Commissioner representing Ondo Central in the Ondo State Oil Development Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Kehinde Akinrotoye, popularly known as ‘BonsueAketi’, has been hospitalised after he was beaten to pulp by hoodlums. The thugs stormed the premises of OSOPADEC and disrupted the disbursement of bursary and scholarship award by the intervention agency. They shot sporadically into the air after preventing the ceremony from taking off. Staff of the agency and students scampered for safety. One of the staff who pleaded anonymity said the hoodlums came in hired vehicles. The staff said the thugs targeted the Commissioner and beat him to pulp after they accused him of being a misrepresentation in the commission because he hails from a non-oil producing area. It was gathered that the vehicle that brought Akinrotoye was destroyed and vandalized by the hoodlums. Men of the Ondo State Police Command were called in to restore normalcy. In September, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Bunmi Osadahun, was attacked over distribution of palliatives.

  Two persons were feared killed when bandits attacked Kaura-Namoda town, the headquarters of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State. According to an eyewitness, the bandits invaded the town around 9pm on Tuesday and shot sporadically, forcing residents to scamper for safety. A resident of Kaura-Namoda town, Ismaila Kaura, told Channels Television that two persons were killed during the attack including a female student identified as Ni’ima who was on her way to Islammiyya school at that time He said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji deployed to the town engaged the bandits in a gun duel and forced them to flee the town. Police authorities in the state were yet to comment on the latest attack

  Russia lifted a temporary ban on diesel exports on Wednesday, saying the two-month restrictions had been successful in bringing down rising fuel prices on the domestic market. Moscow suspended the export of diesel and gasoline products in September in a move that roiled global markets. The energy ministry said it had taken measures to boost supplies inside Russia and bring down rising prices that were hitting drivers and businesses across the country. On Wednesday, it said it was removing the restrictions after prices had dropped and domestic reserves had grown 14 percent to 3.2 million tonnes during the two months when exports were curtailed. It follows the lifting last month of restrictions on Russia’s seaborne diesel exports, which make up the majority, and last week’s removal of a suspension on gasoline exports. Russia’s top oil companies had in recent days called on the government to lift the restrictions. Russian pump prices had surged over the summer, contributing to a rise in domestic inflation that has worried the Kremlin.

  The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Kingsley Chinonye Unije, for forgery, obtaining money by false pretence and money laundering to the tune of N340,000,000( Three Hundred and Forty Million Naira only). He was arraigned on Wednesday 22, November 2023, before Justice M.G Umar of Federal High Court sitting Enugu, on five-count charges bordering on forgery, obtaining money by false and money laundering. Count one of the charges reads; That you KINGSLEY CHINONYE UNIJE sometime between May and 2022 in Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N170,000,000.00 from Igwe Cosmas Ezeumeh under the false pretense that you were selling to him two landed property known as plot 81 and 304 at New layout Enugu with the consent of Late Mrs Victoria Unije which pretense you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud- related offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same act. Another count reads; “That you KINGSLEY CHINONYE UNIJE sometime between May and June, 2022, in Enugu State, within the Jurisdiction of the Federal high court of Nigeria converted the sum of (120,000,000.00) by purchasing two landed properties in your personal name, and one in the name of Michael Emeka Bernard knowing that the said money formed part of your unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Act and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same act.” The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him. In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Al’qasim Jaafar prayed for a trial date and the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre. Meanwhile, defence counsel, Beatrice Nwatueze prayed the court for the bail of his client. After listening to both counsels, Justice Umar remanded the suspect in a Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to January 30, 2024 for hearing of the bail application.

Suspected ritualists have reportedly killed a 12-year-old boy, John Soyinka in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The corpse of the boy was discovered at Kotogbo community inside Asero Estate, Abeokuta on Monday morning with his eyes removed while his wrists were also said to have been cut off. New Telegraph gathered that Soyinka, who was living with her mother was declared missing about a week ago and the incident was reported at Obantoko Police station, Abeokuta. A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity told our Correspondent that the young schoolboy was said to have gone missing after trying to check on a customer who made a POS transaction in a shop where the deceased usually assisted them. The source said “I know the boy very well, he is about 12 years old and he lived alone with his mother who I guessed is no longer with her husband. His mother is into menial jobs like helping people to sweep and the rest. “The boy too was going to school but I also usually see him at a business centre where they do POS operations and barbing, I think he must be assisting them there. “What we heard was that last week Thursday, he said he wanted to check on a customer who did POS transactions, apparently there was something to sort out about the transaction but the boy never came back. The boy and his mother lived at the Olasunkanmi community and so the Community Development Association reported the matter to the District Police Officer at Obantoko Station. “The DPO informed the police at Adigbe and Lafenwa but it was the boy’s corpse that was seen at Kotogbo community just beside Olasunkanmi on Monday. The two communities are inside Asero Estate, Abeokuta. “It is suspected to be a case of ritual killing because the boy’s eyes were removed while his wrists were also cut off. It’s an incident that has really thrown all the residents into mourning”. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, Omolola Odutola promised to check and get back to our correspondent.

  The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on Wednesday reaffirmed Governor Bassey Otu as the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election in Cross River State. In a swift reaction, the governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, in a statement, expressed happiness. The governor was quoted as saying, “This ruling should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election. For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship. Come and join my administration so that together we can move our state forward and bring about the dividends of democracy. “My administration is fully re-energised to deliver on the People First Mandate, which is on track to repositioning our state for effective and responsive governance. I solicit the support and patience of all Cross Riverians as we navigate the challenging times towards the Cross River of our dreams. “Let me reassure all our citizens that we are working round the clock to ensure that we deliver the best governance for our people. It is important also to note that reparations are in top gear for a robust and successful Calabar festival, while we continue to address other socio-economic and developmental issues.” The Court of Appeal dismissed for lack of merit the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sandy Onor, who had earlier suffered the same fate before the election petition tribunal on September 26, 2023. The tribunal verdict has now been re-affirmed by the Appeal Court. Otu was declared winner of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission having polled a total of 258,619 votes winning in 15 of the 18 local governments of the state to defeat his closest rival, Onor who garnered 179,636 votes.

  The federal government on Wednesday flagged off the Renewed Hope Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Programme, a targeted expansion of the Market-Moni Scheme intended to provide N50,000 each to 1.5 million poor Nigerians to start businesses. The programme was formally known as the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched the initiative at the Presidential villa in Abuja where a symbolic presentation of cheques was made to beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, affirmed that N50,000 would be given to each beneficiary once they are registered to use for their businesses. While noting that other initiatives are in the pipeline to implement the President Bola Tinubu’s poverty alleviation agenda, the minister said: “As soon as they register, a loan of N50,000 will be given to them. To use it for their businesses. The target for this is 1.5million Nigerians that will benefit. “We have other programmes that are within that bracket. Some of them are special projects targeted at Nigerians. I must say that Mr. President is in a hurry to change Nigeria for a better within the next one year. “Other projects include the N-Power projects, the homegrown school feeding projects, the new special vehicle which is the End-Hunger project, by the Grace of God the President will be flagging that off next month, etc. “Beyond this, we are going to also launch other projects that will help young people to get coding skills. We have several other projects. There are several interventions. “We are dealing with multidimentional poverty so that at the end we would have a nation that is strong under God, that it’s citizens will beat their chest and say indeed ‘I’m proud to be a Nigerian, and the Renewed Hope has truly come.” Giving the keynote address, the First Lady noted that the transformative impact the MSMEs can have on the lives of the vulnerable ones in Nigeria can be immense. She opined that the enterprises are the bedrock of the nation’s economy and therefore, play a crucial role in fostering inclusive growth and providing tangible benefits to those who need it most, especially women and persons with disability. The wife of the president explained: “By supporting MSMEs, we empower local entrepreneurs to generate employment thereby offering a lifeline to those struggling to make ends meet. This not only reduces unemployment rates but also enhances the overall well-being of individuals and families. “Small scale businesses provide a platform for economic empowerment of those with limited resources who can become self-reliant entrepreneurs when equipped with skills and a supportive environment. “It is in this regard, the rebranding of the three components of this programme is significant. Thus, Tradermoni (now rebranded Owo Oja or Olilanya Ndi Nagbambo or Tallafin Sana’a); Farmermoni (now rebranded Owoagbe or Olilanya Ndi Oru Ugbo or Tallafin Manoma); and Marketmoni (now rebranded Iyaloja or Nne Ahia or Agajin Yan Kasuwa). “These rebranding drums home, especially among the womenfolk including traders and farmers, a deeper understanding and actual implication of the programme in our native languages. “As I was informed that one of the strategic components of the Federal Government’s National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) is the Rebranded and Expanded Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), this Programme is expected to focus, amongst others, on offering interest and collateral-free loans to small scale entrepreneurs thereby providing financial inclusion and enabling individuals with limited resources to access much-needed capital for entrepreneurial endeavors. “This democratization of financial resources helps break down barriers and empowers the poor to participate actively in economic activities.” Mrs. Tinubu observed that traditional loans often come with high interest rates and stringent requirements for collateral, making it challenging for those with limited assets to secure funds. She added: “By eliminating these barriers, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) programs create a more accessible and supportive environment for individuals to start and expand their businesses. “Additionally, such financial support enhances the overall sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Small businesses often face cash flow challenges, and the absence of exorbitant interest rates ensures that entrepreneurs can invest profits back into their businesses, fostering growth and resilience. This, in turn, contributes to job creation and economic stability within communities. “My words of advice to those who might secure interest and collateral free loans through this Programme is that you should plan wisely, exercise financial discipline in managing the funds, invest strategically, be committed to repayment agreement, and be flexible to be able to navigate the dynamic business landscape.”

  The Oyo State Government has set a December 31 deadline for all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to enrol with the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme. To this end, no unregistered motorcycle or tricycle operator will be allowed to operate in the state from January 1, 2024. State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, gave this ultimatum shortly after the state’s Security Council Meeting on Wednesday. He said all commercial operators will have reflective jackets, which they must always wear. He stressed that the state government will be strict with enforcing the directive. The governor noted that the measure addressed the menace of insecurity associated with commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations in the state.   To secure that state, Makinde said that all commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders must ensure that they are captured under the state’s registration scheme, with their biometrics, including their names, motorcycle registration number, next of kin and other critical information captured in the scheme. It will be recalled that the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme began during the first term of the Makinde administration, with registration for commercial operators held in 50 centres in motor parks and okada parks across the state.