Home Blog Page 307

INEC Begins Distribution Of PVC

ICReporters
-
0

Ahead of the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, at various Registration Areas/Wards will start from Friday, January 6, till 15.

The Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, of the commission in Rivers State, Mr Mark Usulor, made this known in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs Geraldine Ekelemu, on Thursday.

According to Usulor, PVC collection from the Registration Area/Wards will revert to the INEC Local Government offices from January 16 to 22.

He called on those unable to collect their PVCs at the LGA offices of the Commission to take advantage of the new development and do so at the Registration Areas/Wards within the stipulated dates.

He appealed to all stakeholders to provide a peaceful and enabling environment for the Commission staff to successfully carry out the exercise at the 319 Registration Areas/Wards in the state within the stipulated period.

NAN

Why Police Patrol Vans Always Look Dirty, Scattered – Force PRO

ICReporters
-
0

The spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has explained why patrol vans used by police officers are usually dirty and scattered.

While responding to a Twitter user who asked why the Hilux used by police officers are always scattered.

Responding, Adejobi said ; ”See, police patrol vans work 24 hrs. When u park ur car in the evening, that’s when another team on night duty will take over the same vehicle for night patrol. Operational vehicles can’t be that neat like private vehicles. Anything operational looks rugged.

So, the rigour these vehicles pass thru make them look rough and dirty. Many of them ply bad roads, etc. However, we always encourage DPOs and HODs to try and put them in good shape.”

Police PRO explains why police patrol vans always look dirty and scattered

2023: Atiku Denies Using Peter Obi’s Image For Campaign

ICReporters
-
0

The spokesperson for the Atiku, Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala has denied that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is using the face of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, to campaign in some northern States.

Bwala made the clarification on Thursday while fielding questions on the Arise Television Morning Show programme.

However, Bwala has come out to say that it did not emanate from the PDP.

He said, “That is not true to have emanated from us. Why I am saying that is because if you go to Bauchi now, people are even reporting that the Governor of Bauchi State is with the G-5. So, could he be behind that? Certainly no.”

I Might Go Broke If… – Don Jazzy

ICReporters
-
0

Famous Nigerian singer and record producer Michael Collins Ajereh, professionally known as Don Jazzy, has lamented his giving attitude as he expressed fear of going broke if he continues giving out money.

While complaining about how he receives calls from strangers who constantly call for financial assistance, the singer said he’s now putting his phone on ‘do not disturb’ mode to avoid some of these strange calls from people.

The musician, who took to social media to express shock at learning that unidentified persons were selling his mobile lines, revealed that certain persons are responsible for the constant calls he receives from strangers as they willfully sell his numbers to these people so that they could call him for no reason.

“They sell the number, so people will message me for no reason. My phone is forever on ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND). I know that some people will think that I am cocky or forming, but that is not the point here.

“When I’m in a good mood, and I pick some of these calls, they will tell me that they bought the number, but they can’t reveal who sold it to them.

“You have to set certain boundaries. Even if I do not want to, my brother (General) tries as much as possible to reduce the number of people that get to me because you can lie any stupid lie, and I will give you the money, but if I continue that way, I can go broke.”

How I Lost My Virginity To Older Woman – Prince Harry

ICReporters
-
0

Prince Harry has opened up about losing his virginity to an older woman in a field behind a busy pub.

The Duke of Sussex revealed intimate details about the first time he had sexual intercourse at the age of 17 in his highly-anticipated autobiography, Spare.

Over the years, the identity of Harry’s first sexual partner has been teased, with actress Liz Hurley, 57, recently coming out to deny she was the mystery woman.

Narrating his first sexual encounter, Harry says his mature lover “liked macho horses” and treated him “like a young stallion”.

Back in 2001, when he was a student at Eton College in Windsor, Harry confessed everything to one of the Royal Family’s bodyguards, Marco, when he paid him a visit.

During lunch in a city centre cafeteria, Harry endured a humiliating experience when Marco said he had come to find out the truth.

In a transcript of Harry’s book, the Prince wrote: “I suspected he was referring to my recent loss of virginity, a humiliating episode with an older woman who liked macho horses and who treated me like a young stallion.

“I mounted her quickly, after which she spanked my ass and sent me away. One of my many mistakes was letting it happen in a field, just behind a very busy pub. No doubt someone had seen us.”

However, Harry had no need to confess his sexcapades because it turned out that Marco had been sent to check up on the young Prince for a different reason. It was actually because King Charles’ press office had been told a newspaper had evidence of Harry taking drugs, which he said was all lies.

Ex Brazil International, Rivaldo Speaks On Ronaldo’s Move To Al-Nassr

ICReporters
-
0

Brazilian legend, Rivaldo, has insisted that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t need the money his new club Al-Nassr will pay him.

Rivaldo said this while giving his verdict on Ronaldo’s recent move to Al-Nassr.

According to him, the amount the former Manchester United forward is set to earn at Al-Nassr, even at the age of 37, shows his importance in world football.

Recall that Ronaldo was officially unveiled as an Al-Nassr player earlier this week.

Speaking to Betfair, Rivaldo said, “Cristiano Ronaldo has finally signed with Al-Nassr from Saudi Arabia and it was interesting to hear that he has offers from all around the globe, including Brazilian clubs.

He continued, “Anyway, I think that his decision to move to Saudi Arabia was the right call if we consider the contract value that in some way works as a recognition award for his amazing career. Of course, he does not need that money, but it is always nice to be recognized for your efforts, and this is like a kind of coronation of a great player that’s now at the final steps of his beautiful career as a player.”

Obasanjo Punished Me – Tinubu

ICReporters
-
0

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu has disclosed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo punished him while he was governor of Lagos State.

Tinubu explained that the decision was not a personal punishment but an action taken against the Lagos State Government.

He said Obasanjo took the decision against his administration because he was in the opposition party.

The APC flagbearer spoke during his presidential campaign rally in Benin City, Edo State against the backdrop of Obasanjo’s endorsement of the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He accused the former president of frustrating his efforts of solving the challenges of electricity supply during his tenure as governor.

Tinubu also accused the then Obasanjo’s administration of diverting and embezzling money meant to solve electricity challenges.

According to Tinubu: “I brought Enron to solve electricity problem and help Lagos economy but Obasanjo and PDP frustrated it. They punished me and Lagos people and even began deducting our money.

“I created Local Governments in Lagos to accelerate development and create employment for our people but Obasanjo siezed our allocation and punished us for that.

“That was wickedness and such a man said he endorsed a man for you to vote as President. Can Obasanjo recommend a leader for anyone in Nigeria? A man who does not know the way cannot show the way.

“They punished me as Lagos State governor, not personal punish but the entire Lagos State was punished.”

I Have Not Joined PDP – Okorocha

ICReporters
-
0

Former governor of Imo State and Senator Representing lmo West senatorial, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has debunked claim of joining the Peoples Democratic Party.

Report of the lawmaker joining the opposition party came after he appeared in a viral photo with former governor Emeka Ihedioha at a burial ceremony of mother of one of his aides Pascal Uju.

However, in a statement released on Thursday January 5, Okorocha stated that he’s still a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam. Onwuemeodo read;

“Photographers were taking their shots without anybody being conscious of any attendant mischief, since the political leaders were all there, for Hon. Uju mother’s burial. lt was not a political rally.

“Those behind this false story deliberately failed or refused to mention the venue and title of the event where the photographs were taken.

“They could not also quote a portion of Okorocha’s speech since he is not a dumb man and must have made a speech at the event.

“We are at ease to say that Okorocha has not joined the PDP.

“He is still a member of the APC. Burial ceremony could not have become political declaration rally.”

Can Ronaldo Match Ahmed Musa’s Legacy At Al-Nassr?

ICReporters
-
0
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first challenge at Al-Nassr is to match or surpass the former number 7, Ahmed Musa.
Cristiano Ronaldo must now match Ahmed Musa’s level at Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo must now match Ahmed Musa’s level at Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has completed a massive move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr as a free agent in what is reported as the biggest contract in football history.
The transfer will reportedly see 37-year-old Ronaldo become the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning around €200 million per year.
But before Ronaldo, there was another record-breaking left-winger donning the number seven in the yellow and blue of Al-Nassr…his name is Ahmed Musa.
Obviously, Ahmed Musa is no Cristiano Ronaldo but the Nigerian arrived at Al-Nassr to much fanfare in 2018 off the back of a fantastic World Cup outing.
Musa was signed for €16.5 million from Leicester City in the summer of 2018, making him the most expensive transfer in Saudi Arabian football history.
Although the record would later be broken in 2021 by Matheus Pereira who joined Al Hilal for €18 million, Musa’s transfer is still the second-most expensive in Saudi Arabian football and he remains Al-Nassr’s record signing, a record Ronaldo can never break despite his enormous contract as he was signed as a free agent.
Musa touched down at the King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh early on August 10, 2018, to a rapturous welcome.
Can Ronaldo surpass Ahmed Musa at Al-Nassr?
As Ronaldo himself said at his unveiling, his time at Al-Nassr is a fresh challenge which means his European achievements, however impressive, do not matter here.
He also instantly becomes the greatest player in Al Nassr (and Saudi Arabian football) history by default from a perspective of recognition but he still has to earn his stripes on the pitch as he had done everywhere else he has played before now.
Musa scored seven goals and notched seven assists in 24 league games to deliver the 2018/19 Saudi Pro League title for his team in his very first season which is also the last league title Al-Nassr have won to date.
It took the Nigerian three games to net his first hat-trick, scoring all three goals in a 3-0 away win against Al-Qadsiah FC on September 19, 2018.
These are the types of milestones Ronaldo must hit in his first season to justify the massive investment made by the club and establish himself as the superior Al-Nassr number seven.
Ahmed Musa played 57 games in two years at Al-Nassr, returning 11 goals and 14 assists after which his contract was mutually terminated in October 2020, a concept with which Ronaldo has become recently familiar.
Normally, Ahmed Musa’s numbers would be child’s play to Ronaldo but not the 37-year-old version that has struggled to impact games since the start of this season.
It would be foolhardy to expect Ronaldo to score at the same ridiculous frequency he has throughout his career so far, he is clearly past his best and even the much lower level of football in Saudi Arabia might not be enough to mask his decline completely.

There Won’t Be Exodus Of Youths To Foreign Countries When I Become President – Peter Obi

ICReporters
-
0

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi said youths will no longer need to leave Nigeria (japa) under his presidency.

He promised to implement policies that would secure the future of young citizens.

Obi made the pledge on Thursday at the party’s campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti capital.

The former Anambra State governor vowed to end poverty, corruption and insecurity.

Obi said he would pay attention to unemployment to ensure graduates get paid jobs.

“My administration will move this country from consumption to production

“Our youths will be properly taken care of and will no longer be travelling out for greener pastures”, he added.

Military Government Was More Sympathetic To Plight Of Lecturers – ASUU

ICReporters
-
0

Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that past governments were more sympathetic to the plight of lecturers.

Speaking at the unveiling of 50 tertiary textbooks published by Nigerian authors under the sponsorship of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja on Thursday, January 5, Osodeke shared some of their experiences under military governments.

He said; ““Thank you very much for this honourable minister and all of us who are present here today. I want to thank my colleagues for raising the issues and I think it is very important. I will just say a little thing about what is TETFUND and how did it originate?

“In 1992, the union was on strike and negotiating; how we used to do then few years ago with Obafemi and co, and when we finished, the government said how can we fund it and we said challenge us, we will tell you how to fund this agreement. And they challenged ASUU, it didn’t take three days and we came up with this idea of TETFUND, which was accepted by government, then military.

“I have seen that the military are even more sympathetic. Then TETFUND came into place. The decree was signed 1993. ASUU had to go on strike the third time to ensure that TETFUND board is funded and the money was released.”

Commenting on the ‘no work no pay’ policy of the Federal Government against striking lecturers which has resulted in eight months of unpaid salaries, Osodeke appealed to Nigerians to pressurize the government to save tertiary education from collapse.

The ASUU President who called for an increase of education tax from the current 2.5percent to 10 percent to enable TETFund mobilise more funds to totally address challenges confronting the sector, also decried the poor attitude of some big companies and wealthy Nigerians on the payment of education tax.

According to Osodeke, there is need to reposition and expand the education tax net to bring about more resources for tertiary education institutions.

Two Robbery Suspects Killed In Gun Duel With Police

ICReporters
-
0

Two robbery suspects have been gunned down in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State while exchanging gunfire with police operatives.

The incident which occurred Thursday morning, January 4, on Akwanga-Nunku highway also reportedly claimed the life of a police officer, Insp. Yusuf Jafaru.

The corpse of the deceased officer who was killed in line of duty has been deposited at the General Hospital, Akwanga.

Agusto Upgrades Wema Bank Funding SPV Series II Bond To ‘Bbb+’, With A Stable Outlook

ICReporters
-
0

Ratings agency Agusto & Co. has upgraded Wema Bank Funding SPV Plc’s (‘’the Issuer’’ or ‘’the SVP’’) Series II Bond (‘‘the Issue’’ or ‘’the Bond’’) to ‘Bbb+’, with a stable outlook, from the previous ‘Bbb’ score. The Issuer is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up by Wema Bank Plc (‘’the Bank’’ or ‘‘the Sponsor’’) for the issuance of debt securities.

Agusto in its latest rating assessment released on Tuesday said it upgraded the rating of Wema Bank Funding SPV Plc’s Series II ₦17.7 billion seven-year fixed rate bond to ‘Bbb+’ as a result of significant improvement on key metrics of assessment.

‘‘The rating assigned to the bond is hinged on the Sponsor’s upgraded rating of ‘Bbb’ and is a notch higher given that 45% of the bond proceeds was invested in a 13.53%,  7-year Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bond and held in the custody of the Joint Trustees,’’ Agusto & Co. stated in the report.

It further noted that ‘Bbb+’ assigned Wema Bank affirmed the leading financial institution’s improved profitability, satisfactory asset quality and liquidity profile.

‘‘In the unlikely event of a default, this provides some recovery prospects. The upgrade in the rating assigned to Wema Bank reflects its improving profitability metrics, satisfactory asset quality and liquidity profile,’’ the report added.

Commenting on the report, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ademola Adebise, stated: ‘‘Wema Bank welcomes with excitement this latest positive assessment. This important rating adds to the series of positive outlooks that credible independent global ratings agencies have given to our bank which affirms the resilience of our bank as a stable financial institution. We are buoyed by these positive affirmations to recommit delivering innovative banking and financial solutions that foster inclusive growth for individuals and businesses, and more importantly pushing further Wema Bank’s frontiers as a major enabler of national economic growth.’’

Agusto & Co. explained that the rating validity for the bank subsists up until 10 September 2023, but noted, however, that constraining these positive factors are the elevated operating cost profile, the harsh regulatory environment and prevailing macroeconomic headwinds.

Wema Bank’s fascinating upward trajectory was acknowledged recently when it emerged as the best performing bank in the first half of year 2022 financial year with a weighted average score of 2.83 points ahead of 12 other banks. The Nigerian banking performance HY 2022 prepared by Nairametrics showed that Wema Bank surpassed others on several key metrics including total asset growth, loan book growth, profit growth, cost-to-income ratio movement, and return on average equity.

In similar vein, global rating agency Fitch affirmed Wema Bank’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B-‘ with a Stable Outlook, Viability Rating (VR) at ‘b-‘ and National Long-Term Rating at ‘BBB (nga)’, in July 2022. Amongst the key rating drivers (KRDs), Fitch stated that Wema’s IDRs were driven by its standalone creditworthiness, as expressed by its VR. The VR reflects Wema’s small franchise, high credit concentrations, aggressive loan and balance-sheet growth and funding weaknesses. It also reflected good asset quality and expectation of a significant improvement in capitalisation and leverage, due to a material rights issue due to be concluded by end-2022.

Tragedy As Gunmen Invade Sapele, Kill Councillor, Boutique Owner, Sales Girl, Others

ICReporters
-
0

The spate of violence in the country continued today as gunmen suspected to be cultists killed a councillor, Bigha Grikpa and three others in Sapele town, Delta State.

Grikpa, the deputy leader of Warri North council, was shot dead by gunmen who stormed the Mission Road area of the town in the early hours of Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Other victims include Mathew Ekiopa, who ran a thriving boutique at Lexi Junction, and his sales girl simply identified as Blessing.

They were hit at point-blank range in the head and arm in front of the shop.

The fourth victim identified as Alhaji Bello, a businessman, was said to be making a purchase at the boutique when the gunmen struck.

Sources said the politician and other victims were probably at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The town has been rocked by bloody cult gang wars and deadly killings in the last two years, with dozens of young men killed during the yuletide season.

Khalil Samuel, a resident of the troubled city, lamented the spate of killings on his Facebook page.

“Four people were killed in Sapele this (Wednesday) morning. Sapele needs serious intervention,” he said.

Khalil urged the government to declare a curfew in the town, noting that the killings are “totally unacceptable.

A former member of the state House of Assembly, Daniel Mayuku, expressed shock at Grikpa’s death.

“I know this very calm and respectful councillor. What is his offence?” he asked.

Posting Grikpa’s photo, one Alagba Rashidi, who is based in the UK, said the deceased was not a cultist.

“I know you’re not a cultist and will never do anything that will hurt anybody!!!This is why I am crying, I celebrated you when you were chosen by your people to be a councilor!! A peaceful man I used to know in Oguanja!!! We are not use to killing ourselves in Sapele before now o God!! Since wen did people made money to make the town uncomfortable for everyone. God can you hold all this leaders accountable for this deaths are becoming too much,” he wrote.

 

Bloody day in Sapele as gunmen kill councillor, boutique owner, sales girl and customer

 

Bloody day in Sapele as gunmen kill councillor, boutique owner, sales girl and customer Bloody day in Sapele as gunmen kill councillor, boutique owner, sales girl and customer

 

2023: INEC Receives Last Consignment Of BVAS

ICReporters
-
0

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and other top officials have received the last consignment of Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) machines ahead of the 2023 General Election.
The National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Festus Okoye made this known in a statement on Wednesday, January 4.

Speaking to journalists, Okoye said INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu, national commissioners and senior officials of the Commission were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to receive the BVAS on Tuesday, revealing the Commission created four airport hubs in Abuja, Kano, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

He said several flights delivered the BVAS to the designated airports for movement to states of the Federation in the last four months ahead of the elections.

With the arrival of the last flight in Abuja on Tuesday, the Commission revealed it has now taken delivery of the required number of the BVAS for all the polling units in the country and extra machines for contingency plans relating to all critical election materials.

Why Man City Might Not Catch Arsenal In Premier League Title Race – Pep Guardiola

ICReporters
-
0

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has explained why it may be impossible for Manchester City to catch Premier League leaders, Arsenal in the title race.

City have dropped five points in their last three league matches, with a 2-1 home defeat at home to Brentford before the World Cup break followed by a 1-1 draw at home against Everton last weekend.

Arsenal, meanwhile, dropped points at the Emirates Stadium for the first time this season when they were held to a goalless stalemate against Newcastle United on Tuesday night, January 3.

The Gunners missed the chance to move 10 points clear of second-placed Man City, and instead hold an eight-point lead to the reigning Premier League champions, who could reduce the gap to five points with a victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

But Guardiola believes his side cannot afford too many more slip-ups if they wish to close in on the Gunners at the summit.

“The way you have to reduce the gap is play good and win games,” Guardiola said at Wednesday’s press conference.

“They have an average they’re going to do 100 points, Arsenal, the way they’ve done so far. If they continue that way, we will not catch them. So you have to be almost perfect, I would say.

“Yesterday they were excellent against Newcastle again. We will see what happens.”

City’s match with Chelsea on Thursday is the first of six fixtures during a challenging schedule in the month of January, with an FA Cup third-round clash to follow against the West Londoners at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Man city will also take on Southampton at St Mary’s in the EFL Cup quarter-finals before finishing the month with three successive Premier League fixtures against rivals Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Asked whether the next six weeks could be a defining period in City’s season, Guardiola said: “Six weeks? Or many weeks? In six weeks many things are going to happen, yes for sure.

“We haven’t even finished the first leg [first half of season]. Many things are going to happen, this is my feeling, for all clubs and all teams.”

 

Ex-Minister Dethroned For Disrespecting Governor

ICReporters
-
0

The Bauchi Emirate Council has approved the immediate removal of the former Minister of Special Duties, Muhammadu Bello Kirfi as its member for disloyalty and disrespecting the state governor, Bala Mohammed.

The council in a letter signed by its Secretary, Shehu Mudi Muhammad on Tuesday, also stripped the former minister of the traditional title of Wazirin Bauchi.

Shehu said, “I’m directed to refer to a letter received from the Ministry of Local Government Affairs of reference No: MLG/LG/S/72/T dated December 30th 2022. The content of the said letter indicated your disloyalty and disrespect to the government and the Executive Governor of the State. It therefore directed removal with immediate effect (sic).”

“In view of the above, you are hereby removed from office as Wazirin Bauchi and as a Council Member of Bauchi Emirate.”

Recall that Muhammadu was earlier suspended as the Wazirin Bauchi in 2017 by the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu. And reinstated on the 5th of August 2022 by Governor Mohammed, who presented the reinstatement letter at Kirfi’s residence in Bauchi.

Kirfi was the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs under President Shehu Shagari and also the Minister of Special Duties during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

Father Mbaka Returns To Adoration Ministry

ICReporters
-
0

The priest and spiritual director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, has returned from the monastery after eight months of suspension.

Recall that Enugu Catholic Diocese shut his Adoration Ministry on June 3, 2022, and banned Mbaka from commenting on political issues.

The Church later reopened the ministry and turned it into Chaplaincy to monitor the excesses in the ministry.

Later in October, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, asked Mbaka to proceed to the monastery for more revelations concerning his ministry.

Rev Fr Anthony Amadi was consequently named to replace him as the new chaplain of the Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy.

DSS Arrests ISWAP Commander Linked To Kogi Explosion

ICReporters
-
0

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested two suspected masterminds of the recent bomb explosion in Kogi.

Recall that we reported that an explosion rocked a community in Okene LGA of Kogi state on December 29, 2022 while President Buhari was on a state visit. The bomb blast occured at a mosque near the palace of Ado Ibrahim, the paramount ruler of Ebiraland.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, January 4, by Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, the suspects identified as Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru, said to be an ISWAP commander, and one Saidu Suleiman, were arrested on Tuesday, January 4.

Afunanya said Otaru was also behind other attacks, including the invasion of the Kuje medium security custodial centre in July 2022.

The statement in part reads: “During investigations, it was ascertained that Otaru was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in the following dastardly operations: the 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State. A Police Inspector, Idris Musa, was killed and two (2) AK-47 rifles carted away in that attack; the 5th July, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and 5th August, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped

It would be recalled that five (5) persons, including one (1) Indian, two (2) Policemen and two (2) drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August, 2022.

Otaru operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States. Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.

The Service reiterates its commitment to the safety of the nation. It assures to work assiduously with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.

It, therefore, calls on citizens to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country.”

2023 Presidency: I Will Win The Election – Tinubu

ICReporters
-
0

The APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Kano State, expressed optimism that his party would capture Kano State and Nigeria as a whole, come 2023 elections.

Tinubu, who was accorded a rousing reception by the people of the state, was in Kano for the flag-off of the Northwest presidential campaign rally.

He thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming turn out, support and cooperation.

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje appealed to the party supporters to vote for APC from top to bottom in the forthcoming general elections.

He assured the APC presidential candidate that the Kano people’s votes were for APC, saying the people have seen dividends of democracy provided by the APC administration.

The governor said the party acknowledged and was motivated by the mammoth crowd that received the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Kano.

“The success of the rally is a clear statement and demonstration of the preference of Kano people as regards the choices before them.

“The support for Gawun/Garo is a vote of confidence for our governorship candidate and his deputy,” NAN quoted me as saying.

Ganduje said that Tinubu had the character, capacity and competence to provide leadership that everyone would be proud of in the country.

SAHCO Gets ISO 9001:2015 Certification

ICReporters
-
0

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has been awarded the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001:2015) certification for Quality Management system.

ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard that identifies requirements for quality management system (QMS) which organisations use to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customers’ and regulatory requirements.

SAHCO was awarded the certificate of registration because it has been assessed and found to conform to the requirement of ISO 9001:2015 for the scope in Passenger handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling and Warehousing, Aviation Security, VIP Lounge Services, Crew Administration, and other aviation related services.

The certificate which will expire in 2025 is also endorsed by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) which is a worldwide association that is interested in conformity assessment in the fields of management systems, products, processes, services, personnel, validation and verification and other similar programmes of conformity assessment.

During the presentation of the ISO certificate by West Sealand International Nigeria Limited (WSI), The Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Mr. Basil Agboarumi said SAHCO is used to undergoing audits for international certifications and that he is happy that the ISO 9001:2015 certification has become a reality. He went on to say that as an aviation ground handling company of repute, SAHCO has ensured that its IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification is always up-to-date and that SAHCO is RA 3 certified which is a requirement for all European bound freight handlers.

Basil also went on to say that as a tree does not make a forest, he is happy and proud of the SAHCO team that cooperated to ensure that the dream became a reality within the shortest time possible. He said that being ISO certified shows that SAHCO is indeed committed to providing safe, speedy, and efficient services to the satisfaction of all clients and would-be clients.

At the event, the Chief Executive Officer of WSI, Mr. Ope Balogun said he is proud to be associated with SAHCO, that not all organisations that start the ISO 9001:2015 complete the process. He went on to say that the level of commitment and dedication of all the staff to ensure the process sailed through was commendable. He emphasized that once the vision is from the head, it becomes very easy to accomplish and that was the case in SAHCO.

Consequently, according to the Nigeria Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) report for Nigeria in 2022, SAHCO was mentioned as one of the 31 per cent of companies that passed the diversity, inclusion assessment test. The report, which is based on four key parameters which is gender, age, ethnic and educational background of the Management team and Board of Directors of the companies evaluated, emphasized that SAHCO was one of the top 10 companies with high scores.

SAHCO is an aviation ground handling company that is involved in Passenger Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling and Warehousing, Aviation Security, VIP lounge Servicing, Crew administration and other aviation related services.

SAHCO provides customer centric aviation ground handling services for international and domestic airlines amongst which are British Airways, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Middle East Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, South Africa Airways, DHL, Bristow, TAAG Angola Airlines, United Nigeria, Max Air, Allied Air, Ibom Air, XE Jet, Overland Airways, Badr Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Dana Air, Aero Contractors, Green Africa Airways, Air Peace, Arik Air, Africa World Airlines, Sun Air, Air Cote D’Ivoire, Tarco Air.

 

 

2023: I Won’t Work For Any Presidential Candidate – Ngige

ICReporters
-
0

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has said he will not work for the emergence of any of the presidential candidates, in the February election.

Ngige who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said the four frontline presidential candidates are his friends, and that he will not campaign for or against any of them.

The Minister stated this on Wednesday, in his country home in Alor while speaking to journalists.

He urged Nigerians to rather look at the programmes of the candidates and determine which of them was better than the other, and vote right.

When prodded further on which of the candidates he thinks may win the election, Ngige said he would not like to predict, insisting Nigerians should be allowed to choose who they want to be their president.

Giving an account of his personal relationship with each of the frontline presidential candidates, Ngige said: “Malam Kwankwaso, is my friend, I know him too as deputy speaker when he was deputizing Agunwa Anekwe, one of our party’s strong men.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Vice President (former) the Federal Republic of Nigeria was the man who was in the helm of affairs when I was ‘kidnapped’- when I was shoved out of office.

“He was standing in for Mr President (Obasanjo), who was in Maputo, and he ordered the Inspector General of Police then, to reinstate me to office.

“I also worked with him in the economic team- National Economic Council as the Vice President. So, I know him, and he is a friend of mine, and we also formed AC together.

“Peter Obi, my brother, my successor and my everything, I know him too and he is a friend. So, how do I campaign against any of them?

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my friend again – supportive. During trying times; we formed AC together. I became the known opposition Senator in the Eastern Region under the auspices and platform of the ACN. So, he is not somebody I don’t know.”

One Feared Dead, Properties Destroyed In Ondo Inter Communal Crisis

ICReporters
-
0

Ogbese Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State was on Wednesday in turmoil, following a brutal clash between Fulani and Hausa settlers in the community.

One person was said to have died in the crisis with many people injured and properties destroyed.

It was gathered that the conflict, which had begun on Tuesday evening, escalated by Wednesday morning, when a number of stores belonging to the northerners were set ablaze in the popular market of the community.

At the time this report was filed, the exact reason behind the altercation was still unknown, but it was discovered that the neighbourhood was under palpable tension.

However, a community member claimed that the conflict stemmed from an altercation between a Fulani man who lived in the forest and a Hausa man residing in the neighbourhood over Cannabis sativa, also known as Indian hemp.

According to him, the Fulani man allegedly stole from a pack of cannabis kept in the bush by the Hausa man.

The police spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed that eight shops were razed but denied the report of an ethnic crisis.

Why The 2022 Edition Of Decemberissavybe By First Bank Wasn’t Just About The Excitement But Memories, By Farouk Mohammed

ICReporters
-
0

The 2022 edition of “#DecemberIssaVybe” by FirstBank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution, has stood the test of time as it yet again created exciting opportunities for individuals and families to come together to celebrate the end of the year. The listed events promoted by the Bank birthed memories that will be hard to fade off one’s mind for many years.

From Culturati to Beeta Arts Festival Abuja, Koffi Tha Guru Unorthodox, Duke of Shomolu Production’s Encore, Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again and Ufok Iban, FirstBank had fun goers granted opportunities to relive many exciting moments. These had many people memorably end 2022 as they were able to see their favourite act perform Live for the first time.

Other activities supported were: Joromi: The Musical Concert; Osamede, Awo and Ufok Iban by Duke of Shomolu Productions, Kizz Daniel Live in Concert, Asake Live as well as Vibe on the Beach, featuring Nigeria’s musical sensation Big Wiz and many others.

In order to expose fans to make the most of these experiences, FirstBank organized several contests on social media as many followers won VIP tickets for the concerts.

The campaign provided a range of memorable homecoming experiences, particularly for the ”I Just Got Backs” (IJGBs) as the DecemberIssaVybe created a platform for these individuals to come together and celebrate their homecoming.

Undoubtedly, the heights of the campaign included the Kizz Daniel Live in Lagos concert held on Saturday, December 17th at the Eko Convention Center, then Asake’s on Friday, December 23rd at the same venue. Vibes on the Beach featuring Big Wiz (Wizkid) on Friday, December 30th at Landmark Beach, Oniru, Lagos also added spice to the excitement.

In addition to providing these memorable experiences, FirstBank also demonstrated its commitment to its stakeholders by generously rewarding attendees with the sum of 1 million naira. This act of generosity further showcases the bank’s dedication to supporting the arts and enabling memorable experiences for its stakeholders.

The decision to reward some attendees with this sum highlights the bank’s commitment to going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders and providing unique and exciting experiences. Overall, the “#DecemberIssaVybe” campaign is a testament to FirstBank’s commitment to supporting the arts and providing enabling opportunities for its stakeholders.

The bank’s dedication to going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders and providing these types of enabling experiences sets it apart in the industry and solidifies its position as a leader in not just directly supporting the arts and entertainment industry but economically impacting its value chain.

Anyone not following the Bank is surely on a long thing but hey, it is never too late as there are still many excitements the Bank creates on its social media ecosystem via @firstbanknigeria (Instagram); @FirstBankngr (Twitter) and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (Facebook).

2023 will surely be another back-to-back hit as the financial giant creates more memorable fun for its customers and followers.

1...306307308Page 307 of 308