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Month: August 2024

Over 1,000 persons receive NNPCL free eye-care services

Over 1,000 individuals have benefited from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) eye-care services.

The company flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye made this known in a press statement yesterday.

The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities.

The statement said: “Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions.”

The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.

Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services.

The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.

The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.

In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities.

“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.

The outreach emphasized the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.

The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.

The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.

August 30, 2024
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Takes Oath Of Office As NBA President, Unveils Agenda for Proactive Bar

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, Life Bencher, was sworn in as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the Lagos Continental Hotel. The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for the NBA, as Osigwe outlined his vision and plans for the association in his inaugural speech.

In his address, Osigwe expressed his gratitude to the members of the NBA for entrusting him with the enormous responsibility and honour of serving as their President. He acknowledged the challenges facing the nation and the legal profession, emphasizing the critical role of legal practitioners in effecting positive change and upholding the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.

Osigwe announced a comprehensive agenda for a proactive Bar, which includes addressing the recurrent delay in the issuance of NBA Stamp and Seal, introducing the NBA Digital Signature, and proposing amendments to the NBA Constitution to address various issues. He also highlighted the need for quarterly reviews of appellate courts’ decisions, justice sector reforms, and ensuring compliance with the Continuing Professional Development Programme.

The new NBA President also pledged to establish various committees to tackle specific issues, such as monitoring local governments, protecting legal businesses from encroachment by non-legal practitioners, and ensuring the protection of lawyers from harassment by law enforcement agents. Osigwe further emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession.

In his commitment to consolidating the efforts of previous NBA administrations, Osigwe acknowledged the significant contributions of his predecessors and expressed his determination to build upon their legacy. He extended his appreciation to his family, colleagues, and campaign team for their unwavering support throughout his journey to the presidency.

Osigwe concluded his speech by quoting Nelson Mandela, stating, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” He called upon the members of the NBA to approach their tasks with this mindset, emphasizing that with collective resolve, they can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness for the association and the nation.

August 30, 2024
‘I Don’t Want To Die’, TG Omori Cries Out After Failed Kidney Transplant

By Sarah Babajide

Nigerian Music Video Director, ThankGod Omori, popularly known as TG Omori has asked for prayers after a failed kidney transplant.

In a post on social media on Wednesday, Omori who revealed that a kidney transplant process he underwent at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos on Tuesday failed, said he does not want to die.

One year after my kidney crashed I just had a failed transplant at st Nicolas Lagos. Pray for me.

— TG OMORI (@boy_director) August 28, 2024

According to him, his only brother donated one of his kidneys for the transplant.

Yesterday my only brother gave me one of his kidney so I could live again.

— TG OMORI (@boy_director) August 27, 2024

He also disclosed that he went into the theatre three times for the process.

The music director shared pictures of himself on his Instagram story in the late hours of yesterday with the caption
“Keep my spirit alive”

Omori also posted on his Instagram story recently saying, ” I don’t wanna die.”

August 28, 2024
Union executives to accompany Ajaero to Police interview, Thursday

By Christian Appolo

All national officers of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from its 54 affiliate unions will accompany the President of the Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to honour the invitation of the Nigerian Police to answer questions on his alleged involvement in terrorism financing.

A circular to all affiliate unions, their State chapters, and national officers signed by the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, revealed. The national officers are the members of the Central Working Committee of the Congress.

The circular also directed all unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress to be on alert to commence nationwide strike should the Police detain the Ajaero. It also directed all State Chapter leaders to embark on a peaceful procession to Police headquarters in their various States for a prayer session.

Tagged “Mobilization for Peaceful Procession and Prayer Session in Solidarity”, the Circular reads; “In response to the recent summons by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.

“In Abuja: All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.

“In State Capitals: Members should gather at their respective state secretariats of Congress. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their State Police Headquarters, where they will hold a prayer session until the President’s interaction with the Police is concluded.

“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session.

“If for any reason, the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike. Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending Civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.

“Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation.”

August 28, 2024
NIGERIAN NAVY SHIP BEECROFT HANDS OVER BAGS OF CANNABIS SATIVA AND SUSPECTS TO NDLEA

Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT handed over 72 bags of cannabis sativa, each weighing 40 kilograms and 4 suspects comprising of 3 Ghanaians and a Beninois to National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command on Tuesday 27 August 2024.

The Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo who was represented by the Executive Officer (XO), Navy Captain Mutalib Raji disclosed that the consignments were intercepted on Sunday 25 August 2024 by NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team. This was sequel to credible and actionable intelligence received by NNS BEECROFT on suspicious activities of some criminal elements taking place around Lekki Beach Axis.

The XO explained that the effort was in line with the Strategic Directive of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to maintain credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to ensure a safe and secured maritime environment for economic activities to thrive. He further warned perpetrators of illicit drugs to desist from such acts as NNS BEECROFT will continue to pursue every criminal element operating within its area of operation.

NigerianNavy

NationalDrugLawEnforcementAgency

OnwardTogether

August 28, 2024
Police foil armed robbery attempt, neutralize one in Kaduna

Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have foiled an armed robbery attack and neutralized one of the robbers.
This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansir Hassan and made available to the media Tuesday.

The statement said that the police patrol team of Makarfi Division encountered a group of armed robbers who had blocked the road using logs of wood and stones.

The Statement added that upon arrival at the scene, a shootout ensued between the police and the armed robbers

The superior firepower of the police patrol team forced the robbers to flee into the surrounding bushes.
During the exchange, one of the robbers was neutralized, and his locally-made pistol and one cartridge were recovered

In the same vein, the statement further stated that one Abdul Aziz Abdul Mumin reported to the police that his blue-black Toyota had been stolen.

Following the report, the vehicle was spotted in the Hayin Dan Mani area of Kaduna. Acting swiftly, the police traced the location, maintained surveillance and recovered the vehicle.

August 28, 2024
ICPC inaugurates anti-corruption unit in FIRS

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Chairman Zacch Adedeji, has established a 12-member Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

This initiative, inaugurated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Revenue House in Abuja on Tuesday, aims to uphold zero tolerance for unethical practices and corruption within the agency.

In his address, delivered by Chief of Staff Mr Tayo Koleosho, Adedeji emphasised the importance of integrity, stating, “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

He urged the new members of the ACTU to embody the core values of the FIRS, which strongly oppose corruption, and to ensure that their actions reflect transparency and integrity in their roles.

Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, conveyed Adedeji’s message: “The easy part of being a member of the FIRS anti-corruption unit has just been done. The real work starts now.”

He highlighted that both the staff of FIRS and the public should see the integrity brought to this role as a reflection of the agency’s commitment to ethical practices.

Mohammed Lawal Abubakar, Coordinating Director of the Support Services Group, reiterated the FIRS’s commitment to supporting the ACTU and encouraged the inductees to be exemplars of honesty and integrity.

ICPC Chairman Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Mr Olusegun Adigun, Director of System Study and Review, assured that the FIRS ACTU would receive the necessary support to fulfil its mandate.

He outlined the unit’s responsibilities, including periodic staff sensitisation on corruption, system reviews to identify and address corruption vulnerabilities, and the development and enforcement of a code of ethics.

Adigun stressed that the ACTU is intended to work in concert with FIRS management to enhance the agency’s reputation, rather than act as a parallel authority.

He urged the FIRS to provide a supportive environment, including funding and office space, for the unit to thrive.

Hajia Sa’adatu Yero, Director of the ACTU, commended Adedeji for his commitment to strengthening anti-corruption measures.

She outlined the unit’s role in preventing corrupt practices and highlighted its success in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including the ICPC, Nigerian Police Force, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Yero also noted that the ACTU was rated among the best in the country with a 79.95% score in the 2022 Ethics and Integrity Scorecard survey.

August 28, 2024
Tinubu Appoints Mohammed NIA DG, Ajayi As DSS Boss

President Bola Tinubu has appointed new Directors-General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement on Monday, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said Tinubu appointed Mohammed Mohammed as the new NIA boss while Adeola Ajayi has been appointed to lead the secret police.

Ngelale said the fresh appointments followed the resignations of Ahmed Rufai of the NIA and Yusuf Bichi of the DSS.

Tinubu had retained Bichi and Rufai in June 2023 when he fired all service chiefs and heads of security agencies.

The new NIA boss Mohammed has had an illustrious career in the foreign service since joining the NIA in 1995.

He had served in various roles, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Director and his subsequent appointment as the head of the Nigerian mission to Libya.

The 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, had served in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at the State House, Abuja.

Before his new appointment as DSS DG Ajayi rose through the ranks to attain the post of Assistant Director-General of the Service.
He had, at various times, served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi.

“President Tinubu expects that the new security chiefs will work assiduously to reposition the two intelligence agencies for better results and charges them to bring their experience to bear in tackling the security challenges bedevilling the country through enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and in surgical alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“The President thanks the outgoing Directors-General of the two pivotal intelligence agencies for their services to the nation while wishing them success in their future endeavours,” Ngelale said.

August 27, 2024
FCT Police Command vows to deal with Shi’ite Group

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Bennett Igweh, has Vowed to apprehend and deal decisively with Shi’ite Members responsible for Murder of Police Personnel

Commissioner Igweh, while addressed journalists in Abuja condemned the brutal attack by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ite, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and left four others, including a female officer, unconscious in the hospital.

Recall that three police vehicles were also set ablaze by the attackers.

Igweh emphasized that the police did not provoke the attack but the hoodlums attacked officers without provocation saying if his men had attacked them, it would have been a different story.

He assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice, just as he vowed that his men will haunt them wherever they are in Nigeria.

The Commissioner confirmed that 52 Shi’ite members are currently in police custody.

August 27, 2024
EndBadGovernance: Court permits police to remand 124 Protesters

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted applications filed by the police to remand 124 arrested #EndBadGovernance protesters for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in separate rulings on ex-parte motions moved by Ibrahim Mohammed, counsel for the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, granted the interim order to remand the suspects until conclusion of investigation.

Justice Nwite equally ordered that the suspects, who are minors in the applications be remanded in Borstal Home of the correctional centre pending the conclusion of investigation.

In the first motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024 moved by Mohammed on Aug 14 but a certified true copy (CTC) of the order, the judge directed that the suspects be remanded for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation and legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The suspects were alleged to have committed offences of acts of terrorism, treason, and treasonable felonies, arson and terrorism.

The police said the offence was contrary to Sections 2(1) and (3), 24 and 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022; Sections 41 and 42 of the Criminal Code Act; Sections 410, 411, 412 Penal Code Act and Section 4 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and other enabling statutes.

August 27, 2024