Buhari seeks more Korean investments in Nigeria, promises security, regular electricity 

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for increased Korean investments in Nigeria for mutual economic benefit.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

 President Muhammadu Buhari has called for increased Korean investments in Nigeria for mutual economic benefit.

His media aide Femi Adesina disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Mr Buhari gave the invitation to Korean investors when he granted an audience to representatives of strategic Korean companies and industries in Seoul.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the World Bio Summit 2022 in the Republic of the Korean capital, Seoul, South Korea.

“Nigeria remains committed to creating a stable and enabling business environment for foreign investors through the formulation of sound economic policies and improved governance,” said the statement. “The security forces have been working assiduously with local communities to ensure the security of lives and properties of Nigerians and foreign investors.”

The president stated that his regime had prioritised power infrastructure and procured modern equipment for power generation.

While making a case for the country as investment-friendly and choice destination, Mr Buhari said Nigeria’s economy remained the largest in Africa.

“With a nominal GDP of $431.97 billion, Nigeria’s economy remains the largest in Africa with vast human capital and natural resources,” he said.

According to him, the steady improvement from the global economic downturn of 2020 indicates that the Nigerian economy is on a firm path of recovery.

Mr Buhari implored the investors to take advantage of the many investment opportunities in Nigeria, especially in oil and gas, trade, manufacturing, ICT, creative industry and culture exchange.

”It is worthy of emphasis to underscore that the business environment in Nigeria offers low corporate tax regime/VAT rates, flexible labour market conditions and simple procedures for establishing businesses,” added the statement.

The president also acknowledged some significant investments by Korean companies in Nigeria in the fields of construction or heavy-duty industries, ICT and electronics and chemical production, estimated as of 2021 at no fewer than 20 registered companies in Nigeria.

The Nigerian leader expressed delight that these “companies have continued to contribute immensely to the growth of the Nigerian GDP and have created job opportunities in the country.

“I look forward to increased investments by Korean private companies in Nigeria as we resolve the issues of enabling relevant agreements such as Investment Promotion and Avoidance of Double Taxation between our two countries,” said Mr Buhari.

He expressed optimism that his engagements with Korean economic operators in priority areas would mutually benefit both countries and their peoples.

 

Enugu: NSCDC nabs vandals of railway sleepers 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two people suspected of vandalising railway sleepers in Enugu.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

NSCDC officers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two people suspected of vandalising railway sleepers in Enugu.

Aloysius Obiorah, the NSCDC commandant in the state, said this in a statement by Denny Manuel, the command’s spokesperson.

The suspects, Onu Chekwube, 28, and Okeke Okwudiri, 18, were arrested on October 10 in Aruokwe village, Oduma, in the Aninri council area.

Mr Obiorah disclosed that they were arrested while dismantling railway installations belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation. He said the suspects would be charged to court after a full investigation. 

The commandant added that the NSCDC recovered 77 railway bolts and nuts, an iron pipe, a digger and machete, a rig spanner, empty hydraulic acid containers, a flat spanner and two full hydraulic containers from the suspects.

He further stated that the suspects were nabbed with the support of hunters and Forest Security Service operatives.

Mr Obiorah urged Enugu residents to assist security agencies with information on the activities of criminals for prompt action, emphasising that community-based intelligence is important to the timely containment of criminal activities.

N7 Billion Fraud: Fayose’s trial stalled over date mix-up

The money laundering trial of former Governor Ayodele Fayose could not continue on Wednesday following a date mix-up.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

 The money laundering trial of former Governor Ayodele Fayose could not continue on Wednesday before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court following a date mix-up.

Mr Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud and money laundering charges.

The trial will now continue when the parties have agreed on a date.

He was first arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on October 22, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on October 24, 2018.

The defendant was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Ms Olatoregun following EFCC’s petition.

He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted while the case was adjourned for trial.

The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke and is still leading witnesses in evidence.

In December 2021, EFCC called its 11th witness, Joanne Tolulope, who had narrated how Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Mr Fayose, bought properties worth several million. 

Di Maria to end career with childhood club Rosario Central

Juventus winger Angel Di Maria wants to finish his playing career where it started, back in Argentina with Rosario Central.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

 Juventus winger Angel Di Maria wants to finish his playing career where it started, back in Argentina with Rosario Central.

“I’d like to go back to Rosario,” he said. “I know it’s difficult… but it’s as I always say — the dream of all those in Argentina is to come and play in Europe; mine is to return one day to wear the Rosario Central shirt. It’s reality. I’ve always said it. If I get the chance, I’d love to.”

Di Maria, 34, joined Rosario as a four-year-old, spending the next 15 years with the club before a starring performance in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup saw Benfica come knocking.

His move to Benfica was the beginning of a remarkable European career.

Later, he played for Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before landing in Italy with Juventus.

Despite all his success in Europe, Di Maria expressed his desire to return to his roots.

Rosario currently sits 19th in the 28-team top division in Argentina, and with little spending power, it would require a massive pay cut for Di Maria’s desire to become a reality.

 

2023 Budget: El-Rufai earmarks N107.72 billion for education out of N370.3 billion

Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s government has allocated N107.72 billion to the education sector in its proposed 2023 budget, pending before the Kaduna assembly for consideration.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s government has allocated N107.72 billion to the education sector in its proposed 2023 budget, pending before the Kaduna assembly for consideration.

A copy of the budget document showed that the allocation represents 29.1 per cent of the total N370.3 billion proposed for the 2023 fiscal year.

A breakdown of the allocations also showed that the ministry for education got N34.2 billion representing 9.25 per cent of the total budget, made up of N13.28 billion for recurrent expenditure and N20.96 billion for capital expenditure.

The state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) got N45.64 billion, representing 12.3 per cent of the total budget, with a capital expenditure of N40.22 billion and recurrent expenditure of N5.42 billion.

Kaduna State University (KASU) was allocated N18.59 billion, representing five per cent of the total budget of N5.15 billion for recurrent expenditure and N13.44 billion for capital expenditure.

Also, N2.69 billion was earmarked for the State Scholarship and Loans Board, of which N42.37 million was allocated for recurrent expenditure and N2.65 billion for capital expenditure.

Similarly, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, got N3.03 billion, with recurrent and capital expenditures constituting N1.81 billion and N1.23 billion, respectively.

Furthermore, the State College of Education, Gidan Waya, got N2.86 billion, with N1.85 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N1.01 billion for capital expenditure.

However, the three sub-sectors with the least allocation are the Teacher Service Board (N109.24 million), Kaduna State Library Board (N93.71 million), and the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (N460.48 million).

The N107.72 billion allocated to the sector was N41.32 billion higher than the N66.40 billion revised allocation to education in the 2022 budget, representing a 62.2 per cent increase.

However, the 2022 half-year budget performance report showed that of the N66.40 billion allocated to the sector, only N19.85 billion was spent, representing 29.9 per cent performance leaving a variance of N46.55 billion.

Commenting on the development, Aliyu Tijjani, citizens’ co-chair of the Kaduna Basic Education Accountability Mechanism (KADBEAM), commended the government for increasing the budget for education.

Mr Tijjani, however, urged the government to pay attention to releasing funds to enable the education ministry, department, and agencies to implement planned programmes.

“As you have observed in the 2022 second quarter budget performance, the ministry for public works and infrastructure, with an allocation of N31.92 billion, was able to spend N19.91 billion, representing 62.3 per cent performance,” said Mr Tijjani. “Similarly, the ministry for finance, with an allocation of N36.31, spent N23.11 billion, representing 63.6 per cent performance, while the education sector, with more than N66 billion, spent only N19.9 billion.”

He called on the government to demonstrate its commitment to improving the education sector by ensuring adequate and timely release of allocated funds to the sector. 

2,790 hectares of farmlands destroyed in Nguru LGA: AFAN

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says at least 2,790 hectares of farmlands in the Nguru local government area of Yobe were destroyed by flood.

By Harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Flooded farm used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: Medium]

 The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says at least 2,790 hectares of farmlands in the Nguru local government area of Yobe were destroyed by flood.

Madu Tandari, AFAN chairman in the area, told journalists in Nguru town that 1,500 hectares were used for rice cultivation.

Mr Tandari added that other crops destroyed on the remaining 1,290 hectares of the land include maize, sesame, millet, tomatoes, pepper and bell pepper.

“In a rice farm, you can harvest about 50 bags on each hectare if all conditions are met. So, you can imagine the magnitude of this disaster,” Mr Tandari explained.

The chairman further disclosed that 934 farmers were affected by the flood, allegedly caused by the release of water from the Tiga Dam in Kano.

He listed the areas worst hit by the flood as Nguru town, Dogon Kuka, Dumsai, Gajamma, Disari, Bambori, Kachallari and Dogon Jeji.

He appealed to the state and federal governments to assist farmers in the area to cushion the losses they recorded.

“As the dry season sets in, we are appealing to the government at all levels to support us with seeds, water pumps, fertiliser and soft loans,” stated the AFAN chair. “If this support can be provided, we will shift the focus to dry season farming to make up for our losses.”

Fire breaks out at WAEC office

The West African Examination Council office in Nigeria was on fire Wednesday morning.

By Harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

WAEC

 The West African Examination Council office in Nigeria was on fire Wednesday morning.

The fire broke out from the middle floor of the Yaba building around 6:50 a.m. 

Many staff were trapped in the building while thick black smoke was billowing out of the building’s roof. 

An unnamed WAEC official in the public administration office disclosed that a power surge caused the fire.

No casualty recorded, he added.

“We resumed by 7:30 (a.m.), (and) we just discovered that there was a fire somewhere. We have to get an emergency ambulance to come over,” the official explained. “We have to make sure that everybody is protected. We brought them down, so nobody was affected, and we put the fire off.”

While Nosa Okunbor, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency spokesman, said officials were on the ground to put out the fire.

Mr Okunbor added that WAEC employees were safely evacuated from the building.

 The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will continue to engage Nigeria on economic and social infrastructure, says IsDB president

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Islamic bank, corporation invest $1.8 billion in Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure

“The IsDB active portfolio in Nigeria now stands at $1.2 billion, and we look forward to strengthening our bilateral relations.”

By HArun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

IsDB president Muhammad Aljasseer, [Photo Credit: 

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will continue to engage Nigeria on economic and social infrastructure, says IsDB president Muhammad Aljasseer, disclosing that the IsDB and the Islamic Corporation for Development (ICD) are investing $1.8 billion in the country

Mr Aljaseer disclosed this to journalists while visiting project sites in Kano on Tuesday and commended the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) for meeting the bank’s expectations, which is the sponsor of the project, whose objective is to reduce poverty by strengthening food security in Kano.

He added that the project, funded by the bank and the Lives and Livelihood Funds (LLF), contributed to poverty reduction and strengthened food and nutrition security in Kano.

“The bank has been monitoring Kano’s performance. I am impressed that you are working very hard to meet the bank’s expectations. The IsDB has approved a total financing of $1.8 billion for Nigeria,” the bank’s president said. 

He added, “The $1.8 billion facility for Nigeria is made up of $971 million for project financing by the bank, and about $$288 million provided by the Islamic Corporation for Development (ICD)–IsDB’s private sector affiliate.”

He further stated that $477 million was in the form of trade operations by its trade arm, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and $90 million from other funds and operations.

“Our investment guarantee arm has provided $1.1 billion as business insured and $1 billion as a new insurance commitment to help attract businesses and insure them,” Mr Aljasser explained. “The IsDB active portfolio in Nigeria now stands at $1.2 billion, and we look forward to strengthening our bilateral relations.”

According to him, the bank is keen to continue engaging Nigeria on its strategic priorities, “such as economic and social infrastructure and advisory support for strengthening Islamic financial services.”

Mr Aljasser inaugurated the veterinary reference laboratory renovated and equipped by KSADP at Gwale Veterinary Clinic in Kano and visited Watari dam infrastructure, renovated by KSADP, with funding from the IsDB and the LLF. 

Ukraine needs €4 billion to go through winter season: Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s attacks had destroyed about 30 per cent of Ukraine’s power stations, causing massive blackouts across the country.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

RAVAGED UKRAINE [Photo credit: DW]

 Ukraine needs €4 billion ($3.97 billion) to go through the winter cold season, Minister for the Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov said.

“We need €4 billion to get through this winter to renovate houses, to support health care and energy supplies,” Mr Chernyshov said at the International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernisation of Ukraine in Berlin, Germany.

“Besides, Ukraine lacks backup equipment for water and power supply such as mobile water purification stations, mobile heating stations, diesel generators and electric heaters,” the minister said.

Ukraine is facing an energy crisis ahead of the winter cold due to the conflict with Russia that started on February 24.

On October 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s attacks had destroyed about 30 per cent of Ukraine’s power stations, causing massive blackouts across the country. 

 

U.S. government authorises evacuation of citizens, embassy staff from Abuja over terrorist threat

The United States has authorised the relocation of U.S. government employees and their families from Abuja over potential terrorist attacks.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

The United States has authorised the relocation of U.S. government employees and their families from Abuja over potential terrorist attacks.

“On October 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of State granted authorised departure status to Embassy Abuja, which permits the voluntary departure of family members and certain employees due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks,” the terror alert said. 

It added, “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”

The latest terror alert followed similar security warnings from the U.S. and the United Kingdom on Sunday of a possible terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory, targeting government buildings, places of worship and schools, among others.

The capital has come under attack in recent months following the Boko Haram raid on Kuje Prison and an attack on the Presidential Guards Brigade at Bwari in which three elite officers were killed. 

In July, schools in the capital and neighbouring states were shut down over security concerns.

The terror alert, however, was dismissed by information minister Lai Mohammed. 

Mr Mohammed claimed that the U.S. and UK’s “clickbait” security warnings forced schools to shut down and disrupted commercial activities in Abuja.

The FCT Administration, in a statement, called on Abuja residents to remain calm as security agencies are working to maintain law and order in the nation’s capital.

On Monday, police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said there was no cause for alarm, noting that all hands were on deck to nip the threats in the bud.

 

Chelsea appoint Laurence Stewart technical director

Laurence Stewart arrives from Monaco to become Chelsea’s technical director to focus on global football.

By Harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Chelsea has announced the arrival of Laurence Stewart from Monaco as technical director with a focus on global football, in what was seen as the first move towards a multi-club model.

Stewart, a former performance analyst for England during the 2014 World Cup, would arrive at Stamford Bridge upon the completion of his tenure with the Ligue 1 outfit.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has made little secret of his desire to move the Premier League outfit towards a multi-club model, akin to Manchester City and the City Football Group, who own teams in 11 countries.

Stewart, who has experience with such a model through Monaco, appears to be arriving to help facilitate that vision, given the emphasis his role will have on global matters.

Boehly, in a statement with co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: “Laurence is an important appointment as we plan to build a deep sporting team that will collaborate closely.

“He’s a world-class football leader who understands talent management, data and scouting, player development and performance.”

N109.5 Billion Fraud: EFCC re-arraigns ex-Accountant General Idris

They were first arraigned on July 22 before a vacation judge, Justice Adeyemi Ajayi on a 13-count charge bordering on misappropriation to the tune of N109.5 billion.

By Harun BABAIZHI• OCTOBER 26, 2022

Ahmed Idris

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission  (EFCC) on Wednesday re-arraigned the suspended  Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and three others over alleged N109.5 billion fraud in an FCT High Court, Maitama.

Other defendants are Olusegun Akindele; Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

They were first arraigned on July 22 before a vacation judge, Justice Adeyemi Ajayi on a 13-count charge bordering on misappropriation to the tune of N109.5 billion.

However, upon the resumption of the court, the case was transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them by EFCC.

Following their not-guilty plea, counsel for Idris, Chris Uche, SAN, prayed the court to allow the defendants continue to enjoy the earlier bail granted them by the court on July 28

He submitted that they have been complying with their bail conditions.

Counsel for other defendants aligned themselves with Mr Uche’s application and submission.

The EFCC Counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, did not object  to the application.

He, however, left the decision to the court to exercise its discretion.

Ruling on the application, Justice Halilu held that bail is a constitutional right of a defendant.

He added that having been previously granted bail by the court, he is favourably inclined to allowing the defendants to continue enjoying the early bail granted them by the court.

He, however, directed that defendants  submit their passports to the court’s registrar.

The judge added that if the documents are with the prosecution, it should pass the same to the registrar.

Justice Halilu adjourned the case until November 23 for hearing.

The EFCC alleged that between February and December, 2021, Mr Idris accepted from Mr Akindele, a gratification of N15.1 billion, which sum was as a motive for accelerating the payment of 13 per cent derivation to the nine oil producing states in the federation, through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that N84.3 billion from the federal government’s account was converted by the first and second defendants between February and November 2021.

The EFCC said the offence contravenes sections 155 and 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

The defendants pleaded not guilty. 

Cross River govt to sanction healthcare centres charging more than N3,000 for delivery

The Cross River State government has vowed to sanction Primary Healthcare (PHCs) facilities that charge more than N3,000 for delivery.

By HARUn babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade

 The Cross River State government has vowed to sanction Primary Healthcare (PHCs) facilities that charge more than N3,000 for delivery.

Janet Ekpenyong, the director-general of the Cross River Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), said this during an integrated meeting with PHC Ward Focal Persons and the State Basic Healthcare Provision Scheme in Calabar.

Ms Ekpenyong said the agency had received complaints that some PHCs charge as much as N10,000.

“The PHCs are supposed to charge just N3,000 for delivery to purchase consumables, and this is only when they don’t come with their own consumables as stated on the list initially given to them,” she said.

Ms Ekpentong added, “While we totally condemn these actions, we have set up a team headed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health to ensure that culpable PHCs and personnel are adequately penalised.”

She explained that this was to encourage women to visit health facilities instead of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA).

She said that out of the 196 PHCs in the state, more than 130 had been accredited for the Cross River Basic Healthcare Insurance scheme,

adding that “as the scheme grows, other PHCs will be accredited too.”

The director-general warned officials of the PHCs to be aware that they would either encourage or discourage clients from returning to their facilities by their attitude.

On his part, Godwin Iyala, the director-general, Cross River Basic Healthcare Provision Scheme, said the scheme is essential to the health of pregnant women and during childbirth.

Mr Iyala said, “the PHCs were picked in a bid to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) because they are the closest to the people.”

According to him, 50 laptops are being distributed to the PHCs accredited for the Basic Healthcare Provision Scheme.

“Every month, the PHCs will be paid based on the number of enrollees they have, after proper monitoring and evaluation by the third party

administrators that will go round the facilities from time to time,” he explained.

David Ushie, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, appealed to officials to treat customers with respect, as patient satisfaction is key to the scheme’s success.

Man, daughter killed over alleged land dispute

By Harun Babaizhi On Oct 26, 2022

 A 55-year-old man, Michael Adesitimi and his 20-year-old daughter, Ebunoluwa, have been killed over alleged land dispute.

They were killed at different times at their Akure residence.

The daughter was reportedly killed nine months ago while the father, an ICT consultant, was killed on Tuesday night.

It was gathered that late Adesitimi was hacked with an axe at about 9pm while at home with his wife.

His wife was said to have escaped through the back door after watching her husband hacked with an axe.

Late Adesitimi was said to have answered a knock at his gate while his wife watched through the window.

It was when the wife saw that the men brought out an axe and a gun that she fled.

The wife has reportedly told the police that she heard the men demanding documents of the disputed piece of land in Ibadan.

Eldest son of the deceased, Atinu Adesitimi, said his parents were conscious about their safety after the death of his younger sister.

“According to my mother who was watching the scenario through the window, she said she saw two people who forced themselves into the compound through the gate.

“According to her, their faces were not clearly seen because the place was dark. All that she saw was the gun in the hand of one of the men who escorted my dad back into the main building which was a little distance from the gate.

“She overheard the men asking my father, “Where is the document?”

“My mum, who witnessed what was happening, took to her heels through the back door to our neighbour’s house where she was able to call policemen. The policemen at the checkpoint, rather than follow us to our house to save the situation, took us back to their station where we wasted time.

“By the time my mum and the policemen returned to the house, my father was already dead.

“My dad had earlier told me that there have been a case of land dispute between himself and some men that encroached on his grandmother’s land and that the case has been in court for six years.

“That is the only document my father told me about. Those who killed my sister were also looking for the paper of my father’s seven plots of land in Ibadan which the court had already given to my father because he was in possession of the original documents of the land.”

Ondo Police spokesman, SP Fumilayo Odunlami, said investigation has commenced into the incident.

“We can’t tell how it happened or how he was hacked to death as investigation is fully in top gear on the issue.”

BREAKING: Court awards FG N500m damage over Kanu’s rendition

By Harun Babaizhi On Oct 26, 2022

 A Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital has awarded N500m against the Federal Government for the rendition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. 

Justice Evelyn Anyadike awarded the fine, throwing IPOB members at the court into jubilation/

Counsels to Kanu led by Aloy Ejimakor had approached the court accusing the Federal Government of torturing, and forceful rendition of the IPOB leader from Kenya to Nigeria. 

They were seeking N25bn damage against the Federal Government.

But the court in its ruling on Wednesday awarded N500m against the Federal Government.

Counsel to the Federal Government was absent from court, but Aloy Ejimakor was present with some IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu’s supporters.

Some of the supporters who spoke after the judgment ruling said it was victory of good over evil.

Details Shortly…