NITDA debunks dubious President Tinubu’s N50,000 grant scheme

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has dismissed a viral grant scheme being circulated on social media as ‘President Bola Tinubu’s N50,000 Cash Grant’ to Nigerians. This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA. Umar, who cautioned Nigerians about the scheme, said that the website associated with the grant was a phishing website designed to mislead unsuspecting citizens. According to her, NITDA-Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (NITDA-CERRT) hereby wish to advise the public to avoid clicking on unknown links. “The website ‘https://thryt.com/50k-CashGrants, is a phishing website that tends to lure users into divulging their personal information, such as full names, phone number, home address, email address and bank account details, such as name of bank and account number. “Avoid clicking on this website and other similar websites, which can lead to divulging personal information in order not to fall prey to cyber criminals.” She explained that government would always communicate such information via the appropriate agency supervising such programmes, should there be any. Umar advised the public to contact the agency’s CERRT on email via cerrt@nitda.gov. ng, phone number- +234 817 877 4580, web address- www.cerrt.ng.

Nigeria Air project tarnishing our image, Reps tell Tinubu

*Asks President to stop further action on the project The House of Representatives has said that the Nigeria Air project is highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy, and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community. They further urged President Bola Tinubu to constitute a high-level Presidential committee to undertake a holistic review of the processes of the Nigeria Air project. The Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Hon Nnolim Nnaji, said this in Abuja after careful evaluation of the issues of Nigeria Air. He said the committee was totally dissatisfied with the actions of the former Minister of Aviation, in going ahead to flag-off the operations of Nigeria Air in spite of a standing court injunction against such. He said this was also without any provision for sustaining the operations of the airline. He said a careful review of the process indicated the exercise to be highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy, and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community. ”We want to put on record, that the Committee and indeed the National Assembly had no role in the purported launch of Nigeria Air or anything related thereof. “While the committee and indeed the parliament is not opposed to Nigeria having a National Carrier, as a matter of fact having a National Carrier is highly desirable to us as a people and Nigeria, as a nation.” He however said that such a process should be transparent and all-embracing, adding that the committee would not accept any attempt by any individual or group to hide under the project and siphon the commonwealths of the country. The committee, therefore, directs the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its partners in the Nigeria Air project to immediately suspend flight operations and every other action with respect to Nigeria Air. The committee also advised the Federal Ministry of Aviation with its agency, the NCAA to designate some Nigerian Indigenous Airlines as Flight Carriers, to take advantage of Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA). The agreement was said to have been entered by Nigeria, pending when a viable National Carrier comes on board. “In conclusion, looking at the total amount required to fully start the airline which is put at 250,000,000 dollars. “The Nigerian government and its citizenry can raise these funds without necessarily subjecting itself to the ridicule we have been exposed to by this recent episode,” he said. 

Nigeria’s equity market gains N126bn

Trading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Tuesday returned to a positive trend appreciating by N126 billion. Market capitalization of listed equities increased by 0.41 percent to N30.513 trillion from N30.387 trillion reported the previous day. The NGX All Share Index also appreciated by 230.14 basis points to 56036.85 points from 55806.71 points traded on Monday. Investors traded 322.494 million shares worth N5.824 billion in 6165 deals against 369.77 million shares valued at N19.841 million in 7221 deals. A review of the investment during the day showed that ETranzact led gainers table in percentage terms, gaining 10 percent to close at N4.40 per share, Eterna Plc followed with a gain of 9.85 percent to close at N11.15 per share, Pharm Deko gained 9.52 percent to close at N2.07 per unit. Cornerstone Insurance added 9.52 percent to close at N0.92 per share, FTNCocoa increased by 9.23 percent to close at N0.71 per share. On the contrary, JohnHolt recorded the highest loss during the day with a drop of 9.88 percent to close at N1.55 per unit, Multiverse trailed with a loss of 9.54 percent to close at N3.70 per unit, Chellaram down by 9.52 percent to close at N1.33 per share, Omatex dipped by 9.09 percent to close at N0.20 per unit, SUNU Assurance declined by 8.33 percent to close at N0.40 per unit. Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) led activity during the day with 47.126 million shares valued at N442.314 million, AccessCorp followed with an account of 39.910 million shares cost N501.775 million, GTCO Plc traded 30.224 million shares cost N846.874 million, Fidelity Bank exchanged 23.775 million shares cost N137.274 million, Japaul Gold exchanged 16.841 million shares valued at N6.732 million.

Fuel subsidy is an organized crime, Obi insists

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has reiterated his position that the management of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has become an “organised crime” that permits stealing of the country’s resources.  While fielding questions on his stand on the fuel subsidy removal by the new administration, Obi posited that governance shouldn’t be supply-driven, but demand-driven. He spoke with reporters on Tuesday at the premises of the Court of Appeal, on the sidelines of the ongoing hearing of petitions challenging the February 25 presidential election at the Presidential Election Petitions Court in Abuja. He therefore stressed his determination to remove it and introduce a new open and transparent system that will carry the people along.  He said he had shown consistently since serving in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s economic management team, by using empirical data, that the PMS purportedly consumed by Ngeria was far more than what is supposed to be when compared to other countries like Pakistan. On the conditions precedent to the removal of the subsidy, Obi said he had enumerated them in his manifesto while campaigning for the office of the president.  “Throughout my campaigns, go and check my manifesto, I had maintained this about its removal. “If you have a tooth ache and you go to a dentist, there is a difference between removing your tooth by applying anaesthesia, which will ameliorate your pains than by just pulling it out. “The difference is that I believe it should be removed with conditions, and that conditions have to be applied. “If I was involved, I would have shown in empirical, statistical data how much we are going to save, where we are going to apply it and the gains for the people.  “Just like I said throughout my campaigns, that I am going to govern the people by being open, showing them empirical, verifiable facts on how the country can be better – that is what I would have done. “There are things you need to do. When Jonathan was about to remove it, that was when they came up with SURE-P as part of the conditions. “The reason Nigerians are agitating is that when people say let’s go and suffer, let’s go and sacrifice, they don’t see the effects of the sacrifice; and to do it in an organised manner where people can see in a verifiable plan. “I  did a lot of similar things when I was a governor in Anambra State stopping this to do this, and each one I showed the people in a verifiable manner where we are going to land. “Governance shouldn’t be supply-driven, it should be demand-driven; you govern with the people. Let the people know what you are doing and explain it to them in clear terms and they will believe you,” Obi concluded.

EFCC arrests 33 internet fraud suspects in Ilorin, Maiduguri

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its bid to curb the tide of internet fraud related crimes among youths, has arrested 33 cybercrime suspects in Ilorin and Maiduguri. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Spokesperson, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, 20 of the suspects were nabbed in Ilorin, while the other 13 suspects were arrested in Maiduguri. “The suspects arrested in Ilorin include Habeeb Abubakar, Abiola Abiodun, Atitebi Samuel, Emmanuel Oborirhwoho, John Adamson, Mayowa Akinola Victor, Oluwafemi Ola, Abdullahi Isiak, Orji Roland, Martinson Adegboyega and Kolawole Temidayo. “Others are Orimadegun Ishola, Tijani Quadri, Adebisi Kazeem, Umar Abdulkareem, Adebisi Teslim, Okunlola Ayomide, Quadri Lekan, Ukueni Great and Adeyeye Usman. “They were arrested at Egbejila, Airport Road and Offa Garage areas of Ilorin following credible intelligence on their alleged criminal activities,” he said. He said that items recovered from them included different brands of phones, laptops and exotic cars. Uwujaren said that those arrested in Maiduguri included Wilson Akpotaire, Adamu Mohammed, Adetoro Opeyemi, Musbahudeen Opeyemi and Bolanle Alhassan-Olaitan. “Others are Joshua Ohaneye, Yusuf Philip, Mohammed Tijjani, Ahmed Andrew, Sangari Amilah, Maina Matakun, Oshalaiye Augustine and Kefas Victor. “They were picked up around Tashan Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, June 5. “Items recovered include different brands of mobile phones and the suspects will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigations are concluded,” he said. 

Residents lament as water scarcity hits Bauchi

Residents of Bauchi have decried lack of water supply within the metropolis, saying it has caused them untold hardship. Some of the residents said on Tuesday in Bauchi, that there had not been water supply within the metropolis in the last two weeks. A resident, Mr Emma Alex, expressed concern about the water scarcity, saying the situation could result in outbreak of epidemics, if something was not done urgently by the state. According to him, lack of potable water can also have a telling effect on the health of the children. Mrs Aisha Mohammmed, a resident of Wuntin Dada on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis, said that the situation had forced people to depend mostly on those selling water through tankers, popularly called ‘mai ruwa’. This, she said, had resulted in increase in the price of water by the ‘mai ruwa’. According to her, a 20-litre keg of water now costs N400 as against N200 they used to buy it. “We are finding it difficult to have access to good water. We are experiencing serious water shortage,” she said, pleading with pleading with government to intervene and salvage the situation. Mustapha Isa, a resident of Dutsen Tanshi, said those living in the area had been experiencing water shortage since May without prior notice from the authority. Another resident, Rayyanu Wahu, of Durumi Biyu, Nassarawa Jahun, said that for ten days running, there had not been water supply, saying that the situation required urgent government’s attention. The situation was the same in Tashar Gulmammu Jahun, as a resident, Lukman Adamu, said that water supply to the area had ceased for the past nine days. A resident of  Zannuwa Primary School in Yakubu Wanka area of the metropolis, Malam Ahmad Musa, described the situation as ‘horrible’, calling on the state government to come to their aid. In his reaction, Managing Director of the State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation (BSUWSC), Mr Aminu Gital, attributed the situation to lack of power supply from the electricity distribution company serving the state. Gital said that the corporation was currently finding ways of resolving the water scarcity with relevant authorities, calling on the citizens to be patient, as water would soon be available within the metropolis. He, however, urged the residents to always pay their water bills directly to the corporation or its accredited agents in their respective areas to enable it serve them better.

Saudi Arabia donates 50 tonnes of dates to Nigeria

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, presented a donation of 50 tonnes of high quality dates to Nigeria, in a bid to deepen bilateral relations between both countries. The Ambassador of the Kingdom to Nigeria, Mr Faisal Alghamdi presented the donation at a ceremony in Abuja. Speaking, Nezat Talaqi the Team Lead of KSRelief, said that the donation was a gift from the custodians of the two Holy Mosques of King Salman Al Saud. He said the government of Saudi through the King’s Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), had been providing humanitarian assistance to the Government of Nigeria in different fields. He said that the most recent intervention was the execution of Et’am Initiative in which 48, 300 persons got food baskets in Kano, Yobe and Borno at a cost of 500,000 dollars. Also, a statement by the Embassy, said that the Kingdom’s humanitarian centre intended to carry out a medical diagnostic campaign in Abuja, Kano and Lagos, as part of efforts to fulfill its humanitarian and pioneering role at the international level, and also its commitment to humanitarian principle that focused on alleviating the sufferings of all people in distress. “This will happen in the second quarter of 2023, in which various medical procedures will be offered free of charge to Nigerians. “The handover of these dates is part of the humanitarian and Relief assistance presented by the custodian of the two holy mosques-may Allah protect him. “To a number of friendly countries among which is Nigeria so that it can reach the needy families all over the world. “This and more represents the commitments of the Kingdom’s strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries at all levels. “The Kingdom is committed to continue to provide all necessary humanitarian relief and aids to Nigeria, for the betterment and interest of the brotherly and friendly Nigerians people,” it stated. It added that since its establishment in May 2015 and with the help of 175 United Nations members, KSRelief had delivered 2,374 projects valued at more than 6.2 billion dollars and benefitting 91 countries. Receiving the donation, Mrs Janet Olisa, the Director Region, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia, saying that Nigeria and its people were thankful for the act of kindness. “Every year, the Saudi government has been gracious to share gifts with us of Dates, and today we are here to appreciate what they’ve always done. “Which, a lot of people have benefitted and benefitted from all the dates we have been giving over the years, and what is important is the bilateral relations between both countries have been very good. “Also, this is one of the little things but very important gesture and the things that has always join us together. As members of OPEC is not just talking about the crude. “There are little gifts of exchange between the two countries and the fact that they’ve always been there for us during the Hajj pragramme and that again is another precious gift to the Nigerian people. “We are very grateful. So this dates will go a long way to sweeten our hearts,” she said. She added that the dates would be given to the Humanitarian Ministry. “Within the ministry we also ensure that little by little everybody gets a little bits of the dates and it shared around so it touches a lot of hearts and homes,” she said.

Customs seizes goods worth N34.2m in 2 months

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, says it has seized goods worth N34.17 million in the state between April and May. The Area Comptroller, Bamidele Makinde, made the disclosure at a news conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday. Makinde said that the command was able to make the seizures through strategic deployment of intelligence across the state. “The command welded its big stick on unscrupulous traders who engaged in illicit trade during the period under review and was able to record spectacular seizures.”he said. The area controller said the illicit goods seizures under the period review included three foreign used luxury buses which were being smuggled into the country through Ohumbe border on May 15. He listed other items to include two Toyota Hiace buses of 2022 model, with chassis number JTHN9CPOP6018610 and JTGHN9CP7P6019835. Makinde said they were also intercepted and seized by eagle-eyed officers on a bush path along the Sawojo/Imasayi communities on May 29. Others seizures recorded are 6,924 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each,which is equivalent to 11 trailer loads:PMS; used tyres; Cannabis Sativa and others prohibited items. He added that the total Duty Payable Value(DPV) of the seizures was N335,855,989. Makinde explained that the command also generated the sum of N34.17 million compared to N10,61 generated in the corresponding period 2022. The area commander noted that there was a differential of N23,56 million, which represented an  increase of about 69 per cent. He reiterated the command’s commitment to continue to its mandate through revenue generation and suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation. Makinde urged the business community to avoid illicit trades and activities capable of adversely affecting the economy and reputation of the state. He applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, for creating enabling environment and vigorously implementing the anti-smuggling campaign of the service. “I also want to commend the other sister security agencies for their maximum co-operation and great deal with their co- operation and team work toward fighting smuggling activities in the state,”he said. Makinde commended its officers and critical stakeholders of the service, such as traditional rulers, community leaders and other youths for their collaboration

TETFund approves N130m intervention for polytechnics

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved N130 million as ntervention for polytechnics in its 2023 intervention line, geared toward reinvigorating skills acquisition in polytechnics across the country. Malam Buhari Mika’ilu, Director of Infrastructure of the Fund, said this at the TETFund/ National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) sensitisation workshop in Abuja on Tuesday. The workshop was on the 2023 Zonal Intervention on Skills for Rectors and Directors of Skills in Beneficiary Polytechnics. Mika’Ilu said that the intervention was to consolidate the efforts of the NBTE in increasing the capacities of polytechnics to deliver on their mandate. He said the intervention was mostly used to support institutions to meet basic requirements for accreditation. “Funds are allocated in line with the provision of the establishment Act and guided toward addressing critical and essential needs of the beneficiary institutions for the improvement of quality and maintenance of standards in the tertiary educational institutions. ‘“NBTE has been at the forefront in championing the need to have skills in the educational system in Nigeria. “It is in response to this, that the fund has prioritised the 2023 Zonal Allocation to polytechnics to be geared toward reinvigorating skills acquisition in the polytechnics across the country. “This is to further consolidate on the efforts of NBTE to increase the capacities of Polytechnics to deliver on their mandate. “Therefore, the sum of N130million only allocated to each polytechnic has the main focus of procurement, installation, testing, training and commissioning of relevant training materials,’’ he said. The director also revealed that since inception of the Zonal Intervention in 2016, the Fund had allocated N52,046,079,584.7 as zonal Intervention to enlisted polytechnics. “In the year 2017, the fund focused the Zonal intervention on student dignity project. “Hence, the intervention was used to upgrade and standardise all lavatory facilities or provision of new ones where necessary in academic areas of institutions, also shuttle buses (coaches) were also procured for students use among other projects. “Most recently, the 2022 intervention was used for deployment of ICT facilities within the institutions in line with the guidelines developed by the Fund. This is essentially to increase the capacities of institutions to function effectively and deliver their programmes online,” he said. He said the intervention, a post-research activity, has created an opportunity for academic staff in Science and Technology Programmes to fabricate equipment, thus promoting skills development in the Polytechnics. Mika’Ilu expressed optimism that the intervention would in the long run, support the institution to resuscitate skills and improve graduate employability. Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, charged rectors of polytechnics to explore innovative approaches to skills development and devise effective solutions that would enhance the quality and relevance of technical education in the institutions. Echono said that skills development and entrepreneurship represented a holistic process in which individuals in society pursue opportunities and address needs through innovation. “Today, we recognise the significant strides made by TETFund and NBTE in promoting skills development in our beneficiary polytechnics. “Our unwavering commitment to advancing technical and vocational education has paved the way for countless success stories, empowering individuals and transforming communities across our great nation. “The purpose of this sensitisation workshop is to discuss and enlighten participants on two key areas: One is the skills agenda and occupational areas as a panacea for gainful employment of graduates and the second is the formalisation of the informal skills sector. “By focusing on these aspects, we aim to address the critical needs for aligning our educational system with the demands of the labour market,” he said.

Tinubu writes Senate, seeks approval for 20 Special Advisers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written the Senate seeking approval for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers. He made the request in a letter to the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan which was read during plenary on Tuesday. The letter titled “Appointment of Special Advisers” reads: “In accordance with the Provisions of Section 151 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, which confers on the President the powers to appoint special advisers to assist him in the performance of his functions, “I write to request the kind consideration of the Senate to appoint 20 special advisers while hoping that the request will receive expeditious consideration of the Senate.”