How NCC, CBN aborted takeover of Etisalat over N200bn loan

From Walter Ukaegbu, Abuja

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has successfully staved off the takeover  of Etisalat Nigeria telecommunications company by a consortium of banks over a loan of N200 billion.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, disclosed this yesterday at a news conference shortly after the flag off  of the “NCC’s Year of Consumer”, held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He said NCC, as part of its strategic collaboration and partnership, waded into the matter to save the industry from a major calamity, but added that more negotiations would yet take place on the matter among the stakeholders.

Danbatta said NCC and CBN have scheduled another meeting for next week between the major actors, pointing out that shareholders would also be involved in the meetings to ensure amicable resolution of the problem.

“At this point, let me assure that there is no cause for alarm regarding the matter. The regulators are on top of the situation and details of the resolution would be made available within the next couple of weeks.

“The NCC and CBN have to intervene regarding this issue particularly in a manner that will not disturb the business operations of all the parties involved,” Danbatta asserted.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Danbatta said, “in 2015, Nigerian telecom consumers spent a whopping $5.6 billion on telecommunication services. And in 2016, they topped it up by another $1 billion to make it $6.6 billion.”

Danbatta said, “today’s event is remarkable and even more remarkable is the fact that the year 2017 is dedicated to the Nigerian telecoms consumer. A management decision that compels us to seek to amplify our activities towards ensuring that the consumer enjoys a consumer experience that is enhanced and consistent in time and granted.

“Just as their patronage is important, they must not and cannot be taken for granted. NCC knows and recognises this. That is why 2017, and I dare say even beyond, the consumer will be our focus. NCC intends to inform and educate consumers with the sole intent of protecting and empowering them to make the right decisions.”

In his remarks at the event, the Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, said the Federal Government has articulated its position and direction on issues that are key to ICT development at global and national levels in collaboration with the NCC.

He said the Ministry was working on formulating cogent policies, frameworks and guidelines on protecting ICT consumers, especially in telecommunications.

“Nigeria has established itself as one of the fastest growing (and as such, one of the most important) mobile cellular markets in the world. The normal anticipated consumer database should be hosting about 450 million records of users if each consumer joins at least two networks’ vendors with each having at least a single SIM card,” the Minister said.

Cleric arrested for stoning 3-year-old boy to death

 

Published March 16, 2017 

A Muslim cleric, Kazeem Alimson, popularly known as Alfa has been arrested for killing a three-year-old boy, Chiagozie Okereke at the White Sand area of Isheri-Oshun, Ejigbo, Lagos.

A 15-year-old boy, Simon Kanu, said he was paid N500 by the said Alimson to lure the baby, adding that the baby was killed with a heavy stone in his presence.
The deceased’s mother explained that her baby went missing around 7.pm on Tuesday after she brought him out for his evening bath.
She narrated: “When I finished bathing the younger one, I went inside to get the wrapper to strap him in order to enable me bathe the other child. But on getting outside, I didn’t see my baby again. The sister said he went into my neighbour’s house but I didn’t see him there and when I asked, they said he went out with Simon.
“I called my son’s name but there was no response. Later, we saw Simon that night, I asked him about the whereabouts of my son, he said he did not see him. Simon took my son, strangled him with his shirt and stoned him to death. He is my third child. I feel hurt. My heart is broken. I need justice.”
The Isheri Osun Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Emeodi Camilus, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), who got a tip-off, rushed to the scene and arrested the two suspects.
During interrogation, Simon. a primary six pupil added that the Alfa took him and the child to an uncompleted building where the boy was murdered with a heavy stone.
“I went to site and I saw how he killed Chigozie,” he said.
“He tied him up and was making incantation before hitting him with a stone three times. He said he would kill me if I told anybody. He also showed me his juju knife and that he would use it to kill me if I told anyone.”
But the cleric denied the allegation, claiming that he is not a ritualist but a cult member.
He said: “I was in my house sleeping when I heard people shouting. When I came out, I saw some policemen and when I asked, I was told that they saw a dead child. I went back inside, and 30 minutes later, the police came back and arrested me. I don’t know the boy and I have never spoken to him.”
At this point, the teenager interjected and said, “You are lying. He was giving me sign with his eyes not to talk. I saw you when you were using the stone to hit him until he died.”
The Divisional Police Officer of Isheri Osun revealed that the boy’s dead body was found in the suspect’s house after a search was conducted.

Army detains six soldiers over alleged brutality of woman

By NAN   |   16 March 2017   |   8:08 am

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it had set up a board of inquiry, and detained six soldiers over the brutality of a woman in Lagos state.

The incident on 12 March, according to the Division’s spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu happened in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos.

It involved soldiers of 174 Battalion and the woman attacked has been identified in various reports as Ruth Orji.

According to reports, the Joint Legal Action Aids, which is representing her has already sued the military authorities, asking for N250million in damages.

In their reaction to the incident, the military authorities failed to disclose the names of the victim and her attackers.

Here is the statement by 81 Division:

“The attention of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to the social media and Newspaper online reports on alleged brutalisation of a female by soldiers”.

“The incident occurred in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos state involving soldiers of 174 Battalion on Sunday, March 12.

“The alleged incident is highly regrettable, even as the division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhumane treatment.

“Discipline remains the bedrock of the Nigerian Military Profession.

“It is quite disheartening when such incidences occur even though such incidences will not be treated with any laxity.

“Consequently, a Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu.

“This is to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers’ involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures which will be communicated.

“The brutalised lady, name withheld, has been taken to hospital where she is responding to treatment. The six soldiers, also names withheld, are being detained in regards to the incident.

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it had set up a board of inquiry, and detained six soldiers over the brutality of a woman in Lagos state.

Senate awaits new nominee after rejecting Magu again

By Adamu Abu, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh and Segun Olaniyi (Abuja)   |   16 March 2017   |   4:30 am

• Another DSS report indicts acting EFCC chair
• Reps move to check Buhari’s power over agency

After about two hours of intense questioning, the Senate yesterday rejected the second nomination of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His first nomination for confirmation was rejected in December 15, 2016 over a damning status report sent to the Senate by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Moreover, the DSS’ opposition to his confirmation points to a crack in the presidency as previously reported by The Guardian.Magu’s confirmatory hearing at the Senate was characterised by a series of indicting questions that set the mood of the day.

An attempt by former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, to oppose the procedures adopted to screen and disqualify Magu was swiftly overruled by Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who threw the first question was very categorical about the need for the acting EFCC boss to provide detailed explanations on the DSS report which had noted his alleged corrupt practices, including paying a rent of N20 million per annum

But Magu tried to evade answering the question as he told the lawmakers that he would not want to rubbish a sister security agency. Not even the insistence of Saraki that Magu should answer the question swayed the EFCC boss. Unknown to Magu, the question on the DSS report was coming back in a more damning form.

But before the matter was re-introduced, Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna central) had reminded the nominee that it was the ‘Ides of March” and even prayed for him.

Sani said: “Today is the Ides of March, a very memorable day in the history of Roman Empire when Julius Caesar was executed when he came to the Senate. So, may the Lord be with you.”

Re-introducing the DSS report, Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West) suddenly rose and drew the attention of Magu to a second report which he said was received by the Senate on Tuesday evening.

Melaye said: “I have before me two reports from the DSS, one addressed to the Senate in October and the second one written to this chamber and was received by the office of the Clerk of the Senate at 5:02p.m. just yesterday.

“Magu, nominee for the position of the chairmanship of the EFCC, having gone through these reports, the first report indicted you but because of the letter from Mr. President you are here again.

“Just yesterday this report was received from the DSS, paragraph 14 of the report reads thus: ‘In the light of the foregoing, Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption drive of the present administration.’ “

Fanta-Sprite ruling: Consumer groups consider class-action suit against NBC

Niyi Odebode, Anna Okon and Bukola Adebayo

Some consumer advocacy groups in the country have threatened to institute a class-action suit against the Nigerian Bottling Company if it is established that an infraction has been committed against consumers of its beverage products, Fanta and Sprite.

A class-action lawsuit is one in which a group of people with the same or similar injuries caused by the same product or action sue the defendant as a group.

The President and Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Ms. Sola Salako, disclosed this to one of our correspondents in Lagos on Wednesday.

She, however, said that the first step would be to consult the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and find out how it arrived at the level of benzoic and ascorbic acids to be used in producing soft drinks for consumption in Nigeria and why the global standard was different from that applicable in the country.

Salako said, “First, we have to ascertain from NAFDAC how they arrived at a different standard limit of benzoic acid for soft drinks meant for consumption in Nigeria. What is the condition of the laboratories that the tests were carried out to determine this standard? In the last 10 years, how many studies have been carried out to determine the changes in the lifestyle of consumers?

“The standard limit of benzoic acid in the United Kingdom is 150mg per kilogramme, while the standard level for Nigeria is 250mg/kg. That is too high!”

She also suggested that it was possible that when the 250mg/kg standard was set, people were not consuming as much soft drinks as they were currently consuming, adding that there might be a need to review the standard.

Salako faulted the reaction of the NBC that because NAFDAC had approved the standard, it was not bothered.

“They should be concerned about the health of their consumers. I would have expected them to say that in the light of the current concerns, they would consider reducing the level of the acids, because there have been a lot of health concerns with the consumption of soft drinks and sugar these days,” she stated.

The President, Consumer Awareness Organisation, Dr. Felicia Monye, said that although a class action had been part of the law, the attitude of consumers to such a suit was not encouraging to consumer advocacy groups.

She said, “Consumers and citizens generally do not opt for that for reasons best known to them. You will see that if 50 people agree to come together, after one or two meetings, the number will just reduce.

“This lukewarm attitude of consumers is responsible for the problem of consumer protection in Nigeria. They may believe that they have a right, but when it comes to the enforcement of that right, they will not show interest,” she said.

NAFDAC, NBC appeal

Meanwhile, NAFDAC and the NBC have appealed the judgment of the Lagos High Court, which directed the bottler to put a warning on Fanta and Sprite bottles that taking the products with Vitamin C was poisonous.

The Director-General, NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni; and counsel for NBC, Mr. Olatunde Busari (SAN), stated this on Wednesday.

The NAFDAC boss said this just as the Nigerian Medical Association urged the agency and the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure the enforcement of the judgment.

The NMA held that NAFDAC failed Nigerians by declaring as fit for human consumption, drinks discovered through tests in the United Kingdom as being poisonous when mixed with Vitamin C.

The court had awarded a cost of N2m against NAFDAC. The judgment was on a suit filed by a Lagos-based businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo, and his company, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited, against NBC Plc and NAFDAC.

Adebo, had in the suit, asked the court to declare that NBC was negligent to its consumers by bottling Fanta and Sprite with excessive levels of benzoic acid and sunset additives.

He also urged the court to order NAFDAC to carry out routine laboratory tests on all the soft drinks and related products that NBC was bottling to ascertain their safety for consumption.

But the director-general of NAFDAC said that the agency’s lawyer had filed an appeal against the judgment and a motion to stay its execution.

“NAFDAC is a national regulatory authority and will react both scientifically and legally to the matter. Our lawyer has filed an appeal and a motion to stay execution of action of the judgment also filed,” Oni stated.

Busari also stated that the NBC had appealed the judgment, with the beverage company adding in a statement that both drinks were produced in compliance with national and international food quality and safety standards in the country.

The statement read in part, “In the judgement delivered on February 15, 2017, the Lagos High Court dismissed all claims against the NBC and held that the company had not breached its duty of care to consumers and that there was no proven case of negligence against it.

“In the same judgement, the court directed NAFDAC to mandate the NBC to include a warning on its bottles of Fanta and Sprite that its contents cannot be taken with Vitamin C as it could be poisonous. This order was premised on the fact that the products contain the preservative, benzoic acid. The NBC has since appealed this order.”

According to the company, the levels of benzoic and ascorbic acid in the drinks are approved by the regulatory agencies in the country.

It stated, “In the subject case, which dates back to 2007, the UK authorities confiscated a consignment of our products shipped to that country by the plaintiff, because their benzoic acid levels were not within the UK national level although well within the levels approved by both the national regulators for Nigeria and the international levels set by CODEX, the joint intergovernmental body responsible for harmonising food standards globally.

“The UK limits benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150mg/kg. Both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200mg/kg, which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid, and 300mg/kg without ascorbic acid, and also lower than the 600mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.

“Both benzoic acid and ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, are ingredients approved by international food safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.

“These two ingredients are also used in combination in some of these products within levels, which may differ from one country to another as approved by the respective national food and drug regulators, and in line with the range prescribed by CODEX.”

It added, “The permissible ingredient levels set by countries for their food and beverage products are influenced by a number of factors such as climate, an example being the UK, a temperate region, requiring lower preservative levels unlike tropical countries.

“Given the fact that the benzoic and ascorbic acid levels in Fanta as well as the benzoic acid level in Sprite produced and sold by the NBC in Nigeria are in compliance with the levels approved by all relevant national regulators and the international level set by CODEX, there is no truth in the report that these products would become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C.”

Expert reacts

A nutrition officer with Federal Medical Centre, Idiaba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mr. Oladimeji  Okunlola, advised the NBC to embark on a campaign to sensitise Nigerians to the dangers of some of the preservatives used in its products.

Okunlola also said that aside benzoic acid, Nigerians should be concerned about the sodium level in soft drinks and other consumables.

He said, “Benzoic acid is a preservative used in foods and drinks. There are other preservatives like alpha tens, a sweetener. It is a class of protein that is harmful to people living with kidney failure. There are drinks, which have alpha ten specific warnings on their labels and I think the NBC should do the same.

“Vitamin C is a common drug and when you take it with soft drinks, a gas is released and it can affect the kidney and the liver. I think NBC should come out with a better defence. The story that the benzoic acid in the drink is still within acceptable limits does not fly. Who determines the acceptable levels? Is it the Nigeria Medical Association or NAFDAC?”

Additional reports by Friday Olokor , Ifeanyi Onuba, Folashade Adebayo and Ramon Oladimeji

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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Duties on old vehicles: Customs CG makes a U-turn, to honour Senate summons

Leke Baiyewu and Ifeanyi Onuba, Abuja
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), has dropped his earlier plan not to honour the summons of the Senate.
A reliable source close to the leadership of the Senate told one of our correspondents on Tuesday that Ali was advised to honour the Senate invitation in order to avert a clash between the Legislature and the Executive.
Ali had told the Senate, in a letter, that he would not appear before the lawmakers on Wednesday (today) as his summons to the chamber coincided with the routine management meeting of the NCS.
The Customs boss requested the upper chamber of the National Assembly to fix another date for his appearance.
Ali’s letter, which was signed by an Assistant Comptroller General, Azarema Abdulkadir, was read to lawmakers at the plenary on Tuesday.
The Senate had, on Thursday, asked the Customs boss to appear before it “unfailingly” on Wednesday, stating that Ali would not be admitted into the chamber if he failed to appear in the uniform of the service showing his rank as the DG.
A source told The PUNCH that the Customs boss was advised by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senate, Ita Enang, to meet with Senate President Bukola Saraki ahead of his appearance before the Senate on Wednesday (today).
On Tuesday evening, Ali arrived at the National Assembly complex at 5.30pm.
He first had a short meeting with the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, before moving to Saraki’s office, where they had a closed-door meeting.
Security operatives shielded the Customs boss from journalists when he was approached for comments after the meeting.
He left the National Assembly at 6.45pm.
The letter was dated March 14, 2017, and was delivered to Saraki after the plenary.
According to the source, the Customs DG disregarded his first letter to the Senate, in which he informed the Senate of his intention not to appear before the lawmakers on Wednesday.
“He wrote a second letter after the Presidency’s intervention.
‘‘There are more chances now that he will answer the Senate’s summons tomorrow. People are now seeking soft landing for him,” the source said.
Unlike the first letter which was signed by an Assistant Comptroller General, Ali personally signed the second letter.
In the second letter, the Customs DG made no reference to the first letter.
The second letter read, “May I respectfully refer to your letter dated 9 March and inform Your Excellency that the decision on payment of Customs duties by vehicle owners, who do not have them as prescribed by law, is currently being reviewed. The goal of the review is to take a broad additional input from the stakeholders and the public. I will welcome the opportunity to avail the Senate of our findings.
“Regarding the wearing of uniform, I wish to advise that the Senate avails itself of the legal basis of its decision to compel me to wear uniform.
“I am similarly taking legal advice on this issue so that both the Senate and I will operate within the proper legal framework.”
Senators berate Ali over planned boycott of invitation
Earlier on Tuesday, the Senate had insisted that Ali, who had informed the lawmakers that he would not be able to appear before them, must show up before the legislators on Wednesday (today) as requested.
The lawmakers, who took turns to condemn the service for defying an order stopping it from implementing its new duty on old vehicles, resolved to “invite the Comptroller General of Customs to appear in plenary and in uniform.”
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who presided over the Tuesday plenary, directed the Clerk to the Senate, to whom Ali’s letter was addressed, to read it to lawmakers at the session.
The letter titled ‘Re:Invitation to brief the Senate,’ read, “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (with Reference Number NASS/CS/8S/R/09/29) of 9th March, 2017, on the above subject matter.
“I am further directed to inform you that the date given to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service –Wednesday, 15th March, 2017 – to brief the Senate in plenary on the retrospective duty payment on vehicles in Nigeria has coincided with the fortnight meeting of the NCS management.
“Consequently, the Comptroller General is humbly requesting a new date from the distinguished Senate.
“As we await your favourable response, please be assured of the highest regards and esteem of the Comptroller General of Customs.”
While the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, pleaded for a soft landing for the Customs boss, other lawmakers disagreed.
The aggrieved senators, who pointed out that the Customs’ management was not superior to the federal legislature, criticised Ali’s failure to personally sign the letter.
Lawan stated, “First, the excuse for not appearing tomorrow is because it coincided with routine fortnightly meeting of the management of the Nigeria Customs Service. My opinion is that that does not take precedence over the invitation by the Senate.
“Second, the letter was signed by someone else, not the CG. My opinion is: a letter coming to the Senate from the Customs, especially when an invitation was written to the Customs CG to appear here; he should have taken personal interest in writing and signing it; that would have given my judgment some sense of respect for the institution, not for us.”
Lawan, while pleading that the lawmakers postpone Ali’s appearance to Thursday, hinted that the part of the grievances against the postponement was that the Senate plenary would be aired live on Wednesday.
The Majority Leader said, “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I feel slighted and I am sure everybody feels the same. However, let me add that this Senate should, if possible, oblige the request for the extension, to show that we are different. “Let’s take him on Thursday, if he is saying he can’t be available tomorrow. Two wrongs will not make a right. I know we feel hurt but distinguished colleagues, whether it is live coverage or not, Nigerians have interest in this and Nigerians will like to listen to the responses and explanations of the CG of Customs.”
In his submission, Senator James Manager, described the Senate as an institution built over the years.
“The integrity of this Senate is being tested. When letters like this are coming from executive bodies, the Senate must take a very firm stand.
“I disagree with my leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, with the greatest possible respect. If the CG had written (the letter and it) was signed by him and, then, going further, if he had established personal contact with the President of the Senate through the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, then, that would have been understandable.
“But, the man asked somebody else to sign this letter to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is very significant.
“This is an arm of government. Although the House of Representatives is there, this is the highest lawmaking body of this country and somebody like the CG (will be) writing a letter signed by somebody else, saying ‘I am directed’ to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Certainly, this is not a matter of two wrongs not making a right.
“The Comptroller General of Customs must appear tomorrow.”
Saraki, after asking if there was any lawmaker against what Lawan and Manager said, and none differed, stated that Ali must appear in uniform before the lawmakers on Wednesday as earlier requested by the legislature.
He said, “I don’t think there is the need for us to prolong this issue and the position of the Senate is clear: he should appear tomorrow as directed and in uniform as in the earlier resolution. And we are waiting to see him here tomorrow by 10.30am.”
After the plenary, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, while briefing journalists, however, described the reason cited by Ali for his impending non-appearance as an insult to the Senate.http://punchng.com/duties-on-old-vehicles-customs-cg-makes-a-u-turn-to-honour-senate-summons/

Doctor forgets towel in patient’s stomach

Friday Olokor, Abuja

The outgoing Registrar/Chief Executive of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Abdulmumini Ibrahim, has recalled how a doctor forgot towel in the abdomen of a patient and was sentenced by the Medical and Dental Tribunal to six-month suspension for negligence.
Ibrahim also revealed how he was once abducted by a suspended former Registrar/CEO of the MDCN, but was saved by staff and management of Ikoyi Prisons in Lagos.
He made these revelations in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH shortly after handing over to his successor, Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, in his office in Abuja.
Apart from funding, Ibrahim said the menace of fake and unlicensed medical practitioners remains one of the daunting challenges of the MDCN.
He said, “I can vividly recall certain cases we had in Lagos while I was acting Registrar of MDCN and even here in Abuja.
“There was a particular case in which a doctor forgot a towel in the abdomen of a patient and, unfortunately, this case had to be proved and we had to invite expert witnesses to appear before the panel.
“At the end of the day, the doctor was sanctioned and sentenced to six-month off duty. His license was withdrawn for six months. This was one of the celebrity cases I can recall.
“The Act setting up the council is very clear about procedures for disciplining a doctor. First, there must be complaint, which we receive on a daily basis. That complaint will be investigated; but before that, you confront the doctor with the complaint, for him to be aware. Then, the complaint is subject to investigation by the investigation panel, where fair hearing is given.
“Both the doctor and complainant face the panel. In the course of the investigation, if a prima facie case is established against the doctor, s/he appears before the disciplinary tribunal which, like any other court of law, has the same status of the High Court, conducts its proceedings in public because we invite journalists and it is also open to any interested Nigerian to come and watch the proceedings.
“At the end of deliberations and arguments between the prosecution and the defence, if the doctor is found wanting, he will be sanctioned according to the law. Those celebrity cases are still pending in the tribunal.”
Ibrahim also shed light on how he was abducted by a suspended former Registrar/CEO of the MDCN.
He said, “I can vividly recall that while I was acting in Lagos, a former acting Registrar who had a rough time with the MDCN was sent on suspension and the mantle of leadership fell on me. He went to court and claimed that he got a court injunction which returned him to office.
“In the course of doing that, he felt that the law enforcement agencies were not helping him to enforce the judgment. I was attacked and abducted in my own house in Lagos by the then Registrar and his cronies.
“I was to be taken to Ikoyi Prisons that time in 2004/2005. But the management of Ikoyi Prisons protested, saying they did not get any warrant for me to be detained there.
“The whole office rose against it and it was not easy for him. If not for some people like my driver who contacted my office, only God knows what would have happened that time.”
Ibrahim called on government and stakeholders to continue funding the MDCN for it to be able to continue competing with international regulatory agencies.
“The main challenge in MDCN is funding. The funding is not coming as we thought. When you are talking of funding, we expect funding from the government and from our stakeholders. Like any other organisation, government funding can never be enough,” he stated.

50-year-old grandmother sells three-year-old girl to pay rent

 

Afeez Hanafi

A 50-year-old grandmother, Rita Eze, has confessed to being a member of a syndicate that allegedly involved in abducting children from Lagos and selling them in Anambra State.
Eze was paraded along with one Ogochi Nwekei and Gladys Augustine at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday. The fourth suspect, Elizabeth, who was said to be ill, was not paraded.
PUNCH Metro had reported that Augustine, who claimed to be Mary John, connived with one Samuel, who is at large, to abduct three-year-old Oluwasemilore Adebiyi, from her parents’ residence in the Alagbado area of Lagos.
To hatch the plan, 28-year-old Augustine enrolled for beads-making apprenticeship at Oluwasemilore’s mother’s shop in January, giving her name as Mary John. She fled to Anambra with the girl seven days after.
The girl was handed over to Eze, who confessed to selling her to Elizabeth through Nwekei, for N500,000. Oluwasemilore was, however, recovered by the police after Augustine was arrested in the Badagry area of Lagos on February 23.
PUNCH Metro had further reported that some parents from different parts of the state had stormed the command and identified Augustine as the abductor of their children, saying the suspect adopted the same gimmick with which Oluwasemilore was abducted.
The victims included four-year-old Farouk and his sister, Kafayat, 6, who were allegedly abducted in the Okokomaiko area in November 2016. The children had yet to be found.
But Augustine denied abducting the kids, saying, Oluwasemilore was her first abduction. She said Samuel had lied to her that he and Oluwasemilore’s mother, Tobiloba Adebiyi, gave birth to the girl, but she (Tobiloba) denied him access to the girl.
The Cross River State indigene stated that Samuel introduced Eze to her as his mother and promised her N50,000 if the plan worked out.
She said, “I came to Lagos in 2010 and I worked as a housemaid. I used the money I got to open a shop. Eventually, I was sent away from the shop and I needed money to start another business. I met Samuel at Mowo bus stop in Badagry in January.
“He said he impregnated a woman and the woman (Tobiloba) left him to marry another man. He said he wanted to get back the child, but the woman refused. He asked me to work for the woman in order to snatch the child and he promised to give me N50,000. On the day I snatched  the girl, I took her to a bus stop and bought her a snack.
“When I took the girl to Samuel, he said I should take her to his mother, Mrs. Eze, in Anambra. He said he would tell the girl’s mother that he was the one who took her. I later returned to Lagos, thinking he had told the woman. I was surprised when the police arrested me.”
The grandmother, Eze, told PUNCH Metro that she took N40,000 from the proceed, gave Augustine N60,000 and sent the remaining sum to Samuel. She added that she used the money to pay the rent on her apartment.
She said, “I met Michael in December 2016 at a party in Awka through a secondary school friend, who is an aunt to him. He told me that he impregnated a woman in Lagos and that he would send the child to me to help take care of her. When Gladys (Augustine) brought the girl, Samuel told me to sell her for N500,000.
“I informed Ogochi (Nwekei) and she said one of her friends, Elizabeth, wanted to buy a child. Elizabeth paid N500,000. Samuel told me to give Augustine N50,000 and another N10,000 for her transport back to Lagos, while I got N40,000. I sent the remaining N400,000 to Samuel. I used the money to pay my house rent. I have five children and grandchildren.”
Sixty-year-old Nwekei said she only facilitated the sale of the girl, claiming that she did not receive anything from the money.
“I told Rita (Eze) that a friend, Elizabeth, wanted to adopt a child and she promised to call me whenever she got one. One day, she called me that a child was brought to her. I asked her whether there would not be any problem and she assured me that there would be none. I didn’t know it would turn out this way,” she added.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, while briefing journalists on the arrest, said the suspects would subsequently be charged to court.
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Woman seeks justice after alleged soldiers’ brutality

Sympathisers have taken to the social media to seek justice on behalf of a woman after she was allegedly beaten mercilessly by soldiers for protesting after her brother was slapped by a soldier.
The photo of the woman, showing her sore back has been shared more than 7,000 times on Facebook with the hope that it will be seen by the Chief of Army Staff,  Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.
Though it cannot be ascertained when and where the assault occurred, but it was claimed that it was carried out by soldiers attached to 174 Battalion, Ikorodu, Lagos.
“I think Nigerian Army should be called to order fast,” Sheriff Alabi Mosalu who posted the photo on Facebook wrote.
“This lady was brutalised by (soldiers from) 174 Battallion Ikorodu, all because she challenged a soldier that slapped her brother.
“This is becoming too much and barbaric likewise. I don’t want to believe our soldiers are animals…kilode.” http://punchng.com/woman-seek-justice-on-facebook-after-allegedly-being-brutalised-by-soldiers/

Sex cures headache faster than painkillers

Men sometimes complain that their wives usually develop headache around bedtime, leaving them with no choice than to allow madam have her deserved rest.

However, researchers have said that the best cure for headache is that three-letter word, S-E-X! And it is as natural as it comes!

Far from using a headache as an excuse to skip sex, researchers at the University of Munster, Germany, have concluded that sex can actually provide relief for migraine and cluster headache sufferers.

The scientists say when you have sex, it triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, via the central nervous system, which will consequently reduce, or even eliminate, a headache.

Their research, reported in the journal of the International Headache Society, Cephalalgia, found that more than half of migraine sufferers who had sex during an episode experienced an improvement in symptoms.

One in five patients left without any pain at all, while others, in particular male sufferers, “even used sexual activity as a therapeutic tool”, they added.

The scientists note that the majority of patients with migraine or cluster headache do not have sexual activity during headache attacks, hence their ignorance about the healing power of sex.

“Our data suggest that sexual activity can lead to partial or complete relief of headache in some migraine and a few cluster headache patients.

“Our results show that sexual activity during a migraine attack might relieve or even stop an attack in some cases, and that sexual activity in the presence of headache is not an unusual behaviour.”

They added: “Sex can abort migraine and cluster headache attacks, and sexual activity is used by some patients as acute headache treatment.”

In their research, entitled “The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: An observational study,” the team of neurologists investigated whether sex can trigger headaches.

They also wanted to establish whether there was any substance to anecdotal suggestions that it could actually ease symptoms of migraine and cluster, also known as one-sided, headaches.

So, next time you feel a headache coming on, skip the painkillers and reach for your sweetie instead.

EFCC arrests Jonathan’s godson over N2bn payment

 

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a godson of former President Goodluck Jonathan for allegedly stealing N2bn from the Niger Delta Development Commission.

The EFCC said it traced deposits of N2bn paid into his bank accounts.

According to the commission, the suspect, Mr. George Turnah, who is also a former Special Adviser to Mr. Dan Abia, the erstwhile Managing Director of the NDDC, was arrested by the Port Harcourt office of the commission.

The anti-graft agency said it had searched Turnah’s houses in Yenagoa and Port Harcourt and found some incriminating documents.

The EFCC said, “He was arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in connection with alleged possession of funds running into N2bn, suspected to be funds siphoned from the NDDC while serving there as an adviser.  Turnah, widely believed to be a godson of former President Goodluck Jonathan, served in the NDDC between 2012 and 2015.

“Preliminary investigations by the EFCC threw up deposits made in his personal and company bank accounts in excess of N2bn. A search conducted in his houses in Port Harcourt and Yenogoa, yielded useful documents.

“Turnah has made useful statements to the EFCC and will be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded.”

Turnah is not the only relative of the former President that is under investigation by the EFCC.

Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola and his wife are currently facing charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly receiving $40m from the Office of the National Security Adviser under the leadership of Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)

Azibaola, who has admitted receiving the money through his firm, said the money was for a special contract.

About five accounts with a combined balance of over $20m belonging to Jonathan’s wife, Patience, has also been frozen by the EFCC.

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JAMB begins sale of UTME forms March 20

Friday Olokor and Folashade Adebayo

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has said the sale of the 2017/2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination forms will commence on March 20 and end on April 19.

The body added that an optional mock examination had been slated for April 10.

The JAMB Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who also stated that the UTME would commence on May 6, made the announcements on Monday during an interactive session with Computer-Based-Test centre operators in Lagos.

Oloyede said the board opted for a one-month registration window as against the usual three-month period in the past, “to eliminate all the ills associated with long registration process.’’

He added that 600 CBT centres had been accredited across the country.

Oloyede said, “UTME 2017 examination starts May 6 till May 20, 2017 (excluding May 12, 2017 because of candidates sitting WAEC’s Further Mathematics examination). Sale of forms ends on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 while the registration portal closes on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

“For direct entry candidates, the application will be on sale from Sunday, April 23, 2017. Once a candidate creates a profile on his mobile phone, an e-syllabus and brochure is sent to his or her mail. This is even before paying the N5,000 cost of the UTME form. For candidates who choose to sit the April 8 mock examination, they are not required to pay to JAMB.

“We are not charging a fee for that. But, they will be required to pay N700 at the CBT examination centre on that day. It is at that point that a candidate will pay. We have also said that there should not be cash transactions except in the banks.’’

Oloyede also said that JAMB would conduct a residential training for blind candidates to train them on how to use Braille machines during examinations. He added that the training, which would hold this year, was meant for final year blind applicants.

He called on state governments to equip UTME centres with Braille machines.

JAMB had in February announced that it had completed a joint timetable with WAEC and the National Examination Council to avoid clashing examination dates.

The restructuring exercise, it had said, would allow for only one choice of public university in which new registration platform would be first choice, second choice, third choice and fourth choice and not most preferred or preferred choice.

The spokesperson for JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, had said the agency had taken time to add value to its services to Nigerians.

He said, “We have designed a Central Admissions Processing System where JAMB will interface with the institutions and ensure the compliance of this reform. The summary is that no candidate will be admitted with awaiting result. Candidates and their parents are also to note that JAMB has restructured the registration platform to allow for only one choice of public university. The new registration platform will now be first choice, second choice, third choice and fourth choice and not most preferred, preferred etc as it was.

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Tragedy in National Assembly as committee’s clerk slumps, dies

John Ameh, Abuja

Tragedy struck at the National Assembly on Monday as a senior member of staff of the legislature’s management, Mr. Mohammed Shuaibu, slumped and died on the premises.

The cause of Shuaibu’s death remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Shuaibu, who was the Clerk to the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production Services, died after he complained of experiencing some discomfort.

Findings indicated that the deceased drove himself to work on Monday, ahead of a scheduled meeting of the committee.

However, while he was in the office preparing for the meeting, he reportedly complained of the discomfort and slumped almost immediately.

He was promptly rushed to the National Assembly Clinic for medical attention, but doctors confirmed him dead on arrival at the clinic.

He was about 55 years old.

One source stated, “We are all in shock. He returned from Zaria (Kaduna State) yesterday (Sunday).

“He drove himself to work this morning and was looking healthy. His sudden death is a big shock to us.”

The Director of Information and Publications at the National Assembly, Mr. Dibal Ishaku, confirmed the incident, when The Punch sought his comments.

“Yes, our colleague has died. We don’t know what happened. The body has been taken back to Zaria,” Ishaku told The Punch.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Mohammed Monguno, also confirmed the death of his clerk.

Monguno mourned his exit, saying that his dedication to duty would be missed.

“He was a hard-working officer, who was deployed to the committee about one year ago,” Monguno added.

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Man who set girlfriend ablaze in Port Harcourt to die by hanging

Chukwudi Akasike, Port Harcourt

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Monday, sentenced one Azubuike Ogonor to death by hanging for killing his girlfriend, Blessing Iyumame.

Ogonor (the convict) was found guilty of setting his girlfriend ablaze after pouring petrol on her body.

It was also learnt that the convict also inflicted machete cut injuries on Iyumame’s body before she was rushed to the hospital.

Delivering judgement on the matter,  the trial judge, Justice Chioma Okirie, said Ogonor had confessed to the crime.

According to the judge, the convict committed the crime by pouring petrol on the victim and using matches to set her girlfriend on fire after pouring petrol on her.

Justice Okirie had also observed that there was no misunderstanding between the man and his girlfriend to have warranted the attack on the deceased after staying together throughout the night without any quarrel.

The court stated that the convict became aggressive after sighting Iyumame with a man and felt she could dump him (Ogonor) for another man.

The tragic incident was said to have happened in the convict’s room.

It was also learnt that the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital in Ahoada before she was transferred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where she later died.

Justice Okirie commended parties involved in the case,  which lasted for 12 years and four months, for their patience till the day of judgement.

The prosecution counsel, Chijioke Boms, explained shortly after the judgement that the court did justice to the matter.

Boms warned that people must resist the temptation of taking the law into their hands no matter the level of provocation.

Counsel for the convict,  N. S.  Ibrahim, had pleaded for leniency after the judgement was delivered.

However, Joseph, father of the late Blessing Iyumame, said he was satisfied that her late daughter had got justice at last.http://punchng.com/man-who-set-girlfriend-ablaze-in-port-harcourt-to-die-by-hanging/

Buhari resumes, meets Osinbajo in Aso Rock

John Ameh andOlalekan Adetayo  

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday formally resumed work in his office after 49 days of medical sojourn in London, United Kingdom. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who held the fort in acting capacity, met with the President in his office for over an hour, ostensibly to bring him up to date with developments that took place while he was away. The meeting which started at about 12noon ended at about 1.30pm. While returning from Buhari’s office, Osinbajo told State House correspondents that he had handed over to the President and had reverted to his role as the Vice-President. He said the President was ‘over-ready’ for the job ahead of him. The following conversation ensued between the Vice-President and the reporters: How is the President doing? He is very well. We just had a very long meeting. We were basically trying to bring the President up to speed with some of the things we have done while he was away. He has given a few directives on what we should be doing in so many areas: the North-East, budget, the economy, and a wide range of issues. Will you say he is ready for work? Yes. He held a meeting with me for over an hour where we discussed a wide range of issues. So, his readiness for work is not in doubt at all. In fact, he is ‘over-ready’. Have you handed power back to him? Oh, yes! I am back to my regular position as the Vice-President. Was he impressed with the way you handled the country while he was away? I think the President was reasonably satisfied. Some are saying because of his health, we will see a lot of delegation of duty, is that true? I think the President, as you know, has always given me several responsibilities. I think what we must recognise is that the way this administration works is that it has always been team work; very little is done without the President’s clearance. So, generally speaking, even with responsibilities that are my constitutional responsibilities, we have full discussions on them. We have full agreements on all of those issues. It is not necessarily delegation (of duties). Yes, in some cases, delegation (of duties) but by and large, practically I discuss fully with him and have his endorsement before we are able to go on and do anything at all. http://punchng.com/buhari-resumes-meets-osinbajo-in-aso-rock/

ICPC seizes 220 flats, four guns, ammunition from ex-gov’s aide

Eniola Akinkuotu and Armstrong Bakam The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission has seized 220 flats, located in 20 estates, allegedly belonging to one Sanusi Mohammed, a former aide to ex-Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State. It was learnt that 165 rounds of ammunition, a pump action rifle and other weapons were found in some of Mohammed’s properties located at GRA, Bauchi. A source in Bauchi told one of our correspondents that the ICPC made the discovery following a tip-off by a whistle-blower. He said, “About 10 days ago, we received a tip-off from a whistle-blower about the lifestyle of one Sanusi Mohammed, a former aide to former Bauchi Governor, Isa Yuguda. “We traced 220 flats in 20 estates to him. The houses range from two-bedroom to three-bedroom flats. Inside some of the properties, we discovered four sophisticated guns with 165 rounds of ammunition, five exotic cars and 15 new air conditioners. “We believe the air conditioners were donated to the Bauchi State Government by China. “We also recovered some cash as well as 25 designer watches and 20 bales of brocade.” It was learnt that Mohammed was arrested by the ICPC and quizzed but was later released on administrative bail. One of our correspondents visited the residence of Mohammed, a former Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties to Yuguda, twice but was told he was not at home. He was told that the ex-special adviser said he would call him but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report. When contacted on the telephone, the spokesperson for the ICPC, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, said she could not speak on the matter. She said, “According to the ICPC Act, we are not allowed to divulge details of investigation. I cannot deny or confirm any story. In any case, anyone who is under investigation is presumed innocent until proved otherwise.” The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which is also investigating Yuguda, had sealed his multi-million naira mansion at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Street, GRA, Bauchi. A committee set up by the current Bauchi State Government to carry out forensic audit of all major contracts awarded by the past administration from June 2007 to May 2015 in the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Bauchi Specialist Hospitals, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, had, in January, asked Yuguda to account for over N212bn expended by his administration within the period under review. Over N100bn was alleged to have been mismanaged by permanent secretaries, commissioners and aides to the former governor. Yuguda appointed 20 Special Advisers, 94 Senior Special Assistants and 810 Special Assistants. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

VACANCY IN AIRTEL NG.

Airtel Nigeria (NG)Manager Budget Control & Analysis Airtel Nigeria (Airtel Networks Limited), a leading mobile telecommunication services provider in Nigeria and a member of Airtel Africa Group, is committed to providing innovative, exciting, affordable and quality mobile services to Nigerians, giving them the freedom to communicate, rise above their daily challenges and drive economic and social development. The company made history on August 5, 2001 by becoming the first telecoms operator to launch commercial GSM services in Nigeria and has scored a series of many "firsts" in the highly competitive Nigerian telecommunications market including the first to introduce toll-free 24-hour customer care; first to launch service in all the six geo-political zones in the country; first to introduce affordable recharge denominations; first to introduce monthly free SMS and first to introduce monthly airtime bonus.

Three awkward but necessary sex conversations before marriage

When you’re getting serious with someone and the prospects of marriage are very much in the horizon, there’s one very important thing you need to have as the wedding day draws nearer: a conversation about sex. This is because after all the cake is eaten, there are some real, wonderful, and complicated consequences of saying “I do.” You’re not saying yes to a day; you’re saying yes to a lifetime with someone. And that includes sex. Talking about sex with a partner can feel taboo even in the most committed of relationships. The following are the questions to ask. What is the meaning and purpose of sex for you? Between religious upbringing, life experiences, and secular influences, you and your partner might not exactly see eye to eye when it comes to sex. So, finding out what you both truly believe is the first step to negotiating, and aligning those beliefs for a happy, healthy marriage. Often in this day and age, sex is very much about your own selfish pleasure, but sex shouldn’t be selfish. So, it’s important to talk about sex before marriage, and really listen to what the other person has to say on the subject, and work out a common ground. What are your medical concerns? Make appointments with a physician to determine that you’re both physically fit and not suffering from any sexual issues. Issues of impotency, STDs, frigidity, etc., must be brought to the attention of a medical doctor to find out the underlying cause and get medical intervention where applicable. Both of you should be assessed to ascertain that you are able to have children. These and other matters are ones you must discuss and bring to your doctor’s attention, so you both have a full picture of each other’s physical capabilities and limitations as husband and wife. What should I know about your sexual history? Regardless of religious beliefs, the reality is that many people do not wait until marriage to become sexually active. Every person’s sexual history is unique and both of you should get a sense of what you have been up to. This part of the discussion may be especially sensitive, so keep in mind that the intent is not to incite shame or jealousy. What and how much you reveal is up to you. The point is to form an open-line of communication. You should also consider seeking professional help if either of you is addicted to pornography. The bottom line: Addressing sexual matters may not be a cake walk, but it will help prevent major misunderstandings later in life. www.punchng.com

United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme for Young People from UN Member Countries United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme fo Nigerians

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is awarded to young people from UN member States interested in contributing to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV provides the opportunity for a limited number of internships at its headquarters in Bonn, Germany. The UNV Internship Programme offers the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNV’s work and is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in development and volunteerism. It may also complement other studies such as international relations, communications, media relations and social sciences. The objective is to enhance the intern’s educational experience through practical work assignments and to allow selected candidates to gain insight into the work of the United Nations. Eligibility Minimum Qualifications & Experience: Education: Completed undergraduate degree (Bachelor) and current enrollment in a Masters degree or equivalent. Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible; Field of study: Development-related fields such as economics, international relations, anthropology, sociology, public or business administration, or environmental studies. Other fields of study may be considered depending on the type of assignment; Language skills: Written and spoken proficiency in English and preferably in an additional official UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese); Demonstrated interest in the field of development and the work of international organisations. Immediate family members of UNV staff are not eligible to apply. Eligible groups Citizens of UN member States Participating Institutions UNV headquarters in Bonn, Germany Fields of study See ‘Eligibility’ above Internship duration Interns are accepted throughout the year; for a period of normally two to four months Internship benefits The purpose of the Internship Programme is to complement an intern’s studies, not to lead to further employment with the organization. However, a number of interns, having completed their studies and met the necessary requirements, have gone on to further assignments with UNV, UNDP or elsewhere in the United Nations system. Note that there is no promise of employment upon completion of an internship with UNV. Financial aspects, expenses and medical benefits: The Internship Programme operates on a non-remunerative basis. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or his sponsoring institution or government. UNV accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance for the intern or for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness during the internship period. Applicants are required to provide evidence of adequate medical insurance coverage. UNV is not responsible for any claims by an intern or third party in the case of loss or damage to property or death or personal injury as a result of actions or omissions on the part of the intern during the internship period. Method of Application Applications should be forwarded to the designated contact person (as indicated in the TORs). Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted and/or selected candidates will be contacted. Applications (in English) should include the following: An application form [MS Word]; Recent curriculum vitae (CV); and A cover letter indicating the motivation and reason for an internship with UNV as well as the preferred field of work. It is important to read through the current Internship vacancies, and also to visit the main Internship webpage (link to it is below) for complete information, and to apply to specific vacancies you are interested in. DEADLINES: Interns are accepted throughout the year. See the official website for specific deadline dates of specific internship vacancies PLEASE NOTE: An intern is not entitled to apply for a regular position or hold a consultancy or contractor agreement with the organization either during the internship, or within the following six months. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV is headquartered in Bonn, Germany but has other Headquarter locations (e.g. New York and Tokyo). UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UN volunteers, throughout the world. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. Application Deadline: Rolling Open to International Applicants: Yes Visit the Information and Application Portal for more details. For more scholarships and other offers click here.

Diezani moved $115.01m, gave Belgore, Sulaiman N450m

STORY BY Ramon Oladimeji. An official of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Timothy Olaobaju, on Monday, narrated how a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, stashed a sum of $115,010,000 in the bank with subsequent instruction to change it into naira and distribute it among individuals in the 36 states of the federation. Among the beneficiaries, Olaobaju said, were a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Dele Belgore; and a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, who both received N450m. Olaobaju said this on Monday when he appeared as a prosecution witness before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos where Belgore and Sulaiman are being tried for alleged money laundering involving N450m. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Belgore and Sulaiman with five counts. Charged along with the SAN and the ex-minister is Diezani, who is said to “still be at large.” The EFCC had earlier arraigned Belgore and Sulaiman on February 8, 2017, but they were re-arraigned on Monday on an amended charge which included the name of Diezani. Upon their re-arraignment on Monday, Belgore and Sulaiman pleaded not guilty to the five charges just as they had earlier done. Trial commenced immediately after the defendants’ plea with the EFCC calling Olaobaju as its first witness. Led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness narrated, “Sometime in April 2014, our MD, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, gave a directive that certain companies and individuals would pay into an account with our bank some amounts of money. The purpose of the payment was not disclosed. “Over the period, thereafter, some amounts were paid into the account. The funds were deposited in dollar. The total sum was $115,010,000. “On the 27th of March, 2015, there was an instruction from the former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, through our MD, that the fund in the account should be converted to naira and paid to certain individuals of which the list of beneficiaries was sent to our MD and the amount to be paid to them in naira. “The funds were paid according to Alison-Madueke’s instructions. “On the list sent to our branch, the names of the defendants (Belgore and Sulaiman) were on that list because the money was paid in about 36 states of the federation. “The defendants are not customers of our bank. “The instruction was that the sum of N450m should be paid to Mr Dele Belgore (SAN) and Prof. Abubakar Suleiman. “They both received the money and they filled the Receipt of Payment as evidence of receipt of the money and acknowledgement of same.” The witness said Belgore and Sulaiman signed separate Receipts of Payment for the same N450m on March 26, 2015. The court admitted both Receipts of Payment in evidence and marked them as Exhibits 1 and 1A. Asked by the prosecutor whether any cheque was issued in favour of Belgore and Sulaiman in respect of the fund, the witness answered in the negative. Asked whether the N450m was credited into any account, the witness said, “To my knowledge, the N450m was not credited into any account.”

Jealous Air-Force Man Kills Colleague in Benue

Olaleye Aluko and John Charles The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the arrest of an air force man, Kalu B.A, for allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend, Solape Oladipupo, in Markudi, Benue State. The incident happened on Saturday at the NAF Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, Benue State. VIDEO: Slain Air Force personnel and killer lover before love turned sour It was learnt that the lady, popularly referred to as Shomzy, was allegedly shot dead by Kalu after he accused her of having a romantic affair with other men. Our correspondent gathered that the two air force officers had had an affair for some months, after they met at a military parade. It was learnt that Oladipupo, who hailed from Badagry, Lagos State, was on Saturday allegedly shot dead by Kalu after the latter accused her of dating other men. After the killing, it was speculated that Kalu also shot himself because of his post on his Facebook page, which read, “My last night as an airman. Ask about me later and hear my story, you will be surprised.” It was, however, learnt that Kalu had been arrested and in military detention. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, said investigations were ongoing into the matter to ascertain the motives of the suspect. He said, “An airman and an airwoman were involved. They had a love relationship which resulted in the shooting. We do not yet know what transpired between them. “She was initially rushed to NAF hospital, but when it was beyond their control, she was transferred to the state hospital where she died. The body has been recovered to our base now. “The boy (Kalu) has been arrested. He did not die. The post on the social media is mere speculation. He is alive and in custody. Investigations are ongoing into the incident. We will unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.” Meanwhile, friends of the late Oladipupo took to her Facebook page to mourn her, saying that Kalu must be prosecuted for the killing. One of the friends, identified only as Esther, wrote, “This is why military girls do not like dating soldiers. This is madness. If she was in love with a civilian, he would not even dare to slap her. This is too much.” Another wrote, “Rest in Peace, Shomzy. Your death is something I cannot easily forget because of your great military plans. Well, I can’t continue crying my dear, because all I have to do is to let go of what I cannot change.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: editor@punchng.com

Well-wishers slaughter rams as Buhari returns from medical vacation

Well-wishers slaughter rams as Buhari returns from medical vacation Published March 11, 2017 John Alechenu, Olalekan Adetayo, Godwin Isenyo, Olaide Oyelude and Adeniyi Olugbemi, Armstrong Bakam President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday returned to the country after spending 49 days on medical vacation in the United Kingdom, sparking celebrations in the Federal Capital Territory and some states in the North, including Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa and Kaduna. Many well-wishers slaughtered rams, chickens and celebrated on the streets. The Presidential Aircraft with registration number 001-5N-FGT, conveying Buhari and some of his aides, landed at the Nigerian Air Force 401 Flying Training School Aerodrome at exactly 7.47am. Buhari, who alighted from the aircraft at about 7.55am, after exchanging pleasantries with top government and military officials, went straight into a waiting helicopter that took him to Abuja. Wild jubilation in continue reading...

Glo gives free 4G smartphones to data subscribers

Published February 18, 2017 Sandra Ogunfiditi Telecommunications company, Globacom, has started giving its data customers, who subscribe to its special LTE data plan, free 4G LTE smartphones. The company said in a statement that with the offer, any subscriber who buys its 75GB LTE data plan for N75,000 would get a smartphone worth N75,000 with features including a 13-megapixel camera, dual SIMs, 5-inch screen and 28GB RAM. For a N60,000 60GB 4G LTE plan, the subscriber gets a 4G smartphone worth same amount with 8-megapixel camera, while anyone who subscribes to the N48,000, 48GB data plan would get a 4G smartphone worth N48,000 with a 5-megapixel camera smartphone. The company said that the offer would enable Globacom subscribers who do not have 4G smartphones to experience the “exceptional speed” of the Glo 4G service. “Glo Mobile offers the most innovative services and data plans at affordable rates. With this special free 4G LTE smartphone offer, we have once again demonstrated our resolve to always give our subscribers the best value. It cannot get better than this,” the statement added. Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: editor@punchng.com

Nigerian children rescued, mum drowns at sea

Kunle Falayi with agency report Two unidentified Nigerian siblings aged 11 and 10, were rescued in the Mediterranean on Friday after losing their mother while on a dangerous journey to Europe. The heartbreaking photographs of the boy and girl by Associated Press were published by Dailymail as they sobbed and comforted each other aboard a rescue boat. According to Dailymail, the children were part of 150 migrants rescued by an NGO’s boat while trying to make the journey from Libya to Europe aboard an overcrowded craft. A leading migration group had said more than 3,000 people had died while trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, nearly a 60 per cent increase from this time in 2015. The latest rescue came after Italy on Thursday launched a hard-hitting campaign on the Internet, TV, radio and social media to warn African migrants of the many dangers they face in trying to reach Europe.

Islamic bank’s offer to Nigeria excites Buhari

Islamic bank’s offer to Nigeria excites Buhari Jonathan Zovoe / 1 hour ago Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday welcomed an offer by the Islamic Development Bank to organise a financing round-table in Abuja to mobilise more funds for investment and development of infrastructure in Nigeria. According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President expressed his delight at the offer at a meeting he had with the IDB President, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The President is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia. Ali was said to have assured Buhari that the IDB will work with its traditional partners such as the Saudi Fund, the Kuwait Fund, Arab Bank for Development in Africa and the Abu Dhabi Fund, to increase the quantum of funding available to Nigeria. Welcoming the offer, Buhari restated his government’s determination to revamp and diversify the Nigerian economy rapidly. He said, “The days of Nigeria as a big oil producer with plenty of money are gone. We need all the support we can get to diversify our economy as quickly as possible. “We also need to rehabilitate our infrastructure, develop the domestic capacity to feed ourselves and export the surplus.” The President welcomed the plan by the IDB to fast track the take-off of the Bilingual Education Program, aimed at integrating the Almajiri system of education with Western education in Nigeria. The IDB has already provided $98m for the Bilingual Education Program in Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Osun and Yobe. The bank plans to support similar projects in other states of Nigeria. Punch News papers...