The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced it was reinstating its suspended on-street parking initiative in order to instantly relieve traffic congestion in Abuja.
This information was made public on Monday by Wadata Bodinga, the Director of Traffic Management at the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, who also claimed that all legal issues that had been a barrier had been resolved.
He claimed that the new FCT parking regulations for 2019 sufficiently address the idea.
The concept needed to be renewed, according to Bodinga, because of Abuja’s quick population growth and the ensuing traffic jams.
He pointed out that the program’s reinstatement would reduce the significant risks that traffic irregularities posed to residents in the nation’s capital.
According to him, ” the present state of the FCT Traffic irregularities which pose a great hazard towards road users, the reintroduction of the On-street parking scheme by the administration will mitigate these challenges to the barest minimum.
” While On-street parking scheme may seem over bearing for some users, the scheme impact positively on the FCT residence on economic activities through improving customer experience and promoting efficient parking management system “, he added.
Normalcy has resumed in the Ojota neighborhood of Lagos a few hours after the early-morning violence that left two people dead and a Police vehicle on fire.
Recall that at around 7:30 in the morning, there was a violent outburst in Ojota, close to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, which quickly extended to other suburbs, disrupting traffic and business operations.
Unconfirmed reports said that the incident started at a purported large-scale gathering held at Ojota by the Yoruba Nation organization to demand the independence of the country’s southwest Yoruba area.
The report stated that an attempt by the Policemen and members of other security agencies to stop the rally resulted in a crisis that led to the loss of lives as passers-by and motorists scampered for safety.
However, surveillance of the area by Daily Independent showed people and commercial operators going about their businesses.
Though passers-by and traders are still moving around in apprehension of reprisal attacks, fully armed Police patrol vehicles have been stationed near the Gani Fawehinmi Park.
Also on standby was a black Maria with heavily armed Policemen.
In the wake of the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled to hold in February, the former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is expected to appear as a key speaker at a virtual forum on Leadership and nation-building, to deliberate on true governance.
This forum will be convened by the Africa Leadership Group, ALG, and would hold on the 12th of January.
The Chairman and Founder of the Group, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo among other prominent stakeholders will be present to share insights and enlighten Nigerians as they prepare to take to the polls soon to elect new leaders.
This comes at a time when Obasanjo’s recent letter to Nigerians which received mixed reactions, brought to the fore the importance of voting for visionary leaders that will transform the fortunes of Nigeria progressively.
The Director of Publicity & Media Relations, Lara Guruje-Oderinde, was pleased about this development when she informed journalists about the proposed virtual forum, which is part of the Nigerian leadership series hosted weekly by the group.
In her words “This is a weekly series we started last year. The election is near, so we need to galvanise our people on how their votes are crucial to electing good leaders.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned financial institutions engaged in the sale of its application documents against extorting candidates prior to the sale of the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application documents.
The Board further cautions that any exam that is interrupted due to a power outage or a lack of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage will not be compensated.
The Board reportedly claimed that only financial institutions that have registered with the Board will be permitted to sell its e-PINs.
At an interactive meeting with financial institutions on January 6, 2023, the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, emphasized that all participating vendors and tellers must express interest and register with the Board are for ease of identification and record keeping.
While thanking the financial institutions for their support to the Board over the years, he said that their timely and priceless ideas and suggestions have helped the Board drastically reduce the financial burden of its transactions and helped transform the financial processes of the Board to one that is attuned to modern dictates.
Prof. Oloyede admonished vendors to be upright in their dealings with the aspiring UTME/DE candidates so as not to run foul of its extant rules of engagement.
He said that in the past, payment for Mock-UTME was made to the CBT centres on the day of the examination.
However, it was observed that most candidates, who had indicated interest to sit the mock, ended up not showing up for theexamination resulting in waste of manpower and material resources.
The Registrar disclosed that it was this development that made the Board impose a fee of N1000 payable at the point of registration by candidates interested in taking the Mock-UTME to ensure their commitment.
While rolling out the rates, the Registrar warned against any form of extortion and untoward acts that could jeopardise the noble aspirations of the Board in rendering seamless services to prospective candidates desirous of further education.
He reminded all financial institutions that they would be held accountable for the actions of their sub-agents and, as such, are to ensure that only credible staff are employed to man their operations.
He said candidates have the options of paying through Banks, Mobile Money Operators and online payment on the JAMB portal through Remita/Interswitch), among others.
The Registrar, while explaining the seamless payment process said each candidate must have obtained the National Identification Number (NIN) as that is the gateway to the registration because the candidates would first create a profile by sending their NIN, followed by a space, then the eleven-digit number (NIN) to 55019 or 66019.
He stressed that all transactions at the CBT centres would be cashless to prevent warehousing and extortion of candidates.
He disclosed that all payments to centres shall be collected by the Board and remitted to the centres every week.
Furthermore, the Registrar explained that the cell phone number used for sending the NIN to 55019 is automatically tied to the candidate’s name supplied by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and would be used in all communications related to the candidate’s application and examination.
According to him, after sending a message to 55019, candidates will receive on their phones, a 10-digit profile code and the registered name with NIMC, which would be presented at the point of procurement of e-PINs (Banks, USSD, sales outlets, vendors, etc.).
Afterwards, the e-PIN would be sent as a text message to candidates after t he payment of all necessary fees. The candidate will present the e-PIN at any JAMB-accredited CBT centre for registration.
The sale of the 2023 UTME application documents would commence on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 and end on Tuesday, 14th February, 2023.
According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it has continued to use its compliance tool to make sure that only qualified and legitimate capital market practitioners operate in the market.
According to the Commission, as a result of this, there has been an improvement in prudential return filing compliance, which has increased from 81% in 2021 to 96% in 2022.
In an interview, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, director general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, regarded it as a positive development given the Commission’s goal of pursuing a capital market that is founded on the principles of greater transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
He described year 2022 as another eventful year in which the Commission continued its implementation of sound initiatives that are expected to bring about the much desired market development that would not only deepen the market but also ensure the continued protection of investors.
According to him, “The Commission released Guidelines on the Implementation of Sections 60-63 of the Investments and Securities Act 2007.The NCMI organized training for CEOs, CFOs and other officers of public companies to facilitate their compliance. The Commission also provided filing options for Audited (Annual) and Fourth Quarter Financial Statements.
“The Commission has conducted the Risk Based Supervision (RBS) examination on 20 capital market subsidiaries of five (5) Financial Holding Companies aimed at supporting the entire financial system stability.
“To further protect investors and boost confidence in the Market, the Commission has commenced implementation of 100 percent custody requirement on all Collective Investment Schemes (CIS).
“Also, after a thorough review of the status of privately managed funds, the Commission mandated that Rule 95 should also apply to all Discretionary/Non-Discretionary Portfolios and Products to ensure the protection of investors’ funds in the Fund Management space”.
The SEC DG Disclosed that a comprehensive on-site inspection exercise was successfully carried out on the 95 registered Fund Managers to ensure that both the Public and Private Funds registered by the Commission are being operated in line with the relevant Rules and Regulations.
On Non-Interest, Yuguda stated that the Commission, working jointly with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Non-Interest Finance Committee of the CMC and other stakeholders has developed a taxation regulation on non-interest finance.
The Non-Interest Finance (taxation) regulation he stated, has been approved by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and has already been gazetted. This is a positive development that will spur investments in Non-Interest Capital Market products.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Capital Market witnessed significant momentum, with the main equity bourse (NGX) recording a N6.1 trillion increase in the equities capitalization, from N21.82 trillion on December 31, 2021 to 27.96 trillion as at December 30, 2022 representing a 28% increase, outshining most of the global securities markets. The NGX All-Share Index also recorded a 19.98% year-on-year growth from 42,716.44 points on December 31, 2021 to 51,251.06 as at December 30, 2022.
“On the Debt side of the capital market, the S&P FMDQ Sovereign Bond Index closed at 592.84 points on December 14, 2022 indicating a4.8% increase from 565.67 points in December, 2021.
“The Market witnessed this despite relatively weak corporate earnings, investor apathy and slow economic growth. However, we expect to see enhanced growth in 2023 driven by initiatives that target improvement in the business environment, increased liquidity, and possible increase in sovereign bond issuances to finance the budget deficit” he added.
Several passengers were kidnapped by gunmen at the Igueben rail station in Edo State just a few months after the abducted victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train incident were freed, said our correspondent.
According to sources, the victims were abducted as they prepared to travel to Warri, Delta State, on a train from Igueben Rail Station in the Igueben Local Government area of Edo State.
Chidi Nwabuzor, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement and said that numerous other people had also been hurt in the incident.
Nwabuzor notes that the gunmen, who were fully armed with AK 47, invaded the train station and shot sporadically into the air before whisking away scores of intending travelers into the bush.
He however assures Nigerians that operatives are on the trail of the abductors to rescue the kidnaped victims.
“This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, 7th of January, 2023, at about 1600hrs, unspecified number of herdsmen armed with AK 47 riffles attacked the train station at Igueben, Edo State, and kidnapped unspecified number of passengers, who were waiting to board the train to Warri.
“The kidnappers, who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers, left some persons with bullet wounds. The Area Commander Irrua, DPO Igueben Division and men, have visited the scene of the crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilantes, and hunters to protect the lives and properties of the remaining passengers.”
Nwazor called on the public to always be security conscious and also feed the police with necessary information on the whereabouts of the kidnappers.
He pledges to update the public details of further developments on the situation.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has condemned which it said took place at Tom Ikimi Train Station Igueben Edo State, describing it as despicable and utterly barbaric.
In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, the Director, Press and Public Relations, in the Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Government assured that security Agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped Train passengers.
“The Public is hereby reassured that the security Agencies are making efforts to rescue the kidnapped Train passengers.
“The Nigerian Police is on the trail of the criminals and have mobilised with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.
“The Government is saddened by this unpleasant development and assures on its prompt response to the ugly situation” reads part of the statement.
The Rebuild Nigeria Initiative, (RNI) has charged the Nigerian media to remain resolute towards promoting national development despite many setbacks.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos at a roundtable meeting organised by the Group, its Director of Media and Publicity, Lara Gureje-Oderinde lauded the efforts of the media in advancing key issues in Nigeria despite the grave challenges it has encountered over time. She stressed that the media’s voice was needed to raise awareness around insecurity, peace, education, and advocacy issues amongst others.
“The media is the echo of our voices and an extension of our voices in society to drive conversations around important issues. Your mic is powerful. Your prints are informative and your visuals push stories forward.”
”We need your voice, power, to engage the various platforms where we can reach people, raise awareness and accelerate advocacy initiatives to the next level and to all the four corners of Nigeria.”
”In spite of the challenges facing the media in Nigeria, the professionals have remained unyielding, determined and zealous.” She said
In her remarks on the forthcoming general elections of 2023 in Nigeria, she observed that the media’s role is paramount to its success.
In her words “Before, during and after the coming elections of next year, the media will be very important in sensitising people and educating them on why their vote counts because many believe that their votes won’t count”.
Gureje-Oderinde charged the media not to relent regardless of the challenges largely affecting media professionals, adding that her group is fully in their support.
“We truly appreciate all the efforts of the Nigerian media. Without you guys, it would be difficult to give hope to the common man on the streets. Whether it is through print, broadcast or online, your commitment to the development of the country is commendable. And we will continue to support you.” She added
Since the Delta State government’s confirmation of the nomination of the new traditional Chief for the tribe, there has been great celebration and joy in the Otulu Ogwashi-Uku community.
The community’s members, who had congregated in the village’s center, were seen celebrating and praising the governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for finally putting an end to the seeming uncertainty and issues that had plagued the neighborhood for the previous year. Elders, ladies, and several young people were observed drinking and having a long celebration.
It would be recalled that the state government recently issued a traditional Chieftaincy certificate to Chief Anthony Nweke Enurah to be the new traditional Chief for the community after he was appointed by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the prescribed authority and traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. The certificate issued was signed by Mr Frank Aghara the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs in the office of the Deputy Governor.
Members of Oganihu Otulu who are the development umbrella body for the community commended the state government and claimed that this will put a stop to the uncertainty, insecurity, violence and forceful land grab by two brothers who had attempted to change the name of the community to Otulu Ugo after they illegally declared themselves rulers of the community.
The new Chief of the community, Okwabani Anthony Enurah when reached on the phone expressed delight with the appointment and urged all members of the community to be law abiding and resist any attempt by anyone to drag them into anything illegal. He wished the community members a Merry Christmas and assured them that there will be peace with law and order in the community.
According to him, steps were being taken with the requisite law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of lives and property in the community.
The new Chief also extended his gratitude to the state government and said that the Otulu Ogwashi-Uku community will reciprocate and support all efforts by the state government.
BUA Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu has again come to the aid of Nigerian educational system with a 5.5Billion NAIRA grant for infrastructural development to 22 Universities and other tertiary institutions. The grant is coming under the ASR Tertiary Education Grants Scheme.
The new recipients will bring to 30 the number of Nigerian higher institutions that have benefited from the scheme. Before the new set, eight Universities in Nigeria had benefited from the Scheme, receiving billions of Naira in grants with some of their targeted projects nearing completion.
Speaking on the grants, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman ASR Africa and BUA Group revealed that, ‘At ASR AFRICA, we believe in Africa’s capacity to leapfrog the development divide through the SDGs. Good quality investments in education is one of the ways through which we can achieve that. This is why education remains one of the three focal areas of ASR Africa’s intervention in Nigeria, and Africa, and our investments in infrastructure for tertiary institutions are showing good promise’.
The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Ubon Udoh, while speaking on the selected institutions revealed that the 22 picked for 5.5billion NAIRA grant were chosen across Nigeria based on certain criteria. He also promised that ‘the next phase under our grants framework would be project selection and development of mutual accountability framework with respective Universities and this phase is expected to commence in coming weeks.’
The beneficiary institutions, which were picked from both private and public-owned institutions include Bayero University, Kano, Adamawa State University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigerian Law School, Lagos, University of Uyo, University of Lagos, University of Jos, Federal College of Education, Technology, Gusau, Federal University, LOKOJA, Nasarawa State University, University of Port Harcourt, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Uthman Dan Fodio University, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Crescent University, Babcock University, Al Qalam University, Baze University, Nigerian Defence Academy, Federal University, Gashua, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. ASR Africa has been at the vanguard of supporting educational, health and social development sectors in the continent since its inception. It is the brainchild of Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group of companies, Nigeria’s foremost billionaire industrialist.
Today 20th December, 2022, five suspects were arraigned before the Magistrate Court at Asaba for conspiracy, arson, rape, malicious damage, assault, and murder and remanded at the Federal Correctional Prison at Ogwashi-Uku.
The names of the said suspects are Godwin Asikawili alias Terror, PPPRA officer Hyacinth Okeibunor Ohai alias high roller, Fidelis Nweke Odafe and Christoper Uche Odene.
This paper learnt that other suspects are currently at large.
The police is said to be on manhunt for them.
Recall that June last year, youths under the sponsorship by some well place members of the Azungwu community in Ogwashi-uku Kingdom attacked the Odogwu (warlord) of the community. The wife of the Odogwu (warlord) of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom was allegedly stripped naked and raped by community youths over a chieftaincy tussle. In the process, three houses, livestock, farm and two vehicles, all worth over N500m and belonging to the Odogwu, Chief Gabriel Ohai, were set ablaze, while other properties were looted. The incident, was said to have left over 12 persons with varying degrees of injury and rendered the Odogwu and his family homeless.
Narrating his ordeal to correspondents in Asaba today, Chief Gabriel lamented the lawlessness and impunity on the part of the suspects.
He said: “The police came to arrest one Ikechukwu Iloba last year, who led hoodlums to beat a 75-year-old man to death, after the autopsy result was released.
“The suspect raised the alarm and called his cohorts; and as early as 6am, they had already converged before the arrival of policemen and resisted his re-arrest. “Immediately the police left, the hoodlums moved from the Ogwa (Hall) of ACP Chike Nwabua to my house, pulled down my gate and fence, and proceeded to my palace, set my house ablaze, stripped my wife naked, raped her, burnt down two of my vehicles and moved to my farm, which is about 20 kilometres away from where I live, and set the building there ablaze.
“My workers’ quarters were also burnt down; my livestock of over 3,000 birds, 100 pigs and others were released into the forest. The farm was completely destroyed; some of my properties were looted and others set ablaze. It has been a long walk for me to get to this point today. The suspects with the connivance and master architect of one ACP Chike Nwabua did everything possible to frustrate the investigations so the suspects will not be brought to justice. I have complained to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, the governor, human rights organisations and the police hierarchy about my predicament. At each point, the suspects were using money and influence to frustrate the investigation. It became imperative for me to talk to the world, the government and human rights organisations to know what I am passing through in the hands of those who thought they were above the law.”
He continued: “Today, some of them have been brought before the courts. They will have their day in court to respond to what they did to me and others in the community.
“I have been told that they are making moves to continue their bribery and use of influence to pervert justice but God willing, we will get justice. We cannot allow impunity and lawlessness. I am starting my journey to justice because without justice, there will be no peace. The dead man they killed is crying out for justice, my wife they raped is crying out for justice, my properties they looted and burnt is crying out for justice, the people close to me they injured are crying out for justice, the Church they burnt down is crying out for justice.”
When our correspondent contacted the Palace Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, he advised that the Palace will not comment on matters in court, saying that he trusts the courts in the state to deliver fair and unbiased justice.
