Grant Thornton Applauds Aba Integrated Power Plant For Boosting Industrialization
Grant Thornton Nigeria has congratulated the Abia state government and Geometric Power on the successful launch of the Aba Integrated Power Plant. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for industrial growth in Africa, especially in Aba, known as the “Taiwan of Africa.” The Aba Integrated Power Plant is a cutting-edge energy facility, including a 141 MW gas-fired power plant, a 27-kilometer gas pipeline, and a distribution utility. This autonomous system generates and distributes its power supply, boosting local industry. Led by Professor Bartholomew Nnaji and supported by Professor Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the project is hailed as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector. Grant Thornton Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Ngozi Ogwo, emphasized the importance of uninterrupted electricity for business growth and innovation. The plant’s 24-hour operation is expected to enhance productivity, attract investments, an
‘Enough is Enough, Kidnappers deserve death penalty, Remi Tinubu fumes
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that anyone convicted of abduction deserves capital punishment. The first lady stated this in her reaction to the news of 200 women who were kidnapped in Borno State, and over 280 pupils and teachers kidnapped in Kaduna State. Remi Tinubu, also described kidnappers as cowards, saying “Whoever is kidnapping young people is sick, cruel, and a coward. “Enough is enough and I call on the state governors that once we take hold of them, they deserve capital punishment. “Why don’t they take people their size? Why are they torturing our children? What they are trying to do is kill our future. “We all know parents, when we are old we rely on our children. “Why would you go and take them from schools? Right now, I think enough is enough. As a former lawmaker, I believe that any one of them captured deserves capital punishment. “They (kidnappers) are animals, they are evil and we should take them out of our midst. “The state governors and the lawmakers should do something.” Recall that about 200 women were reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in the Gamboru-Ngala and Dikwa local government areas of Borno State. The women, who were Internally Displaced Persons, were said to have been kidnapped while they went into the bush in search of firewood. Also, over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits on Thursday, triggering national outrage. The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.
Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou set to clash in heavyweight boxing match
Former World heavy weight champion and Nigeran-Britidh boxer, Anthony Joshua is set to clash with Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight boxing match happening in Saudi Arabia tonight. The power-packed boxing fight between the two fighters will see them earn massive prize money and fight purses. The fight is organized by the head of Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki Alalshikh, who is driving efforts to make Saudi the new home of boxing. It was gathered that Joshua is set to bank a whopping $50 million [£39 million] from this fight, not including pay-per-view sales. While Ngannou is reportedly set to receive $20 million [£15.6 million], which is twice the amount he received for his highly praised debut fight against Tyson Fury last October. This is Ngannou’s second time boxing in the ring and he is sure to provide a stiff test for Joshua, who is fighting for the fourth time in under a year. The involvement of Saudi Arabia in boxing’s biggest fights has given rise to Joshua’s calibre of fighters benefitting from huge fight purses. The money involved is a testament to the growing commercialization of boxing, although the focus will, of course, remain on the in-ring action. The fight will take place at Kingdom Arena in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The undercard is expected to start at 11:00 a.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. GMT, and the ring walk for the main fight is anticipated to take place at 6:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 p.m. GMT.
Presidency Reacts To Reports Of Tinubu Advising Buhari To Print More Money
The Presidency has refuted claims suggesting that President Bola Tinubu advised the Muhammadu Buhari administration to print N22.7 trillion. This denial comes in response to statements made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, during a session with the Senate Committee on Finance. Edun attributed Nigeria’s current inflationary pressures to massive currency printing during Buhari’s tenure, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in economic management. He disclosed plans for a comprehensive audit of the reported N22.7 trillion printed without productivity. In reaction, Paul Ibe, spokesman for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticized Edun’s remarks, alleging Tinubu’s encouragement of such actions in 2020. However, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga rebutted these claims, asserting that Tinubu never advised the government to print money. Onanuga clarified that Tinubu’s statement in 2020 did not advocate for Naira printing, as erroneously reported, and provided a clarification in Thisday a day after the false report emerged.
Police Give Update On Kidnap Of 287 Kaduna Students By Bandits
The Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has assured that the 287 students kidnapped from a school in Kaduna would be rescued. The spokesperson of the Command, Mansir Hassan, gave the assurance while reacting to the unfortunate incident. It would be recalled that not less than 287 students from the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, were kidnapped on Thursday when bandits attacked the school premises. Reacting to the development, the Kaduna Police spokesperson said operatives have been deployed and are combing the bushes to rescue the victims. ”I’m attending a security meeting, but the police tactical team has been deployed to go after the criminals by combing the bushes to rescue the victims,” he said, as quoted by Vanguard. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has vowed that all efforts would be put in place to ensure the students return home safely.
Gunmen Attack 2 Banks In Kogi
Gunmen suspected to be robbers have attacked two commercial banks in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The robbers raided the banks and carted away millions of naira and other valuables. Eyewitnesses said that the robbers were shooting indiscriminately shootings during the attack. The robbery operation was said to have started around 5 pm. It was gathered that operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps engaged them in exchange of gunfire. The state police command is yet to react to the incident.
Nigeria Air Force Plane Involved In Minor Crash
A Nigerian Air Force Super Mushshak trainer aircraft has been involved in a minor mishap which occured this Thursday, 7 March 2024 at about 2.35pm. NAF Director, Public relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet indicates in a press release that the accident, which occurred about 3.5 nautical miles from Kaduna Military airfield, involved 2 pilots who were returning from a routine training flight. Both pilots escaped the crash unhurt. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has directed preliminary investigation to determine the immediate cause of the crash.
Finance Minister Blames Buhari Administration’s Reckless Money Printing for Inflation Surge
In a startling revelation, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun has pointed fingers at the Buhari administration for Nigeria’s current inflation crisis, attributing it to the irresponsible printing of money. During a session with the Senate Committee on Finance, Edun disclosed that between 2015 and 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria printed a staggering N22.7 trillion for the Federal Government through Ways and Means overdrafts. Edun emphasized that this massive money printing spree was not accompanied by corresponding increases in productivity, leading to the inflationary pressures the country is grappling with today. He cited a lack of restraint in spending the N30 trillion amassed through Ways and Means under the previous administration as a significant factor contributing to Nigeria’s food and security challenges. Acknowledging the Senate’s resolve to investigate the utilization of these funds, Edun assured the committee of the government’s commitment to addressing the underlying causes of inflation and fiscal imbalance. He outlined measures aimed at bolstering revenue generation without resorting to unsustainable practices, such as excessive money printing or undue borrowing. Edun commended the Senate for its support in tackling fiscal challenges and pledged to address loopholes in import duty waivers to enhance the country’s fiscal resilience. Despite the current economic hurdles, he expressed optimism about the government’s ability to implement effective policies that would stabilize inflation rates and foster sustainable economic growth.
Alleged N4b fraud: Obiano prays court to quash charges against him
Willie Obiano, the former Anambra State Governor, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to quash the N4billion corruption charges brought against him by the federal government. He premised his motion on notice pursuant to provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act 2015. The ex-gov argued that there is a subsisting appeal by the Anambra state government challenging the authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC’s authority to investigate the funds. He argued through his counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, that there was no connection between the proof of evidence and the alleged accusation against him. Obiani maintained that there was no testimony from any witness indicating that he issued directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra state government. He emphasised that the he cannot be held accountable for any alleged unlawful actions by officials of the Anambra state government as there is no concept of vicarious liability in criminal justice system. The former governor is being prosecuted by EFCC on 9- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N40 billion. The anti-graft agency alleged that Obiano bypassed financial institutions in numerous unlawful cash transactions using funds allegedly stolen from the state’s account. The EFCC claimed that the cash amounts involved in the transactions exceeded legally permitted limits. The motion on notice was brought pursuant to section 6 (6) (a) and (b) and section 36(6) (6) b of the 1999 constitution as amended and section 1(1) & (2), 266, 271(b), 383(4) &492 (3) of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act 2015. Among others, Obiano is seeking “An order of the court quashing the instant charge for it amounts to flagrant abuse of judicial process and a mockery of the criminal Justice “An order quashing the charge for non disclosure of a prime facie case being vague and devoid of precision in respect of all the 9 count charges. “No prima facie case has been disclosed against the defendant in this charge.There is no link between the proof of evidence and the purported allegation made against the defendant in the charge “No evidence exist from any witness showing that the defendant passed down directive for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to Anambra state government. “The defendant cannot be made answerable for any purported unlawful actions of officials of Anambra State government as there is no vicarious liability in our criminal jurisprudence. “The thinking and conclusion of the prosecution on the counts arose from speculation and suspicions “The subject matter of the charge borders on accountability for security vote funds. The honorable court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security vote funds “There is an appeal filed by the Anambra state government challenging the powers of EFCC to investigate the security vote of Anambra state government. “The preferment of the entire charge is in bad faith. This honourable court has inherent judicial power to grant all the reliefs sought above. At Thursday’s resumption of trial, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), counsel for the EFCC, informed the court that he had received the defendant’s motion and had responded accordingly with counter affidavit. However, he said while attempting to serve the defendant’s counsel with his response, he found their gate locked but that he managed to deliver the response in the court room. Responding, Patrick Ekweto (SAN), counsel to Obiano requested time to respond to EFCC’S counter affidavit. In a short ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the defendant two days to file and serve their process on the EFCC. The matter continues March 13 for the motion to be heard.
Bandits Invade Kaduna Primary School, Kidnap Scores Of Students
Chaos ensued in Kuriga town, Kaduna State, unknown gunmen stormed LEA Primary School, Kuriga (1) on Thursday, kidnapping numerous students. Although the exact number of abducted individuals remains unverified, local residents estimated it to be around 100. The victims reportedly included the head teacher of the school and some other staff members. The incident occurred at 8:20 am immediately after the morning assembly, leaving the school community in shock and distress. It was revealed that most pupils managed to flee from their classes upon sighting the armed bandits on the school premises. The LEA Primary School, Kuriga (1), relocated its junior and secondary sections to the town’s inner building a few years ago due to security concerns, abandoning the former school building outside the city. A resident named Shitu confirmed the abduction, saying that many pupils fled their classes upon realizing the presence of bandits. Another resident, Lawal Kuriga, mentioned that the kidnapped victims were forcefully taken into the nearby forest. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the state government.