vincent ABOUBAKAR
By Emeka Aginam In a committed effort to extend its products and services to its customers across the nation, Infinix Mobility has unveiled first set of exclusive stores in seven cities in Nigeria.
Assuring to give customers the exclusive Infinix experience with an all Infinix products and accessories store, the exclusive stores, according to the company are located in Lagos, Asaba, Owerri, Enugu, Warri, Uyo and Benue.
As Infinix continues to give consumers the best experience with its smartphones, the brand has been innovative about bringing about a better shopping experience for its fans and customers in the region.
Infinix product series range from Hot, Hot S, Note and Zero. It would be recalled that recent products launched in Nigeria included Infinix S2, Infinix Zero 4 and 2016 most searched android smartphone in Nigeria 'Infinix Note 3'.
For customers looking to purchase the Infinix Zero 4, Infinix is offering an exclusive promotion when you buy the Infinix Zero 4 and Zero 4 plus to win free home appliances.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is not aware of any moves to recall Sen. Dino Malaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial District.
INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
Explaining the processes involved in recalling an elected lawmaker, Osaze-Uzzi said that a petition signed by at least 50 per cent of the registered voters in that senatorial district must be submitted to the commission.
"It is only when the petitioners get 50 per cent of the registered voters that they can submit a recall petition to the commission.
Sen. Dino Melaye
"That is when INEC can commence the recall process, but we have not received such petition.''
Osaze-Uzzi said that upon the receipt of such petition, the commission would also embark on a verification, to ascertain whether the recall petition was actually signed by registered voters in that senatorial district.
He said that in conducting the verification of the signatures, the commission would also need to inform the senator involved and the petitioner, to set a date for agents from both sides to be involved in the exercise.
"It is only when we are satisfied with that, we now go for a referendum. That is what the constitution states.
"For now, we don't know if anybody is trying to recall him until a petition is submitted to the commission.''
The director further said that the commission would notify the public if anybody or group was able to mobilise the required number of signatures and send a petition to the commission.
Meanwhile, Melaye had alleged that Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi had released N200 million for the reported ongoing moves to recall him.
The Omagbemi family in Warri, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (I-GP) to investigate the mysterious death of their nephew, Samson.
Mr Henry Omagbemi led the bereaved family on Thursday to the secretariat of the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Warri to brief newsmen on the incident.
Henry said that their nephew died alongside his colleague identified as Darlington Taire both students of Challenge Secondary, Kolokolo in Uvwie.
He said that the duo left home on June 12, in company of their colleagues to "cool off '' in a popular hotel (name withheld) in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta and did not return home.
He alleged that the deceased were led by one of their teachers identified as Robinson, to go and swim after they had successfully written their Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSCE).
"The matter was first reported at Enerhen Police Station by Rolland and Marcus Omagbemi when they noticed that our nephew was missing on Monday, June 12.
"They later informed the larger Omagbemi family who in turn set up a search party to visit all the police stations around to check if they were in their custody.
"On June 13, we searched the swimming pool of the hotel and other places with security men on guard and staff of the hotel to no avail.
"We were later called by Ebrumede Police Station in Uvwie to come and identify the corpses lying down in their station.
"On getting to the station, the management, staff of the hotel and police officers tendered a blurred photograph but we insisted that we must see our child, Samson.
"After so much argument, two police officers led us to Central Hospital, Warri mortuary where we identified our nephew, Samson and his friend Taire.
"They did not look like people who were in the pool as they bled from their mouths and the faces.
"If somebody is drowned in the swimming pool, you will see some signs of swollen stuff," he said.
Mr Morrison Taire, the father of Darlington called for justice over the demise of the two students who were aged 15.
"We want justice to be done; their death looks mysterious to us; we want the truth.
"Covering somebody's corpse or taking somebody's corpse to the mortuary without the knowledge of his people is suspicious." he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Andrew Aniamaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on phone that he could not comment on the incident now.
"Until I have done my investigation, I cannot comment on it.
"I have to contact the Warri Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ebrumede police station for details before I can comment," he said.
The Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Senator Dino Melaye has asked the Federal Government to stop speaking grammar and provide Nigerians with the much needed electricity.
He lamented that Nigerians are not interested in grammar or document but that they want electricity stable electricity.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has lost one of its respected leaders, Mr. Olisaemeka Akamukali, a member of its yet to be inaugurated Board of Trustees (BoT).
Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party`s National Publicity Secretary, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, adding that the party received the news of his death with shock.
He said the deceased, aged 57, died in a tragic motor accident in Abuja on Tuesday and prayed that the Almighty God grants his immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Abdullahi said that the deceased served the APC as its first interim National Auditor.
He added that he was one of the stabilising forces in the party, who always identified with progressive causes to strengthen it and ensure unity among members.
"Sadly, Akamukali has left us at a critical time when he was needed to contribute to nation building and the implementation of the APC change agenda.
"We, however, take solace knowing that the late party chieftain lived a fulfilled and impactful life during his time on earth; may his soul rest in peace," Abdullahi said.
The late Akamukali was a former National Chairman of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) that merged with other political parties to form the APC in 2013.
He had also served as the first Assistant National Secretary of the All Peoples Party (APP) and the Director-General of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso campaign for President.
The deceased also served as a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee that worked for the successful election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Authorities said seven people were killed and nearly 60 injured on Thursday in an explosion at a kindergarten in eastern China.
The official Xinhua news agency on China's Twitter-like "Weibo", did not say if any children were among the dead.
Blasts and other accidents are common in China, because of patchy enforcement of safety rules, although the government has pledged to improve checks to stamp out such incidents.
Many parents were picking up their children when the blast took place around 5 p.m. near the entrance of the kindergarten in Xuzhou, in the coastal province of Jiangsu.
China explosion at Kindergarten kills 7, injures over 60
Vinhua reporter said that two people died on the spot and five more died of their injuries, while 59 people were injured, nine among them being treated for severe injuries.
Pictures circulating on Chinese social media showed about a dozen women and children lying on the ground in what appeared to be the immediate aftermath of the blast.
One video showed an injured woman with scorched clothing staggering unsteadily, while others sat on a floor holding crying children in their arms.
In a matter of hours, ace comedian and UN ambassador, Francis Agoda, AKA I Go Dye will be joining 24 other eminent Africans at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos to received the African Child Prize. I Go Dye, who is being honoured in the ‘Comic Art and Creativity’ category was selected after rigorous voting process.
*I go dye with his award
The letter from the organisers of the award, which was posted on I Go Dye’s Instagram wall reads in part : " On the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, Senate has approved that the African Prize for Comic Art and Creativity, be awarded to you."
" By this honour, you will be listed with all benefit into the United Nations Volunteers for Africa (UNVA), and rated under this category among African Union (AU) member States, subject to acceptance and compliance with the policy of the African Child Prize (ACP), upon which certificate, plaque and all entitlements will be issued during the laureate dinner on Friday, June 16, 2017," the letter further stated.
In his response to the award, the humour merchant par excellence asserted that it is another means for him to further add value to humanity, thanking all that made the award possible.
"Often we pass through our daily routine without knowledge that our little contribution to humanity is noticed. I feel astonished that my actions caught the attention of many people. Indeed this African Child Prize honour, got me thinking – just another means to add value to humanity; by recognizing our contributions. I appreciate all those that made this honour possible," he wrote.
For the Delta State-born comedian, this is another feather to his feathers-laden cap of honours. His truck-load of international and local industry awards include: three-time Best African Comedian award; Best Nigeria Comedian by Nigeria Entertainment Award, New York; Most Outstanding Performing Comedian in Nite of a Thousand Laughs for 10 years by Opa Williams; Best Niger Delta Comedian; amongst others.
He became the most sought after and most traveled comedian in Africa. Francis Agoda is a United Nations Millennium Development Goal Ambassador. In 2016 I Go Dye was made United World Habitat Ambassador which he dedicated to Hillary Clinton. He was listed among 100 Most Influential Persons in Africa by Global Icon and 100 Most influential Deltans with the Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Tony Elumelu, also on the list by Happenedings9ja.
The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism on Wednesday said culture could be the mainstay of the country's economy if well preserved and given the value it deserved.
Mohammed made the statement in Lagos when he declared open an exhibition of stolen artifacts recently repatriated from Europe and America.
The exhibition of the no fewer than 150 artifacts was titled "Return of the Lost Treasure"
Some of the artifacts on exhibition at the National Museum include NoK Terracotta head,Oba Esigie ivory pendant, Plague of One Ozolua Nibarami Eko and the Ogiurho Game Board .
The minister said the country's diverse cultures had more value than any natural resource including petroleum.
Mohammed, however, said there must be conscious efforts by all stakeholders to appreciate and harness the potential of culture to drive the economy.
"Culture is as important to the economy as petroleum. As a matter of fact, culture is even more important to the economy than petroleum.
"This is because petroleum is an exhaustive resource. Culture is not, because it is about us as a people," he said.
The minister said the country's artifacts were part of the our culture as they told our history and represented our way of life.
While saying artifacts had immense economic value, Mohammed called for perception change of the works by Nigerians.
He said a good number of Nigerians erroneously linked artifacts with fetish practices, saying the belief had affected appreciation of the works locally.
He described as ironical that foreigners valued Nigerian artifacts more than Nigerians themselves, hence why some of them were smuggled out of the country.
Mohammed said the repatriation of some of the most valuable artifacts from the the West was cheery news in view of their historical, cultural, social and aesthetic values.
"Also the importance of these artifacts as a source of education and an enabler of tourism cannot be over-emphasised.
"Nigerian traditional art, the works of our forefathers bears testimony to skilled craftsmanship, and creative ingenuity of the great dynasties that once existed in our country," he added.
He said the artifacts, some of which he claimed were centuries old, were repatriated after series of engagements between the government and governments of those countries into which they were smuggled.
He said other stakeholders, as well as international security agencies also helped in the repatriation of the works.
The minister said but for legal challenges and the fact that some of the works were being hidden in homes abroad, more would have been repatriated.
He however said government was unwavering in efforts at combating the smuggling of artifacts and recovery of stolen ones.
He commended the governments of Switzerland, France, South Africa and the United States for their efforts in helping to repatriate the artifacts from their respective countries.
The minister also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts at tracking some of the artifacts especially at the borders.
He, however, said illicit trade in stolen artifacts was still a challenge and urged the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to double its effort in checking the trade in the cultural property.
"It is my wish that the commission will begin to look at the means and opportunities to re-invigorate its export and clearance permits operations and even devise other methods of checking the illicit trafficking in cultural property "he said.
The minister said he would liase with the police authorities to see the possibility of creating a special unit to fight trafficking in artefacts.
He also said the ministry would continue to study the cases of trafficking and see how it can domesticate the provisions of UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Cultural Property.
In his speech, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Alhaji Yusuf Usman commended the efforts of the minister in the repatriation of the artifacts.
He said the great synergy between the ministry and the repatriation unit in his office helped a great deal in achieving the feat.
Usman said the commission would come up with result oriented strategies to ensure a lid was put on illicit trafficking of artefacts.
In a remark, Chairman of Culture and Tourism of the House of Representatives, Mr Omoregie Ogbeide described the return of the artefacts as a welcome development.
Ogbeide, represented by Rep. Oghene Egoh however urged Nigerians to show more interest in artefacts by visiting museums in the country to learn more about them.
"The return of these artefacts is commendable but Nigerians especially young people should appreciate these artefacts by visiting museums.
"If the works are back in the country and nobody goes to see them at the museum, then what we are celebrating today is nothing more than a carnival "he said.
A culture expert at UNESCO, Prof Folarin Shylon said policing was central to combating trafficking of cultural property.
He, therefore, advocated the setting up of a special unit to fight the menace in the police, saying that is the practice in most advanced countries
The Acting Secretary, FCT Area Councils Services Secretariat (ACSS), Mr Joshua Kaura, said on Thursday that the six Area Councils in FCT shared N13, 828 billion between January 2015 and April 2017.
Kaura disclosed this at a news briefing on the achievements of the present administration in office in the last two years in Abuja.
According to him, the ACSS provides secretariat services to Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meetings through which N13.8billion was disbursed to the councils as well as coordinate issues relating to Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He said within the period under review, the secretariat also audited Local Education Authority (LEA) staff in the six Area Councils.
"We sensitised the residents on the Community and Household Environmental Sanitation Exercise.
"We are trying to come up with a date that will serve as sanitation day to be observed by all the council areas in the FCT.
"ACSS also intervened over flood in three area councils which include Kuje, Kwali and Abaji. We also harmonised Area Councils Environmental By-Laws,'' he said.
The acting secretary said that the secretariat also facilitate the intervention of the release of N1.9billion as bail out to the councils to settle staff salaries for Jan., Feb. and March 2015 which led to the suspension strike by workers.
Kaura noted that the secretariat intervened and averted 37 looming threats to peace and security in the six Area Councils, relating to chieftaincy and communal clashes.
He said the ACSS also completed database of Primary Health Care facilities, which are 217 in the six area councils, saying it is now easy to access information with the data on the number of staff, state of the facilities and their requirements.
Kaura said the challenges facing the secretariat include inadequate office space, equipment, working materials, inadequate budgetary provision, inadequate funds for staff training and welfare.
A Petroleum Industry Bill seeking to promote host communities' participation in oil process and local content, on Thursday, passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill also seeks to create an environment conducive for business as well as protect health and safety of the environment.
Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Joseph Akinlaja (Ondo-PDP) and others, while debating the bill, said that when passed into law, it would address challenges facing the petroleum sector, especially as it related to host communities.
Akinlaja said that the bill would also provide framework relating to petroleum producing community's participation, cost and benefit sharing among the government, petroleum exploration companies and host communities.
House of Representatives
In his contribution, Rep. Victor Nwokolo (Delta-PDP) said the essence of the bill in its entirety as obtained in other parts of the globe was to make host communities stakeholders in oil activities.
"Coming home here, look at the case of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Have you ever heard that NLNG is being shut down for a day?
"The basic reason is because they have taken care of the host community; this is what the bill wants to address.
"When you are talking about mineral resources today, it is not only petroleum we are talking about.
"By the Grace of God, the government is trying to give a drive towards other mineral resources, like coal that you find in Plateau, Kogi and other areas.
"So, when you talk about host communities, it is going to be applicable to all parts of the country.
"It will not be seen as a means of empowering only the Niger Delta region or oil-producing communities again," Nwokolo said.
Bill and Memorandum on Legal and Regulatory Framework, Institutions and Regulatory Authorities for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry to establish guidelines for operations of upstream and downstream sectors also passed second reading.
The bills were passed alongside the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).
The Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to conduct public hearing on the bills.
The committee is headed by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Alhassan Doguwa.
By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor Touched by the devastation that has affected the people of the north east as a result of the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, the European Union (EU) Commission on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, announced a support package of €143 million to help the early recovery and reconstruction needs of the area.One of the 82 Chibok schoolgirls set free by Boko Haram
The package is for the provision of basic services including energy, education and health, job creation, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems as well as public financial management systems.
The package was unfolded when Nigeria's Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma arrived Belgium for a meeting with EU officials on Thursday.
At the meeting where the package was announced, Udoma signed the package agreement on behalf of Nigeria and said the support showed yet another positive effort in the collaboration between the EU and the Nigerian Government to collectively work towards ameliorating the sufferings of the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.
The Minister noted that the Financing Agreement signed on Thursday was for the sum of €20 million from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. “A total sum of €143 million is now secured from the EU under this framework for ameliorating of the sufferings of the affected population estimated at more than 14 million people," he added.
He said that since the resurgence of the humanitarian situation in the North East, the Nigerian government has devoted substantial resources to bring the situation under control, meet the humanitarian needs of the victims and restore normalcy to the area.
However, in spite of the efforts, the Minister said there is still a huge funding gap, which is why the Nigerian Government appreciates the support of the EU and the United Nations systems, which have been very useful in leading the other development partners in the support process.
Senator Udoma noted that the process for the selection of implementation partners has reached an advanced stage with the World Bank and some of the components of the project.
“This demonstrates the fact that the EU is committed to timely execution of the project and the bureaucracy that is traditionally associated with the EDF instrument will be minimized in the implementation of this project,” he added.
EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, said the support package will assist approximately 1.3 million internally displaced people and affected communities in and around the Borno State.
“Our assistance will not only target the immediate needs of the people but, it will also help to restore basic services, stimulate employment and create livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and young people”.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides added: “The European Union is committed to get lifesaving aid to those in need in Nigeria. Emergency aid can help them but to do so aid organisations need safe and full access to do their job.”
He added that EU also needs to think about the long term implications and how to help communities recover. “I have visited the country several times and seen the suffering caused by the victims of terrorism but also the strength and determination of the local people to rebuild their lives. It is this desire to rebuild a better future that the EU will support.”
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has approved a major re-organisation of the upper echelons of the Nigerian Navy.
•Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
In a major posting of senior officers, 21 Rear Admirals were affected. The new Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command is Rear Admiral SAG Abbah, formerly Navy Secretary while Rear Admiral VO Adedipe, formerly Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, moves to Eastern Naval Command as Flag Officer Commanding. Rear Admiral PA Onaji, formerly Fleet Commander Eastern Fleet, has been appointed Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, while Rear Admiral OF Ofodile, formerly Chief Staff Officer Eastern Naval Command is now Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command.
Furthermore, Rear Admiral AB Al-Hassan, formerly Director Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, is the new Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command. Rear Admiral SMD Usman, formerly Chief Staff Officer Logistics Command moves to Naval Headquarters as Director Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. Rear Admiral HA Babalola retains his appointment as Chief of Policy and Plans Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral JO Oluwole, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command resumes at Naval Headquarters as Chief of Logistics.
The reshufflement also affected Rear Admiral AA Osinowo, formerly Chief of Training and Operations Naval Headquarters, who is now the Commandant National Defence College, while Rear Admiral FD Bobai, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, moves to Naval Headquarters as Chief of Training and Operations. Rear Admiral BEE Ibe-Enwo, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, resumes at the Naval Headquarters as Chief of Naval Standards and Safety, while Rear Admiral IO Mohammed, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, is now appointed Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji. Rear Admiral T Dick, formerly Chief of Logistics has been reappointed Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral MA Emuekpere, formerly Director of Naval Intelligence is now Chief Staff Officer Western Naval Command. Rear Admiral NP Aliyu, formerly Chief Staff Officer Naval Training Command moves to DIA as Director of Logistics, while Rear Admiral SI Enoch, formerly Chief Staff Officer Central Naval Command, has been appointed Director of Search and Rescue at the Defence Headquarters.
Rear Admiral MM Kadiri, formerly Commandant Naval War College, is now the Navy Secretary, while Rear Admiral TC Udofia, formerly Chief Staff Officer Western Naval Command, resumes as Commandant Naval War College. Rear Admiral OH Ngalabak, formerly Fleet Commander Central Fleet, has been appointed Director of Operations Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral FF Ogu, formerly Director Manning Naval Headquarters, resumes as Chief Staff Officer Central Naval Command. Rear Admiral AZ Gambo, formerly Director of Search and Rescue Defence Headquarters, resumes as Chief Staff Officer Naval Training Command.
In view of the importance of this information, you are please requested to disseminate for general public awareness.
ABUJA – ACTING President Yemi Osinbajo Thursday met behind closed-doors with the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido II departing after a closed-door meeting with Ag. President Yemi Osinbajo at the VP’s Wing, Presiidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida
The Emir arrived Osinbajo’s office at exactly 2:40pm and the meeting lasted until 4:50 p.m when the emir came out from the Acting President's office with few of his palace aides that accompanied him.
The emir however declined to comment when State House Correspondents approached him to know his mission at the Villa as he proceeded to exchange pleasantries with some presidential aides and workers in the Vice Presidential wing of the State House.
No official communication from the Presidency to explain the visit at press time, it was gathered that the visit may not be unconnected with the ongoing consultations of prominent Nigerians on the recent quit notice given to Ndigbo in the 19 Northern States to vacate the region before 1st October this year.
Recall that Prof. Osinbajo began series of meetings with stakeholders with Leaders of thought from the Northern States of Nigeria on Tuesday, that of the Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbo leaders on Wednesday and is expected to meet South East traditional rulers today.
He will also meet with northern traditional rulers next Monday as well as governors of the 36 states of the federation on a date to be arranged by the authorities and a finale with all stakeholders on Thursday 22nd June.
A Petroleum Industry Bill seeking to promote host communities participation and local content on Thursday passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill also seeks to create an environment conducive for business as well as protect health and safety of the environment.
Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Joseph Akinlaja (Ondo-PDP) and others, while debating the bill, said that when passed into law, it would address challenges facing the petroleum sector, especially as it related to host communities.
Akinlaja said that the bill would also provide framework relating to petroleum producing community's participation, cost and benefit sharing among the government, petroleum exploration companies and host communities.
In his contribution, Rep. Victor Nwokolo (Delta-PDP) said the essence of the bill in its entirety as obtained in other parts of the globe was to make host communities stakeholders in oil activities.
"Coming home here, look at the case of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), have you ever heard that NLNG is being shut down for a day?
"The basic reason is because they have taken care of the host community; this is what the bill wants to address.
"When you are talking about mineral resources today, it is not only petroleum we are talking about.
"By the Grace of God, the government is trying to give a drive towards other mineral resources, like coal that you find in Plateau, Kogi and other areas.
"So, when you talk about host communities, it is going to be applicable to all parts of the country.
"It will not be seen as a means of empowering only the Niger Delta region or oil-producing communities again," Nwokolo said.
Bill and Memorandum on Legal and Regulatory Framework, Institutions and Regulatory Authorities for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry to establish guidelines for operations of upstream and downstream sectors also passed second reading.
NAN reports that the bills were passed alongside the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).
The Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to conduct public hearing on the bills.
The committee is headed by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Alhassan Doguwa.
Dr. Ademola Adeleke, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Osun West Senatorial District bye-election, said he was a card-carrying member of All Progressive Congress (APC).
He told newsmen at PDP National Secretariat on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the party's flag for the July 8 election. He noted that he defected to the PDP due to "injustice'' in APC's screening process for primaries.
Adeleke, younger brother to late Sen. Isiaka Adeleke, described APC as party of liars, claiming that he won the party's "first and second screening of aspirants for the election'' but was denied.
Dr. Ademola Adeleke
"I was a PDP member before we had little problem which made my late brother and I to decamp to APC at the same time.
"Immediately we left PDP, they gave everybody a card; we registered, signed and showed it to the whole world.
"How can they come now and lie? They lied and they are shaking now.
"I was a member and I have left their party. That is not a party; a party that lied and not steadfast, thank God I am back home now to PDP,'' he said.
On his chances of winning the bye-election, Adeleke, who emerged PDP candidate in Wednesday's primaries, expressed optimism that he would win, saying that he was not new in Osun politics.
He said that most political parties, including the Accord and Labour, and people of the state, were in full support of his candidature.
National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, who presented the flag to Adeleke, assured him of the party's support towards winning the election.
Sheriff promised to be at the candidate's flag-off campaign at Ede, and urged him "to go and win the election''.
Everton made Jordan Pickford Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper on Thursday as they signed the Sunderland star in a deal worth up to £30 million ($38 million, 34 million euros).
Pickford
England Under-21 international Pickford will cost Everton an initial £25 million, surpassing the £10 million Southampton paid to sign his international colleague Fraser Forster from Celtic in 2014.
The 23-year-old is the third most expensive goalkeeper in the world behind Manchester City’s recent 40 million euros signing of Benfica goalkeeper Ederson and Gianluigi Buffon’s 53 million euros switch from Parma to Juventus in 2001.
“Last season was my first in the Premier League so to get this opportunity with Everton now, to be able to go forward with my career and show everyone what I can do with Everton is unbelievable,” Pickford told Everton’s website.
“It’s a great club, a massive club and I think it’s a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton.
“This is an exciting time for the club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help.”
Pickford, who has signed a five-year contract with Everton, was manager Ronald Koeman’s top target to take over from Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles, who both endured inconsistent spells at Goodison Park last season.
Pickford was one of the few bright spots as Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League last season and earned a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
He earned a call-up to England’s senior ranks in October and has represented the country at each of the six youth levels from Under-16 upwards.
Should the terms of each of the add-ons be met, Pickford would become Everton’s record signing, eclipsing the £28 million they paid Chelsea for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku in 2014.
“I’m really pleased we’ve made what I’m sure will be a significant signing,” Koeman said.
“Jordan is a very talented young professional who also has a real hunger for success, and that’s important for us.
“We’ve seen the quality he has through his performances in the Premier League last season and, given his young age, we’re sure he will get even better.”
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