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  • Ignore ‘Igbo must go’ reports, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagos residents

    Ignore ‘Igbo must go’ reports, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagos residents

    Ignore ‘Igbo must go’ reports, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagos residents

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

     

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned and dismissed reports on a social media platform, calling on Igbo people to vacate Lagos and Southwest Nigeria.

     

    Sanwo-Olu remarked in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile.

     

    According to the statement, “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag IgboMustGo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024.

     

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    “The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.

     

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but also an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.”

     

    Sanwo-Olu, therefore, appealed to residents not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the state, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.

     

    The governor, urged residents to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.

     

     

  • How 14-month-old stolen baby, sold to three persons was rescued

    How 14-month-old stolen baby, sold to three persons was rescued

    How 14-month-old stolen baby, sold to three persons was rescued

     

    In the bustling streets of Oredola in Oko-Oba, Lagos, a mother’s worstnightmare became a reality on July 11, 2024, after her closest neighbor absconded with her one-year-two-month-old child, leaving her with a sense of unease and emotional trauma.

     

     

    The days that followed were a blur of shock and grief for her, as she struggled to come to terms with the loss of her precious baby. Fate finally smiled on her 15 days later after policemen attached to the New Oko-Oba Division of the Lagos State Police Command traced the baby to Ikorodu, Lagos, where he was bought for N2.3 million.

     

     

    It was gathered that the baby had been sold to not one, not two, but three different persons in Akwa-Ibom and Ogun states before his final destination in Ikorodu. Each time, the baby had been passed off as a legitimate adoption, with fake documents and convincing stories. Coincidentally, the latest buyer, Mrs. Mercy Uwam, was having the naming ceremony of the baby the same day of the arrest.

     

     

    At the end of the painstaking investigation, five persons, among them the fleeing neighbor and a Pastor, have been arrested.

     

     

    In this interview with Crime Guard, the arrested neighbor and mother of two, 37-year-old Gloria Sunday, alleged that she was convinced by Pastor Peter Udoh (one of the suspects) to bring the baby for sale.

    She said: “I have been living in the same compound with the mother of the baby for two years. On that fateful day, I took the child to church. At the close of service, I took him to Ikene, Ogun State, to Pastor Peter’s place. He said he wanted to give him to somebody that needed a baby. He assured me that the person would take care of the baby. He bought him for N650,000, and I went to my village in Akwa-Ibom, from where I was arrested. I regret my actions; it was the handiwork of the devil”, she stated.

    But Pastor Peter Udoh (63) said Mrs. Sunday told him the baby was her late sister’s and that she could not take care of him. According to him: “Gloria Sunday never told me she stole the child. She said he was her late sister’s baby and that she couldn’t take care of him because she has five children of her own. That was why I asked her to come with the baby. I contacted Mrs. Laurentta (another suspect), who bought the baby for N1.450 million.”

    The third suspect, Loretta Nelson (54), admitted that she bought the baby from Pastor Udoh and sold him to Mrs Mercy Uwam for N2.3 million. She admitted also to have realized N900,000 from the sale.

    She said: “Pastor and I met at 2nd Rainbow. He said the baby’s mother was dead, and his sister (Gloria) could not care for him because she is a widow. I noticed that the baby’s hair was improperly cut. When I asked, he said Gloria cut the baby’s hair because she didn’t have money to celebrate his one-year birthday. Thereafter, I contacted Mercy (another suspect), who bought the baby for N2.3 million.”

     

    Renewed

    hope dashed

    The last buyer, with whom the baby was eventually found after two weeks and one day of hazardous search, Mrs. Mercy Uwam, sat huddled among the group of arrested individuals, her body language exuding defeat and despair. Her head was bowed, her eyes cast downward, as if unable to meet the gaze of this reporter when approached.

    She wrapped her arms tightly around her torso, as if trying to protect herself from the harsh reality of her situation. When asked why she was the guest of the Police, with eyes brimming with tears that seemed to well up from the very depths of her soul, the 44-year-old woman said: “I got married in 2009 without having a child of my own. I have visited many motherless babies’ homes in Anambra, Ogun and Lagos states and I was told the number of people who wanted to adopt was very large. In the process of my search, somebody referred me to Madam Laurentta (pointing to the suspect next to her), who said she could be of help but that I needed to pay N50,000 as registration fee. After some months, she called me to say she had a baby boy ready. I took the child, paid her N2.4 million, including N50,000 for registration.

    “I was happy and took the baby home. There were spots on his body; I bought medicine and food for him. I was taking care of the baby, unknown to me that he was stolen. By the way, I did not seek my husband’s consent when I made the payment. He was once married and has a child. But I needed mine. I felt he was not interested because he already has his. When he came back, he was not happy with me.

    “On Friday, July 26, 2024, I decided to have the naming ceremony. I intended to name him Favour, as his Christian name and Chiemerem ( meaning God has done it for me). I just wanted a small gathering of ten people for the naming ceremony. I was cooking for the occasion when the Police came and arrested me,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

     

    Tears of Joy

    While Mercy’s tears were those of regret and the sad reality of the situation she was enmeshed in, those of the mother of the baby, Mrs Kemi Shodiya were of joy and relief. She said the moment of reuniting with her once-lost baby was like a balm to her soul.

    Expressing appreciation to the Police for being instrumental in her joy, she narrated:

    “The children of the woman who stole my baby usually came to play with my children. I never raised an eyebrow the day she took my baby to church because that was not the first time she was taking him to church. They left by 5 pm, but by 8 pm, when they were supposed to return, I started looking for her. I called her phone, but it was switched off. It took us two weeks and one day of waiting and praying. By the time I got my baby, his hair had been cut. I thank Oko-Oba Police Station, my neighbors, in-law, and my traditional ruler. I learned never to be too trusting.”

    The Crime Guard gathered that Divisional Police Officer, Oko-Oba , CSP Waliu Yusuf, on the directive of the Lagos State Police boss, CP Adegoke Fayoade, led a team of policemen to Akwa-Ibom state where the fleeing neighbor, Gloria Sunday was arrested. Her arrest led to others’ arrest and the rescue of the stolen baby.

    All the suspects, according to spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, have been charged to court.

  • A Nation Divided by Hardship: How hunger protests exposed Nigeria’s growing divisions

    A Nation Divided by Hardship: How hunger protests exposed Nigeria’s growing divisions

    A Nation Divided by Hardship: How hunger protests exposed Nigeria’s growing divisions

     

    People protest against hardship on the street of Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Thousands of mostly young people poured onto the streets across Nigeria on Thursday as they protested against the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse some of the protesters in the capital, Abuja. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

     

     

     

    Early Morning Tension in Abuja

    On Thursday, Abuja awoke to a city steeped in tension. At the MKO Abiola National Stadium, hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered, their voices rising against a backdrop of severe economic hardship and corruption. Prominent activists like VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju, and Barr. Kingdom Okere led the charge, with chants of “End Bad Government” and “Bring Back Subsidy” reverberating through the air. Their placards bore stark messages: “We are hungry” and “Tinubu, where is the change?”

     

    Personal Stories of Struggle

     

    Among the protesters was 32-year-old Jane Hingir, who shared her emotional struggle to make ends meet. “I’ve been struggling to make ends meet, but it’s getting harder every day,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and determination. Jane’s personal story mirrored the broader national struggle, highlighting the everyday challenges faced by many Nigerians.

     

    Pro-Government Rally: A Contrast

    Meanwhile, in stark contrast, a pro-government rally took place at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office same day. Organized by the Tinubu Support Group, the demonstration was marked by a calm and orderly atmosphere. Participants in this rally were given branded T-shirts and faze caps, displaying their support for President Tinubu. Led by Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the rally showcased a divided political landscape.

     

    The Dynamics of Hired Protesters

    A parallel demonstration involving hired protesters emerged. These individuals, recruited to oppose the anti-government protests, carried placards reading “No Protest.”

     

    Organized by a man who identified himself as Blessing Joel, they said that they were paid N5,000 each to participate. Many of these hired protesters came from the suburbs, highlighting how financial desperation influenced political demonstrations.

     

    Gabriel, an unemployed man from the capital, admitted that he joined the pro-government rally for the N5,000 offered. “I know things are bad in the country and the economy is not working, but the money was a big reason why I joined them,” he revealed. This highlighted how economic hardship often sways political participation.

     

    The March and Its Consequences

    Back to the story: at 12:02 pm on Friday, the anti-government protesters began their march towards Eagle Square. A heavy police presence, including FCT Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh and security personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS, added to the tension. A helicopter hovered overhead, intensifying the atmosphere.

     

    By 12:39 pm, the protesters faced a harsh response at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building. Security forces deployed tear gas, and reports emerged of a protester being feared shot dead while trying to escape. Despite this, the protesters regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium by 1:50 pm, their determination undeterred.

     

    A Moment of Solace: Friday Juma’at Prayers

    In a poignant display of resilience, the Muslim faithful among the protesters observed Friday Juma’at prayers amidst the turmoil. This moment of solemnity stood in stark contrast to the earlier chaos, symbolizing their unity and unwavering commitment to their cause.

    “We pray for peace, but we also pray for justice,” said Shehu Ibrahim, who led the prayers. The prayers not only provided spiritual solace but also renewed their resolve.

     

    Contrasting Responses: Anti-Government vs. Pro-Government

    The treatment of different protests revealed stark discrepancies. Anti-government protests faced severe crackdowns, while pro-government rallies proceeded with relative ease.

     

    This discrepancy drew criticism and highlighted perceived double standards in the government’s approach to dissent. The contrast became a focal point for critics, raising concerns about fairness and justice.

     

    Voices from the Government

    Amid the turmoil, government officials weighed in on the situation. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, addressed the nation on Wednesday, warning that the protests could lead to further violence and setbacks. His speech aimed to quell the unrest but failed to appease many.

     

    Additionally, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, called for dialogue, urging protesters to come forward for discussions. “The government is ready to listen,” Wike stated, hoping to ease tensions.

     

    However, his call for dialogue was met with skepticism from the protesters, who felt their voices were not being heard.

     

    The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also attempted to address the protesters in Abuja but was met with resistance. His efforts to mediate were overshadowed by the escalating violence and the protesters’ frustration.

     

    Violence and Casualties

    The protests escalated into violence, particularly in the North. At least 14 people, including a policeman, were killed in several states, including Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Kebbi. The violence prompted a 24-hour curfew

     

    in Borno and Kano to curb further unrest. The destruction and chaos in these regions highlighted the depth of frustration and desperation felt by many protesters. Hoodlums joined and caused mayhem in these places.

     

    Historical Context: #EndSARS Protests

    The current protests hold special significance given the historical context. During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, Northerners largely abstained from participating. This was partly due to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from their region.

     

    The lack of participation at that time contrasted sharply with the current widespread involvement of Northern Nigerians, reflecting a shift in political sentiment and regional engagement.

     

    Personal Stories: Maryam and Gabriel

     

    Personal stories from the protests underscored the human cost of Nigeria’s economic turmoil. Maryam Abdul, a trader from the North, shared, in Hausa language, her struggles with a failing business and an uncertain future for her children. “I march because I have no choice,” she said, emphasizing the need for change.

     

    In contrast, Gabriel, an unemployed man from the capital, revealed his financial desperation as the reason for participating in a pro-government rally. His story highlighted the complexities and contradictions within the protest landscape.

     

    Government Response and Public Reaction

    The government’s response to the protests, including the deployment of security forces and the imposition of curfews, aimed to quell dissent but also risked stifling democratic expression.

     

    Public reaction was mixed, with some supporting the government’s actions while others condemned the excessive use of force. This response raised questions about the implications for democratic processes and civil liberties.

     

    Long-Term Impact and Future Uncertainty

    The aftermath of the protests cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s future. The heavy-handed response risked deterring public dissent and impacting democratic expression. The economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu were scrutinized more closely, and the long-term effects on Nigerian society and politics remained uncertain.

     

    Resilience and Determination

    Ultimately, the personal stories of protesters like Maryam and Gabriel resonated deeply. Their struggles and determination highlighted the enduring human spirit amidst adversity. Despite the political and economic complexities, these narratives underscored a persistent quest for justice and change in Nigeria.

     

    As Abuja and the nation moved forward, the echoes of the protesters’ chants and their personal stories served as a powerful reminder of the enduring quest for rights and justice in a challenging and uncertain landscape

  • Olympic Games: Team Nigeria’s bag of scandals

    Olympic Games: Team Nigeria’s bag of scandals

    Olympic Games: Team Nigeria’s bag of scandals

     

    The enthusiasm and optimism exuded by the Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh at Team Nigeria’s send forth to the Olympics must be eroding and gradually turning to frustration, one week into the Paris 2024 Olympics. He was full of hope; not just for medals, but also for a hitch-free participation in the games that would be free of controversies.

     

    The Paris 2004 Olympics is the minister’s first. Coming from a background, not too conversant with the demands of the sporting sector, he had hoped to start on a clean slate, using his early months as a learning curve. On resumption of office, the Cross River State-born minister told Nigerians that “it is no longer going to be business as usual.” He hardly knew the magnitude of what he was into.

     

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    If the Senator must know, the story of Nigeria’s participation in the Olympics is one of twists and turns, dotted with pockets of successes and failures. Above all,hardly had there been one Olympic Games in which Team Nigeria would not have one scandal or another, coupled with the administrative ineptitude of officials. This has become a recurring decimal.

     

    In the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Team Nigeria was engulfed in a reported sex scandal. A Lagos-based national newspaper published a story which alleged that the country’s delegation was rocked by a sex scandal in Moscow. Although it turned out to be a hoax, that scandal did a lot of damage to the psyche of Nigerian athletes.

     

    Hameed Adio was team Nigeria captain to the Moscow 1980 Olympics held in Russia. He told www.aclsports.com that the story was not true but it had a negative impact on athletes’ concentration, training and mental toughness during the Olympics. Nigeria returned empty-handed.

     

    Fast forward to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Team Nigeria was again distracted by so many scandals. The failure of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to properly guide Nigerian athletes on doping regulations led to the disqualification of ten athletes of Team Nigeria. The athletes were disqualified from competing after they failed to undergo mandatory out-of-competition tests before the global sports fiesta.

     

    Events at the Tokyo Games snowballed into the hunting down and subsequent ban on Blessing Okagbare, Divine Oduduru and lately Grace Nwokocha by the the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) . Blessing Okagbare was handed a 10-year ban in 2022, while Divine Oduduru got a six-year ban in 2023. Grace Nwokocha was given a three-year ban for using prohibited substances.6 June 2024.

     

    Apart from the failure to properly guide her athletes on doping regulations, the AFN and the Sports Ministry under the leadership of Sunday Dare were locked in a kitting controversy.

     

    A picture shared by the team after the visit of the Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Abubakar Moriki, to the team’s camp, showed many of the athletes and officials in different attires, with one of the officials in the picture wearing an Arsenal jersey. Other videos shared by Nigerian athletes in Japan also showed them in different sportswears, like Nike and Adidas.

     

    This came to the fore when Nigeria’s shot putter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, washed the lone jersey issued to him by the Nigerian officials ahead of his final game at the Olympics.

     

    The TikTok video, uploaded by the athlete on his Instagram page, @thechuksay, before he deleted it due to pressure from the Ministry, had the caption: “When you made the Olympic Finals, but you only have one jersey.”

     

    This drew a social media rant which described the video as the “latest embarrassment from Team Nigeria Tokyo2020 drama series.”

     

    The one jersey per athlete issue was brought about by Sunday Dare’s rejection of the jerseys supplied by PUMA to the Nigerian contingent. The former Minister of Youth and Sports Development insisted that the contingent would not wear the German sportswear kits because of a leadership tussle between the AFN board lead by Ibrahim Gusau and another faction championed by the Minister, Sunday Dare.

     

    This crisis came to a head when the German company announced the termination of the four-year deal with the AFN in a letter dated August 4, which was signed by PUMA’s Director Manuel Edlheimb. It was rumoured that Puma would sue Nigeria for breach of contract. Nobody knows what became of that case, four years after.

     

    When Senator Owan Enoh sent forth the Team Nigeria contingent to the ongoing Paris Games, his thoughts were on how well it would end as he believed, like most Nigerians, that Team Nigeria could pull the chestnuts from the fire this time round. The likes of Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Favour Ofili, Blessing Oborodudu, Oduayo Adekuroye, the D’Tigress were all seen as very bright medal prospects. No Nigerian boxer had qualified for the boxing event at the Olympics since 2016. This time, three qualified. Unfortunately, one got injured while preparing for the games and he withdrew, the other got beaten in the first fight; while the third, a lady was disqualified for doping offences.

     

    In the main, Senator Owan Enoh’s young era has not escaped from tradition. Cynthia Ogunsemilore’s drug failure and subsequent expulsion from Team Nigeria camp and the Olympic village is another scandal bound to leave a huge impact on the Nigerian contingent.

     

    As if that is not enough, the mishandling of Favour Oifili’s omission from the 100 mtrs race has raised a lot of questions. The affected athlete cried blue murder as she had trained and conditioned herself to participate in the race having qualified. Ofili won the Nigerian national title in June with a time of 11.06 seconds . Her personal best time of 10.93 may have probably put her in the final of the event at the Olympics. She will, however, be available for the 200 metres 1×400 mtetres relay.

     

    A senior colleague, Onochie Anibeze believes the exclusion of Ofili from the 100 mtrs dash could have been deliberate by an official. “He could have done that for the good of the athlete,” he reasoned, adding, “she is expected to concentrate on 200 mtr which is her speciality and the relays,” Onochie guessed. Even at that, he was of the opinion that “if it is as I think, the said official should have done that with her consent. She should have been consulted and guided. Not telling her before now makes it bad.” But Anibeze did not also rule out an oversight, a complete error on the side of the officials.

     

    After one week of competition, Nigeria no longer has any stake in boxing, badminton, women’s football among others, swimming, etc. The minister must be realising the cleansing he has to champion in Nigerian sports.

     

     

  • Trump agrees to debate Kamala Harris September 4 

    Trump agrees to debate Kamala Harris September 4 

    Trump agrees to debate Kamala Harris September 4

    Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said late Friday that he had agreed to debate his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, on Fox News on September 4.

     

    “I have agreed with FoxNews to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4th,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

     

    It was not immediately clear if Harris had agreed to the debate.

     

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    Trump’s post came hours after the vice president had secured the Democratic Party’s nomination as standard bearer in the November presidential election.

     

    Trump’s White House bid was turned upside down last month when 81-year-old President Joe Biden, facing growing concerns about his age and lagging polling numbers, abandoned his re-election bid and backed Harris.

     

    His decision to bow out followed a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June on CNN.

     

    A second Trump-Biden debate had been slated for September 10 on ABC.

     

    That was expected to go ahead as planned, with Harris replacing Biden, but a spokesman for Trump last week said it would be “inappropriate” to schedule a debate before Harris was formally the Democratic nominee.

     

    The 78-year-old Republican nominee had previously said he would not debate Harris, who is nearly two decades his junior, departing from political tradition.

     

    The former prosecutor and ex-California attorney general last month dared Trump to debate her face-to-face.

     

    “Well Donald, I do hope you’ll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Harris said at a campaign rally in Atlanta.

     

    In his post, Trump said the debate will be held in Pennsylvania, and moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum in front of a full audience.

     

    Fox News confirmed that the debate would have “spectators” and follow similar rules to the June 27 CNN debate between Trump and Biden.

     

    The news channel said it had invited Trump and Harris to participate in a debate in Pennsylvania in September.

     

    “I look forward to meeting and debating Kamala Harris on September 4th,” Trump said, adding the date was “convenient and appropriate” as it comes just before the September 6 start of early voting for the presidential election.

     

     

  • Hunger dey o’: Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja, thugs threaten in Lagos on day 2

    Hunger dey o’: Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja, thugs threaten in Lagos on day 2

     

    ‘Hunger dey o’: Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja, thugs threaten in Lagos on day 2

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    ‘Hunger dey o’: Police teargas protesters in Abuja on day 2

    As the #End-bad-governance nationwide protest enters its second day today, security agents are clashing with protesters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

     

    Also, in Lagos, thugs threatened to behead protesters and journalists as policemen looked on, while protesters were converging in the Federal Secretariat area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

     

    An activist, Zokira Ibeh, told Vanguard at their Ojota protest grounds: “We gathered here as early as 7 a.m. It was peaceful until about 20 thugs came in, raising tension.

     

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    “They told me and a media person that they would behead us.

     

    “It should be on record that the Police who are obligated to protect us as we go about the peaceful protest were present, while thugs were disrupting the protest.”

     

    Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Oyo State, there seems to be calm so far in the metropolis, as businesses are opening.

     

    ‘Hunger dey o’

    In Abuja, a detachment of fully-armed men of the Nigerian Police forcefully dispersed a group of protesters around the Berger Bridge in Abuja.

     

    The protesters were chanting ‘Hunger dey oo, hunger dey ooo” (There’s hunger, there’s hunger), before the officers dispersed them forcefully, including using tear gas.

     

    Some passers-by and motorists, who were caught off-guard, could be heard accusing the Police of high-handedness.

     

    Follow live updates of the protests across the country HERE.

  • Vandals destroy 2 transmission towers in Yenagoa – TCN

    Vandals destroy 2 transmission towers in Yenagoa – TCN

    Vandals destroy 2 transmission towers in Yenagoa –

    Electricity

    The Transmission Company of Nigeri (TCN) says two transmission towers, T98 and T99 along the Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kV line in the Igbooghene community of Bayelsa were destroyed by vandals.

     

    TCN’s General Manager Public Affairs Mrs Ndidi Mbah, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

     

    Mbah said that the incident caused the collapse of both towers, cutting off power supply to Bayelsa including TCN’s Yenagoa Sub-station and the Gbarain Power Station.

     

    TCN said that presently, Yenagoa Metropolis and the entire Bayelsa are still without power supply.

     

    The company said engineers led by Mr Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager Transmission, Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel accompanied by operatives of the Department of State Services have inspected the site of the destroyed towers.

     

    ” Plans are already ongoing to mobilise a contractor on an emergency basis to reconstruct the collapsed towers.

     

    “This follows an incident on June 16, where an individual was caught destroying tower T238 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV double circuit transmission lines.

     

    ” Another act of vandalism occurred on June 10, at the Ahoada Transmission Substation, ”the company said.

     

    The company urged the public to help in the ongoing fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure nationwide.

     

    TCN said it will continue to collaborate with security operatives and host communities including the DSS and Civil Defence Corps to combat the menace.

     

    ” Meanwhile, we are interfacing with stakeholders including security operatives in Yenagoa to put in place other initiatives geared towards helping TCN curtail the menace within the State.

     

    ” As we continue to work towards a robust grid, it is pertinent to note that a nation’s power sector cannot grow efficiently if funds intended for infrastructural expansion are repeatedly used to replace vandalised equipment,” TCN said. NAN)

     

     

  • NNPC targets two million barrels oil production daily

    NNPC targets two million barrels oil production daily

    NNPC targets two million barrels oil production daily

    31st July 2024

    Mele Kyari

    Group CEO, NNPCL, Mele Kyari

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    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced its goal to increase crude oil production to two million barrels per day by the end of the year.

     

    The country’s daily production rose from 1.27 million barrels in June to 1.6 million in July, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

     

    Speaking during a meeting with Maritime Stakeholders at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters on Tuesday, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, expressed optimism that the target would be met, emphasising that NNPC was fully committed to achieving it.

     

    Represented by the Managing Director of Pipeline NNPC, Folorunsho Karim, the oil firm’s boss urged security agencies to continue their efforts against oil theft and pipeline vandalism to help the company meet its target.

     

    He said, “The target is to increase production to two million barrels by the end of the year, and we are fully committed to doing that. I appreciate the support of the Nigerian Navy in making this possible.

     

    “They have been providing significant support, which has resulted in a reduction in oil theft. Pipeline vandalism has also decreased significantly, and there is a lot currently happening in the industry. We hope to sustain this progress to achieve our target of two million barrels per day by the end of the year.”

     

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said Nigeria’s development has faced numerous complex security challenges over the past few decades, including violent agitations, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy/sea robbery.

     

    Related News

    Ogalla added that these issues were driven by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, communal clashes, poverty, and unemployment.

     

    “The traditional methods of addressing these security challenges have not yielded the desired results. Hence, the meeting also aimed to address emerging security issues arising from the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.

     

    “The Federal Government’s drive to develop the nation’s blue economy requires the support of all stakeholders,” he added.

     

    He stated that the Navy was working to ensure its operations did not hinder operators but instead supported them in performing their duties and optimally producing.

     

    Ogalla said, “Providing security is a way to promote ease of doing business because if there is no security, operators cannot function.

     

    “We also ensure that our arrests and detentions do not impede legitimate business operators. When we make arrests, we conduct preliminary investigations quickly and release vessels if the information is found to be incorrect, so as not to disrupt businesses. This is our general contribution.

     

    “We aim to promote ease of doing business by ensuring our operations and patrols do not create problems for operators. Instead, we support them by assuring them of protection from criminal elements who seek to disrupt business activities in Nigeria.”

  • ICYMI] Step-by-step guide on unblocking your MTN, Airtel, others using shortcode

    ICYMI] Step-by-step guide on unblocking your MTN, Airtel, others using shortcode

    ICYMI] Step-by-step guide on unblocking your MTN, Airtel, others using shortcode

     

    MTN, Airtel

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    Nigerian telecommunication companies have provided clear guidelines to help subscribers unblock their SIM cards, following recent disconnections due to the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) -SIM harmonisation exercise.

     

    This initiative, aimed at enhancing the integrity of the national SIM registration database, has left many users facing temporary service disruptions.

     

    To assist affected customers, telecom companies outlined in a statement on Monday step-by-step to restore connectivity.

     

    1. Airtel: Dial *121# and enter your eleven-digit NIN. A confirmation message will indicate that your Airtel SIM card has been successfully unbarred.

     

    2. 9mobile (EMTS): Dial *200*8#.

    3. Glo: Dial 109 followed by your NIN number (e.g., *109*12345678901#) and follow the prompts to submit your NIN.

     

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    4. MTN: Visit [nin.mtn.ng](http://nin.mtn.ng) to check NIN status. If not linked, proceed to link it. An OTP and NIN will be required. Once linked, your line will be automatically unbarred.

     

    5. Smile: Send your NIN

     

    to customercare@smile.com.ng or call 07020444444. After providing consent and verifying your NIN, your line will be unbarred.

    6. Spectranet: Call 8002345678 or email care@spectranet.com.ng to submit your NIN. KYC verification at a Spectranet store is required. You can also submit your NIN online but must complete KYC at a Spectranet store.

     

    7. Ntel: Visit any Ntel store with your NIN. Your fingerprint will be used to verify your existing KYC profile. Upon verification and consent, your line will be updated and unbarred.

  • Customers besiege banks to reactivate dormant accounts

    Customers besiege banks to reactivate dormant accounts

    Customers besiege banks to reactivate dormant accounts

    31st July 2024

    CBN-VUILDING-700×375

    CBN Building

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    Many bank customers affected by the new Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines on dormant accounts rushed to their various banks on Tuesday to reactivate the accounts.

     

    Some of the customers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, said they had to activate their bank accounts to avoid the mopping up of their little savings by CBN.

     

    Further inquiries by our correspondent confirmed the situation, with courtrooms also becoming crowded with requests to swear affidavits.

     

    A bank official at a first-generation bank informed The PUNCH that numerous customers and families had submitted requests to re-activate inactive accounts so as not to lose the money to the apex bank that intends to use them for investment purposes.

     

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    The official said, “Yes, we have seen customers coming to the bank to reactivate their accounts. Even relatives and next of kin to dead persons have submitted applications to withdraw amounts left in the account of their loved ones. It looks like the CBN guidelines made them remember those accounts.”

     

    A businesswoman, Mrs Ugonne Akputa, said she paid some money into her six-year-old Access Bank account, which she had left for some time in order to reactivate it.

     

    Akputa said she still needed to operate the account to save some money which she rarely withdrew.

     

    ”I went to my bank to make enquiries about my account, which I have left for some time now.

     

    ”They told me that I should just put money into the account to activate it, and I did,” she said.

     

    Another customer at First Bank, Mr Cyprian Yusuf, said he was at the bank to make enquiries on his late brother’s account.

     

    Yusuf said though he was not aware of the amount in the account, he would not forfeit the money.

     

    ”When I heard of this dormant account thing, I decided to quickly come to my late brother’s bank to ask them how I could retrieve the money.

     

    ”He died three years ago and I don’t think the account has been in operation.

     

    ”So, I want to see what I can do so that his wife and children can use the money at least to feed,” he said.

     

    Another bank customer, Mrs Chinny Olaedo, appealed to banks and the CBN to ensure the safety of customers’ monies, especially those abroad.

     

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    ”I live abroad, but I came back to Nigeria for something very important to my family.

     

    ”I have a savings account in one of the banks, and I have my savings there. I transferred some money into the account recently so that it will still be active but I know that many people abroad might not know about this or do this.

     

    ”The CBN and other banks should make things easier for us abroad so that many of us will still be operating our Nigerian accounts,” she said.

     

    A bank official who pleaded anonymity said it would take six months of no activity in an account before it would be declared dormant in their bank.

     

    The official said the bank would notify customers whose accounts were dormant in line with the CBN’s guidelines.

     

    The source said the bank was preparing reports to also notify the CBN on the status of their dormant customers’ accounts.

     

    Another bank official, who also preferred anonymity, called on customers whose accounts were dormant to pay in money into them to activate them.

     

    According to CBN, eligible accounts are dormant accounts with balances that have remained with the financial institutions for 10 years and beyond.

     

    The apex bank said the aim of the guidelines was to identify dormant accounts/unclaimed balances and financial assets with a view to re-uniting them with their beneficial owners and holding the funds in trust for the beneficial owners.

     

    The bank said the objective was also to standardise the management of dormant accounts/unclaimed balances and financial assets and establish a standard procedure for reclaiming warehoused funds.

     

    The CBN said it would open and maintain an account earmarked to warehouse unclaimed balances in eligible accounts.

     

    According to the CBN, the account would be called an “Unclaimed Balances Trust Fund Pool Account”.

     

    The CBN had also cleared next-of-kin, a legal representative or beneficial owner, to make claims on unclaimed balances or funds in dormant accounts.

     

    The bank said the NoK to dormant account owner could now make claims on unclaimed balances or funds in dormant accounts by submitting applications for the reclaims to the financial institutions.