Saturday Times

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has queried the payment of N15 billion to Remita, a payment platform from the Office of the Accountant General for the Federation (OAGF).

The committee accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Commercial Banks of complicity in the sharing of

the N150 billion remittance.

Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman PAC, made the allegation at the resumed investigative hearing on revenue leakages in Abuja . Remita is a payment solution that helps individuals and business make and receive payment, pay bills and manage their finances.

Salam said that the payment of N15 billion to Remita from the OAGF

from 2016 to 2018 was questionable, adding that the OAGF paid the money without agreement or contract.

He described the payment as illegal.

“The money is an illegal payment; there was no budget provision, so where did they source the money from?” the chairman queried.

“The CBN also shared in the money. The money is an illegal payment; there was no

budget provision, so where did they source the money from?”

According to him, for instance, if someone pays N150 as a remitter, you will now pay 7.5 percent ValueAdded Tax (VAT) in addition to it.

“Ordinarily, that whole sum of VAT ought to go to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), but what they are doing in this transaction is

Penitents hold an effigy of "Cristo Salvador" Christ the Saviour during the Holy Week procession on the beach in Valencia to mark the Holy Week of Easter in celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Photo: AFP.

Sen. Izunaso: Bank recapitalisation will boost Capital Market

ADA DIKE

Senator Osita Izunaso, the Chairman Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions has lauded the recapitalization policy announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, saying it would boost confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

According to the senator, “The new minimum capital requirements for banks operating in Nigeria, with the objective of ensuring a

more safe, sound and stable banking system is a welcome development that will help strengthen the country's financial system in general.

“This new Capital requirement is justified by the negative impact of naira depreciation on the capital base of banks over the years especially following the recent unification of exchange rates.

“The adoption of tiered minimum capital requirements in respect of international, national and regional authorisation is commend-

able unlike the uniform capital base of N25 billion which applied in the 2005 banking recapitalisation exercise.

“In view of the strong link between the money and capital markets in Nigeria with most banks quoted on the Nigerian Exchange, I have no doubt that the successful implementation of this exercise will have salutary impact on the capital market.

“I commend the CBN for the emphasis placed on injection of fresh capital for the purpose of meeting the

minimum capital requirements as opposed to mere reliance on revenue reserves by the banks.

“Against the backdrop of the requirement to use only paid-up share capital and share premium for recapitalisation purposes, it is expected that most of the banks will approach the Stock market to raise additional funds either through an offer for subscription or rights issue.

“This has the potential to deepen the market, increase equities market cap-

italization as well as serve as a veritable source of Foreign Direct Investment with positive multiplier effects on the economy.”

Cautioning the CBN on the need to protect the system from laundered funds, Sen Izunaso said: “It is important to point out that this recapitalisation programme comes with unique risks especially when banks opt for the private placement route.

The CBN should intensify efforts to ensure that laundered funds are not used to

recapitalise the banks and that only fit and proper persons end up as significant shareholders. This risk is minimised when banks go through the stock market which offers a screening layer in addition to that carried out by the CBN.

“I commend the CBN for this recapitalisation programme and assure the apex Bank and all stakeholders of the support of the Senate Committee on Capital Market in ensuring its successful implementation.”

Wanted Delta monarch denies involvement in killing of soldiers, surrenders

BY NOSA ÀKENZUA , ASABA

Following his declaration by the Defence Headquarters as one of the eight wanted persons in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers at Okuoma, the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has denied any involvements in the gruesome killing of the soldiers and has surrendered himself to the police in the state.

Ikolo turned himself in to the Delta State Police Command in Asaba at about 6:57pm on Thursday and was received by the state’s Police Commissioner, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi who later was said to have handed him over to the military headquarters

The monarch was one of the eight persons the Nigerian military on Thursday morning declared wanted for their role and connection in the gruesome killing of 17 soldiers around Okuama community in EwuUrhobo Kingdom of Ughelli South.

The royal father was said to have surrender to the police to prove his innocence in the controversy surrounding the murder of the military men in one his communities.

Okuama, an Urhobo community, is one of the over 40 communities under the rulership of the monarch in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.

Until his emergence as the king of Ewu-Urhobo, Ikolo has been resident in London, United Kingdom, before his selection which was characterised by controversies and his crowning as Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo.

Briefing journalists before surrendering to the police, the monarch denied any involvement in the killing of the soldiers.

He called on the Federal and the Delta State Governments to constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the killing of the military police within the Okuama community of his kingdom.

HRM Ikolo further stated that he decided to present himself to the authority to prove to the Nigerian Government and the international community

money? “he asked.

that they will now add that VAT to the N150.

“They will add it up, gather the money together, and take it to the CBN,”” he alleged.

He said, “System Spec and Remitta, both collecting revenue for the federal government, will share 50 percent, while the banks and the CBN will also have their share.”

He said that by the time the Committee finished its reconciliation, “I am very sure that hundreds of billions of naira will be the VAT component that was not remitted to FIRS.”

According to him, each bank ought to take the money and directly remit it to FIRS.

“Now Remita is saying that those collecting should calculate the money that has been shared into shreds. How do we track this kind of

The Director of Banking Services of the CBN, Mr Ahmed Abdullahi, said they deemed it fit to source for an alternative way of remitting revenue and Remita and System Spec were selected because they had been rendering similar services to banks.

According to him, Remita was engaged in 2011 and operations commenced in 2012 with system module names.

The CBN only finalised the transaction

He said that the fees charged under the TSA were in line with the structure of banking. The volume of revenue collection that passed through Remita was N86 million.

Mr. Oyewole Adewale, Chief Accountant, TSA Department, representing the Accountant General for the Federation, accused the CBN

that he had no hand or connection with those murdered the soldiers.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed to

journalists that the monarch has surrendered to the police.

Others declared wanted by the Nigeria Army Defence Headquarters

includes Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (a.k.a

Amagbem, Prof. Εkpekpo

Arthur, Andaowei Dennis

Bakriri, Igoli Ebi, Akata Malawa David, Sinclear

Reps blow hot

of not honouring its letters to reconcile the revenue accrued to the country through TSA.

He said the OAGF had developed a system where all revenue generated by the Ministries of Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) could now be monitored without any interference.

Mr Aderemi Atanda, the Director of Remita Payment Services Ltd., while reading the summary of the TSA collection record, said that 10, 20, and 50 percent were shared among CBN, commercial banks, and Remitta.

He said that collections are usually not static, adding that they vary.

“From 2015 to 2016, it was N4.2 million, and the fee paid was N8.5 billion; in 2016, N1.3 billion was paid.”

Meanwhile, he House of Representatives has equally vowed to recover two Bell

Helicopters, Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061- L4, belonging to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT), Zaria, sold to private individuals.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Assets, Rep Ademorin Kuye, made this known at its investigative Public Hearing at the National Assembly, on Thursday

Kuye expressed concern over the sale of the National Aircraft, when the college was left with none, for training.

The Committee also questioned the process leading to the sale of the helicopters as security agencies, including Nigerian Air Force, Navy and the Police, indicated interest to purchase them.

The security agencies were, however, denied by the management of the NCAT.

The three security agencies, according to various

submissions, did not only indicate interest to purchase the helicopters by writing but, visited the college and were denied the opportunity to purchase them.

Mr Shaka Imalighwe, Acting Rector, NCAT, said though he was the Deputy Rector of the college at the time the helicopters were sold, he was not part of the team/committee that facilitated the sales.

"I took over the management of the college in an acting capacity in January 2024," he said.

The Committee said in spite of initial appeals to NCAT to provide certain documents regarding the process that led to the sale of the helicopters in May 2023, they had not been able to provide it.

"This, was in respect of approval of Federal Executive Council, (FEC) and the Ministry of Aviation as well

as newspaper publications, advertising the intention to sell the helicopters." He also, told the Committee that the helicopters were in service and being maintained by relevant aviation bodies when they were sold.

The acting Rector of the college also confirmed to the lawmakers that at the moment, there was no single helicopter in the institution for training.

The lawmakers argued that it was wrong for NCAT to have used an unlicensed auctioneer to sell the helicopters, directing the immediate past and current Minister of Aviation to appear before it in the next investigative hearing.

Also summoned was the Ministry of Works, Finance Incorporated, (MOFI); both immediate past and present Rectors of the College, among others.

Released LEA Primary School and Government secondary School Kuriga children kidnapped by gunmen piloted by the Kaduna State Government into a bus to reunite with their parents...on Friday.

Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe and Reuben Baru for their alleged involvement in the killing of the soldiers March 14.

Easter: Tinubu tasks leaders, Nigerians on unity, compassion

UKPONO UKPONG

President Bola Tinubu has called in Nigerians to remain steadfast in their pursuit of love, sacrifice, compassion, united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

This is as he joined the Christian faithful to com-

memorate Easter, a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

"The President warmly

greets Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season.

President Tinubu noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an

emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

The President strongly commended Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few

Tambuwal urges Nigerians to believe in

Sen. Aminu Tambuwal (PDP-Sokoto) has called on Nigerians to foster a belief in their country and themselves as patriotic citizens capable of driving the necessary changes for national prosperity.

Tambuwal, the immediate past Governor of the state made the assertion while addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members at the inauguration of a food distribution

programme for Ramadan and Sallah celebrations in the state.

He emphasised the importance of embracing reality and garnering support for the nation’s progress.

“We must recognise and address the myriad challenges facing our nation,” he sai, stressing the need for collective action beyond partisan divides.

Tambuwal emphasised the urgency of addressing insecurity, drawing from his experience

FG postpones start of Port Harcourt-Aba train service to April

The Federal Government has postponed the launch of the Port Harcourt-Aba train service to April from the initially planned start date at the end of March.

The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, disclosed this to journalists after inspecting the reconstructed railway tracks in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Alkali expressed disappointment over the delay and stressed that the contractor had given assurances of the project completion in April.

“This is my second time visit to Port Harcourt to inspect the progress of the (Port Harcourt-Aba) railway line since assuming office as the Minister of Transportation.

“The contractor initially committed to a March start date, but during track inspections, they made some observations necessitating the extension of the start date to April.

“The contractor has now committed to an April launch for the Port Harcourt to Aba railway services,” he said.

Alkali said that measures were also being taken to connect both Port Harcourt and Onne seaports to the Port Harcourt to Aba rail track.

“We are not satisfied over

the failure of the contractor to deliver the work on the agreed deadline.

“The contractor promised delivery of the project by March, but if they can deliver it in April, then I think that we can manage that.

“We started with the 15 per cent component in fixing the Port Harcourt to Aba rail section, but we now, focussing on linking the line to Port Harcourt and Onne Ports,” he explained.

The minister assured of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects across the country.

Regarding the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja gauge rail line awarded by the previous administration, Alkali mentioned ongoing efforts to finalize project financing.

“We are currently making all arrangements for the finances, and as soon as the finance is ready, the project will commence.

“We are dedicated to delivering all projects in all parts of the country,” he affirmed.

Alkali noted that work on the Ibadan to Abuja standard gauge rail line was progressing, urging public patience and support successful project delivery.

as a former governor who delt with security challenges.

“We need collaborative efforts among leaders to ensure lasting peace and security.

months for the nation to be steered to the path of recovery and sustainable growth, assuring them that the seeds of patience which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits.

As Christians celebrate

the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ, President Tinubu assured all citizens that Nigeria will triumph over its challenges as his administration remains firmly committed to this end.

The President wished Nigerians, Happy Easter.

country’s prosperity

Tambuwalassured his constituents of effective representation in the Senate.

Food stuffs to be distributed by PDP in Sokoto

In his remarks, the state PDP

“I am committed to supporting initiatives like the Sokoto State Community Guards for a safer Sokoto and Nigeria,” he affirmed.

Chairman, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, lauded the party’s initiative to alleviate the hardship being faced by the members.

“These relief efforts underscore our party’s ethos of empathy and kindness,” Goronyo remarked, expressing gratitude

to the members for their unwavering support.

The distribution, aimed at reaching 30,000 households across the state, reflects the party’s commitment to addressing the pervasive challenges of poverty, hunger, and insecurity.

USAID, SON partner to tackle lead poisoning in Nigeria

The United States Government through its Agency for International Development (USAID) has agreed to collaborate with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), towards mitigating cases of lead poisoning in Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the U.S. Embassy, Aisha Gambari, in Abuja.

Gambari said that USAID’s Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa Jones, made this known during a courtesy visit to SON’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, in Abuja.

Gambari explained that the partnership included plans to enhance surveillance,

regulation, and enforcement of standards related to consumer goods and paints in Nigeria.

“USAID is committed to leading the Government of Nigeria’s mitigation efforts to save Nigerian children from further risk of lead exposure.

“USAID will provide technical assistance to SON to raise awareness about the safe use of products that contain lead, support Nigeria in joining the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance).

“It will aid SON in enacting legislation to identify leadcontaining products and its manufacturers, while SON will lead engagement with other federal agencies working on lead removal in high-risk

communities,” the statement quoted Jones as saying.

She said Okeke explained that to limit lead in consumer goods and paints, SON had adopted global and regional standards prohibiting the production and importation of paint products with lead concentration beyond 90 parts per million.

HesaidthatinApril,2024,SON would participate in a U.S.-Nigeria Bi-NationalCommissionmeeting, to contribute to technical discussions on policy framework, regulation, and sensitization on lead mitigation in Nigeria.

“A 2011 survey by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that unsafe mining and ore processing are

the leading causes of lead poisoning in Nigeria.

“USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help nations progress beyond assistance.

“In Nigeria, USAID supports health systems strengthening, transparent and accountable governance, basic education, and a more market-led, tradefriendly economy,” she further said.

Lead can affect individuals of any age, but children are particularly vulnerable due to their behavioral patterns and susceptibility to toxicity at lower exposure levels.

Upgrade of transmission infrastructure will check frequent grid collapse, says expert

An expert in the power sector, Mr Kunle Olubiyo says upgrade of transmission infrastructure will help check the frequent grid collapse in the country.

Olubiyo, who is also the President, Nigerian Consumer Protection Network said this in an interview.

He said that most of the transmission infrastructure in use in the country are obsolete, adding that there was a need for government to take a look at the issue.

”Government need to take a look at this and it is quite sad that we have not been able to do more than 5,800 Megawatts

because of grid constraint.

”I think government needs to do a lot as there would have been more collapses but the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been able to manage it,”he said.

The company said that the current power outage was due to a system failure from the National Grid.

It said that the system collapsed at about 4:28pm on Thursday, causing the outage currently being experienced across our franchise area.

The company appealed to its customers as they were working hard to restore normal supply.

L-R: Member, House Committee on HIV/AIDS Malaria and Tuberculosis Control, Hon. Ibey Osanwa; Deputy Chairman, Hon. Isa Dogonyaro and Chairman, Hon. Amobi Ogah, during an investigative hearing over the allegation of million of Dollars meant for the procurement of anti-malaria drugs by the Ministry of Health, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. Photo: Balogun Temitope.

Dayo Amusa, Femi Adebayo's wife bicker over Bobrisky

The dust raised by the Best Dressed Female Award won by cross-dresser, Idris Okunneye aka Bobrisky at the premiere of Eniola Ajao's movie, 'Ajakauju' will take some time to settle as Nollywood actress, Dayo Amusa and actor Femi Adebayo's wife Aduke Omotayo, are at each other’s throat over the issue.

Since Femi Adebayo announced and handed over the award to the cross-dresser at the premiere of the movie, he has received heavy criticism from his colleagues and other female interest in the country

Dayo Amusa had through her Instagram page, expressed shock and displeasure over the way the organisers disrespected the female gender at the event and wondered why the judges will name a cross dresser, the best dressed female. She added that the organisers would have created another category that would have accommodated cross dressers instead of disrespecting the female gender.

However, Femi Adebayo' wife, Aduke, has come out to defend her husband strongly. She blasted netizens who have been criticizing her husband whose offence was to hand over the award to the winner though he was not a member

of the selection committee. She lambasted his colleagues for openly calling him out at every opportunity instead of calling him in private to express their disgust.

She said, "You all are quick to bring people down. How does the person who presented an award be blamed for it? So if AMVCA gives an award to someone you believe is not deserving, you will blame the presenter of the award and not the AMVCA or judges? Where are your brains?

“Well, I don’t blame you all, I blame the so-called colleagues (enemies disguised as friends) who find it easier to publicly call you out at every opportunity rather than putting a call through to you. Femi is damn too hardworking and supportive! Madam, karma will visit you soon! Because you know Femi was only asked to present! Your call out was definitely intentional and hypocritical”.

Dayo Amusa said through the comment section said that there is nothing wrong for a woman to defend her husband but it only shows how shallow minded she is . Amusa also made it clear that she is no enemy to Femi Adebayo. However the actor has to own up to his error.

I started bleaching my skin because of Mide Martins –Habitat Jinadu

Popular actress, Habibat Jinadu said she was forced to start bleaching her skin after a senior colleague and wife of movie producer Afeez Owo, Mide Martins taunted and said hurtful things to her on the set of her husband’s movie.

Recounting the embarrassing situation, Jinadu who spoke on Biola Bayo show tagged ‘Talk to B’ said she was insulted by Martin's because of her skin colour.

According to her, they were on the set of Afeez Owo’s movie, when one of their colleagues did something wrong, and she was one of those penalized for it.

Mide used her skin colour to talk down on her in front of

everyone noting that her face was as dark as that of a monkey. The statement she said, really offended her and she thought over bleaching for a while before she made up her mind in 2012 to start bleaching.

Her words: “At a rehearsal ground at Afeez Owo’s set, something happened, a colleague of mine did something and I wasn’t the one who did that thing and they said we should kneel. Mrs. Mide Martins was there, my boss was there and some other people and Mide Martins compared it to a monkey’s skin. And it got to me. She even complained about my skin, saying I was too dark and this made me contemplate bleaching my skin to please her and others”.

Portable's baby mama, Keji, dares Bobrisky

Keji, popularly known as Honey Berry, the second baby mama of controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola aka Portable has threatened to get cross-dresser Bobrisky arrested for the comment s/ he made following the beef between him and Portable.

Keji, who has a son for the singer took to her Instagram page to register her displeasure over the comment made by Bobrisky against Portable and his offspring. The beef between Portable and Bobrisky started after the singer told Bobrisky to stop referring tohimself as the sisterhood. He also threatened to arrest the crossdresser following Bobrisky’s choice of outfit

Omotola, Matthew rekindle love story at marriage anniversary

Showbiz is renowned for how volatile marriages are. For some, it starts crumbling as soon as it is consummated. But for Nollywood actresss, Omotola JaladeEkeinde and her husband, Matthew, it has been 30 years since they embraced each other in the journey of love, and have been counting their gains in spite of the rough patches here and there. So during the week, the two did the desirable when they took to their various handles on the social media platforms to stress their feelings for each other. For the man, he pointed out that it was 30 years since he started the moves to woo Omotola, whom he specially named ‘Omo Sexy’, and 28 years long, since he consummated their affair in a real union. Of course, he went down memory lane to stress their wedding which took place midair in a special aircraft in the early 2000s.

For the actress, who has named her husband,‘Honey Boy’, it was also an opportunity to catch up with the good sides of what the union has brought especially their grown children. Great love story indeed!

Asake: Why Olamide advised me to break up with my girlfriend

Multiple award-winning Nigerian singer, Ahmed Oloade, popularly known as Asake

has disclosed how he had to break up with his longtime girlfriend after he made his first millions which launched

him into the celebrity status.

The singer said that before becoming famous, he had a girlfriend and the first time he received a substantial pay cheque for his music, he opened up to his girlfriend and gave her ₦2m out of the largess.

To his amazement, the lady turned down the money as she emphasize that it was too small compared to the big pay cheque he received. According to Asake, he was taken aback by the lady's action considering her humble background.

It was then he confided in his boss Olamide on the action of his girlfriend and YBNL boss advised him to cut ties with the lady and suggested that he give the money to his mother.

He gave his mother the N2 million, and now she’s independent and does not need to rely on him for money anymore.

Asake said, “When I made my first big pay cheque from music, I was so happy that I shared the news with my girlfriend. I gave her full details of how much I made and the next day, I gave her 2 million naira as a gift.

“To my surprise, she turned it down saying 2 million naira was too small compared to how much I had made. I was a bit worried coz this girl is from a humble background, and I never imagined her to be like that.

“I explained the situation to Olamide and he advised me to leave the girl, he also instructed me to send the 2 million Naira to my mom.

“I’m glad I did coz my mom was able to make good use of the money and open a big provision store. My mom doesn’t call me for financial issues anymore coz she’s doing just fine”.

Harrysong's wife cries out over loss of child

Alexer Peres, the estranged wife of singer Harrysong has opened up on how she lost her baby amidst the crises that rocked her marriage.

She revealed this via her Instagram page where she told netizens that she was in deep pains

She acknowledged that

at the premiere of the movie Ajakaju.

However this comment got Bobrisky angry and he responded and he threw shades at Portable whom he called a dirty boy and went on to curse his generation

This whole issue started when Portable made comments about Bobrisky’s choice of outfit for the Ajakaju movie premiere. Portable had stated that Bobrisky should stop referring to himself as the sisterhood, and he also threatened to get him arrested. This clearly did not sit well with Bobrisky, as he responded by calling him a dirty boy and went on to curse his generation.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says they are collaborating on checkmating the glamourisation of crimes in Nigerian films and other video works.

Both organisations agreed on the collaboration when NFVCB’s Executive Director/CEO, Shaibu Husseini, visited the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede on Thursday in Abuja.

Husseini, who was accompanied by his management team, said the visit was to intimate the EFCC boss on opera-

she was in excruciating pain and said that her helpless child had also had to endure it. The mother of two prayed to God for strength while expressing how exhausted she was.

Alexer wrote: “My innocent little one had to go through it too. I’m in so much pained. God, I am tired. #pregnancyloss.”

tions of the board and plans to work together with the commission.

He expressed concerns over the glamourisation of crimes and other ‘get rich quick’ tendencies in movies, as well as skits on the internet, adding that the board was ready to nip ugly trend.

Husseini also noted the misrepresentation of the EFCC and his operations in most films and video works and emphasised the need for public enlightenment campaigns.

“I have just assumed office as the CEO of the NFVCB and I have decided to visit the EFCC

as a critical stakeholder in our collective efforts towards building a better society.

“We are trying as a board to discourage the glamourisation of crimes in our movies, including scenes that make young people jump into schemes that are criminal in real life.

“In doing this, we are starting from script writers, then the producers because the producers are the ones who supervise the contents.

“The board will start with the production of Public Service Announcement (PSA) with the EFCC as part of our media literacy for Nigerians.

“Then we will engage the filmmakers and then the skit makers, and that include seminars and conferences we shall be having with them on the implications of their works on society,” he said.

In his remarks, Olukoyede commended the NFVCB in its efforts to rid the Nigerian media space of unwholesome video contents, adding that such contents wrongly shape public perceptions and behavior

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two agencies and pledged full support and involvement of the commission.

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Stop false allegations against Tinubu, Wike; APC Rivers, tells PDP charges Gov Fubara to conduct LGA elections, to show popularity

TOM OKPE Abuja

The Al l Progressive s Congress, (APC) River

S t a t e c h a p t e r, h a s

called on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the State to stop its false allegations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister o f t h e F e d e r a l C a p i t a l Te r r i t o r y, ( F C T ) N y e s o m Ezenwo Wike and the State Party apparatus.

The party also charged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to conduct the State's Local Government Area elections, to show and prov e his

p o p u l a r i t y i n t h e S t a t e adding that none can join the APC through the backdoor T h e S t a t e P a r t y Caretaker Chairman, Chief Tony C Okocha made this known in a press conference a t t h e A P C N a t i o n a l Secretariat, Abuja on Friday saying: "They should follow the proper channels allowed for porting, or decamping to a new party ”

Recall that members of the fo r me r Rive r s State Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 general elections, had on Thursday, 28 March 2024, declared

their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group also said it was solidly behind the River State Governor, Sim Fubara as the State Party leader

A d d r e s s i n g a p r e s s conference in P/C, River State on Thursday, former Director General of the PDP Campaign Council, Dr Abiye Sekibo Said, "rising from a meeting of the Campaign Council and members of PDP in the State, decided to d e c l a r e t h e i r u n a l l o y e d support for President Tinubu and Gov Fubara.”

According to Okocha, "if 'the mid-night pseudo lovers

Oborevwori tasks varsities on research for national development

NOSA ÀKENZUA Asaba

Delta State governor, R t H o n S h e r i f f O b o r e v w o r i ,

Thursday charged Nigerian universities to significantly enhance their efforts in v i a b l e r e s e a r c h a n d innovation to enable them p r o ffe r s o l u t i o n s t o t h e m y r i a d o f c h a l l e n g e s bedeviling the country G o ve r n o r O b o r e v w o r i gave the charge when he received on a courtesy visit, the Management of Federal U n i v e r s i t y o f P e t r o l e u m R e s o u r c e s , ( F U P R E ) , Ugbomro, led by its ViceChancellor, Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, at Government House, Asaba.

T h e G o v e r n o r, w h o commended FUPRE for their ingenuity, said his administration would continue to support education in the state as a cardinal point of his MORE Agenda.

He added that it was o n l y w h e n u n i v e r s i t i e s

embark on more relevant research that they would be able to solve the peculiar challenges facing the nation, e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e i r h o s t states.

He said: "As a university, you are doing very well, but one thing I must tell you today, is to encourage the university to continue to do more relevant research.

" Yo u f i n d o u t t h a t universities these days don't do enough research. When you research, you will be able to do more things, just like you said that you people helped to clean up a polluted v i l l a g e T h i s w a s d o n e b e c a u s e y o u a r e d o i n g relevant research.

" A s a s p e c i a l i s e d institution, there is a lot to gain from the university. So, I encourage you to go into more relevant research.

G o ve r n o r O b o r e v w o r i said that with the number of functional universities in the s t a t e , D e l t a w a s f a s t b e c o m i n g a h u b f o r education in the country, assuring that his administ-

ration would continue to support th e gro wth and development of education in the state.

"I believe in education, and, like I said few days ago, you may acquire everything on this earth, those things may go but education will remain with you till death.

"The best legacy you can give to your children is e d u c a t i o n We w a n t t o encourage our children to focus on education. You can see that a lot of our children are always enrolling to go into these universities.

"What I have promised Deltans is that I will continue to support anything that will i m p a c t t h e s t a t e a n d education is one of them.

"You have made some requests about the road leading to the main gate of t h e u n i v e r s i t y T h e Commissioner for Works ( Rural and Riverine) would go and see how they can scope that road immediately ”

Earlier, Professor RimRukeh had, on behalf of the u n i v e r s i t y, c o n g r a t u l a t e d Governor Oborevwori on his e l e c t o r a l v i c t o r y a n d subsequent affirmation by the judiciary

He said the university was established in 2007 with its first set of students admitted in 2008, adding that the student population of the University had since grown to over 10,000.

The Vice-Chancellor also s a i d t h e u n i v e r s i t y h a d established several centres o f e x c e l l e n c e a n d contributed immensely to enviro nmental reclamation and sustainability, especially in the oil pollution- affected community of Obi-Ayagha in U g h e l l i S o u t h L o c a l Government Area of the state.

H e a s s u r e d t h e Governor of the university’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation for national development and training of Niger Delta Youths on various skills that would make them employable.

of the President are now c o n v i n c e d t h a t h e i s abundantly fit and proper to preside over Nigeria, they should follow the proper channels allowed for porting or decamping to a new party

" A p p r o a c h o f b r o wb e a t i n g a n d b l a c k m a i l i n g they intend to use, is not fashionable at all", insisting that "no sane host tolerates a Guest who attempts to enter his/her house, through the window when the door is opened.”

T h e A P C C h a i r m a n reminded Sekibo and cot r a v e l l e r s t h a t a t r i p e document as the one signed by two persons, without o f f i c e o r a n y a u t h o r i t y w h a t s o e v e r, c a n ' t h o l d , except as they couched it.

"Former leaders of Atiku Abubakar 2023 Campaign Direc tors in Rivers State cannot qualify in any position of people of the State.”

While describing actions of the group as, a cul-de-sac, h e s a i d : " T h i s w i c k e d s u b t e r f u g e c a n n o t w o r k u n d e r o u r w a t c h , t h i s assembly of protesters did not only vehemently carry out rigorous and excruciating campaigns against Asiwaju but they trumped up and

Chief Tony Okocha

f u n d e d h a t e s p e e c h e s against him.

"They ilk, championed the obscene and absurd denigration of Asiwaju in the media. " T h e y p r o m o t e d d e v i l i s h n a r r a t i v e s t h a t President Tinubu was frail a n d u n h e a l t h y M e n t a l l y senile. Extremely old and incapable of presiding over Nigeria. Infact, they played G o d b y p r o m o t i n g t h a t A s i w a j u w a s o n t h e departure lounge and will

pass on in a bit.” O k o c h a n o t e d t h a t those protesters raised the issue of political crisis in R i v e r s S t a t e a n d m a d e attempts to link the Minister of the FCT to the fray, Wike, describing it as "a puny logic they espoused.” According to him, the tensed political situation in Rivers State is intraparty as Wike is still a member of the PDP, despite entreaties to join APC with his winning magic wand.

NASS seeks collaboration with WTO on improving digital marine economies

Nigeria's delegation to the on-going 148th A s s e m b l y o f t h e

Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU), led by the President of t h e S e n a t e , G o d s w i l l Akpabio, has sought the collaboration of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the area of Digital and Marine economies.

Addressing the WTO

m e d i a , s h o r t l y a f t e r a courtesy visit to the Director General of the WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, in her office in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, Senator Akpabio said, the delegation were at the WTO on a courtesy call and to look for areas of collaboration with t h e o r g a n i s a t i o n i n t h e v a r i o u s s e c t o r s o f t h e economy for the overal l benefit of Nigerians.

According to him, " we used our attendance at the IPU to pay courtesy visit to one of Nigeria's very costly export to the world, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala; the Director General of the WTO We came to thank her for the job she is doing for the world and thank her staff for supporting and standing by her to succeed. We, in Nigeria are very proud of her ”

" we had discussions on the various developmental

programmes of the WTO and we noticed that there were spaces where Nigerians can become major players. We discussed issues affecting trade back home in Nigeria and ways in which the National Assembly can assist i n r e m o v i n g b a r r i e r s , through legislation for the benefit of our people.

"We also talked about i s s u e o f r e g u l a t i o n s concerning Digital economic contents, illegal finishing along the coastal states of Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states. How Nigerian women could be ne f i t from the re ce nt p r o g ra m fu n d e d b y t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n w a s a l s o discussed. The establishment of a Digital trade portal, where-in, all trade i n f o r m a t i o n c o u l d b e accessed by our people top our discussion with the WTO

Akpabio noted that ," t h e d e l i b e r a t i o n s w e r e fruitful and we are confident that with our support in all of these, Nigerians would be

In his brief remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said, " our best export to the world, took her time to bring us up to speed on the v a r i o u s i n n o v a t i o n s a n d initiatives of the WTO and what Africa and Nigeria stand to benefit from. We are going back more refreshed because we have seen a space here for Africa to thrive in business and in trade.

Speaking in the same vein, the WTO chief, described t h e v i s i t o f t h e S e n a t e pre sident and the Deputy Speaker, to her office as "a huge honour We were able to talk on those things we are doing at the WTO that would h e l p m a k e a m a t e r i a l difference for Nigerians.

" We s p o ke o f re c e n t program that we launched in some development program from the standards and trade facilities to help in improving sanitary and vital sanitary standards for some of the crops in Nigeria, so that it helps in diversifying the economy to e v e n f i s h e r i e s a n d i l l e g a l

TUNDE OPALANA Abuja

Gov Oborevwori

Man jailed 18 months for stealing 48 birds, generator

An Abeokuta Magist r a t e s ’ C o u r t h a s sentenced a 26-year-

old man, Hassan Gafar, to 18 months in prison for stealing 4 8 b i r d s a n d a p o w e r generator.

Gafar, who resides at No. 23, Iyana Cele Car Wash in Abeokuta, was convicted o n a fo u r- c o u n t c h a r g e bothering on break-in and stealing.

T h e M a g i s t ra t e , M r s O.O Odumosu, sentenced Gafar following his guilty plea and evidence provided by the police.

Odumosu did not give the convict an option of fine but held that the sentence should run concurrently

Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Olakunle Shonibare, told the court that the convict c o m m i t t e d t h e s t e a l i n g March 4 at 6:00 a.m. at No. 9, L a b a i w o O k e - O d o i n Abeokuta.

S h e s e n t e n c e d t h e convict to 12 months in prison for unlawful entering and six months jail term for stealing.

stole 48 birds worth N152, 000

He also added that the convict, on the same date, about 6:30 a.m. at No. 14, L a b a i w a O k e - O d o i n Abeokuta, entered into the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church and stole one big generator worth N330,000.

H e s a i d t h a t t h e defendant was caught and arrested when he was selling the birds at the Lafenwa Market.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 411 and 390 of the C r i m i n a l L aw s o f O g u n , 2006.

AShonibare said that the defendant broke into the r e s i d e n c e o f o n e M r s Olawunmi Mudash ir u and n Ikeja High Court has i s s u e d a b e n c h

Alleged N950m fraud: Court issues bench warrant against ex-Punch employee, others Court frees man, 23, charged with defiling girlfriend

warrant against the former employee of Punch N i g e r i a L t d ., O l u s e g u n O g u n b a n j o , a n d o t h e r s charged with N950 million fraud.

Other defendants in the s u i t n u m b e r e d

I D / 2 1 5 5 9 C / 2 0 2 3 w h o Justice Ismail Ijelu also ordered a bench warrant a g a i n s t w e r e O l a w u n m i O g u n b a n j o , V a n e l o o International Ltd., Valeco G l o b a l Ve n t u r e s , B a g c o Garba, Taofeek Ogunbanjo, I f e a n y i O d o g w u , B o u n d Media Ltd., and Godwin Benson. Ijelu made the order of arrest after the Director of P u b l i c P r o s e c u t i o n s , D r Babajide Martins, prayed the cour t to is su e a be nch w a r r a n t a g a i n s t t h e defendants following their non-appearance in court.

A c o u n s e l , o n e M s Ugochukwu, who held brief for his principal counsel, (the first defence counsel, Mr Charles Jiakponna), did not oppose the re quest but p r a y e d f o r a s h o r t adjournment for his senior colleague to be in court.

The judge, in his ruling, said the first defendant had been served with a proof of service since Dec 12. 2023 in which Jiakponna had been appearing as his counsel in the case.

“I have considered the antecedent of this case and I f i n d o u t t h a t t h e f i r s t defendant was aware of this case, the counsel appeared for him on Dec.12 , 2023 and told this court that he received the proof of service on his behalf

“I, therefore, find and hold that the first defendant is fully aware of the criminal charges against him.

“Consequently, bench warrant is hereby issued for t h e a r r e s t o f t h e f i r s t d e f e n d a n t a n d o t h e r defendants in this case.”

Ijelu adjourned the case u n t i l A p r i l 3 0 , f o r arraignment.

The arraignment of the

He said Jiakponna had made a passionate plea to the court in the previous proceedings to avail all the defendants in court at the next date of adjournment but failed to do so. According to him, a g e n e ra l r u l e i n c r i m i n a l proceedings is that when a d e f e n d a n t i s a w a r e o f criminal charges against him but w i l fu l l y s t aye d away without a valid reason, his attendance could be secured by a bench warrant. H e s a i d : “ T h e l a w empowers the court where it i s s a c r o s a n c t t h a t t h e defendant is absent without a valid reason to issue a bench warrant against him in order to ensure his presence in court.

d e f e n d a n t s o n M a r c h 1 9 suffered setback due to their absence in court.

The court had on Feb.26 overruled the objections of the first defendant that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case.

The court had ruled that c o u r t h a d t h o r o u g h l y examined the information and proof of evidence in the case and formed the view that its jurisdiction to entertain the case was absolutely intact.

The court had ordered that all the defendants be produced in court to take their plea.

T h e L a g o s S t a t e Government had on March 10, 2023, arraigned Ogunbanjo befo re a Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged N950 million fraud.

M a g i s t r a t e A d e o l a Olatubosun had granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum, following his not guilty plea to the three -count charge of obtaining by false pretences, forgery and stealing.

Ogunbanjo was alleged to have obtained N450 million f r o m o n e M r O l u s o l a lkuyajesin, and N500 million from one Mr Durodola Balogun under false pretences of using the money to buy stationeries.

He also allegedly forged t h e o r g a n i s a t i o n s L o c a l

Purchase Orders to carry out the acts, in contravention of Sections 287, 314 and 365 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

An I k e j a S e x u a l

O f f e n c e s a n d

D o m e s t i c V i o l e n c e

C o u r t o n T h u r s d a y discharged and acquitted a 23-year-old student, Victory Tasie, charged with defiling his girlfriend.

In a ruling on a “nocase’’ submission filed by D e f e n c e C o u n s e l , M r s R u k a y a t O w o l a b i , d a t e d March 19, Presiding Justice Abiola Soladoye held that the p r o s e c u t i o n f a i l e d t o discharge the burden of proof of defilement against Tasie.

Soladoye ruled that the f i r s t w i t n e s s ( Ta s i e ’ s girlfriend) cal led by the prosecution, testified that the respondent Tasie was her boyfriend and did not rape her S h e r u l e d t h a t t h e testimony of the alleged survivor of defilement was fundamental and she had testified before the court that she was not a minor when she got pregnant for

Tasie. A l l e g e d s u r v i v o r o f Ta s i e ’ s d e f i l e m e n t , t h e g i r l f r i e n d , h a d t e s t i f i e d before the court that she was born on April 12, 2003.

“The defence counsel filed a no-case submission dated March 19 that the prosecution had failed to e s t a b l i s h t h e c h a r g e o f d e f i l e m e n t a g a i n s t t h e defendant and she urged the court to discharge and acquit him.

“The prosecution closed its case on Feb. 8 only after calling one witness (the girlfriend) and no other one.

“ I h a v e c a r e f u l l y considered the submissions of the learned counsel and t h e c o u r t f i n d s t h a t prosecution failed to prove the charge of defilement against the defendant.

“I hereby uphold the noc a s e s u b m i s s i o n o f t h e defendant in this case. The defendant has no case to answer and he is hereby discharged and acquitted,’’

Justice Soladoye ruled.

L a g o s S t a t e Government had accused Tasie of defiling the alleged s u r v i v o r s o m e t i m e s i n January 2022 when she was 16 years old, according to the charge sheet.

In her testimony dated Nov 8, 2023, however, the girlfriend told the court that she was 19 years old when she got pregnant for Tasie and not 16 years old as claimed by government. She also confirmed to the court that Tasie did not rape her as they were in a romantic relationship and the sex that occurred was consensual.

“I know the defendant. He is my boyfriend. I am here in this court to say that he did not rape me. I was 19 y e a r s o l d w h e n I g o t pregnant and not 16 years old,’’ she testified.

The prosecution had earlier submitted that the alleged offence contravened the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015).

Man, 41, docked over alleged N65m fraud

AOjewuyi,

fraud and stealing.

at

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court

committed the offences in January 2021 in Ibadan.

Opaleye said that the defendant obtained the sum of N65

from the complainant, Mr Adebambo Ilori, with

claim of investing it in mushroom business, but

the

the prosecutor said.

Opaleye said the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State 2000. The Chief Magistrate,

the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a landed property owner with Certi fic ate of Oc cu pancy, while the other surety must be a blood relation. She, adjourned the case until July 9, for mention.

Man, 27, arraigned for allegedly raping a 20- year-old woman

A2 7 - y e a r - o l d m a n , Olaoluwa Fakayode on Thursday appeared in

an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for allegedly raping a 20-yearo l d w o m a n ( n a m e withheld).

F a k a y o d e , w h o s e residential address was not provided, is facing a twocount charge of conspiracy to commit felony to wit rape and rape.

The State Counsel, Ms A b i m b o l a A b o l a d e , thereafter applied for a trial date and for the prosecution to assemble her witnesses.

Abolade told the court that the defendant with his fleeing accomplice, allegedly committed the offences on April 23, 2020, at about 3.00 a.m. on Cappa in Oshodi, Lagos.

She alleged that the de fend an t un lawful ly ha d sexual intercourse with the survivor without her consent.

Abolade told the court that the alleged offences contravened Sections 260(1) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

She pleaded with the court to allow her time to assemble her witnesses and

requested for a trial date.

The counsel urged the c o u r t t o r e m a n d t h e defendant in a correctional centre until the adjourned date.

T h e d e f e n d a n t , however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Abiola Soladoye, agreed to the prosecution’s request and remanded the defendant in a custodial centre pending the hearing of his bail application. The Judge adjourned the case u n t i l J u n e 1 0 , f o r commencement of trial.

Businessman docked for alleged N300,000 visa scam

A5 4 - y e a r - o l d b u s i n e s s m a n ,

Princely Amaechi has a p p e a r e d i n a n E j i g b o Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining the sum of N300,000 under the p r e t e x t o f p r o c u r i n g a European visa.

T h e d e f e n d a n t i s standing trial on a threecount charge of conspiracy, o b t a i n i n g u n d e r f a l s e p r e t e n c e s a n d s t e a l i n g , preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, ASP

Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendant and others at large committed the offences sometime in 2019, at No. 40, Emmanuel Okonne St., Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos.

H e s a i d t h a t t h e d e f e n d a n t f r a u d u l e n t l y obtained N300, 000 from Ms Abigail Nwonyi, under the g u i s e o f p r o c u r i n g a European visa for her

According to him, the defendant did not procure the visa but converted the said sum to his personal use.

Aigbokhan said that the o f f e n c e s c o n t r a v e n e d Sections 287, 314(1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Miss K. A. Ariyo, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. A r i y o o r d e r e d t h a t t h e sureties should be gainfully employed and should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. She adjourned the case until April 16, for mention.

Couple jailed 4 months each for criminal breach of trust

ADei-dei Grade I Area Court in Abuja on

Thursday sentenced an man, Austin Anoke and his wife, Annah to four months imprisonment each for criminal breach of trust.

The couple who were convicted and sentenced a f t e r p l e a d i n g g u i l ty t o criminal conspiracy, breach o f t r u s t a n d c h e a t i n g , b e g g e d t h e c o u r t f o r leniency

T h e J u d g e , S a m i n u Suleiman, gave the couple an option to pay a fine of N10,000 each and ordered them to pay the complainant, Mrs Beatrice Omea

N320,000 in damages. He warned them to d e s i s t f r o m c o m m i t t i n g crimes and live an honest life.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Juliana Atinko told t h e c o u r t t h a t t h e complainant, reported the matter at the Zuba Police Station on Dec.19, 2023.

Atinko said that Annah collected a N100,000 loan f r o m t h e c o m p l a i n a n t ’ s cooperative to pay back with N20,000 interest monthly,.

She said Annah only paid N95,000 from the said amount.

T h e p r o s e c u t i o n counsel said Anoke also

collected N75,000 as loan from the complainant with an interest of N15,000 monthly which comes up to N345,000 but only paid her N15,000.

S h e s a i d t h e c o m p l a i n a n t a s k e d t h e couple to pay her N360,000 and forget about the balance but they failed to do so.

A t i n k o s a i d d u r i n g p o l i c e i n v e s t i g a t i o n s t h e couple admitted to collecting the said loans adding that N40,000 only was recovered from them.

The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of Sections 97, 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

2 arraigned for allegedly stealing cell phone worth N216,000

A20-year old man, Usman Ibrahim and a teenager, Abdulsalam

Balarabe, were on Thursday arraigned before a Lugbe G ra d e O n e A r e a C o u r t , Abuja, for allegedly stealing a cell phone valued N216, 800.

Ibrahim and Balarabe whose addresses were not given, are being charged with joint act, belonging to a gang of thieves and theft.

The Prosecutor, Mr E. A. Nnamani, told the court that

t h e c o m p l a i n a n t , N u r a h Abdullahi of Garki 2, Abuja, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on March 24.

Nnamani said that the complainant was attacked at Garki while on his way home and dispossessed of his cell phone valued N216, 800 He said that during inve stigations, the police d i s c o v e r e d t h a t t h e defendants belonged to a gang of thieves operating

An I k e j a C h i e f Magistrates’ Court on T h u r s d a y o r d e r e d

that a 35-year-old man, Joshua Ogabi, who allegedly abducted a 17-year-old girl be remanded in a correction centre.

The Chief Magistrate, E K u b e i n j e , r e m a n d e d Ogabi in Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre pending his trial.

Kubeinje adjourned the case until April 24, for hearing.

SP Kehinde Ajayi, the police prosecutor, said the d e f e n d a n t o n M a r c h 2 , committed the offence at

within Garki community

The prosecutor said that t h e o f f e n c e c o n t r a v e n e d Sections 79, 360 and 287 of the Penal Code.

T h e d e f e n d a n t s , however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Judge, Malam Aliyu K a g a r k o , a d m i t t e d t h e defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

The judge adjourned the case until April 6 for hearing.

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Court remands man for allegedly abducting 17-year-old girl

Togbe compound , Mowo, Badagry, Lagos state.

Ajayi alleged that the defendant was the boyfriend of the missing girl.

“He took her to his house for two days without the consent of her parents.

“ H e h a d c a r n a l knowledge of her forcefully”, the prosecutor said.

Ajayi said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 136 and 268 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

“Section 268 states that

“any person with intent to m a r r y o r h a v e s e x u a l intercourse with any female of any age, or to cause her to be married, or for another p e r s o n t o h a v e s e x u a l intercourse with her, takes her away or detains her against her will, is guilty of a f e l o n y a n d i s l i a b l e t o i m p r i s o n m e n t f o r s e v e n years.”

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Court remands man, 42, for allegedly defiling, impregnating girl, 11

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered that a 42-

ye a r- o l d m a n , M u y i wa Shonibare, be remanded for a l l e g e d l y d e f i l i n g a n d i m p r e g n a t i n g a n 1 1year–old girl.

The Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje , who did not take Shonibare’s plea, ordered that he should be remanded i n K i r i k i r i C o r r e c t i o n a l Centre.

Kubeinje directed the police to send the case file to the state Director of Public

P r o s e c u t i o n s ( D P P ) f o r advice.

She adjourned the case until April 24 for DPP’s advice.

T h e p o l i c e c h a r g e d Shonibare who resides at Odeyele Stre et, Agodo Egbe, Ikotun area of Lagos State, with defilement and indecent treatment of a child.

T h e P r o s e c u t i o n Counsel SP Kehinde Ajayi, told the court that Shonibare c o m m i t t e d t h e o f f e n c e b e t w e e n A u g u s t a n d

November, 2023.

She said that a particular d a y a t m i d n i g h t i n

November, Shonibare lured the girl to his house, defiled and got her pregnant.

Defilement attracts life imprisonment according to the provisions of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2005.

Indecent treatment of a child attracts a seven-year jail t e r m , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f S e c t i o n 135(1)(2) of the law

Woman docked for allegedly stealing from lending agency

A45-year-old woman, Sekinat Tijani, was on Thursday docked in

an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, for allegedly stealing N50,000 from a loan agency

T

T

offence between January 2022 and April 1, 2022.

Omilana alleged that Tijani stole the money which she borrowed from a Penayo Multipurpose Venture Ltd, Odinjo, Ibadan.

Omilana alleged that the defendant borrowed the money with a promise to pay back but failed to do so.

He said the offence contravened the provisions

of Section 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs G. Oladele, admitted defendant to bail in the sum of N100, 000 and two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until April 29 for hearing.

Umahi urges NASS to declare State of Emergency on Third Mainland, Carter bridges

Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi on Friday charged the National Assembly to declare a State of Emergency on the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos State.

The State of Emergency would facilitate expedited repairs of the bridges and stave off potential disasters, the minister declared during a facility tour of key infrastructural projects in Lagos State.

On the facility tour were members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works who were on joint oversight functions in Lagos State.

Umahi stressed that urgency and special attention were needed from the lawmakers to arrest the deterioration of the bridges as they needed specialised underwater repairs.

He noted that only the Second Mainland Bridge (Eko Bridge) was allowed to take heavy vehicles for now as the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges faced critical infrastructural challenges.

“We have critical underwater challenges on the Third Mainland Bridge.

“The first is the deflection of the slab, which is nothing to worry about as we shall repair it as we did on Eko Bridge and it will stop deflecting.

“The second one is the deterioration of the piers, the pier caps and the pier cap covers. The contractor is already mobilised about four weeks ago and is working on it.

“Cost of rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge is estimated at N21 billion,’’ he said.

He stressed that if the rehabilitation on the Third Mainland Bridge was not done speedily, its reconstruction could cost N6 trillion.

Umahi noted that illegal mining of sand, natural underwater current and the rusting of the steel casing of the bridge’s pillars were the causative factors of the deterioration.

The minister also noted that the Carter Bridge was faced with the same challenges.

“I want the National Assembly to take very special note that this is the worst of the challenges we are having on these two bridges.

“Cost of rehabilitation of Carter Bridge is N25 billion.

“We have mobilised the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC., with N7 billion for Carter Bridge seven days ago and N6 billion for the Third Mainland Bridge,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Chairman, Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, Sen. Barinada Mpigi, corroborated Umahi’s observations and called for the support of the National Assembly.

“I join you to call on the President to declare state of emergency on some of our critical infrastructure, especially in the road sector.

“We saw decay at the Carter Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge.

“If any of these infrastructures gets destroyed, we don’t know to get humongous amounts of money to rebuild it.

“We at the National Assembly are prepared, but the initiative has to come from the Executive,’’ he said.

Mpigi stressed that it would be nice of President Bola Tinubu to immediately invoke his powers and ensure that most critical infrastructure built decades ago got needed attention.

He observed that provisions made in the 2024 budget would not fix some of the projects.

Also speaking during the tour, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Rep. Akin Alabi, assured of continued support of the parliament.

“I assure you that anything that the parliament can do to make your job easier, we will do it and continue to do it because it is good for all of us.

“Third Mainland Bridge is the most important bridge in Lagos and in West Africa. It is one of the longest bridges in Africa and we cannot afford to toy with it,’’ he told Umahi.

Easter: AIG assures Lagos, Ogun residents of safe celebrations

Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, has assured residents of Lagos State and Ogun of adequate security during the Easter celebrations.

The AIG gave the assurance in a statement signed by the Zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), SP Umma Ayuba on Friday in Lagos.

Durosinmi directed the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun, alongside

Commanders of Tactical Units and all officers within the zone to implement heightened security measures across the region.

“The security measures include increased patrols and security presence in religious centers, shopping malls, tourist attractions, marketplaces, commercial districts, social gatherings and residential areas.

“Also included are Highways and major roads, motor parks garages, relax -

ation centers, train stations and bus terminals, critical national infrastructure, government and private property.

“These measures are designed to ensure the safety and security of all residents during the Easter holiday.

“Traffic flow will also be closely monitored to minimise congestion and maintain smooth movement throughout the festive period, ” he said.

The police boss, who wished all residents of Lagos

EFCC arrests 74 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 74 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun State.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Oyewale stated that the alleged fraudsters were arrested at Government Residential Area

(G.R.A), Shagamu in Ogun State following surveillance and intelligence exposing their suspected internet-related offences.

“Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, three laptops, 124 mobile phones, one PlayStation 3 game, two motorcycles and other incriminating documents.

“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.

Easter: FRSC sensitises motorists against overloading, speed

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, has cautioned motorists against overloading and speeding to avoid mishaps during the Easter celebrations.

Mr Ezekiel SonAllah, FRSC Sector Commander in the state, gave the warning at the end of a three-day Easter Enlightenment and Sensitisation Talk held at the Ado-Ekiti and Benin Garages on Friday in Akure.

SonAllah, who said that the Easter Sensitisation and Enlightenment programme was held in nine different motor parks in the state, advised drivers to observe traffic rules.

The sector commander said that the goal of the corps was to reduce road traffic crashes and create a safe motoring environment in Nigeria.

SonAllah disclosed that the road crashes, which claimed eight lives in the past two days in the state, was caused by burst tyres and loss of control.

He therefore appealed to drivers to ensure that their vehicles were in good conditions before embarking on any

journey, particularly during the festive period.

“So, we are appealing to our drivers, we need to avoid overloading our vehicles, avoid going at excessive speeds and install speed limit device in our vehicles.

“Also, we need to go for standard tyres instead of used tyres (Tokunbo) because we need to value our lives, and the lives of passengers.

“It is also compulsory for commercial vehicles to install speed limit device, while drivers should move with the prescribed limit to avoid unforseen circumstances that may occur on highways.

“We don’t want any lives to be lost and we want all drivers and passengers to have a safe Easter and Sallah celebrations,” the sector commander said.

SonAllah said that the command had deployed 16 patrol vehicles, four ambulances, one towing truck, 572 regular marshals and 429 special marshals for the Easter special patrol in the state.

Easter: Makinde felicitates Christians, calls for more prayers

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has felicitated the Christian faithful in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the Easter festivity.

and Ogun a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, encouraged them to celebrate freely without fear of harassment or violence.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the police and the public to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Durosinmi urged residents to report any suspicious activity or crime to the nearest police station or by calling the Zone 2 Command on 08100025614.

The governor, who congratulated the Christians on witnessing another Easter season, called on them to use the special occasion to pray for Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the leadership.

According to the governor, it has become important to engage in more prayers and supplications for the country and the state amid current economic situations.

He equally charged Christians to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrificial living taught through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, saying it is important for Christians, now more

than ever before, to put into practice the lessons of love and sacrificial living of Christ.

He said: “I congratulate our Christian brethren on the occasion of Easter festivity.

“It is my prayer that God grants us the opportunity to witness more of such occasion.

“I also want to use the opportunity to charge them to follow Christ’s examples of love, selflessness and sacrificial living, as exemplified by his death on the cross of Calvary and resurrection.

“I equally call on all residents of the state to be vigilant and security-conscious as they celebrate Easter. As we always say, if they see something, they should say something and as their government, we will continue to take action towards securing the state. Happy Easter.”

Lagos: LAWMA urges responsible waste management at Easter

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged the residents of the state to ensure a clean and sustainable environment through responsible waste management practices.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, gave the advice in a statement on Friday against the backdrop of the Easter celebration.

Gbadegesin urged residents to shun indiscriminate waste disposal and embrace recycling as integral components of their Easter festivities.

“Easter symbolises joy and renewal, but it also serves as a reminder of our duty to preserve the environment for future generations.

” LAWMA implores all residents to prioritise sustainable waste management practices during this festive period by minimising waste generation and actively participating in recycling efforts.

“It is also important to highlight the need for residents to avoid food wastage and use only materials that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, to minimize environmental impact.

“The Easter festivities provide an excellent opportunity for individuals and communities to demonstrate their com-

mitment to environmental sustainability,” Gbadegesin said.

He encouraged residents to make use of designated waste collection points and recycling facilities across the state.

He added that the authority would continue to sensitise the populace on proper waste management during and after the celebration.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, LAWMA has launched several initiatives aimed at encouraging recycling and waste reduction.

“These include community clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses and organisations,” he added.

He noted that by working together and engaging in recycling practices, “we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for all”.

While wishing Lagos residents a happy Easter celebration, the LAWMA boss urged them to bag and containerise their waste for fast and seamless evacuation by assigned Private Sector Participants (PSPs) operators.

He assured residents that the authority would provide backup services to complement efforts of PSPs.

Easter: Sacrifice, courage, core of professional military calling – Defence Chief

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says that sacrifice and courage are at the core of the professional calling as members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

Musa said this in his Easter Message on Friday in Abuja.

He expressed profound gratitude to God for granting them the opportunity to come together in reflection and joy to celebrate Easter.

According to him, Easter serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, because his selfless act underscores the importance of sacrifice, both individually and collectively.

“It is a time for us to acknowledge the immense love and care bestowed upon us by God year after year.

“In the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), sacrifice and courage are at the core of our professional calling.

“We willingly lay down our lives in service to our nation, especially during challenging times when collective support is crucial in tackling security challenges.

“In spite of the challenges we face as a nation, the message of Easter brings hope.

“Just as darkness gives way to light, we must remain steadfast in our resolve to overcome obstacles and strive for a bright-

Journalists

demand justice for colleague brutalized by DSS officers in Oyo

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

Journalists in Oyo State rally to demand justice for their colleague, Mr. Tony Babatunde Daniel, who was brutally assaulted by DSS officers on Friday in Ibadan.

The incident, which occurred at the NNPC filling station near the State NUJ Press Centre in Iyaganku GRA, has sparked condemnation from the media community, prompting urgent calls for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice.

Daniel's harrowing ordeal unfolded around 9:30 am when he was reportedly beaten by DSS officers, leaving him brutally injured before he was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

His colleagues, who were angry by the brazen attack on their fellow journalist, have united in a resounding chorus demanding swift and decisive action from the DSS headquarters to apprehend those responsible for heinous act.

Daniel recounted the events that transpired at the NNPC station, where a routine fuel purchase turned into a

nightmare of brutality and intimidation at the hands of the DSS officers.

Describing the traumatic experience of being assaulted and threatened with his life, he detailed the violent encounter that left him battered and his car damaged.

He also narrated the excessive force and aggression exhibited by the alleged perpetrators.

The disturbing account of Daniel's ordeal has led to his colleagues expressing solidar-

ity and demanding accountability for the heinous assault on one of their own.

The shocking brutality unleashed on Daniel has not only left him physically scarred, but raised troubling questions about the conduct of security operatives entrusted with safeguarding the public.

This heinous act is coming just 24 hours after the FirstNews editor, Mr Segun Olatunji was released from the captivity of the Defence Intelligence Agency(DIA), another security

agency in the country.

The brazen attack on a journalist in the course of his duty has reignited concerns about press freedom and the safety of media practitioners, prompting a united front in condemning the wanton violence unleashed by the DSS officers.

The spotlight is firmly on the DSS headquarters to swiftly investigate the incident, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that they face the full force of the law for their reprehensible actions.

Eyewitness account corroborated Daniel’s harrowing account, expressing shock and disbelief at the brutalisation meted out by the very officers entrusted with maintaining law and order.

This incident has raised broader concerns about the conduct and oversight of security agencies, highlighting the need for reforms to prevent such flagrant abuses of power.

As the clamour for justice grows louder and the spotlight intensified on the perpetrators of this heinous act, the resolve to seek redress and ensure accountability remained unshaken.

er future,” he said.

The CDS urged all members of the armed forces to embody the message of hope, courage, and resilience.

He added that their dedication and unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria were commendable and deeply appreciated.

He pledged his commitment to nurturing an armed forces that honored the sacrifices of fallen heroes.

Musa also remembered those who had paid the ultimate price, which he said, included those who recently lost their lives on a peace mission in Delta.

“I invite all Nigerians to join me in prayer for the souls of our fallen heroes and for strength for their grieving families.

“Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their memories will always be cherished.

“My special appreciation goes to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu for his leadership and unwavering support, particularly during recent tragedy and loss of our gallant officers and men in Delta State.

“I extend warm Easter greetings to all who celebrate. May this Easter season be filled with blessings, hope, and renewed strength,” he concluded.

Ebonyi enrolls 4000 pregnant women into health insurance

Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) says it has enrolled no fewer than 4,000 pregnant women across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state into its health insurance scheme.

Dr Divine Igwe, the agency’s Executive Secretary, said this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen after an enrolment exercise in Ohaukwu LGA.

Igwe said the exercise was in collaboration with the state governor’ s wife pet project–Better Life for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation.

“The beneficiaries will access free health services such as ante natal care and child delivery services including those that involves medical operations.

“This is, however, not an

encouragement for increased pregnancy as most of the women were pregnant before being enrolled.

“The enrolment covers a one year period and it is expected that couples should be aware of the harsh economic conditions to plan their families,” he said.

The executive secretary said that 51,800 persons have been enrolled into the programme after the governor approved the enrollment of the formal sector.

“The governor, during a summit by the agency on Nov.17. 2023, announced that the government would bankroll the enrolment of the state’s civil servants and we have duly completed their enrolment.

“This has tremendously

aided the expansion of enrollment coverage to more residents of the state as we are resolute in improving service delivery to beneficiaries.

“We have partnered with more healthcare providers in the state to ensure that access to a wide range of healthcare services, including Ante Natal and child delivery services among others,” he said.

He said the agency had enhanced its benefit packages which include additional services such as dental care, mental health services and maternity care.

“We have embraced digital technology to streamline our operations and improve efficiency.

“We have implemented a digital platform for enroll-

ment, claims processing and member communication, making it easier for our beneficiaries to access and utilise their health insurance benefits.

“We have also conducted several community outreach and health education campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of health insurance,” he said.

Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, Team Lead of the governor’s wife pet project lauded EBSHIA for its intervention, saying that such had improved the wellbeing of women and children in the state.

“We realise that newborns still need to be catered-for and we urge well-meaning individuals and organisations to sponsor their enrolment.

Nollywood Actor, Zack Orji, at the airport before his departure to the United Kingdom for a post-surgery checkup...on Friday.

Credit: X | Authenticvoice6.

Delta: Police arrest 2 phone thieves, recover pistol from 25 yr old man

BY NOSA ÀKENZUA, ASABA

Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspects, who specialized in stealing phones from unsuspecting passengers boarding tricycles (Keke); Collins Akpinoba ‘m’ , 27yrs and his co conspirator, David Paulson ‘m’,38yrs have been arrested in Asaba.

Luck ran out on the duo when one of their victims noticed his missing phone as they were traveling along Nnebisi Road heading towards Okpanam Road in Asaba on Monday, March 25 and raised the alarm.

Sympathizers helped him track down the suspects who were then handed over to the police.

Also, the police arrested a 25 year old man identified as John

Chukwuji, a native of Akuku-Agbor with a pistol.

It was learnt that the said Chukwuji was travelling from Agbor to his village when a team of anti-crime patrol recovered a Berreta pistol from him during a stop and search operation on Thursday.

A statement issued by the Command’s PPRO, SP Edafe Bright said investigation on the matter is ongoing.

SP Edafe Bright, Delta State Police Command’s PPRO confirmed the report in a release issued by him and made available to our correspondent

The release reiterated CP Abaniwonda Olufemi’s resolve to rid the state of criminals and warned such hoodlums to have a change of behaviour, before the long arm of the law would catch up with them.

SERVICOM at the heart ff Delta Govt policy implementation, says SSG

BY NOSA ÀKENZUA, ASABA

The Delta State Government has assured Deltans of its commitment to ensure that its activities meet the aspirations of Deltans and that the dividends of democracy are spread across the State.

The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu made this known on Thursday in Asaba when he received the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon Funkekeme Solomon and the SERVICOM Team.

Dr. Emu said that SERVICOM is the center of service delivery and reminded government officials that government activities/programmes should have timelines, be acceptable and measurable.

Dr. Emu stated that the Civil Service in the various MDAs is

the vehicle for ensuring good governance that will lead to the improvement of the lives of residents of the State.

He posited that SERVICOM was a good initiative capable of addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks which had been a major clog in the wheel of progress as far as the carrying out of government prgrammes and policies are concerned.

The SSG used the medium to applaud the team for the good job they are doing adding that with the caliber of persons projecting SERVICOM the State will surely benefit.

Earlier, the Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, said that SERVICOM was introduced into the governance of the State by the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan administration but unfortunately later became dormant.

8th Founder's Day: Ojomo hails EDSU over uncommon academic performance

BY TITUS AKHIGBE, BENIN

Executive Director, Independent Television and Radio and member, Governing Council, Igbinedion University, Okada, Lady Celerina Ojomo has hailed Edo State University, Uzairue over academic performance , saying other institutions in the country should emulate the school for development.

Ojomo, who was the guest lecturer at the 8th Founder's Day ceremony of the Edo State University, Uzairue was represented by Dr. Osa Oghator, Director, Institute of Public Administration, University of Benin (UNIBEN), said good leadership diversity and inclusion can be achieved in every institution in Nigeria.

The guest lecturer whose lecture was titled "A Clarion Call For Diversity and Inclusion In University Administration" said that the overall diversity and inclusion in university administration are imperative for creating an environment where all members of the community feel valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potentials.

She highlighted some of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion to include, reflecting students' Diversity; enhancing decision making; promoting

equity and access, setting a positive example; preparing students for a diverse world and impact on employee.

Concluding, Ojomo said enhancing diversity and inclusion in university administration is essential for creating a welcoming and equitable campus towards a more inclusive administrative team.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja who was represented by Prof. Michael Ozavehe Ogirima said university administration needs to be guided by the concept of Diversity and Inclusion In the management of the system as it captures one of the major criteria of ranking universities.

He said Edo State University, Uzairue just as other universities; the core objectives are anchored on teaching, research and community development, adding that these objectives must first be observed in a conducive academic environment where diversity and inclusion are the watchdog.

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki who is the visitor of the university commended the management of the University for providing quality educational standard in the institution.

The governor who was represented at the ceremony

by Prof. Theophilus Agweda, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, said the institution had not only maintained standard in delivery quality education, but also maintained a steady calendars throughout its operations.

Gov. Obaseki however thanked the management under the leadership of Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor for their sacrifice in keeping the institution's flag flying, while imploring the management to ensure peaceful atmosphere for learning.

"I want to thank the management under the leadership of Prof Emmanuel Aluyor for the great work he is doing to this university

"Under my watch as the governor of Edo State, education at all level in the state will continue to receive greater attention and will continue to ensure that the university is fully supported to play a vital role in the educational transformation of the state and Nigeria at large," Obaseki said

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor commended the management of the university and highlighted the various notable achievements the university has witnessed over the years.

He said the university began with two faculties and

eight programmes, but with the expansion of nine Faculties offering over thirty undergraduate programs.

He added that, the Edo State University, Uzairue was honoured as the 10th best University in Nigeria, 2nd best State university in Nigeria, and the best University in the south-south geopolitical zone by the National University Commission (NUC) and Times Higher Education Impact Ranking.

According to him, the first of graduate from the faculty of law has accomplished a welcome feat in the Bar final examination.

"The College of Postgraduate Studies in the university has distinguished itself through its highly successful programs offering PGD, Masters, MBA, MPA, MPhil and PhD degrees across various faculties."

The VC further revealed that the university operates its own teaching hospital, the Edo State University Uzairue teaching hospital Auchi with the aim of teaching its own medical students.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the commissioning of male and female hostels, as well as the inauguration of an eatery built by the Enterprenuership Unit of the Edo State University ,Uzairue.

Oba of Benin asks God to heal Nigeria at Easter

BY TITUS AKHIGBE, BENIN

Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin has asked God almighty and his ancestors to heal Nigeria during the Easter Celebrations.

The prayer is contained in a message of felicitation signed by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba on Friday.

According to the statement, "The Royal father, who also admonishes Christian faithful, to be Christ-like and pray ardently to God for forgiveness of sins through the grace of God, asked God to heal the nation called Nigeria".

The Oba urges Christian to emulate the virtues of Christ in their daily living during the yearly festival in the Christian Calendar, marking Christ's death and his resurrection.

Oba Ewuare II, implores Christians to draw strength from the message of hope offered by the sacrifice of Jesus and promote virtues of love and cohesion irrespective of their challenges.

BENIE’S DIARY…CHRONICLES OF A LAGOS LADY

Rent increment “M

y husband can’t pay 800,000 naira for this house, it doesn’t make sense,” Mrs Aregbesola said. “We will definitely hold a meeting to discuss it and God help me if he opens his mouth to talk nonsense,” she said.

“Calm down,” I believe everything will be sorted out once we have the meeting,” I told her.

“But Mummy Daniel. I am scared. Let’s face it, this house increment is everywhere. It appears as if all Lagos Landlords have held a meeting. My sister told me last year December they were given letters stating their house has been sold and they needed to vacate within one month. She says the worst part is they don’t have any money to rent a new place. They practically live in fear of when the new Landlord will come.”

I shook my head, “That’s a very tricky situation,” I told her, really worried. “Just last week the roof of a face me I face you compound on the next street after ours was pulled off while the tenant were still living there. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for them as I watched the tenants run around to move their properties into hurriedly arranged trucks for unknown destinations.

The worst thing that can happen to a human being is being homeless and the situation is made worse when you have a family. Nobody can better understand the situation than one who has experienced it. Homelessness is the definition of poverty at its worst.

“It’s important we have a meeting with the care taker. We have to come to an agreement. Me I can’t pay 800,000,” I said.

“Yes, we have to. I will inform my husband,” Mrs Aregbesola said as she got up to leave. Three days later on a Saturday morning we gathered down stairs to discuss the rent increment with the care taker.

“The rent was increased by the landlord whom you all know lives outside the country,” the care taker said.

“That one is a long story. The landlord lives abroad and knows the high cost of things. How can he have the mind to increase our rent by over a 100%? One of the tenants asked.

“Yes, it’s wickedness. We cannot pay 800,000 for a two bedroom flat either “It’s not like our salaries were also increased,” I added.

“Yes we cannot.” Another tenant chipped in. “Tell Landlord we cannot pay more than 500,000.”

The care taker smiled and shook his head. He rubbed his hands together and looked around. “The landlord said he cannot accept anything less than 650,000. Anyone who can’t pay the new rate may as well leave.”

“Haba care taker why are you talking like this?” Mr Ike whom I referred to as Daddy Iyke asked.

The care taker stood up and spread his hands in the air. “What do you want me to do? Do you know what it took me to convince my brother to reduce the rent? He initially put it at 1,000,000.”

I bristled with anger, which I tried to control. My instinct told me there was no way the landlord or anyone in his right mind would have increased the house rent to 1,000,000 given the economic situation in the country. I felt the care taker was lying to us.

As we dispersed to our respective flats, I decided to use the weekend to go house-hunting…

–Benie Amirize

Saturday, March30, 2024

Tinubu, a transformational leader, development democrat...Akpabio

TUNDE OPALANA Abuja

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot

A k p a b i o , C O N h a s

congratulated President Bola

A h m e d T i n u b u o n t h e o c c a s i o n o f h i s 7 2 n d birthday hailing him as a transformational leader

A k p a b i o , i n a c o n g r a t u l a t o r y m e s s a g e r e l e a s e d b y h i s S p e c i a l

A d v i s e r o n M e d i a a n d Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh a l s o d e s c r i b e d P r e s i d e n t Tinubu as a developmental democrat and bridge builder

According to Akpabio, "As a transformational leader, H i s E xc e l l e n c y, P r e s i d e n t Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, leads from the front and this i s e x e m p l i f i e d i n h i s d e ve l o p m e n t a l s t r i d e s a s governor of Lagos state and since coming on stream as the Commander-in-Chief and President of Nigeria.

" A s a d e ve l o p m e n t a l democrat, he has over the d e c a d e s d e m o n s t r a t e d uncommon commitment in nurturing and instituting a f i r m f o u n d a t i o n f o r democracy in Nigeria.

mobilizer of men and women in contemporary Nigeria and the politician with the most robust political machinery"

The Senate President prayed "Mr President as you mark 72 years today, I on behalf of my family, the good pe op le of my Se natori al district and Akwa Ibom state, and of course, the National Assembly, wish you good h e a l t h a n d m a n y m o r e prosperous years ahead.

TOM OKPE Abuja

Kebbi: Gov Nasir Idris seeks review in revenue sharing formula

Th e H o u s e o f

Re pre s e ntative s has vowed to recover two

Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has called for a review of the sharing formula of federal allocations to meet the democratic needs of citizens.

Bell Helicopters, Bell 206L4 BZB and Bell M2061- L4, belonging to the Nigerian C o l l e g e o f A v i a t i o n Technology, (NCAT), Zaria, sold to private individuals.

Idris also called for a critical look at the issue of the establishment of the Police to be managed by state governments across the federation.

HoR to probe sale of Gov't aircraft sold to individuals

January 2024," he said.

when they were sold.

proved by the National Assembly.

The formula allocates 52.68%, 26.72% and 20.60% to the Federal, State and Local Governments, respectively.

"Your Excellency, may God give you the strength and wisdom to re-engineer and reposition Nigeria for today and posterity”

T"As a bridge builder, he has remained the greatest he Special Assistant to A k w a I b o m s t a t e

governor on Research a n d D o c u m e n t a t i o n D r Essien Ndueso has charged participants of second Batch trainees of Ibom Leadership E n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p D e v e l o p m e n t C e n t r e t o t r a n s l a t e s k i l l s a n d

knowledge acquired during their three months training into their businesses for the success of A-R-I-S-E agenda of the present administration in Akwa Ibom state . T h e g o v e r n o r h a d

C h a i r m a n , H o u s e Committee on Public Assets, Rep Ademorin Kuye, made t h i s k n o w n a t i t s investigative Public Hearing at the National Assembly, on Thursday Kuye expressed concern over the sale of the National Aircraft, when the college was left with none, for training.

The Committee said in spite of initial appeals to NCAT to provide certain documents regarding the process that led to the sale of the helicopters in May 2023, they had not been able to provide it.

In an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja, Idris said the revenue sharing formula was lopsided in favour of the federal government to the detriment of the states.

He said the three arms of government have responsibilities to people that elected them, adding that one arm should not therefore take a proportion that is of disadvantage to the rest.

T h e C o m m i t t e e a l s o q u e s t i o n e d t h e p r o c e s s leading to the sale of the h e l i c o p t e r s a s s e c u r i t y agencies, including Nigerian Air Force, Navy and the Police, indicated interest to purchase them.

The security agencies were, however, denied by the management of the NCAT

“A situation where the federal government takes 55 per cent of the total share of the revenue was to say the least unfair. We must look at the formula in order to meet our campaign promises to our citizens.

T h e t h r e e s e c u r i t y a g e n c i e s , a c c o r d i n g t o various submissions, did not only indicate intere st to purchase the helicopters by w r i t i n g b u t , v i s i t e d t h e college and were denied the o p p o r t u n i t y t o p u r c h a s e them.

“When you look at it, the states and local governments are the closest to the people and most of challenges faced directly by citizens are handled by the states and local governments,” Idris said.

Mr Shaka Imalighwe, Acting Rector, NCAT, said though he was the Deputy Rector of the college at the time the helicopters were sold, he was not part of the t e a m / c o m m i t t e e t h a t facilitated the sales.

" I t o o k o v e r t h e management of the college in an acting capacity in

Revenue among the three arms of government is shared in accordance with the vertical formula, as determined by Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and ap -

Revenue allocation refers to the mechanism for sharing the country’s financial resources, with the overall objective of enhancing economic growth and development, minimising inter-governmental tensions and promoting national unity.

"This, was in respect of a p p r o v a l o f F e d e r a l Executive Council, (FEC) and the Ministry of Aviation as w e l l a s n e w s p a p e r publications, advertising the intention to sell the helicopters."

H e a l s o , t o l d t h e C o m m i t t e e t h a t t h e helicopters were in service and being maintained by r e l e va n t a v i a t i o n b o d i e s

“It is at the state that you find the farmers, the artisans, the poorest of the poor and it is our responsibility as governors to make life meaningful and worth living for them.

“So, I believe that the federal government has fewer responsibilities in terms of direct interaction with Nigerians. Governors and local government chairmen deal directly with the people and that is a huge burden on them.

“Our revenues should be shared in such a way that state and local governments that often have direct interactions with the Nigerian people should collect higher percentage to meet their yearnings and aspirations.”

On proposed state police, Idris said he was not against the idea, but urged for caution in wholeheartedly embracing an idea without deep analysis of its application and sustainability.

Eno's aide tasks 470 business owners on entrepreneurship devt

the

intensive training on various rudiments of business as a m

in the state.

According to Ndueso, the participants will received cash of N500,000 business grants each to boost their businesses to reduce the burden of unemployment

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the graduation ceremony on Thursday

one of the participants and Chief Executive Officer of Phenom

Umoh said courses in the

Regulatory compliance in business dealings as well as N e t w o r k i n g a n d Collaboration.

O t h e r s w e r e D i g i t a

It is believed that the existence of state police in the various states of the country will help in combating the rising insecurity in the country.

The acting Rector of the college also confirmed to the l a w m a k e r s t h a t a t t h e moment, there was no single helicopter in the institution for training.

The lawmakers argued that it was wrong for NCAT to have used an unlicensed a u c t i o n e e r t o s e l l t h e he li co pt er s, di rect in g th e immediate past and current M i n i s t e r o f A v i a t i o n t o appear before it in the next investigative hearing.

It will also negate the wanton imposition on the states by the federal authorities and other agents in the state.

“The idea of a state police is to continue to protect the lives and properties of the citizenry and to curb criminal activities in the states.

Also summoned was the Ministry of Works, Finance Incorporated, (MOFI); both immediate past and present Re c t o r s o f t h e C o l l e g e , among others.

“So, we need to look at the challenges the federal government was having with securing the people that the idea of the state police arose from.

“When I look at this issue, what came to my mind is to first increase the number of these security agents. Their number is very inadequate for Nigeria’s population of over 200 million.

“When we take it from here, then we can start to look at the financial capacity of some state that should serve as pilot states in which to test this new innovation.

“The states that can purchase equipment, take care of personnel welfare and other logistical demands,” he said.

The possible benefits of state police include improved knowledge of local context as well as that officers recruited and trained locally could have a deeper understanding of the specific issues and needs of their communities.

" We would also have

" I have learnt more about uninformed business decisions that made me to lose money in millions in the past

" I have learned more about record keeping in business

A n o t h e r p a r t i c i p a n t E m m a n u e l U r u a t h e M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r o f S h a w a r m a / C h o w D e

Restaurant Mr Emmanuel U r u a s a i d f a c i l i t i e s a n d R e s o u r c e P e r s o n s w e r e d r a

Nigeria ( SMEDAN) Bank of Industry and successful b u s i n e s s o w n e r s a m o n g others

" We were taught how to s e l l b u s i n e s s d e a l s a n d collaborate with others .We got advice from Bank of Industry They assured us that their loan will be a single digit rate less than what is o b t a i n a b l e i n c o m m e rc i a l banks while the tenor period will be 4 years

Two participants Helen Bassey and Grace Joshua dealing with Confectioneries/ C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s a n d Stitches/Wears appreciated governor Umo Eno for the business training adding that the knowledge acquired was equivalent to Lagos Business School where people pay in millions to attend.

“ We are grateful to governor Umo Eno for the 3 months training which ends today The knowledge and s k i l l s a c q u i r e d h e r e i s equivalent to Lagos Business School We are grateful God bless our governor" they said

President Bola Tinubu

Hon. Ademorin Kuye

Gov. Umo Eno

My ghetto experience made comedy easy for me –Koffi

Koffi Nuel Idowu is a complete entertainer. He is gifted in all aspect of entertainment: acting (both stage and screen) music, comedy, script writing and production. He speaks more in this interview with ORJI ONYEKWERE.

What job are you doing currently, Is it movie? Tell us more about it.

I recently released the music video for the song, FLEX which is part of my 'Area Boy Blues' album

We are also preparing for the shoot of two movies, 'An Area Boy [Legend of Muta]', and 'Stiletto Chikito'

What is Muludun Night 2.0? What was the show all about?

Muludun Night is a celebration and performance of quality music with a live band in an engaging and fun atmosphere. This allows me and my friends perform to a live audience and interact spontaneously. It also affords me the opportunity to dish out good music fused with comedy with my fans and audience in a very unique way. Mulund means giving joy to the land.

You said, online comedy cannot displace standup comedy but more people are getting addicted to social media because of comedy skits. Don't you think comedy skits are gradually taking away the shine off standup comedy?

Taking away the shine is a term that belittles the depth of comedy that most Nigerians don't have. Comedy is diverse and beyond skits and standup. Before standup comedy blossomed in Nigeria we celebrated sitcoms like 'New Masquerade', 'Basi and Company', 'Samanja' etc.

The growth of standup comedy did not in anyway disrupt or disturb the growth of comedy in the other areas and people like Osuofia, Mr Ibu, Victor Osuagwu, Charles Inojie etc didn't stop being screen delights. It is the advent of social media that just provided a vehicle for new content creators to cut down the ideas of full length comedy movies into short sketches and get to the market place faster. This has not in anyway stopped full sitcoms like 'The Johnsons', 'Flatmates', 'Jenifa's Diary', 'Papa Ajasco' etc to continue to thrive .

Neither has it stopped comedy movies from making box office or standup comedians from projecting further. We have had a tremendous rise in the number of standup comedians who now sell out venues across the country as against previous years. It is a collective growth for the comedy arm of the Nigerian entertainment space.

How did growing up in the ghetto shape your upbringing and your kind of jokes?

Growing up in Maroko and Bariga gave me first hand experiences and ability to speak on the realities of life. My humour is quite deep and intellectual and I can choose to be pedestrian in delivery due to firsthand knowledge and interaction with my environments over the years.

What is the greatest lesson life has taught you as a struggling young man then and now a successful entrepreneur?

Life has really been good to me in all fairness because I have always been mentally prepared not to expect and reap from what or where I didn't sow. I learnt early enough to work hard to earn my worth and respect. I have always thrived to achieve everything by sheer determination and courage to dare the odds.

I would work and save up money to actualise my dreams. I would read and burn the midnight oil on research to deliver quality service to the client at all times. These attributes and principles have helped me thus far and keeps me going. Integrity and a good name are key to surviving in business.

25 years in the entertainment indus-

“ Life has really been good to me in all fairness because I have always been mentally prepared not to expect and reap from what or where I didn't sow

try, what's the high point of your career?

And the low point too?

I am still looking up to God and keep working towards the acme of my career, however I believe in the collection and collation of the little pictures coming together as a big picture. I have never had any low point in my career. God has been good.

30 movies, 32 music albums, two albums and many stage dramas. What next. What are you reinventing?

It is actually 33 albums, 5 movie soundtrack albums, 2 books, 3 different variety TV shows in English, Yoruba and Togolese Ewe language. Going forward we shall be projecting our new variety music TV show 'Nostalgia' and go on tour with it. Besides that, our TV shows 'Humour Hangouts', 'Awada Express' and 'Mivado' will be projected heavily on YouTube along with several new movies. We also intend to start a new sitcom soon amongst several packages to encourage up and coming talents.

Why are your songs and music videos not receiving quality airplay?

This is a question that can best be answered by the music platforms who have decided to project certain kinds of songs as against the value we want to continue to bring to the table. Several of the stations we have approached would rather we infuse some obscene acts in the video before they can air it.

As a responsible family brand, there's no way I can dish out such products. Moreso a lot of the singers from the past hardly put out content so it becomes more difficult for these platforms to make a case of limited quality against the volume and quantity of other options. Also, we had few outlets back in the day to project our songs but nowadays there are several outlets run by young people who would rather project their own generation sound.

Your marriage is 16 years. What is it that has kept the marriage strong all these years?

Respect and caring for each other. No airs. No ego. Just soul mates in love.

What is that quality in her that keeps endearing her to you?

Not forgetting who we were and maintaining our simple lifestyle.

You said marriage should not be centred on sex, from your experience what are the ingredients that build a successful marriage?

Team work. Transparency. Sacrifice.

You have been friends with someone like Owen Gee for a long time. What is your definition of true friendship?

Looking out for one another at all times. Honest truths. Forgiveness. Common goals. Desire to see the other person grow.

CBN slashes Customs exchange rate for 7th time in 2 weeks

Nigerians are expected to heave a sigh of relief as prices of goods are expected

to go down in the local market because the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reduced the exchange rate for computing import duty on cargo imported into the country

T h i s s l a s h o f c u s t o m s exchange rate is the seventh time in 2 weeks.

The exchange rate has moved from N1,364/$1 on Thursday, 28th March 2024 to N1,303/$1 on Friday, 29th March 2024. The Friday's reduction, however, represented 19.2% or N309 between March 15th to 29th, 2024.

The reduction, as gathered by our correspondent was first, on the 15th of March 2024, as it was reduced to N1,612/$1 while on the 16th of March 2024, it was reduced to N1,593/$ and on the 19th of March 2024, it was reduced to N1,572/$.

On the 23rd of March 2024, it

was reduced to N1,448/$; while on the 26th of March 2024, it was N1,405/$ and on Thursday, 28th March 2024, it was reduced to N1364.879/$1 and on Friday, it was reduced to N1,303 /$1.

To this end, importers that opened Form M, on Wednesday, will pay less to clear their cargoes as import duties are benchmarked

against the dollar Also, importers will open Form M at a lower rate on Friday 29th March 2024 compared to those who opened Form M on Thursday, 28th March 2024 according to the apex bank’s new directive to Customs to use the rate on the date of submitting Form M for calculating import duties.

NASRE tasks Tinubu on security, economic recovery amid 72nd birthday

The Nigerian Association of S o c i a l a n d R e s o u r c e f u l E d i t o r s ( N A S R E ) , h a s

extended heartfelt felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 72nd birthday

This is even as the group urged the president to use this o c c a s i o n t o p o n d e r o n t h e challenges confronting the country and evolve active ways to resolve them.

The President of NASRE, Femi O y e w a l e , o n b e h a l f o f t h e a s s o c i a t i o n , j o i n e d e s t e e m e d members of the general public to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of a distinguished leader, acknowledging President Tinubu's dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to the p r o g r e s s a n d d e ve l o p m e n t o f Nigeria.

According to him, "On this a u s p i c i o u s o c c a s i o n , N A S R E acknowledges President Tinubu's n o t a b l e a c h i e v e m e n t s a n d contributions to the socio-economic advancement of our great nation.

However, amidst the celebrations, we urge President Tinubu and his administration to redouble their effo rts to further re vam p the economy and prioritise our dear country's security

" A s e d i t o r s r e p r e s e n t i n g v a r i o u s m e d i a o u t l e t s a c r o s s Nigeria, we are acutely aware of the challenges facing our nation. We must collectively work towards addressing these challenges and creating an environment conducive t o s u s t a i n a b l e g r o w t h a n d development.

While applauding steps taken so far to address forex volatility and the formation of an Economic Team as well as re-opening of borders to ease the suffering of the masses, he said, solutions such as Tax waivers for Businesses, especially, SMEs; addressing epileptic power supply; construction of and embarking on palliatives on major Federal roads t h a t a r e i n a b a d s t a t e ; harmonisation and cordiality of fiscal and monetary policies for m a x i m u m e c o n o m i c i m p a c t s ; tackling insecurity, escalating food p r i c e a n d s o o n s h o u l d b e prioritised.

“ We c a l l u p o n P r e s i d e n t Tinubu to leverage his wealth of experience and leadership prowess to implement pragmatic policies that will stimulate economic growth, c r e a t e j o b o p p o r t u n i t i e s , a n d alleviate poverty

"Ad di ti on al ly, we ur ge hi s administration to intensify efforts to ensure all Nigerians' safety and security, safeguarding lives and property across the nation", he said.

He, however, pointed out that as stakeholders in the Nigerian p r o j e c t , N A S R E p l e d g e s i t s unwavering support to President Tinubu's administration in its quest to build a prosperous and secure na ti on for pr esent an d futu re generations.

“Together, let us forge ahead with renewed determination and resilience, towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.

"Once again, we extend our warmest felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 72nd birthday, wishing him good health, happiness, and continued success in all his endeavours”, he said.

Saturday, March 30 2024

Access Holdings plans $1.5bn capital raising programme

TEMITOPE ADEBAYO

Access Holdings Plc has unveiled plans to establish a capital-raising programme of up to $1.5 billion.

The programme aims to raise $1.5 billion through a share sale or bond offering. The company also plans to ask existing shareholders to raise N365 billion through a rights issue.

a rights issue of ordinary shares, saying that the proceeds of the proposed rights issue would be used to support ongoing working capital needs including organic growth funding for its banking and other non-banking subsidiaries.

Access Holdings plans $1.5bn capital raising programme

Ac c e s s H o l d i n g s P l c h a s unveiled plans to establish a capital-raising programme of

up to $1.5 billion.

Access Holdings in a release said “The Programme aims to enhance the Group’s financial strength through the issuance of various financial instruments such as ordinary shares, preference shares, Alternative Tier 1 capital, convertible and/or non-convertible debt, bonds, or other capital and/or funding instruments.

It added that the plans for the programme were disclosed in the Group’s Notice of the second Annual General Meeting held on April 19, 2024, which was published on the Nigerian Exchange portal on March 27, 2024.

“The Programme may be executed through a variety of methods including public offerings, private placements, rights issues, book building processes, or a combination thereof. The specifics regarding the tranches, series, proportions, dates, pricing, tenor, and other terms and conditions that may be associated, will be determined by the Board of Directors, contingent upon securing the necessary regulatory approvals,” it pointed out.

The Holdings said, drawing from the programme, the Group expects to raise to N365 billion specifically via

The programme aims to raise $1.5 billion through a share sale or bond offering. The company also plans to ask existing shareholders to raise N365 billion through a rights issue. Access Holdings in a release said “The Programme aims to e n h a n c e t h e G r o u p ’s f i n a n c i a l strength through the issuance of various financial instruments such as ordi na ry sh ares , preferen ce shares, Alternative Tier 1 capital, convertible and/or non-convertible debt, bonds, or other capital and/or funding instruments.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on March 28, 2024, unveiled new minimum capital requirements for banks, pegging the minimum capital base for commercial banks with international authorisation at N500 billion. The minimum capital base for commercial banks with national authorisation is N200 billion, while the new requirement for those with regional authorization is N50 billion.

specifically via a rights issue of ordinary shares, saying that the proceeds of the proposed rights issue would be used to support on go in g wo rk in g ca pi ta l ne ed s including organic growth funding for its banking and other non-banking subsidiaries.

It added that the plans for the programme were disclosed in the Group’s Notice of the second Annual General Meeting held on April 19, 2024, which was published on the Nigerian Exchange portal on March 27, 2024.

Also, the new minimum capital for merchant banks would be N50 billion, while the new requirements for non-interest banks with national and regional authorisations are N20 billion and N10 billion, respectively.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on March 28, 2024, unveiled new minimum capital requirements for banks, pegging the minimum capital base for commercial banks with international authorisation at N500 billion. The minimum capital with requirement authorization capital N50 requirements national N20 management

Access Holdings is a multinational financial services group that offers commercial banking, lending, payment, insurance, and asset management services.

The Alternative Bank, TK Tech Africa set up $500m digital Sukuk partnership

CHUJKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO

The Alternative Bank and TK Tech Africa are poised to transform the landscape of

f i n a n c i a l t e c h n o l o g y a n d n o ninterest banking in Nigeria through their innovative $500 million Digital Sukuk initiative.

This partnership is pioneering the use of blockchain technology for

Gro up head of Structure d Trade & Commodities Finance at The

providing unprecedented flexibility and accessibility

He affirmed that the Bank’s involvement goes beyond just digital, saying “we are deeply engaged in the agricultural sector, with significant assets like cocoa, soybeans, sesame, precious metals, and warehousing facilities. Showcasing the Bank’s preparedness to support the Sukuk initiative with tangible, real assets.”

Founder and CEO of TK Tech Africa, Oludamola Akindolire said “we are setting a new benchmark for financial innovation in Africa, offering a n e t h i c a l i n v e s t m e n t a v e n u e through the synergy of Islamic finance and blockchain technology ” A k i n d o l i r e h i g h l i g h t e d t h e initiative’s target demographic as u r b a n m i d d l e - t o h i g h - i n c o m e Nigerians aged 25 to 60, highlighting i t s r o l e i n f o s t e r i n g i n c l u s i v e economic growth.

The initiative has received accolades from various industry leaders. The managing director and CEO of Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Akinsola A k e r e d o l u -A l e c o m m e n d e d T h e A l t e r n a t i v e B a n k f o r b r i n g i n g si gnif icant as se ts to the table, underscoring the importance of e n g a g i n g t h e y o u t h i n g o l d investment.

MOTOLANI OSENI

TEMITOPE ADEBAYO

TEMITOPE ADEBAYO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Afreximbank partners Sterling Bank to offer supply chain finance in Nigeria

MOTOLANI OSENI

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has partnered w i t h S t e r l i n g B a n k t o

introduce the innovative supply chain finance product ‘Payables Finance’, in Nigeria.

Thi s pr odu ct , bra nd ed as ‘Afreximbank Tradelink,’ is one of A f r e x i m b a n k ’s d i g i t a l o f f e r i n g s under the umbrella of the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG).

A T G p r o v i d e s A f r i c a n corporates and commercial banks with relevant digital tools to access market information, connect with buyers and sellers across the continent for efficient marketing and procurement, facilitate Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, a n d p r o m o t e t ra d e p a y m e n t s between African countries in local currencies.

Pa ya b l e s F i n a n c e e n a b l e s suppliers to access financing from the banking system by obtaining early payment for invoices which have been approved for payment by their corporate buyers.

The buyers continue to receive trade credit from the suppliers, and the suppliers finance their working capital through the early payment received, enabling them to grow their business.

The financing cost is linked to the credit rating of the corporate b u y e r s , t h e r e b y m a k i n g t h i s product particularly valuable for SME suppliers who may face c h a l l e n g e s i n a c c e s s i n g b a n k

finance at competitive pricing.

Payables Finance is the fastest growing trade finance product globally and there is an enormous opportunity for African businesses to benefit from it.

Hence, the partnership with Sterling Bank is a unique and i n n o va t i v e a r ra n g e m e n t w h i c h l e v e r a g e s t h e c o m p l e m e n t a r y strengths of both institutions to provide a comprehensive marketled solution to Nigerian corporates and their suppliers.

U n d e r t h i s a r r a n g e m e n t , Afreximbank will provide financing to corporates and banks in both US Dollars and Euros while Sterling Bank will manage financing in N a i r a S u p p l i e r s o f N i g e r i a n corporates can thus benefit from financing in both local and foreign currency as per their requirements.

C o m m e n t i n g o n t h i s development, the Executive Vice President of Afreximbank Global Trade Bank, Haytham ElMaayergi, welcomed the launch as another milestone in realising the Bank’s vision of tra nsfo rming Africa’s trade.

A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , Afreximbank identified supply chain finance as a solution for improving access to trade finance in Africa and embarked on a journey to increase p e n e t r a t i o n t h r o u g h f i n a n c i a l intervention and capacity building.

“The Bank’s Factoring Working Group has done extremely well to provide lines of credit to support factoring and has actively promoted factoring across the continent in

c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h o t h e r institutions”, he said.

He added that the introduction of Payables Finance is the next step on the Bank’s roadmap for supply chain finance across Africa.

“African businesses now have the opportunity to harness the potential of this product, which has been widely adopted globally, at an accelerated pace by learning from the experiences of other regions and using the latest technologies which have been developed,” he explained.

On his part, Director & Global Head Trade Finance, Afreximbank, Gwen Mwaba said: “The launch in N i g e r i a i s a f i r s t s t e p i n Afreximbank’s plans to introduce Payables Finance across Africa in partnership with leading African financial institutions.

“ T h e p r o d u c t , w h i c h w i l l deploy world-class technology and a collaborative delivery model and w i l l c o n t r i b u t e t o w a r d s t h e achievement of the Bank’s strategic objective of reducing the trade finance gap in Africa, particularly for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment.”

Speaking on the partnership, Ecosystem Banking Head at Sterling B a n k , C h u k w u k a O n u a g u l u c h i , said: “Sterling Bank is committed to meeting the trade finance needs of N i g e r i a n c o r p o ra t e s a n d t h e i r suppliers and we are proud to i n t r o d u c e t h i s m u c h - n e e d e d p r o d u c t i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h Afreximbank for the benefit of Nigerian businesses.”

Afreximbank provides both US

D o l l a r a n d E u r o f i n a n c i n g t o businesses in its member countries across Africa and in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member countries. The launch in Nigeria will be followed by similar partnerships in other African countries to expand local currency financing capability across the continent in a phased manner Adoption of the product will be supported by capacity-building events to increase awareness of s u p p l y c h a i n f i n a n c e a n d i t s benefits. The product rollout in Nigeria is complemented by a w o r k s h o p t a r g e t i n g c o r p o r a t e i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d b a n k s , i n collaboration with Woodhall Capital, a leading finance company in Nigeria.

Oil, Gas investment rising on energy security concerns, institute

Th e W o r l d R e s o u r c e s Institute(WRI), has said, oil and gas investment is rising

on energy security concerns, adding that one of the ways to achieve global energy security is through mitigation funding and multilateral cooperation.

T h e W R I h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t governments are funding more domestic renewable energy projects but have increased oil and gas production in the name of "energy security" at home in the years f o l l o w i n g R u s s i a ' s i n v a s i o n o f Ukraine.

The recent rebrand of energy transition funding to energy security f u n d i n g h a s a l l o w e d s o m e d e v e l o p e d n a t i o n s t o j u s t i f y domestic oil and gas finances and drag th ei r fee t on mu lt il at eral f in a n cia l co m m i tm e n t s T h i s i s causing "real worry" among climate-

warns

vulnerable developing nations, WRI chief executive, Ani Dasgupta said.

He said, that although the initial shock to the world's energy marke ts after the inva sion of Ukraine "quickly went away", it has triggered "real worry among poorer countries that when push comes to shove, it won't be an even game, or have a fair outcome.”

D e ve l o p i n g c o u n t r i e s h ave long complained about the lack of access to climate funding. Richer nations have only recently met the $100bn/yr target in climate finance to developing countries agreed in 2009, while discussions on setting a new climate finance goal for 2025 at Cop 29 in Baku in November could prove difficult.

President of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) Denis SassouNguesso said last year that the $100bn/yr in climate financing to

MOTOLANI OSENI

The federal government has made a commitment to give power generation companies

( G e n C o s ) a c c e s s t o f o r e i g n exchange as well as offset debt it owed Egbin Power

Apart from gas constraints, GenCos are experiencing challenges maintaining their assets as spare parts are sourced abroad.

To this end, the minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed t h e f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t ’ s commitment to gradually offset the debt owed Egbin Power, starting fro m A p r i l , w h i l e n o t i n g t h a t , constraints of gas supply and foreign exchange are also being tackled.

This was made known during the Minister’s visit to the Power plant as part of his strategic measures to strengthen understanding among stakeholders with the overall aim of boosting the p ower supply in Nigeria.

W h i l e a f f i r m i n g t h e commitment, the Minister said: “The Federal Government is prioritising paying down on the outstanding debt and I have assured the Board and Management of Egbin Power that, effective April we will start paying as a form of encouragement to continue to hav e them in operations.”

R e g a r d i n g t h e c o n s t r a i n t s encountered by power generation companies in accessing Foreign Exchange, the minister explained that crucial steps are being taken to prioritise the allocation of Forex to the power generation companies.

“Forex sourcing has been a m a j o r c o n s t r a i n t t o e f f e c t i v e maintenance of the facility I have seen what we have on the ground here, and the critical need for spares a n d t o o l s f o r c o n t i n u o u s maintenance. We will liaise with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to p r i o r i t i z e F o r e i g n E x c h a n g e allocation to the power sector “This will ensure the companies can ramp up capacity in terms of output. It is not just peculiar to Egbin Power Plant, it is across all the power generating Plants.

They need Forex for them to be able to maintain the turbines, and replace tools and spares. “This has been a major issue. I am going to take steps to ensure I liaise with the CBN to see how they can prioritize Forex allocation to the power generating companies,” the minister said.

While speaking on challenges of gas supply, he explained that engagements were held with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and

developing countries promised by rich countries "never reached us", adding that the annual UN Cop climate conferences have become little more than a talking shop.

"Just after the invasion of Ukraine, every country started to t h i n k a b o u t e n e r g y s e c u r i t y, " Dasgupta said. "In theory, good t h i n g s c o u l d h a v e h a p p e n e d , countries could have concluded that their best bet to getting energy security is by going renewable".

But it was not the case in key consumer countries or regions, D a s g u p t a p o i n t e d o u t C h i n a bought the majority of Russian gas following the EU's withdrawal, he said and has since upped production at coal-fired power stations despite a n " e x t ra o rd i n a r y " a c c e l e ra t i o n towards renewables set for 202328, according to Paris-based energy watchdog IEA.

gas suppliers as part of measures to guarantee payment of debts and resolution of the gas constraints.

“Gas shortage has impeded almost all our gas power plants. And we already had a conversation with t h e H o n o u r a b l e M i n i s t e r o f Petroleum Resources.

We are also meeting with the gas suppliers to plead with them and have an understanding that the FG is prepared to start paying down on the debt that we owe the gas supply companies.

“We need to make some cash injection in terms of payments, we want to give them some guaranteed d e b t i n s t r u m e n t s i n t e r m s o f promissory notes. And we are looking at allowing them access to Nigerian gas wells. So that this will be used to defray the outstanding debt of the gas suppliers over time,” he explained.

The minister commended the board and management team of E g b i n P o w e r f o r i t s r o b u s t investment to improve, sustain and maintain the Plant’s infrastructure a n d fa c i l i ty w h i l e c o n t r i b u t i n g largely to the sector despite the challenges.

While stressing the impact of the debt and gas constraints on the Plant, the chief executive officer ( C E O ) E g b i n Po w e r, M o k h t a r Bounour said: “One of the major challenges we are facing is gas constraint, which is not allowing us to run the full capacity of the Plant It requires a lot of investment efforts to keep the units running and safe. “ T h e o t h e r i s s u e i s t h e a c c u m u l a t e d d e b t w h i c h t h e Minister discussed with us. On our part, we are adequately ensuring the maintenance, availability of the Plant and its efficiency We are investing a lot to get these units to run optimally. This requires millions of dollars in investment,” Bounour explained.

He commended the minister for his commitment to address the challenges. “We highlighted the challenges we are facing, and the Federal Government, through the Minister of Power, has promised to start solving them gradually so we can start seeing improvements shortly We hope that the liquidity challenge will be solved soon as the Minister has promised,” Bounour added.

Adebayo Adelabu

How Autogas initiative will assist Nigerians save 40-60% running costs

Stories by Temitope Adebayo

Nigeria is on the march

t o w a r d s a s u s t a i n a b l e Autogas future that will

assist vehicle owners save between 40 per cent to 60 per cent of running costs as the pump prices of petrol soar.

R e c e n t l y , m a n y l o c a l a u t o m o b i l e e n g i n e e r s a n d t e c h n i c i a n s r e c e i v e d i n t e n s i v e training and education in both Lagos and Abuja on the installation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits in vehicles, following the groundbreaking innovation from Fixit45 with Mijo Autogas India as technical partners.

Just recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in India to discuss areas of bilateral economic relations, and one of the high points of the talks between the Nigerian and Indian governments was in the area of energy utilisation and collaboration.

The 3-day training was first o r g a n i z e d i n s i d e t h e F i x i t 4 5 ultram odern and well-equipped fitment centre in Lagos, while the second phase of the training took place at the CNG Training and Fitment Centre in Abuja.

Led by the co-founder of

Fixit45 Nigeria, Pankaj Bohhra and the director of Mijo Autogas India Pvt Ltd, Gaurav Goyal, the training encompassed theoretical lectures and hands-on practical sessions.

Topics covered included sales o f C N G k i t s , C N G f i t m e n t p r o c e d u r e s , a n d m e c h a n i c certification. During the training, emphasis was on the safety and a f f o r d a b i l i t y o f C N G a s a n alternative fuel.

Pankaj Bohhra highlighted the c o s t - e f f e c t i v e n e s s o f C N G c o m p a re d t o t ra d i t i o n a l fu e l s , emphasising its potential to reduce operating expenses for vehicle owners

H e d e c l a r e d t h a t t h e partnership with Mijo Autogas India a i m s t o s p e a r h e a d N i g e r i a ' s transition to Autogas and align with the country ’s energy transition initiative to be a technical partner in the area of training, employment generation and seamless execution t h r o u g h i t s t e c h n o l o g y a n d installation centres network.

T h e u l t i m a t e g o a l i s t o es tabl ish author ized instal lation centres with Fixit45's vast network, save 40 per cent to 60 per cent fuel c o s t s o n a u t o m o b i l e s , o f f e r competitive prices for CNG kits, reduce automatic fuel detection and create digital job opportunities that will contribute to the nation's

economic growth and sustainable future

In a joint briefing during the training programmes, Fixit45 and Mijo stated that, their collaboration aims to establish six training centres across Nigeria with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt as key

The focus will be on creating o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r o v e r 5 0 0 0 N i g e r i a n y o u t h s i n C N G k i t i n s t a l l a t i o n , p r o g r a m m i n g a n d troubleshooting which will also translate to significant employment opportunities for Nigerians.

In the submission of Pankaj Bohhra "By the end of this training programme, the objective is to t r a n s f e r t h e k n o w l e d g e o f installation as well as that of troubleshooting from the Indian expertise to the local expertise so that, they can get benefit as a result of the knowledge acquired on the i n s t a l l a t i o n a n d b e c o m e economically beneficial as well as give the trained technicians a means of livelihood.

Speaking of the importance of equipping youths with these skills, Engr Gaurav Goyal, director of Mijo Autogas Pvt Ltd, India, stressed the r o l e o f vo c a t i o n a l t ra i n i n g i n advancing the automotive industry

The event underscored the growing importance of alternative f u e l t e c h n o l o g i e s i n N i g e r i a ’s

Nissan commits to all-electric FIA World Championship participation till 2030

Ni s s a n h a s e x p r e s s e d commitment to the ABB FIA F o r m u l a E W o r l d

Championship until at least 2030, r e i n f o r c i n g i t s A m b i t i o n 2 0 3 0 electrification plans.

R u n n i n g f r o m S e a s o n 1 3 (2026/27) to Season 16 (2029/30), Formula E’s GEN4 technology will be the most advanced yet, and is set to continue the series’ status as t h e w o r l d ’ s m o s t i n n o v a t i v e la bo rator y for el ec tr ic mo bi li ty solutions.

A n n o u n c i n g o n T h u r s d a y, during a press conference held in Tokyo ahead of the first-ever Formula E race in Japan, Nissan Formula E Team managing director and team principal Tommaso Volpe signed the off icial re gistration document for car manufacturers in t h e F I A F o r m u l a E W o r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p fo r S e a s o n s 1 3 ( 2 0 2 6 / 2 7 ) t o 1 6 ( 2 0 2 9 / 3 0 ) , together with FIA Senior Circuit Sports Director Marek Nawarecki and in the presence of Formula E Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dodds.

T h e a g r e e m e n t r a t i f i e s N i s s a n ’ s c o m m i t m e n t a s a manufacturer to GEN4 of the sport, becoming the first constructor confirmed to take part in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship until 2030.

This decision will see Nissan’s involvement in Formula E stretch to at least 12 years, making it the company’s longest-ever motorsport commitment to an FIA World Championship.

With Formula E providing the perfect environment for Nissan to d e v e l o p i t s e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e

technology and test itself against the toughest competition, this a g re e m e n t m a r k s ye t a n o t h e r m i l e s t o n e t o w a r d s N i s s a n ’ s

Ambition 2030 – a long-term plan to become a truly electrified car manufacturer

T h e p r o g r a m p l a c e s electrification at the core of the company’s long-term strategy and w i l l s e e N i s s a n i n t r o d u c e 3 4 electrified models between fiscal year 2024 and 2030 to cover all segments, with the model mix of electrified vehicles expected to account for 40% globally by fiscal year 2026 and rise to 60% by the end of the decade.

Nissan’s involvement in the next generation of Formula E r e a f f i r m s i t s c o m m i t m e n t t o p i o n e e r i n g s u s t a i n a b l e r a c i n g , a l i g n i n g w i t h i t s b r o a d e r e n v i r o n m e n t a l g o a l s G E N 4 technology will include cutting-edge features, such as enhanced energy e ff i c i e n c y w i t h a re g e n e ra t i o n capacity of up to 700kW, an increased power output of up to 600kW, and safety innovations, re pr esent in g a sig ni fic an t ste p forward in electric vehicle racing technology

Nissan, the FIA and Formula E share the same vision regarding e l e c t r i f i c a t i o n , m a k i n g t h i s agreement a significant milestone and a natural next step for the future of electric motorsport.

Since joining the sport ahead of Season 5, Nissan has been dedicated to continuously growing its Formula E operations as it strives for further success. This includes the recent move of the Nissan

automotive sector and highlighted t h e c o m m i t m e n t o f i n d u s t r y stakeholders to drive innovation and sustainability CNG appears to be the new

Formula E Team headquarters to the Paris area, which has allowed access to the best facilities possible.

As a global brand, Nissan operates in every country on the current Formula E calendar and uses the series to promote EV technology across the world. In addition, Nissan a l s o h a s s e v e ra l Re s e a r c h & Development centres across 16 markets, multiple production plants in 13 markets, and design studios in 5 markets, supporting the major presence the brand has in the territories visited by the series.

Committing to Formula E until 2030 is proof of how important this FIA World Championship is to Nissan worldwide and the role it plays in the company’s commitment to make electric vehicles accessible to everyone, everywhere, and to a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.

C o m m e n t i n g o n t h e development, Makoto Uchida, CEO, Nissan Motor Corporation expressed optimism that his company’s resolve will bring excitement and an ontrack spectacle to its fans, while its team’s participation in the series will make a significant contribution to Nissan’s electrification goals set out in its Ambition 2030 plans.

“We’re extremely pleased to c o n t i n u e o u r i n v o l v e m e n t i n Formula E until 2030,” he enthused, a d d i n g , “ T h e t e c h n o l o g i c a l breakthroughs that we make on the track will provide great insights to the development of our future products. We’re excited to see the future of electric racing unfold and t o k e e p w o r k i n g t o w a r d s a sustainable world for everyone.”

s o l u t i o n f o r r e p l a c i n g f u e lconsuming cars, and people should take advantage of it amid the fuel subsidy removal by enrolling in Fixit45 to learn and convert their vehicles.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Suzuki unveils Maruti Swift Sport to upgrade hatchback performance

Suzuki unveiled the Maruti Swift Sport and said it's a performance-oriented version

of the popular Maruti Suzuki Swift hatchback.

According to Suzuki, the highperformance variant is designed to offer a more exhilarating driving e x p e r i e n c e , c o m b i n i n g t h e practicality of a hatchback with the excitement of a sportier driving dynamic.

Design and Features

T h e M a r u t i S w i f t S p o r t features a sleek and aggressive design, with a sporty front grille, body-coloured bumpers, and stylish alloy wheels. It also comes with unique exterior elements such as a rear spoiler and side skirts, which contribute to its sporty appearance. Inside, the Swift Sport offers a wellequipped and comfortable cabin, with sporty bucket seats, a leatherwrapped steering wheel, and a va r i e t y o f a d va n c e d f e a t u r e s , i n c l u d i n g a t o u c h s c r e e n infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and a host of safety features.

Performance and Powertrain

The Maruti Swift Sport is powered by a 1.4-litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers a maximum power output Saturday, March 30 2024

of around 140 PS and 220 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7s p e e d a u t o m a t i c t ra n s m i s s i o n , providing the driver with a choice of gearboxes to suit their driving style. The Swift Sport also features a s p o r t s - t u n e d s u s p e n s i o n a n d p e r f o r m a n c e - o r i e n t e d s t e e r i n g , w h i c h t o g e t h e r o f f e r a m o r e dynamic driving experience.

Safety Features

The Swift Sport is equipped with a range of safety features to ensure the safety of its occupants. This includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard. The Swift Sport also comes with electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, and a range of other advanced safety features that help t o e n h a n c e i t s o v e ra l l s a f e ty performance.

Availability and Pricing

The Maruti Suzuki Swift Sport is currently available in select m a r k e t s , w i t h p r i c i n g va r y i n g depending on the model, trim level, and optional features. In India, it is expected to be priced at a premium compared to the standard Swift v a r i a n t s d u e t o i t s h i g h e r p e r f o r m a n c e a n d e n h a n c e d features.

Why some virgins do not conceive after marriage -Expert

BY ADA DIKE

Arenowned health practitioner has revealed why some women don't conceive despite the fact that they're virgins till they marry.

In her words: "I married as a virgin does not mean that reproductive health challenges can't show." She mentioned fibroid as one of the causes of infertility and further said that women often tell her that they married as a virgin without them knowing that fibroid, hormonal imbalance, blocked tubes and some sexually transmitted diseases are some of the issues that affect reproductive health, "but it is not in all cases," she added.

"Why have I not conceived? Does God not love me?" are some of the questions some women that go to her for pregnancy issue often ask her.

She explains: "There are those with ovarian agenesis or ovarian dysgenesis. This is a rare condition which occurs when one or both ovaries fail to develop properly before birth. God loves them too.

"I have had members narrate their health challenges and I just want to hug them because amidst the tears and all, you can sense a strong and resilient fighter there."

She prayed that that God would step in and show Himself as THE I AM in their situations.

Benefits of breast milk, breastfeeding to children, men, women

Y ADA DIKE

Since the beginning of procreation, breast milk has been the primary food for children from birth. Though some women breastfeed their new born children grudgingly because they don't want their breasts to sag or lack of chance for career and business women, some of them introduce baby milk as early as the first month of the baby's birth.

While celebrating World Food Day in October 16, the United Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), stated the importance of breast milk. "Giving children the best start in life begins with breastfeeding. Breastmilk works like a baby’s first vaccine, helping to protect infants from potentially deadly diseases and giving them all the nourishment they need to survive and thrive," they stated.

According to a page, known as Healthy Living, the woman's breasts are filled with hyper-sensitive nerve endings that get stimulated when touched, sucked or licked.

"Men love to suck the breast just as women love their breast to be stimulated. But some men avoid a woman's breast as soon as she gets pregnant because they believe the breast milk is harmful to adults," she stated.

But, can an adult also take breast milk? She was asked.

"Breast milk is quite beneficial for adults too. It increases an adult immunity as it does in children.

"To the woman, it helps to balance the cardiovascular system. If a woman breast is sucked for a long period of time, it increases the heart beat rate of a woman to 110 beats per minute. It is a very good exercise for your heart health," said.

For a firmer face, she advised that women should not be reluctant for their husbands to suck their breast as it helps to move more than 30 female facial muscles; and improves blood flow in the skin.

To achieve orgasm: "If you are the type that doesn't feel or enjoy sex, encourage your hubby to suck your breast and play with your nipples. I bet you will reach orgasm”.

She also said sucking breast boost immune system. "It is a natural remedy that stimulates the immune system, resulting in the production of antibodies that can protect against viruses. This process is called Cross Immune Therapy. During breast sucking, the breath of a woman becomes faster more than 60 times per minute."

According to her, inhaling and exhaling more often will help prevent a

variety of diseases of the lung."

Cancer of the breast

"Studies have shown that sucking and massaging the breast simultaneously and vigorously helps to reduce chances of a breast lumps which can develop to cancer. It helps in easy flow of hormones and prevent lumps in the breast."

Some men usually suck their wives breasts when they are breastfeeding their children because they can't stay àway from sucking which they have formed as a habit and moreover, they love the taste of the milk. To men, she said breast milk can tackle cancer. Adults with cancer cells, digestive disorder and immune disorder are advised to drink several ounces of milk daily or weekly to ease the ravages of chemotherapy. "It helps to boost their immune system and improves digestion."

Many people detest watching mothers breastfeeding their children that are up to a year old, but, a woman known as Close Quarters Mother kicked against the view that breastmilk loses its nutritional value after a child reaches one year of age, and that extended breastfeeding is 'weird!

"The weird thing is how bothered a stranger is that a woman is feeding and comforting her baby. Where do these unfounded ideas come from and why

The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently clamped down on substandard and unregistered bakeries and water factories in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

NAFDAC officials during the three-day operation was supported by a detachment of police from Finima and Bonny divisional headquarters, closed down 10 bakeries and eight table water factories found to be producing fake and unwhole-

do they persist? Extended breastfeeding has been a beautiful journey with all of my children. It's a superfood that keeps on giving. Beyond that first year, it's still packed with all those essential nutrients and vitamins that your child needs," she explained.

"I see it like a shield that keeps our kids strong. But here's the thing , breastmilk doesn't stop being awesome when your child starts eating solid food. It adapts, to meet their changing nutritional needs.It's more than just nourishment; it provides comfort and a special bond is created between you and your child.

some products.

The operation was prompted by meticulous investigations, surveillance, and consumer complaints regarding substandard products in the area.

Saturday Times discovered that some of the factories the agency shut down were operating in unhygienic conditions and using popular brand names without proper authorisation.

NAFDAC also urged non-compliant producers to renew their licenses promptly and warned of

"So, let's silence the scientifically inaccurate comments and focus on facts. Breastmilk is unrivaled! I've discovered that so much of raising children is instinctual. I've never had to consult Google to find out when to stop breastfeeding because both my body and my child inherently knew when the time was right.

"These statistics make it clear that breastmilk in the second year of a child's life provides a significant portion of their nutritional needs, further highlighting its importance and debunking any misconception about a lack of nutritional value," she added.

in Rivers FG set to introduce of HPV vaccine in 21 states

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), along with partners, hosted a two-day national advocacy communication and social mobilization planning meeting recently, collaborating with state health education officers for the introduction of the HPV Vaccine in 21 Phase 2 states in Nigeria.

The objectives of the meeting, according to the organisers aimed to update participants on the preparedness status for HPV vaccine introduction in Phase 2 states. They shared findings from HPV formative research, discussed lessons learned from ACSM

activities during phase 1 introduction, sensitize participants on ACSM activities at national and sub-national levels for Phase 2 states, and review key messages and communication materials for HPV vaccine introduction.

State Health Education Officers from Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Eb-

onyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara participated at the discussion.

The participants were also updated on the preparedness status for HPV vaccine introduction in Phase 2 states. They shared findings from HPV forma-

consequences for those who flout regulations, underscoring its commitment to ensuring consumer safety and product quality

Many of the bakeries lacked proper registration with NAFDAC, while others had expired licenses or had relocated without notifying the Agency. Additionally, some water factories were found to be operating without necessary filtration equipment and were not adhering to standard production processes.

tive research, discuss lessons learned from ACSM activities during phase 1 introduction, sensitized participants to ACSM activities at national and sub-national levels for Phase 2 states, and reviewed key messages and communication materials for HPV vaccine introduction.

IDF: Senior Hamas leader killed in Gaza hospital

Israeli troops killed a Hamas l e a d e r d u r i n g a n o n g o i n g operation at a central Gaza

h o s p i t a l , t h e M i d d l e E a s t e r n country's military said.

Israel Defense Forces said Ra'ad Thabet was killed Thursday in the maternity ward of Al-Shifa Hospital as he was attempting to escape into the courtyard with two other militants.

The IDF said Thabet was known to be among Hamas' 10 senior commanders, adding he was r e s p o n s i b l e f o r r e s e a r c h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t , s t r e n g t h e n i n g systems and was the head of the militia's production unit.

"He held a lot of knowledge about the organization regarding everything related to equipment and armament," IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters Thursday during a press conference.

Sinwar, Dief and Issa are c o n s i d e r e d t h e h i g h e s t- ra n k i n g off icers in Hamas The Is raeli military is hunting both Sinwar and Dief, as Issa was killed earlier this month.

Thabat was known to be a m o n g H a m a s ' t o p 1 0 s e n i o r commanders and was responsible for R&D and strengthening systems, as well as being the head of Hamas' Production Unit.

Al-Shifa in central Gaza City has been under Israeli attack for roughly two weeks, according to the World Health Organization.

Earlier this week WHO DirectorG e n e r a l T e d r o s A d h a n o m G h e b r e y e s u s d e s c r i b e d t h e c o n d i t i o n s t h e r e a s " u t t e r l y inhumane.”

Tedros has called for an end to the siege.

The targeting of buildings designated as civilian hospitals in conflict zones is forbidden by the Geneva Convention. Israel has r e p e a t e d l y b e e n a c c u s e d o f a t t a c k i n g m e d i c a l f a c i l i t i e s hundreds of times.

Russia vetoes U.N. group monitoring North Korean sanctions

Ru s s i a v o t e d a g a i n s t extending the mandate of a

U.N. panel that monitors North Korean sanctions, prompting accusations from the United States and its allies that Moscow is helping the isolated regime evade Security Council resolutions as part of a weapons deal.

After efforts by Moscow and Beijing to insert "sunset" clauses into the sanctions regime, the S e c u r i ty C o u n c i l h e l d a vo t e Thursday to extend the Panel of Expert's work for another year The Russian veto will end the panel's monitoring operations when the curre nt mandate expire s next month, but sanctions will remain in place.

In a joint statement, the United States, B ritain, France, Japan and South Korea condemned the veto "Russia's veto is nothing more t h a n a n a t t e m p t t o s i l e n c e i n d e p e n d e n t , o b j e c t i v e i n v e s t i g a t i o n s i n t o p e r s i s t e n t v i o l a t i o n s o f S e c u r i t y C o u n c i l re s olutions by the D e mocra tic People's Republic of Korea and by Russia itself, as it seeks military support from the DPRK to wage its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," the statement said.

T h e D e m o c r a t i c P e o p l e ' s Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

The vote comes weeks after the Panel of Experts released an a

Israel must without delay ensure Palestinians throughout Gaza have unhindered

access to humanitarian aid and s e r v i c e s , t h e W o r l d C o u r t unanimously ordered Thursday a s f a m i n e t h r e a t e n s t h e Palestinian enclave.

The order was issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague as it considers a genocide case brought over Israel's treatment of Palestinians amid its war against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza.

In January, the World Court ordered Israel to take immediate steps to end atrocities being committed in the Palestinian enclave while it considers a final decision on the case.

But then earlier this month, South Africa, who brought the original case before the court, made an urgent request for additional provisions to be added to the Jan. 26 order to reflect the deteriorating conditions in Gaza.

T h e c o u r t o n T h u r s d ay o r d e r e d Is ra e l t o " t a ke a l l n e c e s s a r y a n d e f f e c t i v e measures to ensure, without d e l a y t h e u n h i n d e r e d p r o v i s i o n a t s c a l e b y a l l concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian a s s i s t a n c e t o P a l e s t i n i a n s throughout Gaza.”

The required aid listed was food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements as well as medical supplies and medical care.

n u m e ro u s sanctions violations by North Korea, including an estimated $3 billion generated from cyberattacks and used to fund the regime's illicit weapons program.

The panel's report also said it w a s i n v e s t i g a t i n g n u m e r o u s accounts of arms transfers between Pyongyang and Moscow

" W h y w o u l d a n y c o u n c i l member not vote in support of this mandate renewal?" U.S Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood asked after the vote.

"The answer is quite clear," he said. "The panel began reporting in the last year on Russia's blatant violations of the U.N. Security Council resolutions, in addition to the DPRK's persistent sanctions e va s i o n e ffo r t s w i t h i n Ru s s i a ' s jurisdiction.”

Wood said that the vote will embolden North Korea to act with "further impunity" as it develops illicit weapons such as long-range ballistic missiles.

"Russia owns this failure," he added.

S o u t h K o r e a ' s U N Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook said Russia's veto meant that the council "has been taken hostage by one permanent member, [which] puts its blind self-centeredness over the council's collective responsibility for maintaining international peace and security ”

"It is almost comparable to destroying a CCTV to avoid being caught red-handed," Hwang said.

The Security Council imposed sanctions on North Korea in 2006 after Pyongyang's first nuclear test and has added several rounds since.

T h e P a n e l o f E x p e r t s w a s established in 2009 to help monitor compliance and its mandate had been renewed each year until T h u r s d a y ' s v o t e , w h i c h w a s supported by 13 of the 15 member states.

It suggested Israel could fulfill this order by "increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open as long as necessary ”

The 15-judge court said it issued this directed "in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaze, in particular the spread of famine and starvation.

"The court observes that Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine, as noted in the Order of 26 January 2024, but that famine is setting in, whit at least 31 people, including 27 children, h a v i n g a l r e a d y d i e d o f malnutrition and dehydration," the Thursday order said.

T h e c o u r t ' s o r d e r a l s o directs Israel to ensure "with immediate effect that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group

including by preventing, through any ac ti on , th e de li very of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.”

Israel did not participate in the court proceedings and has r e j e c t e d t h e c o u r t ' s o r d e r

Following the original Jan. 26 d e c i s i o n , P r i m e M i n i s t e r Benjamin Netanyahu described that case as a "vile attempt" to deny Israel its right to defend i t s e l f t h a t i s " b l a t a n t discrimination against the Jewish state.

T h e S t a t e o f Pa l e s t i n e described the Thursday decision in a statement as affirming "the p l a u s i b i l i t y o f g e n o c i d e i n P a l e s t i n e , r e c o g n i z e d t h e c r e d i b l e r i s k o f i r r e p a ra b l e p r e j u d i c e t o t h e r i g h t s o f Pa l e s t i n i a n s i n G a z a , a s a protected group ”

It also lashed out at Israel fo r undermining the court's directives with its "relentless aggression" and at states that have failed to adhere to and implement the court's order

"Today's decision by the @CIJ_ICJ to order additional provisional measures in South Africa's genocide case against Israel highlights the continuing c a t a s t ro p h i c d e t e r i o ra t i o n o f conditions & the growing threat t o Pa l e s t i n i a n s i n o c c u p i e d #Gaza since the ICJ's last ruling," Amnesty International said in a statement.

Israel has been waging war in Gaza since Hamas launched a devastating surprise attack on the Middle Eastern country Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 Israelis and abducting another 253.

Is ra e l ' s a i r a n d g r o u n d offensive has razed much of Gaza, displacing some 1.9 million of its 2.2 million Palestinians. A climbing death toll from the Palestinian Ministry of Health on T h u r s d a y s a t a t 3 2 , 5 5 2 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed.

Gaza is dependent on aid, and received some 500 trucks worth of humanitarian goods prior to the war When it started, aid ceased, and only started to trickle in about nearly two weeks later

Five-legged lamb gets new home with Mississippi woman

AMississippi woman with numerous rescue animals welcomed an unusual new

addition to her home: a five-legged lamb.

Natalie Renot, of Wiggins, said the lamb, which she named Spider-Lamb, was in rough shape and had maggots in his stomach when she rescued him from a farm and took him to the Fur Babies Veterinary Hospital.

Ve te r inar ians s aid S pide rLamb needs hernia surgery, but already is improving

“ H e d e f i n i t e l y h a s s o m e abnormalities. He might not be normal compared to other lambs, but I think that he will live a normal-for-him life," veterinarian Jason Gulas told WLOX-TV

Gulas said Spider-Lamb is still working on building strength to stand and walk.

"Spider-Lamb is definitely one of a kind for sure," Gulas said.

Renot said Spider-Lamb will have a permanent home with her, and she is raising funds to help pay

for his veterinary bills. “I am still having to force-feed him, but I did stand him up and he walked a little bit, so I call that progress," she wrote in a TikTok post.

Snack search leads Maryland woman to lottery prize

AMaryland woman said the futile search for a specific snack led to her winning a

nearly $30,000 lottery jackpot.

The Randallstown woman told Maryland Lottery officials she had a strong craving for Cracker Jacks on Sunday so she visited the Arundel Mills Exxon in Hanover to try to find a box of the snacks.

The woman said she was unable to locate any Cracker Jacks, so she asked a manager for help.

While waiting for the manager to look, she decided to play the Ra c e t ra x v i r t u a l h o r s e ra c i n g

l o t t e r y g a m e S h e p l a c e d a Superfecta Box bet that the 8, 9, 10 and 12 horses would cross the finish line in the top four spots.

The woman said the manager confirmed the store did not carry Cracker Jacks, so she pocketed her Racetrax ticket and left the store.

The player said she later checked the ticket, but didn't think it was a winner

"I thought I missed it," she recalled. "I sent a picture of the ticket to my son to check but I really thought I didn't win.”

T h e w o m a n ' s s o n , w h o

accompanied his mother to lottery headquarters, said he quickly realized his mother had made a mistake.

"I looked at the ticket and checked online and was confused," he said. "I said, 'What are you talking about, ma, you did win.'”

T h e w o m a n s c o r e d a $ 2 9 , 3 1 3 3 0 p r i z e , a d e c e n t consolation prize after not getting any Cracker Jacks.

The winner said two of her children have weddings coming up and her prize money will help make the days extra special.

Infamous wooden plank from 'Titanic' sold for over $700,000

Abuyer shelled out $718,750 f o r o n e o f t h e m o s t

controversial wooden planks in cinematic history: the door frame panel that saved Rose's life in the 1997 film Titanic.

Heritage Auctions announced the ornate piece of wood, sold as part of a Planet Hollywood movie memorabilia auction, fetched the ship-sinking sum after numerous bids.

The prop, made from balsa wood, was based on the "most famous complete piece of debris" salvaged from the real sinking of the Titanic in 1912, the auction

house said. "Often mistakenly referred to as a door, the ornate structure was in reality part of the door frame just a b o v e t h e f i r s t - c l a s s l o u n g e entrance," the item description reads. T h e a u c t i o n h o u s e a c k n o w l e d g e d t h e c o n t r o v e r s y surrounding the wooden plank.

"The iconic prop has caused much debate from fans, many of whom have argued that the floating wood panel could have supported both Jack [Leonardo DiCaprio] and Rose [Kate Winslet] -- making his fateful decision to stay in the frigid

water an empty gesture," the description states.

Director James Cameron said he had a scientific study performed in an attempt to put the debate to rest once and for all.

“We took two stunt people who were the same body mass of Kate and Leo and we put sensors all over them and inside them," Cameron said in a 2022 interview with the Toronto Sun. "We put them in ice water and we tested to see whether they could have survived through a variety of methods and the answer was, there was no way they both could have survived. Only one could survive.”

Ostrich escapes zoo in South Korea, runs through traffic

An ostrich escaped from a zoo in South Korea and

was caught on camera running through traffic on a b u s y r o a d b e f o r e b e i n g recaptured.

The male ostrich, named Tadori, escaped from a zoo called Bug City in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and was seen running through busy roads before being cornered and safely recaptured in the p a r k i n g l o t o f a s t o r a g e building.

T h e z o o ' s o w n e r s a i d Tadori squeezed through a narrow gap between fences at

the facility. The owner said the ostrich has been displaying signs of loneliness and anxiety since his mate, Tasuni, died a

month earlier

Tadori and Tasuni arrived at Bug City when they where chicks in July 2020.

AChinese man drank 1.1 g a l l o n s o f w a t e r a n d brought it back up to serve

as a human fountain for a recordbreaking 5 minutes and 51.88 seconds.

Ma Hui, 35, downed the water and used his muscle control to regurgitate the liquid and spray a stream of water from his mouth to more than sextuple Ethiopian man Kirubel Yilma's record of 56.36 seconds.

Chinese man regurgitates stream of water for nearly 6 minutes

Guinness World Record s said the rules for the longest time to spray water from the mouth category required the water from Hui's mouth to be spurted or s p r a y e d , w i t h n o d r i b b l i n g allowed. The record attempt ends when the stream breaks or stops.

GWR said water spouting is a trick involving precise muscle control and has been performed since at least the 17th century

Dog digging in Florida yard unearths decades-old military bomb

Adog digging in her owner's Fl or id a yard un ea rt he d s o m e t h i n g f a r m o r e

surprising -- and dangerous -than a bone: a decades-old military bomb.

Mathew Sims of Jacksonville said his dog, Baby, was playing in his yard when she unearthed a me tal l ic obje ct ne x t to his garage. "You couldn't tell what it was until you started pulling it up," Sims told WJXT-TV "Once I got it halfway out, I was like 'Oh, I know what this is, let me gently put this back down.'”

Sims said the object was about a foot long and weighed around 10 pounds.

He called Jacksonville police and the bomb squad responded to examine the discovery

Police said the object, an old unexploded piece of military ordnance, was likely buried for decades, based on its state of decay N e a r b y h o m e s w e r e evacuated before the bomb squad hauled the object away

The origins of the antique bomb remain unclear

Amateur archaeologist finds N.C. woman's lost wedding ring

Amember of an amateur a r c h a e o l o g y g r o u p i n North Carolina was able to

help a woman who lost her wedding ring in the sand on a beach.

The Cape Fear Explorers, an amateur group dedicated to uncovering historical artifacts, s a i d K i m K e n n e d y H u g h e s contacted the group for help when her family was unable to find the ring lost at Wrightsville Beach.

"Numerous attempts were

made by the family to find the ring with a metal detector until they finally decided to reach out to us as a last prayer," the Cape Fear Explorers said in a Facebook post.

Group member Jack Hooker met with the family at the beach and was able to find the ring with his metal detector

“Although we concentrate on discovering historic artifacts these types of recoveries are historic in themselves and sure to be a lasting memory for this family," the group said.

Man City level not seen before in football –Arteta

Manchester City have "raised the bar to levels not seen before in football" but Arsenal are "getting closer", says Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with third-placed City one point behind as the title race nears a thrilling climax.

It is the first time in 10 years that only one point separates the top three after 28 games, with Liverpool second.

"It's a massive game for both teams," said Arteta.

"It will give us a massive boost if we win but there is a lot of games to go after that."

Manchester City, bidding for a fourth successive title,

have won 12 of their past 13 league matches against Arsenal, with their only defeat a 1-0 loss at Emirates Stadium earlier this season.

City are looking to complete back-to-back Trebles, with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid and FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea coming up.

"They have raised the bar to levels not seen before in football," said Arteta. "You have to keep up with that pace and that is what we are trying to do.

"We learned from the level, it's the level we want to be at. We are getting closer in the past two or three years. We need to close that gap and try to be better than them.

"They have earned the right for everyone to look at them as an example. It has raised our level and demands to try and be like them and beat them."

City will be without England defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker after both suffered injuries while on international duty.

Walker went off early on during the Three Lions' 1-0 defeat by Brazil with a hamstring problem, while Stones limped out of Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Belgium because of an adductor issue.

But Kevin de Bruyne should be available having missed the FA Cup win over Newcastle, as well as Belgium's friendlies with the Republic of Ireland

and England.

"Kyle's [injury is] more tough than John's but they will be out - I don't know for how many games," said Guardiola.

"Kevin is so important. It has been a tough season for him with injuries. He has been out for a long time but he trained really well yesterday [Thursday]. We will see what he does in the next days."

Meanwhile, Arteta said "there is a chance" Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel will all be fit for Sunday's game.

All three Premier League title rivals play on Sunday, with Liverpool hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at 14:00 BST before Manchester City face Arsenal at 16:30 BST.

As it stands it could be the last time the three all play on the same day until the final round of matches, albeit some fixtures are still yet to be confirmed.

With 10 games left it looks likely the race for top spot will go right down to the wire, although prediction models - compiled by Opta and data experts Nielsen's Gracenote - suggest City are favourites despite currently being third.

"This season has been really good," said Guardiola, whose side are unbeaten in their past 38 home games in all competitions.

"To be in contention for the three important titles now, we've done incredible work.

"Now it's the last 10 games of the Premier League, we start an important time. We play the leaders of the Premier League and I'm sure the people [City's fans] will give us what we need to perform at our best."

Alonso to stay at Bayer Leverkusen

amid Liverpool interest

Xabi Alonso says he will remain in his role as Bayer Leverkusen manager next season as he believes the club is the "right place" to be as a young coach.

The Spaniard had been heavily linked with the manager's job at Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp said he would stand down at the end of the season.

"I am convinced it is the right decision, I am happy," said Alonso.

Leverkusen are on the brink of a first Bundesliga title and unbeaten in all competitions this season.

Former Liverpool midfielder

Alonso, 42, was also seen as a candidate to take over at another of his old clubs Bayern Munich, whose manager Thomas Tuchel will also leave at the end of the campaign.

Alonso said he had informed Leverkusen's directors of his decision to stay at the club last week.

"We have had a lot of speculation regarding my future," he said. "Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

"The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing

in the team - for their commitment, for their desire, for their hunger to have a great season. My job is not over here."

Balague column: 'Alonso feels time is right to end speculation'

Why Leverkusen's Alonso is wanted by Europe's biggest clubs

Signed from Real Sociedad in 2004, Alonso went on to make 210 appearances for Liverpool and won the Champions League with the club in 2005.

He left in 2009 to join Real Madrid - another team he has recently been linked with - and moved to Bayern five years lat-

er before retiring as a player in 2017. Asked about interest from two of his former clubs, Alonso said: "It wouldn't be correct of me to talk about other clubs when they are in this situation. For sure there are clubs I have a strong link [as] I played there. So I respect them.

"[I have] the conviction I am in the right place at Bayer Leverkusen and I want to keep growing with the club, growing with the players.

"We have speculated enough. I want to enjoy wherever I am and I am enjoying it at Leverkusen."

Rees-Zammit lands lands NFL contract with Kansas City Chiefs

Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has joined back-to-back Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 23-year-old drew interest from several NFL franchises, and also had meetings with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos.

Rees-Zammit, who was part of the 2024 international player pathway (IPP), has targeted a hybrid role playing at both wide receiver and running back.

Rees-Zammit's next task will be to try to earn a regular-season roster spot.

After quitting Welsh rugby on the eve of this year's Six Nations tournament, Rees-Zammit announced he intended to pursue a career in the NFL in America.

He was one of 16 players to take part in the 2024 IPP, a 10-week crash course designed to teach the required skills to succeed in the NFL.

The ex-Gloucester player - who has won 32 caps for Wales, scoring 14 triesshowcased his skills at University of South Florida's Pro Day earlier this month, with scouts from all 32 NFL teams in attendance.

While he did not test at an extremely high level in all metrics, his pace was impressive and up to the standard of NFL wide receivers.

Now with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit will be competing with the rest of the off-season squad to earn a place on Kansas City's final 53-man roster for the 2024 season, which begins in September.

If he does not make it, Rees-Zammit is likely to spend his first season on Kansas City's practice squad.

This year, for the first time, all 32 NFL franchises will be given an additional place in their practice squads specifically for players who have come through the IPP.

Teams who have an IPP player on the practice squad will also be allowed to promote the player to the final active 53-man squad without taking up a space, up to three times during the season.

As well as the hybrid role Rees-Zammit has talked about wanting to play, in the short term he may have a greater chance of being utilised as a kick returner.

NFL rule changes have been implemented to encourage teams to return a greater number of kick-offs, an area where the Chiefs could look to use him.

He has previously said he "would love" to return kicks on special teams, and his size, strength, speed and agility are attributes teams look for at the position.

Kane passed fit to face Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich striker

Harry Kane has been passed fit to face Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday, manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed.

Kane, 30, suffered an ankle injury in a 5-2 win against Darmstadt prior to the international break. He reported for duty with England but sat out

the 1-0 loss against Brazil before returning to Germany to recover, missing the 2-2 draw with Belgium.

"It's all fine, he'll play [against Dortmund]," Tuchel said.

Kane joined Bayern from Tottenham in August for an initial 100m euros (£86.4m) and is the leading scorer in the German top flight with 31 goals in 26 games.

England's all-time top scorer hit a hat-trick when Bayern won November's Der Klassiker 4-0 at Dortmund.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is not ready to make his return, though, after tearing a thigh muscle during training with Germany last week.

Neuer, 38, is expected back for the trip to Heid -

enheim on 6 April, which could put him in the frame to start against Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Emirates Stadium on 9 April.

"Manuel Neuer is out. It's nothing to do with risk. The pain is simply too great. We hope a week is enough," Tuchel said.

Bayern are 10 points

behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, with Dortmund 10 points further back in fourth.

The label of 'Der Klassiker' is afforded to Bayern-Dortmund matches because of a decades-long rivalry at the top of the German game.

Bundesliga champions Bayern announced in February that boss Tuchel

will leave at the end of the season and Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with the role.

But Alonso effectively ruled out any possibility of taking over at Bayern this summer by announcing at a news conference on Friday that he would not be leaving his current position in the summer.

Howe hopes Tonali avoids further consequences

Manager Eddie Howe hopes Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali avoids further consequences after being charged by the Football Association for alleged breaches of betting rules.

The 23-year-old is already serving a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules in Italy.

Tonali was charged with misconduct by the FA for alleged breaches of betting rules on Thursday.

No timescale for Murray's return after ankle injury

There is no clear timescale for Andy Murray's return after Britain's former world number one ruptured ankle ligaments earlier in March.

The 36-year-old sustained the injury in his Miami Open third-round defeat.

A spokesperson said Murray will miss April's clay-court Monte Carlo Masters and BMW Open in Munich following a consultation with medical experts.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has previously said he does not plan to "play much past this summer".

Murray played on to complete the match against Machac, losing 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-5), before revealing the extent of the injury on Monday.

The Scot said he had suffered a full rupture of his anterior talofibular ligament and near full-thickness rupture of his calcaneofibular ligament.

"At this stage, it is still not clear how long Andy will be out of action, and he is continuing to review options with his medical team," a statement from Murray's management team read.

"Obviously this is very disappointing news for Andy

and he has reiterated his desire to get back on court as soon as possible."

Murray, who turns 37 in May, said earlier this year that he wants compete at another Olympic Games before he retires.

The two-time Olympic champion has also indicated he wants to make one final appearance at the French Open, which starts on 26 May.

Murray has only played once at Roland Garros since undergoing career-saving hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, losing to Stan Warwinka in the first round in 2020.

Wimbledon, where he is a two-time champion, begins on 1 July, while the Olympics take place in Paris from 26 July.

Direct entry into the Olympic men's singles will be given to the top 56 players in the ATP rankings on 10 June.

However, Murray could be placed outside and still qualify because of withdrawals, he could also be given a spot as a former Olympic and Grand Slam champion. His run to the last 32 in Miami took him to 59th in the rankings before this injury setback.

Bristol City defeat piles pressure on Leicester

Anis Mehmeti's second-half stunner piled more misery on Championship title-chasers Leicester City as they lost 1-0 to Bristol City.

Ex-England striker Jamie Vardy wasted two huge chances for the visitors as they missed their opportunity to move back to the top of the table.

The home side had two strong penalty shouts waved away in the first half as the teams went in goalless at the break.

But Mehmeti's first home goal this year, rifled past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, was enough to give the home side all three points.

Leicester, who have now lost four of their past six league games, remain level with table toppers Leeds and one point ahead of

Ipswich, with both teams playing later.

Much of the build-up to the game had focused on the away side's Premier League and EFL charges, as well as the announcement they would take legal action against the leagues.

The Robins dominated the first half and forced a double save from Hermansen, through the lively Tommy Conway and then Scott Twine's rebound.

Hamza Choudhury then hauled Rob Dickie to the ground in the box with his eyes focused on the player before Wout Faes appeared to tug the shorts of Conway right on the edge of the area but referee Andrew Kitchen waved both shouts away.

Faes almost riled the home fans further as he headed wide from a Harry Winks free-kick for the vis-

itors, before Vardy grazed the post with the Foxes hitting the home side on the break.

Vardy will wonder how he didn't add to his 13 Championship goals in the second half when he was twice put clean through on goal.

Bristol City keeper Max O'Leary made himself big to save with his foot to deny the Leicester captain, before turning Stephy Mavididi's rebound behind.

The second chance was even clearer, as Zak Vyner gifted the ball to Vardy in the area - but his split-second delay allowed O'Leary to get across and make a fantastic save to deny the striker again.

You could sense a goal was coming as Vardy stretched but couldn't connect with a header and Ab-

dul Fatawu's curling effort went just wide.

But it was the hosts who would make the breakthrough with Mehmeti lashing his left-foot effort from the edge of the box past Choudhury and beyond Hermansen to give the home side the lead.

Substitute Mark Sykes almost immediately doubled the lead for the Robins, shooting low at goal but Hermansen just diverted it behind for a corner.

The Foxes almost drew level through former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, brought on for Vardy, as he dinked beautifully over the outrushing O'Leary into the net, but the assistant referee raised his flag and the home side kept the clean sheet to claim a massive win in front of their fans.

"He has suffered during this period and he has sought help," Howe said.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) handed Tonali a worldwide ban in October, with eight months of it commuted to "a therapeutic plan" to help "recovery from gambling addiction".

The English FA allege that Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in July, broke its rules by placing 50 bets on matches between 12 August and 12 October 2023.

The FA charges relate to separate allegations during Tonali's time as a Newcastle player.

"The news that there was an FA charge, that illness didn't stop when he moved from Italy to England," Howe said.

"That illness was there and people should look at it that way, not 'let's throw the book

at him and punish him even further' because I don't think that gets to the root of the problem."

He has until 5 April to respond to the FA's charges.

Tonali's current ban runs until August and relates to a period prior to his move to England when he breached the FIGC rule which prohibits players from placing bets on football events organised by FIGC, Uefa and Fifa. He was also fined 20,000 euros (£17,380).

"He is seeking help on a regular basis," said Howe, who was speaking in the build-up to Saturday's game against West Ham (12:30 GMT).

"This is something that will not be going away. He has regular meetings both here and in Italy to deal with it."

Tonali made just 12 appearances for Newcastle before his ban was imposed and is allowed to train alongside his team-mates despite being banned from playing competitively.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney, 28, returned in January from an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of the FA's betting rules.

Former England and Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, who says he was a "compulsive gambler" during his career, called Tonali and Toney's bans a "disgrace".

Postecoglou praises Spurs Richarlison's mental health openness

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says Richarlison's openness about his struggles with mental health will benefit others who are seeking help.

Last week, Brazil forward Richarlison discussed how reaching out for psychological help "saved his life".

The 26-year-old added he was at "rock bottom" but therapy helped him to "turn things around".

"It's a credit to him," said Postecoglou. "I think the public aspect of it is a brave decision for him."

Richarlison has scored nine goals in his past 13 Spurs games and has made 48 appearances for his country.

"He has really benefited from the support that does exist, not just for him but for others in the community," Postecoglou added.

"Because he has benefited so directly, I think he's taken on the responsibility of trying to share that around now.

"It always makes more of an impact when it is somebody who is high profile or in a position where we think they shouldn't have any problems or we see it

as a sign of weakness when they're looking for help and support.

"There's always a balance to these things. Whether it's [Richarlison] or anyone else, we all have challenges and problems in our lives.

"There's help that you can get out there and it shouldn't hopefully get to the point where it's so overwhelming that it takes over everything else you do.

"Credit to [Richarlison], he's sought help, he's got help - the right help - and now he wants others to benefit from it."

Tottenham are in fifth place in the Premier League table and host Luton Town in the top flight on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.

Richarlison, who joined Spurs from Everton for £60m in the summer of 2022, first highlighted his need to seek help last year after he was pictured in tears while being substituted during Brazil's 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia.

He said the reaction was down to "getting the things that were happening off the pitch out of my system".