October 2023 – Page 40

Post Date : October 19, 2023

We have secured 631 convictions, rescued 22,000 victims – NAPTIP boss

Mrs Fatima Waziri, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), says the agency has secured 631 convictions since its establishment. Waziri made this known while speaking with newsmen during the workshop for its Public Relations Officers (PROs) and Public Enlightenment Officers (PEO) on Wednesday in Lagos. Waziri said that the number of convictions in 2022 was the highest since the agency’s inception. “In 2022, we are able to secure 80 convictions, which was the highest since the inception. As at today in 2023, we have secured 55 convictions and still counting. “For the first time on March 8, we extradited a high-profile human trafficker back to Italy to serve her 13 years sentence. “This we did in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Department of State Security, Interpol and the Nigerian judiciary. “Three weeks ago, for the first time, we secured the conviction of a high-profile criminal, a Nigerian based in Belgium, responsible for trafficking girls all over Europe. “He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of N24 million,” she said. Waziri noted that this accomplishment not only sends a strong message to the perpetrators of human trafficking but also serves as a deterrent to potential offenders According to her, the agency has successfully rescued and received over 22,000 victims, demonstrating its commitment to combating the heinous crime. “In 2022, we are able to rescue and receive more than 2,700 victims more higher than 2021,” she said. Waziri said that in terms of rehabilitation, NAPTIP had supported about 20 victims of human trafficking up to university level. “Out of the 20, we have three working in the agency, and recently we were able to recruit three former victims to work. “That is one of the reasons NAPTIP was established, not only to prosecute or prevent but also to protect victims,” she said. The director-general appealed to all Nigerians to support the agency to eradicate the menace. “Let us all see the issue of human trafficking as our problem. As at today, every state in Nigeria is affected, though trend, patten and the propotionality may differ but everyone is affected. “As a Nigerian, if you see something, say something by reporting, educate yourself on issue of human trafficking, and know what the red signs are. “We have a 24-hour call centre; we have our toll-free line which is 07030000203. “We have a short code 67, which is available on the MTN network, we have our social media handles, which is naptipnigeria on facebook, on X and on Instagram. “For anyone who has extra time or resource and want to support, please support the organisations that work in human trafficking and violence aganist persons,” she said.

Post Date : October 19, 2023

Electricity woes persist as Nigerians pay N686.18b for darkness

Despite dismal electricity supply averaging a daily load offtake of 3,200 megawatts, the Federal Government and end users, in the first six months of 2023, spent about N686.18 billion on subsidy or bill payment. Given indications that electricity subsidy, which is increasing by N135 billion, quarterly, could push the 2023 total to N441 billion, the government has paid, at least, N171 billion as subsidies in the last six months. This came as end users paid N515.18 billion under a Service Based Tariff (SBT), where market players woefully failed to improve supply to 5,000 megawatts, in accordance with a contract by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Stakeholders have also lambasted the aspiration by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to push electricity generation to 20,000 megawatts by 2025, a development some described as ‘political megawatts.’ NERC had said the 11 distribution companies (DisCos) collected N247.09 billion in the first quarter of 2023. This was out of N359.38 billion billed customers. It corresponded to a collection efficiency of 68.75 per cent, representing a decline of 4.58 per cent compared to 73.33 per cent recorded in the last quarter of 2022. The subsidy or collection shortfall and tariff shortfall, usually paid by the Federal Government through Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), stands at N112 billion. In the second quarter of the year, the DisCos, which had signed a minimum remittance order with NERC, fell short of their expectations to collect N267.86 billion out of N354.61 billion billed customers. The development leaves the Federal Government with a shortfall of N87 billion. Collection shortfall within the period, therefore, stands at about N209 billion. While NERC was expected to have increased tariff in July in the face of inflation, foreign exchange challenges and floating of the naira, the current administration had delayed the plan. The development led to a subsidy of about N135.23 billion, which NERC blamed on inability to enforce cost reflective tariffs. NERC said: “In the absence of cost-reflective tariffs, the government undertakes to cover the resultant gap (between cost-reflective and allowed tariff) in the form of tariff shortfall funding. “The government incurred a subsidy obligation of N135.23 billion in 2023/Q2, which is an increase of N99.21 billion (+275 per cent) compared to the N36.02 billion incurred in 2023/Q1.” NERC’s second report, however, showed that seven DisCos recorded over 100 per cent remittance performance in the period. These DisCos include Ikeja (115.21 per cent), Ibadan (112.86 per cent), Benin (111.32 per cent), Eko (111.20 per cent), Enugu (108.52 per cent), Jos (108.48 per cent) and Yola (102.44 percent). The Guardian had reported that the Federal Government spent nothing less than N2.8 trillion to subsidise electricity consumption from 2015 to June, 2023. Crumbling as a result of the liquidity crisis, the country’s power sector has distorted the books of financial institutions and pushed Small and Medium Enterprises as well as manufacturers out of business, while failing to report profit. Stakeholders, in separate interviews, insisted privatisation of the electricity sector has failed, and that cosmetic solutions being deployed by the government would only add salt to the wound. Energy scholar at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, said problems in the electricity sector were fundamental, stressing that a partial approach would not solve the problem. “The sector requires a holistic, general equilibrium approach. Piecemeal solution would be like covering a wall crack by simply putting a paper wall over it,” he said. Former Chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi, also noted that the situation of the sector shows that “the privatisation failed.”He said: “We have to sit down and review the assumptions of privatisation and think through how to amend some of the errors and redirect the sector toward coherence and efficiency.” Renowned energy economist, Prof. Wunmi Iledare, said 20,000 MW power capacity in two years is a big task within the context of availability of primary energy sources. He said: “Perhaps, there is information he is privy to that is not in public domain on hydro potential, nuclear option, non-associated gas discoveries and renewables that can just be tapped for power generation in two years.”

Post Date : October 19, 2023

We”ll guarantee staff welfare- Akpabio

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has said that the National Assembly would guarantee the welfare of staff of the assembly. He made the remark at the 9th National and States Assembly Service Commissions Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday. The conference was organised by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC). Declaring the conference open, Akpabio who was represented by Sen. Danjuma Goje (APC-Gombe) said that the national assembly management was not unmindful of the welfare of the staff. “I know the welfare issues you are battling with. But be rest assured that the 10th National Assembly has your back. “Staff welfare will be supported by the assembly,” Akpabio said. He said that in classical theory, the main role of parliament was to make new laws and change or improve old laws. “But inclusively, we will not only make laws, change or improve old laws, we will make people, we will empower people. “We will continue to support the training, retraining and capacity building of our staff. Charity is expected to begin at home. “So, let’s have a team spirit and make our country proud, let us invest our time and energy into providing the best support for our legislators. This is so that hereafter, posterity will look back at the 10th National Assembly and State Assemblies and say truly, this was a turning point in our lawmaking in our country.” Akpabio further said that the conference should lay the framework for the most effective parliament in Nigeria’s democratic governance. “The choice is in your hands, you can only succeed if we see this conference not just as another talk-shop but as a wakeup call during the 10th National Assembly and change dynamics of lawmaking in our country. “The time is now for us to heed our country’s call and come together as one. Sure, there are people dying from insecurity, from banditry, it is time for us to lend a hand. “We have a government which has shown tremendous resolve to right what is wrong in our country. “We have a national assembly which is committed to supporting all efforts to change the fortunes of our country and committed to making laws to lift up the poor and better the lots of all Nigerians,” he said. The Executive Chairman of NASC, Ahmed Amshi, said they were concerned with the State Assembly Service Commissions that was why they considered their operations. “As usual, resolutions are expected to be agreed upon and a communique will be presented but we have entered into a partnership with National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Consultancy Services in the organisation of this conference. “Most of the State Assembly Service Commissions have been in contact and shared ideas with us, we acknowledge them on this and hope that the mutual relationship is sustained.” Also speaking, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) said that Nigeria must have a national focus to grow. According to him, any country that is desiring to grow must have what he described as a national focus. He said that lawmakers and staff of assemblies must work towards ensuring that whatever they do, is focused towards the growth and development of the country. Omotayo said if Nigeria must be a better society, individuals must carry out personal responsibility geared towards ,’national focus’. “If we are going to have a better society, every individual in Nigeria must carry a personal responsibility and pursue a national focus. “The President is not the government, the Senate President and the speaker are not the government. “We must play our roles as individuals. If not, we will continue to blame ourselves. A nation works for anyone that plays his or her part. Everyone must think about the Nigeria we need,” he said.(NAN)

Post Date : October 19, 2023

Gaza: Islamic Nations Accuse Israel Of State-Sponsored Terrorism

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) yesterday said Tuesday’s attack by Israeli forces on Al-Ahli Baptismal Hospital in Gaza was a war crime against humanity and a state-sponsored terrorism that deserves accountability and punishment. The Secretary-General of the OIC, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, who spoke at the emergency meeting the body held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, described the attack as “horrific massacre”. Taha held the Israeli occupation responsible for “the consequences of its terrorist acts and brutal aggression, which contradict all human values and constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.” He reiterated his call to the international community, especially the United Nations Security Council, to urgently intervene to halt the war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip and provide international protection for Palestinians. This is even as the OIC called on the international community to take a responsible stance to protect the Palestinians in Gaza amidst the raging war between Israel and Hamas. It also sought aid for Gaza to prevent humanitarian crisis, urged the international community to create conditions for peace and stressed the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state. The 57-member bloc of Muslim-majority countries denounced Israel’s backers for granting “impunity” in the war in Gaza. A statement issued after the meeting said the OIC “deplores the international positions that back the brutal aggression against the Palestinian people, and grant Israel impunity, taking advantage of the double standards that provide cover for the occupying power”. The OIC also condemned Israel for committing Gaza’s hospital massacre and emphasised the need to protect the Palestinian people. A rocket strike had on Tuesday hit a Christian-run Ahli Arab Hospital in central Gaza City which killed about 500 Palestinians. At the OIC meeting, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, was quoted by Ahramonline as saying that “The siege on Gaza must be lifted.” He called on the international community to take a responsible stance to protect the Palestinians in Gaza. “We stress the necessity of delivering aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe”, Farhan added. He said the OIC called on the international community to “create conditions for peace in a way that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people. “We stress the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state”, he said. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyadh al-Maliki described the strike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza as a “deliberate” Israeli attack, stressing that the strip’s residents are being subjected to genocide. Al-Maliki noted that the Israeli military had attacked the same hospital two days earlier and warned doctors there. He said that Israel’s “war machine” had killed over 1,300 children in Gaza and slammed the international community that does nothing but “count the number of victims in Gaza.” Al-Maliki also said Israel killed a child every 15 minutes and had displaced a million Palestinians in one week. “Israel continues to starve those it has displaced from their homes”, he added. For his part, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdullahian, said the region was out of control and called for practical measures to be taken during the summit in response to the escalation in Gaza. Abdullahian criticized his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, whom, he said, “is present in the Zionist operations room while advising others to exercise restraint.” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan observed that Israel’s perpetration of “atrocities” was not being met with necessary punishment, emphasizing the need for an unconditional ceasefire. He noted that Palestinians face continuous suffering and death, saying “a two-state solution is optimal and enduring.”

Post Date : October 19, 2023

Govs advocate 15% of budgets for education

The Nigerian Governors Forum urged its members to allocate 15% of state budgets to education. The Chairman of the Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq made this known during a briefing organized by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on Wednesday. It was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, with the theme: “Scaling Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Nigeria.” The Kwara governor, represented by the Vice Chairman of NGF, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, said there was a need to remove all barriers to education. He said: “We must follow the UNESCO standard for an education system that is progressive and sustainable. “Governors at the various states must commit above 15 per cent of our budget to education. “I support the call for a state of emergency but it must be backed by actions. “The resources must be provided and we must look at issues that have mitigated against achieving that sustainable growth. “It is one thing to declare a state of emergency but it’s another thing to put all the resources and elements that will allow us to achieve it. So I support putting the resources in place to allow us to move fast at it. “Our education is in crisis and a state of emergency should be declared in all sectors. “We need a solid roadmap and I believe it is a collective involvement.” Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said the learning crisis needed an urgent solution. He said: “Education is the cornerstone of societal progress and individual empowerment, yet the challenges we currently confront demand our immediate attention, dedication, and action.”

Post Date : October 19, 2023

Man slumps, dies in Ogun

A yet-to-be-identified man had reportedly slumped and died in the late hours of Tuesday in the Oke-Abetu area of Abeokuta South Local government in Ogun State. PUNCH Metro gathered on Wednesday, that the man, in his late fifties, was walking along the roadside before slumping and immediately gave up the ghost. A member of the community, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity for fear of being quizzed by the police noted that the man who appeared healthy just slumped without collision with anything and died immediately. “The man was walking along the roadside when we noticed that he just slumped and died. He does not look like someone who is sick and he did not collide with anything that we may say is the cause of his death.” Another source within the school located at the spot where the man died, who only identified as Vice-Principal Academics, noted that the school management in conjunction with the community leaders had made efforts to get government authorities to pick the remains of the man but it did not yielded any result. He said, “We discovered the corpse yesterday when we saw people gathered around him. We learnt that the man was walking by the roadside before he slumped and died immediately. The school management reached out to the community CDA and the police in Adatan. “The Principal of our school in the company of the police took the corpse to Sacred Heart Hospital in Lantoro and State Hospital, Ijaiye to deposit the corpse at their morgue but they rejected it saying there was no space to accommodate it. As we speak the corpse has been returned back to the spot that he died.” Contacted, state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and noted that the man’s identity remains unknown, as no family members have been identified. She said that health officials had been notified to bury him. “The Police don’t have information about him because he has no known family members. Health officials have been notified and they will bury him,” Odutola disclosed.

Post Date : October 19, 2023

NAFDAC destroys fake, expired goods worth N500m in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday destroyed fake and expired goods worth over N500 million in Abuja. Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that some of the goods were also voluntarily submitted to the agency. Represented by Mr Francis Ononiwu, NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, the D-G stated that the exercise is carried out routinely all over the country. The NAFDAC boss said that the destruction of the products were done to prevent their re-introduction to the supply chain. Adeyeye listed some of the products destroyed as drugs made up of psychoactive and controlled substance like antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarials, herbal snuff and herbal remedies, and drugs confiscated from drug hawkers. She also listed the food products such as Spaghetti, vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, including 1 by 40ft container of unregistered Faurecia instant powered milk that was handed over to the agency by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS). Others were cosmetics such as creams, lotion, pomade, including skin lightening creams seized from SPAS and beauty centres, chemicals such as fake insecticides and medical devices. Also destroyed were expired and unwholesome products voluntarily handed over for destruction by complaint companies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria (ACPN). According to the NAFDAC boss, the estimated street value of the products being destroyed is N535, 000, 657.00. “I have said it on several platforms that drug counterfeiting is an act of economic sabotage, and it also represents a serious threat to public health, and NAFDAC under my watch has been repositioned to fight this menace. ” The agency has adapted proactive approach by engaging political, traditional, faith leaders, journalists and other Nigerians to sensitise their wards on the dangers of dealing on substandard and falsified medicine. “I wish to use this medium to urge all and sundry to be on the look-out for spurious and counterfeit medicines, unwholesome foods and other regulated products and reports same to NAFDAC,” she said. NAFDAC and security officials during the destruction Mr Isiaku Gamajira, FCT Coordinator, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), stated that NAFDAC is a sister agency when it comes to regulation of products, hence the reason why SON was at the event. He noted that many people lack education on how to get certification for their products, stressing that it is the reason why most goods from Nigeria are rejected abroad. “We are aware of government policy on zero rejection of Nigeria products, we have a policy called product certification in which a certificate is issued on products made in Nigeria that are to be exported. “In doing all these, we ensure that we key in to the principle set up in line with the government of the exporting country, and issue a certificate of performance to avoid Nigeria product rejection when they get to the point of entry. “We have offices all over the country where information about product certification can be gotten, our addresses are also available online for you to reach out to us. “We provide people with proper guidance when they approach us, SON has been carrying out its compliance activities among which is the seizure of substandard products. We have just destroyed tyres “Tyre is a product which lives depend on and SON has a serious interest when it comes to compliance action, seizure in that regards, on Sep. 29, SON destroyed a lot of tyres and these are some of the things we do. “Most of these tyres are imported, it is our own common wealth, If you see the quantum of what we have destroyed in the last few months, you will be surprised,” Gamajira said. Mr Enejoh Amade, Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacist of Nigeria (ACPN), FCT Chapter, said his association would continue to support NAFDAC to rid the country of substandard drugs. He said that his association had partnered with NAFDAC on the exercise by bringing some expired drugs collected from members of ACPN.

Post Date : October 19, 2023

NNPCL Appoints Femi Soneye As Chief Corporate Communications Officer

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has appointed Mr Olufemi Oladapo Soneye as its Chief Corporate Communications Officer. In a statement on Wednesday, the oil giant described Soneye as a seasoned journalist with full-time and freelance experience at some of the world’s most respected publications in Nigeria, Australia, and the United States of America. It stated that he “will lead our Corporate Communications team and drive our brand penetration, strategic communications initiatives, and stakeholder management.” “He is a member of reputable bodies, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Guild of Corporate Online Media Publishers. Soneye is the former President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners, Washington, D.C. We look forward to his valuable contributions to our Company,” the statement read.

Post Date : October 19, 2023

Nokia to cut 14,000 jobs after profits drop

Finnish telecom gear group, Nokia, on Thursday, said it would cut up to 14,000 jobs as part of a cost reduction plan following a plunge in third-quarter earnings. The Finnish telecommunications giant said that it will reduce its cost base and increase operation efficiency to “address the challenging market environment.” It said the layoffs are expected to reduce the firm’s employees to 72,000, reducing costs by up to 1.2 billion euros ($1.14 billion) by 2026. The substantial layoffs come after Nokia reported third-quarter net sales declined 20% year-on-year to 4.98 billion euros. Profit over the period plunged by 69% year-on-year to 133 million euros. One of the world’s largest telecommunications equipment makers, Nokia has been facing headwinds from a slowing global economy and from infrastructure spending reductions made by mobile operators. Nokia changes logo Sales from Nokia’s biggest unit by revenue, its mobile networks business, declined 24% year-on-year to 2.16 billion euros, with operating profit for the division diving 64% year-on-year. This, Nokia said was mainly driven by declines in North America. The company also described sale volumes in India as “moderated,” as 5G deployments “normalize.” 5G is next-generation mobile internet that promises faster speeds. AFP

Post Date : October 19, 2023

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Contracts, procurement frauds cost Nigeria N2.9trn in 3 years —new EFCC boss

Thursday 19 October 2023 Parents protest as UNILAG asks students to resume with mattresses Naira hits new low, 1060/$ as MAN kicks at policy reversal Again, gunmen kill 5 in Benue Impeachment: Ondo assembly gives fresh condition to deputy governor NAFDAC destroys fake, expired goods worth N500m in Abuja Contributory pension: NLC, retirees lament as 26 states fail to join scheme Akpabio meets Tinubu, dismisses crisis in Senate Nokia to cut 14,000 jobs after profits drop Govs advocate 15% of budgets for education Atiku Asks Supreme Court To Reject Technicality, Overrule Tinubu On Fresh Evidence Tinubu Will Throw Out Ministers Who Fail To Perform In Six Months – Smart Adeyemi Police Detain Inspector For Celebrating Ladipo Market Reopening With Gunshots Senate Confirms Olukoyede As EFCC Chairman, Hammajoda As Secretary Biden Says US Will Work With Israel To Spare Civilians In Gaza Senator Ashiru Replaces Umahi As Deputy Senate Leader Biden Backs Israel Account Of Gaza Hospital Strike, Denounces Hamas Three Killed, District Head, 11 Others Kidnapped In Fresh Zamfara Attack NNPCL Appoints Femi Soneye As Chief Corporate Communications Officer China To Refinance, Complete Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways – Shettima Appeal Court Reserves Judgment In Oduah, Igbinedion, Other Petitions Marketers Blame Forex, Others As Fuel Scarcity Returns To Lagos, Abuja Gaza: Islamic Nations Accuse Israel Of State-Sponsored Terrorism 3 Terrorists, 1 Soldier Killed In Gun Duel In Kaduna How Prophetess Was Raped Inside Ogun Church Politicians leverage Electoral Act loopholes to evade scrutiny Seven million customers unmetered as power generation drops to 4,387MW U.S. vetoes UN resolution on ceasefire as Middle East allies snub Biden We have secured 631 convictions, rescued 22,000 victims – NAPTIP boss Tinubu will not stifle media, information minister reassures Eight killed, 52 others injured in Yobe accident ‘ICPC recovered N655b cash, assets in four years’ Plans underway to improve health services in FCT — Wike Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…