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FCT-IRS To Partner Global Organisations On Capacity Building –Executive Chairman

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service’s (FCT-IRS) Acting Executive Chairman, Mr. Haruna Abdullahi, has hinted that the organization is committed to collaborating with relevant organizations around the world to build the capacity of his staff for improved service delivery as a strategy to boost revenue generation.

He dropped this hint hen the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)’s worldwide president, Mr. Joseph Owolabi, and his colleagues paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Acting Chairman Mustapha Sumaila, Head of Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, said in a statement to the media in Abuja that the Service, under his guidance, is committed to making capacity building a priority.

The FCT-IRS boss who highlighted the enormous advantages and global opportunities ACCA has provided the Service, emphasised the need for staff to key into the ACCA programme in order to develop themselves.

He hinted that, the Service is always ready to support staff in attaining the skills and expertise needed for the job. According to him, FCT-IRS is geared towards setting an example in terms of public sector in the country.

The Acting Chairman noted that the FCT-IRS being an Approved Employer of the ACCA, is by this virtue saddled with a global responsibility to ensure that the Service is equipped with well trained and knowledgeable professionals.

Abdullahi also reassured the ACCA of the Service continued support and partnership adding that the ACCA has grown tremendously over the years and the Service, being an active partner of the Institute, will strive to maintain the image of ACCA across all spheres.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Joseph Owolabi commended the FCT-IRS for the critical role the agency plays in the FCT and the ripple effect it has on the Federation. He also appreciated the Service for the support it gives to not just ACCA but also fellow members.

According to him, the Institute is aimed at being a force for public good and will continue to empower its members in terms of learning and attracting the right talents in order to develop the next generation of professional accountants who he repeatedly called ‘talents of the future’.

The Acting Executive Chairman is a fellow of the ACCA and was recently appointed to serve on the Nigerian Advisory Committee of the ACCA because of his vast knowledge, wealth of experience and cross-sector expertise in the profession

Amotekun Issues Public Alert Regarding Fake Lunatics, Arrests Two With Expensive Phones

By
Uche Kingsley
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The general public has been warned to be wary of criminals who pose as insane people and commit horrible crimes.

Ondo State’s command of the South West Security Network (SWSN), also known as the Amotekun Corps, was handed over on Wednesday in Akure, the state’s capital, by Corps Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.

The security adviser to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Adeleye, revealed how Amotekun Corps officers searched some lunatics in different communities in the state and discovered expensive phones on some of them while parading 26 criminal suspects at the formation’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure.

He said that the bulk of insane individuals in the state are criminals who use lunacy equipment to deceive the general public in order to gather information about the locations where they wanted to operate.

Akogun Adeleye revealed that two among the “mad” persons in the street who were searched and discovered to be pretenders, were arrested in Idanre and Igbara-Oke in Idanre and Ifedore Local Government Areas of the state.

According to him: “These suspects have been constituting security risk and nuisance to our state. They were arrested within last one week.

“We have two cases and it’s becoming rampant, almost every week, where on searching these mad people, we found expensive phones on them.

“We found out that majority of them only pretend to be mad in order to gather information in the particular area where they intend to operate. We have two of them, one from Idanre and one from Igbara oke.

“If you notice an usual movement about so to say mad or lunatic people, let the security agencies know on time before they carry out their activities.

“It is actually dangerous to accost a mad man, anything could happen, thereafter. The best thing is to give us a timely information and we will contact relevant security organizations to assist in ensuring that they are brought to book.”

Speaking on other activities of the formation, the Corps Commander said: “Last week, we assisted the Federal Road Safety Corps in enforcing the abuse on registration number on vehicles and motorbikes.

“So, we are open to all agencies for such assistance. So, the Ministry of Women Affairs in the state is also collaborating with us on all these, especially if we have timely information.

“We also have a pathetic case of a kidnapper, their gang kidnapped and killed a victim who came from Ogun State.

“In the interest of collaboration, we contacted our Ogun State colleagues and we were able to find out the family of the victim and the suspect is here, we are set to transfer the suspect, because the first part of that crime actually took place in Ogun State. So, we are set to handover the suspect who had been on the wanted list of Ogun State police to the Police Command of Ogun State any moment from now.

“We have another syndicate of armed robbers that operates on the highways that were caught in the act. Some of them actually opened fire on our men on patrol while they were caught in the act of armed robbery. So, all of them talking 26 had been profiled and in conjunction with the office of the public prosecution will take them through the normal prosecution process.”

Akogun Adeleye, therefore, assured people of the state that all security agencies in the state would not relent in their efforts in protecting life and property.

He said: “I want to reassure the good people of Ondo State that while relying immensely on their support for timely information, the Ondo State Security Network Agency will continue to work hard to ensure that our society is rid of criminal activities.”

Sudan Crisis: JAMB, NIDCOM Examine Methods of Including Returnee Students in Nigerian Universities

By
Ola Akinola
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In order to incorporate some of the undergraduate students who just returned from the war-torn Sudan into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) have begun examining options.

At a meeting organized by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB, said this.

Oloyede expressed sympathy for the kids and praised NIDCOM for handling their evacuation well, adding that JAMB will provide the necessary support.

He said, “What we will do is that we will provide the necessary infrastructure, the necessary enablement to make you accommodate or return these candidates (students) to our educational system.”

The JAMB boss, however, called on the students not to tread the path of those who returned to the country over a year ago as a result of Ukraine’s war but refused to comply with the stipulated procedures that would have ensured they continue their academic programmes seamlessly in Nigerian universities.

According to him : “We must thank NIDCOM for making efforts that the students are brought into the Nigerian university system and we have given the Commission the process and procedure….

“There are procedures (for transfer of students) ; the transcript, the rules and regulations, and that nobody should be any illusion believe that Nigerian university will award certificate with less than two years stay and residency in the university, and the procedure is done legitimately and properly with the cooperation of the National Universities Commission and the individual institution.

“The guideline from JAMB has already been handed over to the chairperson of the Commission.”

Explaining further on the issue of spending minimum of two academic sessions for students who transfered to any Nigerian university, Oloyede said : “If you are doing a five-year programme, you will go to year four, because you are going to spend year 4 and year 5.

” For instance, if you are studying Medicine and you are in your 600 level, and if the Medical and Dental Council assesses what you have done; practical is okay, they will just move you to year 5, 500 level. You will do 500 level and 600 level, and you will have the certificate of the institution in Nigeria.”

On her part, NIDCOM chairman, Dabiri-Erewa, said 1,730 Nigerians have been evacuated from Sudan as of Tuesday, adding that majority of them are students eager to continue their education in Nigeria while waiting for the war to be over.

The NIDCOM boss assured that the necessary procedures will be followed to integrate the affected students into Nigerian schools.

According to her : “The key thing is that there are processes to follow but they are not difficult processes and that is what we learnt from JAMB.

” The institutions are already saying they want to give support, they want to admit them but the key thing is to follow the process as stipulated by JAMB.

” All the information are in our website, process to follow, it should not be difficult to follow. The key thing is that JAMB has assured that it will provide the enabling environment and infrastructure, if for instance a university admit you, after the admission, you need to get that letter from JAMB that says you have been admitted, no matter what year; year 3, year 2, year 4, and I think that it is the most important thing, but all the information will be out there so that we don’t make mistake in getting these things done.

“I will also appeal to the students that there is a crisis, it is affecting them one way or the other. How will the limit the impact or effect on them, whichever way, we must follow the process.

” Most of them are hoping that the war will be over and they will go back , but what if it is not? What is the stop gap? That is why we are doing this with JAMB.”

Also speaking, one of the parents of the affected students, Asmau Yerima, commended NIDCOM and JAMB for ensuring that the students will not be abandoned at home doing nothing.

” Our children are ready to go back to school, we don’t want to keep them at home. We don’t want them to be traumatised. Thanks to JAMB, they have been kind of cooperating and they gave us all the answers that we needed and we are happy our children will be going back to school as soon as possible,” she said.

FAAN to Hold Second Edition of National Aviation Conference

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to play host to all stakeholders and investors, at the second edition of the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC2).
In a statement made available to journalists, the Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, Mrs Faithful Hope-Ivbaze in a statement stated that the theme of this edition, which will be holding at the International Conference Centre, Abuja from May 15-18, 2023 is “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria”.
According to the statement, FNAC2 will discuss the future of Nigerian airports viz-a-viz innovations, safety and security, financing and leasing, sustainability, growth drivers, logistics, and more. It will also offer stakeholders an opportunity to explore, deliberate and understand how technology-driven innovations will change air travel in decades to come.
“The conference will feature keynote presentations by industry professionals, panel discussions, networking, and investment forum. It promises to be educative, informative, and unprecedented.
“Notable topics that would be discussed by global industry leaders at this year’s edition include: Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria: The Regulator’s Perspective; Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria: The Economics Perspective; Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria: The Airport Operator’s Perspective; Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria: The Aviation Workers’ Perspective; Repositioning Cargo Operations Through Development of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Nigeria;Mitigating the Impact of Brain-Drain in the Aviation Industry in Nigeria;Aviation Facilities/Equipment Leasing and Financing; The Aviation Industry as a Stimulant for Economic Development, amongst others.
“The forum will also explore the strategic diversification of FAAN’s revenue sources, with emphasis on non-aeronautical revenue including Airport Advertising, Tourism, Land Development, amongst others.
“It has been packaged to attract local and international investors in other to apprise them with the vast investment opportunities in the Nigerian aviation industry.
The twilight of the conference will feature an investment forum that will focus on opportunities in Nigerian airports, with emphasis on repositioning our secondary airports through cargo operations.
“This edition, which would be attended by critical stakeholders from both the public and private sectors within and outside Nigeria has been calibrated to consolidate on the achievements of the maiden edition, as well as attract investments for national economic growth and development” reads the statement in parts.

Taxation: FCT-IRS gives 3-week ultimatum to expatriates, firms in Abuja

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has issued a three-week ultimatum to companies and organisations with foreign nationals working in the Territory to turn in details of expatriates to for proper documentation.

This is in continuation of its ongoing drive to harmonize and enhance the Internally Generated Revenue of Abuja.

The administration said, such concerned organisations are strongly advised to comply promptly not later than the end of May 2023.
Head, Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila, made this known in a statement which was made available to newsmen on Sunday.

The statement reads: “The request, is part of the resolution reached in a meeting between Mr. Agboola Lukman Dabiri, Secretary, of Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Acting Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, Mr. Haruna Abdullahi.

“This exercise is compulsory and should be taken with utmost importance by firms and organisations with expatriates working under them within the Federal Capital Territory.

“Concerned organisations are strongly advised to comply promptly not later than the end of May 2023”, the statement affirmed.

Labour Shutdown IMO Airport Over Disruption of May Day Commemoration

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

The Nigeria Labour Congress has announced its decision to paralyse aviation sector in Imo State over the disruption of May Day celebrations in the State.

It added that, its Lagos State Council has been ordered to begin immediate mobilisation of its affiliate unions in aviation sector in order to prevent any flight from leaving Lagos State for Owerri, Imo State capital.

The General-Secretary of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja, who disclosed this in an official letter to Lagos branch of the Congress, directed that the action begins tomorrow (Wednesday) by 12 midnight.

It could be recalled that Nigerian workers across the country joined it’s counterparts all over the world to celebrate workers’ day also known as May Day.

But there was a violent disruption of celebrations in Owerri, the Imo State over a yet-to-be-resolved issue that arose from election of NLC in April where the State governor, Hope Uzodinma, was accused of interfering in the Congress affairs.

Speaking on Monday development, Ugboaja said an emergency meeting of Central Working Committee of the NLC was immediately summoned shortly after the May Day celebrations was disrupted.

His letter partly read, “As a result of the violent disruption of our May Day celebrations in Imo state yesterday by the Imo state Governor, an emergency CWC meeting of the NLC and TUC was held yesterday at the National Headquarters.

“It was resolved that we embark on a comprehensive industrial action against the State Government beginning from Wednesday the 3th day of May, 2023

“Consequently, as part of our effort to enforce compliance, you are kindly requested to work with the TUC and other affiliates especially those in the aviation sector to ensure that no flight leaves the Lagos Airport to Owerri, Imo state starting from 12 Midnight today.

“Ensure that you put all effort to achieve full compliance. Do remain assured of the commitment of the leadership of the congress towards the protection of workers in all parts of this country.”

Nigeria Workers Commemorate 2023 May Day

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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As Nigerian workers joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2023 workers’ day, the Federal Government has called on the incoming administration to respect workers’ rights by adhering to the international Labour law standards, for the promotion of decent work and social dialogue for a consensus building and maintaining a sound National Industrial Relations System.

Speaking at Eagle Square Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said that Nigeria as a viable member State of the ILO and a connoisseur of workers’ rights had ratified all the core conventions of the ILO guarding the promoting rights at work.

Also Speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige, who numerated the achievements of the outgoing administration, in terms of workers’ issues, admitted that a lot still needs to be done for the Nigerian workers.

In a joint address, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Joe Ajaero and President of Trade Union Congress, Comrade FESTUS Osifo, that workers’ welfare is central to the achievement of socioeconomic justice which inturn is the the key to national and global sustainability.

According to them, poor wages, increased decent work deficit, abuse of workplace rights and privileges, unpaid salaries and violation of rules of engagement are some of the issues that must be addressed by the government.

May 1st every year is set aside all over the world to commemorate workers’ day.

The day was set aside by the United Nations to commemorate the struggle of workers in achieving the eight-hour work per day.

The theme for this year’s workers’ day is “Equity, fairness and justice underpin the survival of societies and create resilience for Nations amid upheavals and turbulence.“

May Day: Sirika Congratulates Aviation Workers, Assures On CoS Implementation

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

As Nigerian workers join their counterparts all over the world to commemorate the 2023 workers’ day, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has congratulated the aviation workers in their contributions to the development of the industry.

According to the Minister, the lofty achievements recorded in a the nation’s aviation sector wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and personal sacrifices of employees in the different segments of the industry.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr.James Odaudu, Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation and made available to journalists.

He particularly ascribes the near total achievement of the aviation roadmap to the understanding and cooperation of the workers and hopes that the remaining parts will be achieved within the short period before the handover to the incoming administration.

He restates the commitment of the Buhari administration to the continued improvement of the welfare of aviation workers through regular trainings, enhanced pay packages, provision of working tools and conducive work environments.

He further assures workers of his commitment to ensuring the implementation of the respective Conditions of Service of the agencies under the Ministry’s supervision and payment of the minimum wages as agreed with the Labour unions.

Sirika however expresses concern over the frequency of workers strikes in the industry which, more often than not, disrupt operations at the nation’s airports and which send wrong signals to the outside world about the safety of Nigeria’s airspace.

The Minister wishes all workers in the aviation sector a wonderful celebration.

For optimum performance, technology now drives every aspect of our operations- FCT-IRS Boss

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Mr. Haruna Abdullahi, the acting executive chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), reaffirmed the commitment of the Service to prioritize technology to drive its processes for greater performance and to also simplify the processes for taxpayers to access services.

When delivering a message of goodwill at the International Technology and Communication Expo (ITEC Expo 2023) in Abuja, Abdullahi made this known.

The FCT-IRS’s Mustapha Sumaila, Head of Corporate Communications in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja stated that the head of the FCT-IRS emphasized the significance of taxation as the backbone of the economy and the necessity of leveraging and optimizing technology utilization to increase revenue generation at both the national and subnational levels.

The statement reads: “In FCT-IRS, we have built our platforms to be technology driven.Technology is now driving all our processes, from Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), to registration, verification, payment and issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate among others.

“The Service under my watch is open to innovation and new technology to further enhance our collection and simplify the processes for our taxpayers in the FCT.

“As we explore the vast landscape of modern technology, let us also consider the essential role that taxation plays in supporting and sustaining these advancements” he stated.

Abdullahi explained that taxes are the lifeblood of any economy because they provide the funding necessary for public services, infrastructure, and social programmes that form the backbone of the society noting that a strong tax-paying culture is vital in enabling the government invest in the technologies and industries of the future.

The Chief Executive however noted that FCT-IRS was deeply committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where technology and communications could thrive.

He said the Service having recognised the transformative impact of these advancements on all human endeavours, is dedicated to providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, innovators and stakeholders to flourish and contribute to the progress of the society.

The chairman noted that the Service is focused at adapting and evolving in order to meet the challenges of the digital age considering the importance of leveraging technology to simplify and streamline tax compliance as well as making it easier for businesses and individuals to meet their obligations.

Increasing Access To Oxygen In Calabar, South Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Young couples expecting twins have two times the delight of having a child. Eyo Etim Okon, a 39-year-old principal, is an exception. His wife had complications giving birth to twin boys, and eight days later she passed away. As a result, baby Asher, one of the twins, was in dire need of oxygen to treat his respiratory distress.

His breathing got difficult. I was concerned because I wondered what would happen to him if the oxygen ran out. All I can say is how happy I am that Calabar’s University Teaching Hospital has oxygen, added Eyo.

According to Dr. Glory Bassey, the Consultant Pediatrician at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, “The availability of oxygen itself is important first. Oxygen is life. The availability of oxygen itself is a challenge presently in this center. Parents buy oxygen but thank God for the intervention that is ongoing with the construction of the oxygen plant in this hospital. It is a welcome development.

Medical oxygen is a necessary and life-saving drug. It is essential for the treatment of critical respiratory and life-threatening illnesses such as severe pneumonia, severe malaria, sepsis (caused by bacteria and viruses), COVID-19, trauma, and difficulties during childbirth or pregnancy. It can be utilized at all levels of the healthcare system, and safe surgical, emergency, and critical care services must be provided. 

The management of pneumonia and hypoxemia was taught to a few health professionals in Cross River to enhance the skills required for oxygen therapy in young children, especially newborns. The workshop aimed to scale back training in pediatric hypoxemia care and inpatient management of community-acquired pneumonia. 

One of the health professionals who benefited from the step-down training was Esther Ese Onah, a pediatric nurse in charge of the Neonatal unit and the nurse in charge of baby Asher. According to Esther, the training has enabled her to successfully manage newborns who are experiencing respiratory distress. “The training has assisted me in detecting early a baby needing oxygen therapy, and I’m able to initiate treatment promptly utilizing an oxygen concentrator to help the child to breathe.” 

“From the onset of admission, the baby (Asher) was monitored hourly, then every two hours. At this stage, we are happy with his respiratory rate. We check him every four hours. Hopefully, he will be discharged next week as his breathing improves,” added Esther. 

Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, the Cross Rivers State Commissioner for Health, asserts that the significance of oxygen cannot be overstated. “You will agree with me that the high mortality rate globally or even in Nigeria is a result of poor oxygen or non-availability of oxygen. I tell you most of the deaths would have been prevented if all facilities had oxygen,” she said. 

“We are happy to have a newly constructed oxygen plant in Cross Rivers. It will serve all the primary and secondary facilities in the state. We are committed to ensuring we have the human resources needed and electricity to keep the plant functioning,” Dr. Ekpenyong added. 

Increases in oxygen access and supply can only be achieved by a large and well-coordinated effort. As a result, UNICEF, the Government of Canada, and IHS Nigeria have come together to construct an oxygen plant in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, in the southern part of Nigeria, in an effort to find adequate, long-term solutions. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to essential health service delivery, it also highlighted weaknesses in access to medical oxygen and provided opportunities for governments and health system actors to address these gaps. However, strengthening the medical oxygen system is relatively new for program managers, which is why it is critical for UNICEF to continue to strengthen capacity and provide tools such as the Oxygen System Planning Tool to promote a systematic approach to planning, budgeting, implementing, and monitoring progress. This will ensure that adequate and sustainable oxygen supply is available to health facilities, particularly in low-resource settings, to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with critical respiratory and life-threatening illnesses. 

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