Energy Challenge: Tinubu appoints Team to establish “Evergreen City”
In his determination to walk the talk President Bola Tinubu has given the global clamour for energy diversification a boost by assigning energy consultants, INFRACORP the duty of developing Nigeria’s pioneer alternative energy city; the “EvergreenCity.” Fleshing up the details on this novel energy concept, Presidential media aid, Ajuri Ngelale stated that InfraCorp, owned by former General Electric top gun, Lazarus Angbazo shall be the “Lead Arranger and Developer of the EvergreenCity”. President Tinubu also approved the establishment of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, into which he has empanelled a select team of alternative energy experts that shall ensure the successful implementation of the project. In a press statement, Chief Ngelale disclosed that the steering committee shall be chaired by the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, while the Secretariat shall be headed by Lolade Abiola of the UN SE4ALL Ngelale listed thirteen other green energy gurus as members of the steering committee. Promiment among them is Mr. Suleiman Yusuf, Managing Director and CEO of Blue Camel Energy, a leading player in Nigeria’s green energy ecosystem. Other members of the committee are Lazarus Angbazo (CEO, InfraCorp), Salisu Dahiru (CEO, NCCC), Aminu Umar-Sadiq (CEO, NSIA), Khalil Halilu (CEO, NASENI), Abba Abubabkar Aliyu (CEO, REA), Fatima Shinkafi (CEO, SMDF), Uzoma Nwagba (CEO, CrediCorp), Bala Bello (Deputy Governor, CBN), Teni Majekodunmi (NCCC), Nana Maidugu (NSIA), Michael Ivenso (NCCC), and Chidi Ajaere (Jet EV). President Tinubu also approved the terms of reference for the work of the Committee to include: (1) Selection of partners/consultants to undertake critical development activities, including project design, environmental impact assessments, feasibility studies, financial modelling, and market engagement. (2) Raising private funding for the development of the city and constituent projects. (3) Coordinating with partners, development institutions, and other providers of capital and technical assistance. (4) Reporting to the Supervisory Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen
I may support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has hinted at the possibility of supporting his Labour Party counterpart in the last election, Peter Obi in 2027. The former Vice President, who is currently on a merger talk with stakeholders of some opposition political parties, said he will not hesitate to support Obi in the next election if the party picks the former Anambra governor. According to The Sun, Atiku gave the hint in an interview with BBC Hausa Service. Obi and Atiku recently met behind closed doors, sparking speculations about a merger of some opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Confirming the move by opposition parties to align in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2027 election, Atiku said, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that. Atiku said if the new “party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him. “I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. “As long as it is the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party”.
Anyone Buying, Using Pre-Registered SIM Cards Risk Jail, NCC
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned Nigerians against buying and using pre-registered Sim cards. The Commission in a warning alert posted on its verified X platform handle said that buying and using pre-registered Sim cards was a criminal act and could attract severe consequences including imprisonment. The Commission further stated that “Buying pre-registered SIM cards is criminal and may lead to imprisonment, implication in identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping and armed robbery.” According to NCC, buying and using pre-registered SIM cards leads to “Unreliable collation of consumer information,” and creates “Difficulty in tracking the real criminals using such telephones in the country.” It called on Nigerians to follow the proper procedures for registration of their SIM cards to avoid any legal consequences. Recall that NCC had in December 2020 directed Nigerian telecommunications companies to compel their subscribers to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NIN). The NCC made the linkage compulsory, directing all telecommunications operators to enforce complete network barring on all phone lines for which subscribers fail to link their SIM cards to their NINs. Following the enforcement of the directive, there have been two phases, on February 28 and on March 29 when some Nigerians’ SIM cards were barred by telecommunications companies for not having been linked to NIN. The Commission, however, extended the deadline for linking SIM cards to NIN (last phase) to from April 15 to July 31, 2024, stressing that the extension applies to subscribers with more than four SIM cards.
FG Reveals First Beneficiaries Of Student Loan Scheme
The Federal Government has announced that federal institutions will be the initial beneficiaries of the student loan scheme, which is set to commence next week. According to reports, President Bola Tinubu’s administration revealed that the scheme would begin on May 24th. Providing an update on this initiative, Akintunde Swayerr, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, stated that the loan distribution will occur in phases. During an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Swayerr confirmed that the loan application portal would indeed open on May 24th, as previously announced. Swayerr also mentioned that the government has organised a sensitization campaign to educate Nigerians on the workings of the scheme. He emphasised that the student loan scheme aims to bridge the financing gap for Nigerian students, enhance their resourcefulness, and ultimately contribute to the country’s development. “On the 3rd of April 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law a monumental act that seeks to bridge the financing gap for applicants who want to get a higher education that is tertiary level and who want to get vocational training to get proper qualifications that enable them to be more marketable and useful to the Nigerian society. “The fund covers 100 per cent of all the fees of tertiary institutions. There’s also upkeep for the student.” Swayerr noted that this plan will be rolled out in schemes and the first being the public institutions, because of the large number of students in that sector requiring financial aid. “We’re going to roll this plan out in phases. The first phase will be with federal institutions, then to others. “It’s going to be the public sector at the beginning because that’s where we find the bulk of students that perhaps need the financing cover and are most vulnerable. “We have a system that hopefully makes this have a national spread and some degree of equal opportunity for those who have the desire, capacity, and eligibility to engage in this scheme,” he stated. While explaining the modalities of the online application, he said, “We’re going to open the portal for applicants on the 24th of May, so those who want to apply can. “It doesn’t mean they get it that day; it just means they can apply and begin to understand the process, and then after that, there will be an evaluation for those who have qualified for the loan, and then an approval will be given for those who qualified. “The application allows them to create an individual account where they can go online to see their loan status. “Then they get a letter within 30 days telling them whether they are eligible or not; if they are eligible, we will disburse the loan directly to the institution when the course begins.” Further speaking on the process of evaluation of the application, he said, “The application is open to everyone, we’ll do an evaluation, and whatever data we have that helps us determine the neediest, we’ll use it to make judgements. “When applications begin to come in, we will turn the information into intelligence and use the intelligence for decision-making. “It is an online IT application and will include their JAMB number, NIN, BVN, admission number, and matriculation number. “The BVN is that we’ll be able to make some determination as to how much money they have in their accounts; there’s also a declaration that they will state how much of a need they have. It’s a loan and not a grant.” The loan scheme states that the student must repay the loan two years after completing National Youth Service, but due to the high rate of youth unemployment, he clarified the provisions made. “It’s 2 years after NYSC for repayment. In the event that you find yourself 2 years after NYSC and you don’t have a job, you can’t oblige people to pay for loans when they’re not working. This law does not seek to criminalise people. We seek to encourage people to take the loan. “In c
FG appoints the governing council for universities, others
In a move seen as aimed at staving off another disruption of academic activities, the federal government has approved the constitution of governing councils for federal tertiary institutions, comprising universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Recall that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) threatened to call its members out on strike over the failure of government to reconstitute the governing councils of public universities almost a year after most of them were prematurely disbanded. ASUU had on Tuesday given the government a two-week ultimatum to reconstitute the governing councils of federal universities. In a circular signed by permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, as sighted by Nigerian Anchor, the Federal Government has now appointed chairmen and members of the governing council for Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education. The inauguration and retreat for the Governing Councils will take place on Thursday, 30th, and Friday, 31st May, 2024, at the National Universities Commission, Abuja.
Client’s Death: Court Convicts Lagos Cosmetic Surgeon
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted a medical doctor and founder of MedContour Services Ltd., Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, over a failed plastic surgery that resulted in the death of one Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020. The conviction was disclosed by a former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, on Friday. Irukera was the one who instituted the case against the convict. In his tweet, Irukera, tweeting as #TundeIrukera, wrote, “Today is a day of pride for me that I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Though I’ve left public service, the case has ended in a conviction, strengthening the accountability framework for all in society, professionals, or otherwise. “This is how society should work and grow. “Dr. Anu Adepoju and her medical practice convicted in all 5 counts charged by FCCPC. The wheel of justice may grind slowly, but we must see it through. What we need are enforced with audacity and the will to prosecute competently and diligently. Good day for consumers of professional services.” Adepoju was arraigned in 2020 on five counts before Justice Mohammed.
NJC Bars 3 Judges From Elevation …issues warning letter to them
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has barred three judges from elevation for two to three years over a series of offenses and also issued warning letters to them. The decision followed resolutions reached at the NJC’s 105th plenary meeting on May 15 and 16, 2024. Therefore, the chairman of the council, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had issued warning letters to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Justice GB Brikins-Okolosi of the Delta State High Court. In a statement, NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, said Justice Ekwo was warned for abusing his discretionary power by improperly granting an ex parte order in the case between Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka & 2 Ors. vs. Seplat Energy Plc & 12 Ors. The NJC therefore barred Justice Ekwo from elevation to a higher bench for two years. Similarly, Justice GB Brikins-Okolosi was warned for failing to deliver a judgment within the stipulated period in the case of Joseph AneneOkafor vs. Skye Bank, despite the parties having filed and adopted their final written addresses. Consequently, Justice Brikins-Okolosi was prohibited from elevation to a higher bench for three years. Furthermore, the NJC cautioned Justice Amina Shehu of the Yobe State High Court for issuing a writ of possession conferring title on the defendant in a case without any subsisting judgment from any court to justify the issuance of the writ. During the meeting, the Council reviewed two reports from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, which examined 35 petitions against judges from the Federal and State High Courts. The Council decided to form eight committees to further investigate the petitions deemed meritorious by the assessment committees. Additionally, the NJC considered recommendations from its Interview Committee on the Appointment of Judicial Officers for all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria. As a result, the NJC resolved to recommend 86 judicial officers for appointment to the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal of various states in Nigeria. These candidates will be sworn in after the NJC’s recommendations are approved by the President and their respective state governors.
Wedding of 100 Orphanage girls: Minister withdraws suit against Niger Speaker
Madam Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs has withdrawn the suit she instituted against the speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji over his plans to marry off 100 girls pulled out from an orphanage in the state. The minister, speaking with reporters on Friday, noted that the ministry in collaboration with the speaker of the Niger state assembly, and traditional rulers from the state, are currently investigating the ages of the girls to ascertain if they are within the stipulated age for marriage. According to her, the Ministry of Women Affairs will, for now, focus on empowering girls, as well as others affected by insecurity in the state. Recall that last week, the speaker, Sarkindaji, announced plans to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency as part of measures to alleviate their sufferings. While the development had sparked national outrages, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urged the minister to withdraw the litigation and petition she wrote to the Inspector General of Police. The Chairman, Kano State Chapter of MURIC, Malam Hassan Indabawa, who made the call on Thursday night in a statement, urged Nigerians to learn to respect one another’s culture and traditions. “We found the harsh and hasty decision taken by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs over a matter that is entirely beyond the scope of her ministry. “The minister’s attempt at media demonisation of marrying off of 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatised for losing both parents to brutal and bloody banditry and insurgency, exposed her ignorance to the culture and traditions of the Muslim North. “This elaborate media blitz, over the matter, MURIC observed, was deliberately done to sway public opinion against the marriage institution, and an attempt to vilify Sarkin-Daji, after demonstrating his genuine concern for the needs of members of his constituency,” Indabawa said. The marriage arrangement in question is slated to take place on May 24, 2024.
BREAKING! Court denies Binance executive, Gambaryan bail …see why
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday denied the bail application of a crypto currency firm executive, Tigran Gambaryan. Justice Emeka Nwite, while delivering the ruling, held that the bail application is refused as he has carefully gone through the application submitted before him and resolved that the defendant will jump bail if granted. Gambaryan, his company, Binance Holdings Limited, and a fellow top executive currently on the run, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, with money laundering and terrorism financing .
What Tinubu Discussed With Senegalese President, Faye
The details of the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Faye have emerged. Recall that the Senegal President arrived in Nigeria on Thursday and met with President Tinuhu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. A statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted President Tinubu saying that countries in West Africa must unite to defeat the scourge of terrorism, human trafficking, and poverty in the region. He urged leaders in the region to make the people the focal point of governance, noting that the essence of democracy is lost when citizens are not enjoying dividends. The president emphasised that democratic values and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected. He added that critical institutions like the judiciary must be respected and obeyed for the sustenance of democracy. He said: “Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa. It is a joy to have you here and to meet the hope and aspirations of our youths. You fit in perfectly well. “A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable.” The president described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries’ long history of cooperation. He added: “We are brothers. We have shared an interest in democracy. To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard. “I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values. “We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment. Your belief in the sovereignty of Africa is shared by all of us. “But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting an unconstitutional takeover of government? “As the chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers. To persuade them to come back to the fold. “We will continue to work together. We share good backgrounds, and we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance. “We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development, and other spheres of governance. It is left for us to provide assurance to our people and walk our talk. “We must defeat human trafficking; we must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society. That must be our focus and commitment.” Speaking during the meeting, Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values and challenges, noting that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s. He called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres. On ECOWAS, Faye said with Tinubu’s wisdom and experience, relations among member states can be strengthened for the advancement of the community. He said: “The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries. “ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community. “I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but not everything is lost. “I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation. “Your wisdom and your democratic values should be an asset to that vision, and my youth and determination can also be an asset. “If we come together, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced we can open a window of opportunity to discuss. “United, we are stronger. Faced with common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and all other challenges, we need to show resolve to confront these challenges.