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Rivers Police Busts Child Trafficking Cartel, Frees Ten Pregnant Women

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A child trafficking syndicate was infiltrated by the Rivers state police command just two weeks into the new year.

Ten pregnant women were saved, and four alleged traffickers were also arrested.

When the C41 intelligence unit of the Command conducted a raid on two homes in the Igwuruta and Omagwa communities, respectively, of the Ikwerre local government area where victims of child trafficking were being housed, the four alleged child traffickers were taken into custody.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Grace RACE Iringe-Koko, on January 7 at around 4:45 pm, acting on reliable intelligence, the operative raided the homes and freed ten women—most of whom were pregnant—from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Benue.

The statement reads: “On Saturday 7th January 2023, at about 1645hrs acting on credible intelligence available to the Rivers State Police Command, C4I Intelligence Unit Operatives, raided two houses at Igwuruta and Omagwa communities respectively, where victims of child trafficking were being kept. In the operation, the suspects were arrested by the police operatives: Favour Bright ‘F’, 30 years old, from Umudioga Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, and Peace Alikoi ‘F’, 40 years old, from Igwuruta Community in Ikwere Local Government Area, who is the leader of the trafficking syndicate, Noble Uzuchi ‘m’ 17 years old and Chigozie Ogbonna ‘m’ 29 years old.

“The victims rescued in the operation are Ten (10) most of them pregnant they include:  Gift Saviour ‘F’ 19yrs from Umudioga Community in Ikwere Local Government Area, Favour Charles ‘F’ 23yrs from Abale Community in Obingwa LGA of Abia State, Joy Monday ‘F’ 21yrs from Bumy Community Gokana Local Government Ares Rivers State, Chiagoro Nice ‘F’ 19yrs from Ndas Community Etche Local Government Area, Blessing Francis ‘F’ 28yrs from Ngwa Community Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State, Joy Emmanuel ‘F’ 29yrs from Ikot Obiom Community in Nsit Ibiom Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State, Precious Kalu ‘F’ 25yrs from Umudioga Emohua Local Government Area Rivers State.

“Others are: Cynthia Ekeh ‘F’ 27yrs from Okpuala Community Ngor Okpuala Local Government Area Imo State, and Queen Amos ‘F’ 28yrs from Owase Community in Kwande Local Government Area Benue State. Chika Nwosa ‘F’ 15yrs from Umudioga Emohua Local Government Area,  Chigozie Ogbonna ‘M’ 29yrs From Abale Community Obingwa Local Government Area Abia State, and Noble Uzochi ‘M’ 17 years from Omuobasa Community in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State

The PPRO statement said investigation into the case revealed that when the victim delivered, the syndicate leader keeps the baby while she pays the victim the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira, noting that all the victims have confessed that they lured them to the illicit sales of their children because of the need to meet some financial challenges.

She further said the case has been transferred to the State CID as efforts are being intensified to track and arrest the buyers of the children already sold out.

“Investigation into the case so far reveals that when the victim delivered, the syndicate leader would keep the baby while she pays the victim a sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000:00). All the victims confessed that they have been lured to the illicit sales of children because of the need to meet some financial challenges. Honda Pilot Jeep with Reg. Number, Lagos, FST 607 AX, white was recovered from the syndicate leader.

“The case has been transferred to the State CID and efforts are being intensified to track and arrest the buyers of the children already sold out.

PPRO reaffirmed the commitment of the command to reducing crime and criminality in all its forms to the barest minimum and urged the  public to remain vigilant.

Within A Month, FCT-MPWB Registers About 600 Prospective Pilgrims For 2023 HAJJ

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For the 2023 Hajj exercise, the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB) has already registered more than 40% of the previous year’s hajj allotment.

According to a statement from the Board’s Director, Mallam Muhammad Nasiru Danmallam, the Board has received deposits from those who want to undertake the Hajj through it as a result of its exceptional performance in prior operations.

The Director revealed that potential Intending Pilgrims had paid at least Two Million Five Hundred Naira (N2, 500,000.00) to reserve their seats for the exercise in each of the six area councils and at the Board’s headquarters in Abuja’s CBD.

Danmallam said the registration is on first-come–first–served basis via a Bank draft in line with the principle of fairness in the services of residents of the territory.

He said, intending pilgrims who wishes to partake in the exercise are expected to present a bank draft of minimum of N2,500,000.00 (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja to book for a seat for the 2023 hajj exercise pending the release of the actual hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

He said that the Board has resolved to redouble its effort to enhance services to the registered Intending Pilgrims through the new strategies introduced for the forthcoming Hajj exercise.

FG Approves Over N4.7bn for 219 TETFund Research Grants

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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) program will offer 219 research grants to successful applicants in the amount of N4,736,782,352.21 for the grant cycle in 2021.

According to a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi Ag. Director, Public Affairs of TETFund, this came as a result of a thorough screening process that started with the receipt of 4,810 Concept Notes from potential applicants in November 2021.

The report of the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) recommended funding for 219 research proposals.

The amount of N3,066,156,844.61 was granted for Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) thematic groups, and N806,381,998.00 for the other categories, according to the breakdown of the approval.

A breakdown of the approval indicates that the sum of N3,066,156,844.61 was approved for the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group, N806,381,998.00 for Humanities and Social Science (HSS) while Cross Cutting (CC) received N864,242,509.60, with individual grants ranging from N4.5 million to over N41 million.

Some of the approved research works tailored towards enhancing national development include Molecular epidemiology of recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and pre-clinical evaluation of indigenous medicinal plants for its management; Effective High Throughput Phenotyping and Artificial Pollination for Improved Yield in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) with Autonomous Drone and Investigating Nigerian medicinal plants as sources of lead compounds for development of chemotherapeutic interventions for uterine fibroid and Production of Cartridge made from Hydrochar for the Treatment of Textile and Tannery Wastewater in Nigeria: ″Emerging Technology for Sustainable Water Purification using Biomass Waste; all under the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group.

Projects under Cross Cutting thematic group include Design and Fabrication of Efficient Solar Energy Storage System for Electricity Generation to Rural Communities; Adaptation of Conventional Septic Tank to Bio-digester for Sustainable Energy Generation and Viable Economy for Households Use in Nigeria and Development of Polymer-soilcrete Blocks and Pozzolanic Cement Concrete for Integrated and Sustainable Mass Housing in Nigeria, amongst others.

Approved under Social Science are Development and evaluation of phytoestrogenic transdermal nanogel for the management of menopausal symptoms and associated diseases; Fabrication and Characterization of New Glass Series from Rice Husk and Bismuth-Tin Ores for Application in Radiation Shielding and Green Pathway for Barite Production towards Decarbonisation of Mining Sector in Nigeria, amongst others.

The National Research Fund (NRF) Grant was introduced to encourage cutting-edge research which explore research areas relevant to societal needs of Nigeria such as power and energy, health, security, agriculture, employment and wealth creation.

EFCC Extends Bid For Some Forfeited Assets

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On Monday, January 9, 2023, at the National Open University, Jabi Abuja, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, began selling seized real estate assets through sealed bids.

No properties in the three Lots (Lots 1, 2 and 3) scheduled for sale by competitive bidding were taken, according to a statement signed by the Commission’s management.

The statement reads in part, “The bidders either failed to match the reserve price or were disqualified for violation of the guidelines.

“In view of this development, and in line with the Commission’s commitment to transparent disposal of the assets, EFCC is constrained to re-open fresh bids for the assets in the three lots as earlier advertised. Prospective bidders for the assets in Lots 2 and 3 have until 5pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2022, to submit their bids while the bids will be opened on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

“Bids for the assets in Lot 1 will open from today, January 9, till 12pm on Friday, January 13, 2023 and the bids will be opened on the same date.

“It is important to emphasize that the assets in Lot 1 will be offered for sale as a single unit. Bidders are reminded that failure to include the requisite 10% bank draft for the bid amount will invalidate their offer.”

AMAA Founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Is Dead

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The Africa Movie Academy Awards’ creator, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe had passed away, her family announced.

She was said to be in a coma at the St. Nicholas hospital in Lagos, before her  passing.

Although reports of her death surfaced in the late hours of Monday, January 9th, it was impossible to authenticate them because family-related sources claimed that she was still in a coma at the time.

In an official statement titled ‘Peace Maria Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe: An epitome of creative transcendance’, the family said,

“The Emmanuel Onyechere Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe clan in thanksgiving to God and in the belief that God is good and everything He does is good and in accordance with His divine will, pattern and plan, announce the passing to eternal glory of our illustrious beloved daughter, sister, aunt and great aunt *Ms. Peace Maria Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe* (MFR)

“Peace, the Ada of the Anyiam-Osigwe family, was an outstanding personality, trailblazer, titan, pathfinder, go-getter, humanitarian, one-of-a-kind creative, and visionary leader in the film and television industry. Peace left indelible imprints on the sands of time.

“We as a family and clan will continue do all that is necessary to ensure that her legacy lives on – the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Film Academy, along with their training programmes across Nigeria and the African continent will carry on seamlessly by institutions she set up and with the full support of the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation and other Institutions and Government Agencies whith whom she has  worked over the years.* Her numerous charities across different religious denominations and other communities will also be continued.

“We will miss the love and companionship we shared with her and we pray “that your Chi guide you on the path to God’s everlasting love into the light of his consciousness.”

“We also pray God our Father of all mercies to grant you eternal rest in his heavenly kingdom where his perpetual light will continue to shine on
“We believe you are alive in the life of God because as our father said “ALL IS LIFE AND LIFE ALONE”. And you continue to live in the hearts of all who love you.”

It would be remembered that at the 2022 AMAAs, she had concluded her speech with the statement, “see you at the 2023 AMAAs”.

Meanwhile, the family respectfully asks, at this time, for the public to respect the privacy of the family.

NIS Dismisses Four Staff, Demotes 14, Sanctions 18 Others In House Cleaning Exercise

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In a sweeping purge intended to get rid of bad apples and fight corruption, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has demoted 14 people and terminated four others for a variety of offenses for which they came before the Orderly Room Trial Committee of the Service.

In a statement released in Abuja, DCI Tony Akuneme confirmed the development and noted that four other people who had been accused had been discharged and found not guilty, while one offender had been forced to resign from the service.

He claimed that 11 other immigration employees received warning letters while two were redeployed to different places. He claimed that 11 further people are in the process of being tried.

He claimed that the Comptroller
General of Immigration is poised to rid the service of bad eggs , as he assured members of the  general public that there are no sacred cows in the NIS.

He also said that all offenders shall be appropriately sanctioned as he  urged members of public to be vigilant and support the Service to deliver more on its mandate by contacting the service for feedback, inquiries and complaints on any of these cannels:
(a) phone: +2348033074681; +2348021819988
(b) twitter: @nigimmigration
(c) email: nis.pro@immigration.gov.ng

FCTA Justifies Resumption of On-Street Parking Programme

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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. 

Sanity Returns To Ojota As Police, Self-determination Group Clash

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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.

Obasanjo To Discuss Governance In ALG Forum

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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.”

To participate in the forum, use the links below:

https://youtube.com/@ItuahOlajideIGHODALO

Zoom Meeting ID: 3620799580
Pass Code: NMBGA2023

Sale Of UTME Application Documents: JAMB Warns Financial Institutions Against Extraction

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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.