By Tayo Joseph, Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Niger on Wednesday said it arrested 210 suspects with different prohibited drugs between January and September.

NDLEA Commander Egwunwoke Silvia disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna.

Silvia said that about 649.999 kigogrammes of solid drugs and 22.258 litres of liquid drugs were seized in different parts of the state within the period.

She said out of those arrested, 48 were convicted and 51 sent for counselling while the remaining cases were pending in courts.

The state commander said the seized drugs included cannabis, exol-5, nitrazepan, diazepam, rotrpynol and crack cocaine, while the liquid drugs were cough syrups with codine and chloroform.

She urged parents to always monitor the activities of their wards even as she advised the youths to be wary of bad companies.

By Tayo Joseph, Lagos

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru, has charged engineering practitioners in the country to provide viable solutions towards fast-tracking Nigeria’s quest to diversify the economy.

Dr. Baru gave the charge while speaking at the 30^th Conference & Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NiMechE), shortly after he was conferred with the Institution’s Fellowship in Kaduna today.

“Mechanical engineers are expected to play a major role in Nigeria’s quest for diversification and industrialization. In the near future, you are expected to provide the necessary tools and equipment for agriculture and transportation system which would drive Nigeria’s industrialization,” Baru said.

Describing engineering as a branch of knowledge which provides the foundation for industrialization and growth in both advanced and developing countries, Baru stressed that alternative energy sources were other areas that should interest engineers.

“Another area where engineers could venture in is Renewable Energy where you can provide ethanol to compete with the fossil oil as fuel for our vehicles towards ensuring a cleaner environment,” he stated.

According to Baru, Mechanical Engineers could also impact the economy positively by getting involved in the design and manufacturing of highly efficient cooling and heating systems, pumps and their drivers.

He noted that in the Oil and Gas industry, engineering remains the bedrock of NNPC’s day-to-day operations both on the onshore and offshore environment.

“Today, our Mechanical engineers are at the forefront of innovation, design, construction, operations and maintenance of our critical equipment across the oil and gas value-chain,” he stressed.

He expressed NNPC’s commitment to forge strong partnerships with professional bodies such as NiMechE to enable the Corporation deliver on its mandate of moving the nation’s economy forward.

While conferring the Fellowship on the GMD, the National Chairman of NiMechE, Engr. Ugochukwu Nzurumike said Dr. Baru’s worthy contributions to Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry could not have gone unrecognized.

“Today, we celebrate someone who has not only added value to the mechanical engineering profession in the country, but has also moved Nigerian oil and gas industry forward,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Otis Anyaeji, said for Nigeria to achieve its industrialization potentials, mechanical engineers must drive the wheels.

Established in 1990, the NiMechE is a division of the NSE charged with developing the professional capacity of mechanical engineers across the country.

The theme of the 30^th International Conference/AGM was “Mechanical Engineering in the Diversification of Nigerian Economy.”

By Tayo Joseph, Lagos

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for being ” an agent of transformation..

The Church denied giving instruction for the payment of the salary of the school. Investigations by the Commission uncovered all the criminal movements of the fund of the church by Idakwoji and a sum of N11, 987, 844.11 found to have been stolen have now been recovered and returned to the church.

It will be recalled that a sum of N36,000,000( Thirty Six Million Naira), recovered from Idakwoji,  was returned to the management of Jepthah International School by the EFCC in September.

An appreciative Pastor Barango promised that the church will continue to pray for the continued success of the Commission.

By Adebisi Adeyemi, Lagos

The Oyo State Government on Wednesday disclosed that it is partnering Microsoft and Signal Alliance on its digital literacy programme, saying that 800 computers will be provided across eight centres as the pilot scheme.

The Government stated these during a press conference attended by representatives of Microsoft Nigeria, Signal Alliance, Tertiary Institutions, Schools Governing Board and other stakeholders   held at the Film Theatre of the State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in Ibadan.

Speaking at the conference, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Education, Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi stated that the state would launch digital literacy centers to prepare the state towards producing a knowledgeable competent workforce in the country.

She explained that the state government cum Microsoft and Signal Alliance would give birth to eight centres with 100 computers each, stressing that four centres will be in Ibadan, two in Oke Ogun, 1 for Oyo/Ogbomoso Zone and One for Ibarapa zone.

Dr. Akin-Alabi said that the every student is expected to benefit from the digital literacy, noting that Microsoft has promised to give the state 700 computers every year to complement the state government’s efforts until each school in the state is covered.

According to her, “this digital literacy project was put on ground towards the Sustainable Development Goals in education in order to ensure wholesome offerings for all and to demonstrate the government commitment to delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals 4 (SDG) to bridge gaps in education provision. Oyo State government is collaborating with Microsoft and Signal Alliance to launch the digital literacy and cluster learning centers in the State. Initially, the government wanted to provide 3 Cluster Learning Centre (CLC) as a pilot scheme but the partnership with Microsoft and Signal Alliance increased it to eight.

“This is to improve access to qualitative education in the State by all private and public pupils. The Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led administration in Oyo State is set to launch a 21st Century Compliant digital literacy drive. This is another unprecedented move by the administration to prepare Oyo State for a knowledge-based future and make the State a hub for producing a knowledgeable competent workforce in Nigeria,” Dr Akin- Alabi added.

In her comments, the Microsoft Head of Education Programs in Nigeria, Ms Jordan Belmonte said that the programme was built towards making Oyo State meet the global technological pace, saying that this project could put Nigeria on the digital technological map through the state.

Belmonte pledged Microsoft’s commitment to lifelong education by providing education solutions and at the same time, promoting adoption of ICT in schools, stressing that the project will lead to institutional change and students can get certification which is recognized globally thereby giving Nigerian companies the opportunity to find the needed talent from their host community.

She said “We are delighted to partner the Oyo State Government and Standard Alliance we believe that investment in education is a critical component of preparing youths for the global workforce and it is directly tied to a country’s economic growth. Our mission is to ensure that we support this advancement in learning and the benefits it provides for Nigerian students. Microsoft Nigeria is committed to promoting lifelong learning by providing affordable access to education solutions and promoting the adoption of ICT in schools.”

The representative of Signal Alliance, Mrs. Adamma Onoegbu said it was important to prepare graduates before joining the workforce so as to be sure of quality input into the nation’s economy.

She said that technology should reach everywhere in Nigeria, hence the need to support the digital literacy drive of the Oyo State Government, assuring that the company will ensure that the objectives of the programme are realized.

The press conference was witnessed by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola among others.

By Tayo Joseph, Lagos

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reaffirmed the determination of the Federal government to apprehend and deter perpetrators of corruption in order to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria.

“Corruption fight is a cardinal focus of this present administration and government is poised to tame the monster that is ravaging our economy and causing untold hardship to its citizens”, he vowed.

Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, while declaring open a 2-day capacity workshop organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in collaboration with National Judicial Institute, NJI, for Justices, Judges, prosecutors and other stakeholders, at the National Judicial Institute, Mohammed Bello Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

The workshop,  with the theme “Emmerging Trends in Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes”, was designed to help in building a team-based, non-adversarial collaborative justice system that is beneficial to all stakeholders.

Osinbajo, who described corruption as a cancer which may be terminal if not checked, lamented its adverse implications on education, healthcare, social services, infrastructure and indeed quality of life of citizens.

According to him, “As part of anti-corruption strategy, we are also re-equipping our prosecution teams, and part of the expected judicial reforms is to dedicate some specific courts to the trial of corruption cases”.

He urged Nigerians to joins forces with the government in tackling the ˜hydra-headed monster”, saying, “We must come together as patriotic citizens to rescue our nation from the shackles of corruption”..

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen, in his keynote address described the theme of the workshop as “apt and in line with the current realities  in modes of investigation and prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria”.

Onnoghen, who is also the Chairman, Board of Governors, NJI, identified the role of the judiciary and the EFCC as vital in the fight against corruption.

“The Judiciary is an important stakeholder which has a crucial role to play in ensuring that, sustainable solutions to the mounting legal challenges to the success of the fight against corruption are sustained. This workshop will bring to the fore the challenges faced by the Commission as well as pontificate on solutions, and expose stakeholders to global best practices in the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes”, he said.

While expressing optimism that the war against corruption can be won in Nigeria, the CJN said: “With the coming into effect of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and the recent designation of special courts to handle corruption cases, we are assured of enduring success in the fight against corruption in Nigeria”.

He, however, warned against over-sensational reporting of corruption cases by the media which he said is often pre-judicial or impugn the integrity of the judges involved in such cases.

In her address of welcome, the administrator, NJI, Justice Roseline Bozimo commended the initiative of the organizers of the workshop which according to her “could not have come at a better time than now”.

According to her, the workshop was organised “in fulfilment of the mandate of the Institute as outlined under Section 3 (1) of the National Judicial Institute Act, Cap N55 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004”; which provides as follows:

“The Institute shall serve as the principal focal point of judicial activities relating to the promotion of efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of judicial services in the superior and inferior Courts”.

While calling on Justices and Judges to ensure proper adjudication and resolution of lingering cases pertaining to seizure, forfeiture of assets and money laundering Bozimo said, “I must not fail to emphasize that in order to sustain public confidence in the Judiciary, Judges must be proactive by not allowing technicalities to stand in the way of substantive justice. The Judiciary is saddled with the responsibility of upholding the Rule of Law by interpreting, construing and applying the relevant laws. I therefore encourage you to interpret the law without bias, affection and ill-will”

She thanked the EFCC for collaborating with the NJI urging participants to pay rapt attention, contribute meaningfully and participate actively at the sessions.

In his remark, Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman, EFCC, appreciated the support of the Presidency, the National Assembly and the Judiciary in simplifying the task of hosting the programme.

The EFCC boss said that there is no doubt that corruption is a cankerworm bedeviling the socio-economic life of our country and called for a common consensus in tackling it.

He thanked the Administrator, NJI, for all the support and extended appreciation to resource persons and participants for agreeing to share their wealth of experience believing that they would all leave with a renewed desire and zeal towards combating corruption.

By Jutah Gupah,

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state; has urged troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to redouble their efforts clear remnants of Boko Haram insurgents that are currently occupying communities in three councils of Abadam, Guzamala and Marte.
The liberation of the affected communities, will fast track return of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps to already held three council areas in north part of the state and shores of Lake
Chad.
Shettima tasked the military on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to Brigade Commander of Multination Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Brig-Gen O.O. Soyele at Baga.
He said liberation of communities; will fast track and enable displaced persons vacant their camps in Niger, Chad and Cameroon and ther resettlement areas in the country to; “Go home and pick up their
pieces of livelihoods that were destroyed by Boko Haram in the last seven years.”
He also frowned at the situation where thousands of IDPs whose communities are still under the control of Boko Haram territory; and who were willing to return; cannot do so due to pockets of attacks.
He said the insecurity situation has forced many IDPs into professional beggars and continue to depend on food and other relief items from United Nations and humanitarian donor agencies for
survival.
Baga is a fishing community and on shores of Lake Chad; and largest producer of fish in the country that was attacked by Boko Haram and killed over 250 residents and fishermen.
The attack which occurred on April 16, 2013, the insurgents torched over 2, 000 houses on 16th April, before Bag was liberated by military in early 2015.
His words: “We are in your area of responsibility to see our people; especially the tens of thousands of IDPs who are in dare need of food and other basic needs of life to survive this insurgency.
“Government has commenced rebuilding all destroyed public and private infrastructural facilities. We are building new General Hospitals in Baga and Gajiram town. In addition to these, over 20 Model
Primary and Secondary Schools in Monguno, Gajiram, Kukawa and other Local Government Areas across be completed before the end of this year.
“We are rebuilding houses of our people that were razed down by activities of insurgents; including business centers, shopping complexes and places of worship.”
He said most of the projects being executed by the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) have been completed while others are at completion stages.
He said the completed ones have already been commissioned, including classroom blocks, residential houses, government lodges and other public buildings that were destroyed by insurgents.
“I am highly impressed with troops performance in this part of the country,” said Shettima, appealing that the military should intensify efforts clear remnants of Boko Haram in Abadam, Gudumbali and other
communities yet to be liberated. He said this will enable the displaced persons return to pick up their
pieces and destroyed livelihoods. While briefing the governor, Soyele said the security situation in
Baga and other parts of areas of responsibility; is calm and unpredictable protect people’s lives and property.
He said there were renewed attacks by insurgents, but the ongoing; “Riverine Clearance Operations” by troops will clear remnants of terrorists on the shores of Lake Chad and adjourning liberated
communities in northern Borno. “The challenges we have are on nature of some riverine/ highland
areas, where Boko Haram insurgents took advantages to perpetrate their evil acts,” he said.

By Tayo Joseph, Lagos

The President lauds Sir Adebutu’s contributions to the growth of the economy through his businesses, and the provision of jobs to thousands of Nigerians especially the youth.

He also commends the business acumen, hard work and sheer determination which enabled the celebrant to rise from humble beginnings to currently sit atop a business empire.

President Buhari affirms that Sir Adebutu’s philanthropic programmes under the auspices of the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation have made life more meaningful for less privileged Nigerians.

Describing as “worthy of emulation” the donations made particularly to educational and religious organisations by the kind-hearted octogenarian, popularly called “Baba Ijebu”, the President notes that such contributions have endeared him to Nigerians from all parts of the country.

President Buhari prays that Almighty God will grant Sir Adebutu, a recipient of several chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorate degrees, good health and longer life to continue rendering selfless services to his fatherland and humanity.

By Adebisi Adeyemi, Lagos