First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has announced its support for a service project by the Rotary Club of Lagos, District 9112, to empower over 200 widows through micro-credit and skills acquisition. This initiative underscores FCMB’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and financial inclusion.
The announcement was made during the installation ceremony of Adetunji Lamidi as the 64th president of the Rotary Club of Lagos. The event, held recently in Lagos, highlighted the club’s ongoing efforts to expand its community impact.
“Our goals for the year are audacious, yet achievable,” said Lamidi. “We plan to commission a secondary school in Iboku Aro village, support over 200 children, empower 200 widows, and donate five incubators to general hospitals in Lagos. We’ve already donated infant incubators to Island Maternity as our first project for the year.”
READ ALSO:FMO, FCMB, EU sign agreement to provide $25m funding for agric, youth, women-owned SMEs in Nigeria
In her remarks, Oluyemisi Edun, MD of FCMB, emphasized the bank’s support for the Rotary Club’s initiatives.
“FCMB views the Rotary Club as a vital platform for driving inclusion, national cohesion, and sustainable development,” she said. “We are delighted to support the club in empowering over 200 widows through micro-credit and skills acquisition under the new leadership of Rotarian Adetunji Lamidi.”
Lamidi also announced plans to increase the club’s micro-credit fund to ₦20 million to support five markets across Lagos. “We currently support the markets in Gbagada and Oke-Arin, and we aim to expand to five other communities. Additionally, we will build five bore-hole projects and provide annual scholarships for 20 university students across Lagos,” he said.
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Microcredit: FCMB, Rotary Club partner to empower 200 widows
Delta CP orders deployment of personnel, restricts movement
Ahead of the forthcoming Delta State local government elections slated for Saturday the state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, has ordered massive deployment of personnel across the state to ensure a hitch-free election.
Olufemi stated this in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, on Thursday in Asaba the state capital.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has ordered massive deployment across the state to enable electorates in Delta State to exercise their right.
“The Command in synergy with other sister agencies deployed massively across all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and DSIEC offices to ensure a hitch and also protect the electorates, and DSIEC officials.
“Marine Police have equally been deployed to the waterways to ensure that that area too is peaceful during the election.
“There will be restriction of vehicular movement from 8:am to 3 pm on Saturday, only officials on emergency and essential duties which include accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time.
“NABTEB examination students are also exempted from this restriction of movement order.
“While regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are therefore advised to adhere to this instruction as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The ban on VIP escorts during the election will also be enforced, they are therefore advised not to move with their security details on Election Day, as any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly”
Olufemi also advised all non-state actors such as vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, and hunters among others to steer clear during the elections.
He added that any of them found meddling in the election process will be decisively dealt with.
The commissioner urged all residents to be law-abiding, assuring them not to compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property.
Edo approves new governing council for Ambrose Alli varsity
The Edo State Government has approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
In a statement on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said the council, which is made up of seven members, is to be chaired by Dr. Omo-Ehijele Odafen.
The statement read, “The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
“The council, which is made up of seven members, is to be chaired by Dr. Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen.
“Other members are Mrs. Patience Erhabor, Tony Innih, Prof. Anthony Ogbeibu, Prof. Sunday Ojeifo, Prof. Kokunre Agbontaen-Eghafona, and Clifford Omozeghian.”
The statement added that the inauguration of the council will be announced later.
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Delta PPRO warns against jungle justice, says police won’t accept brutalised suspects
The Delta State Police Command has warned residents to desist from meting out jungle justice to suspected criminals.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a post on X.om on Wednesday.
Edafe stated that the police will not accept brutalised suspects, and those responsible for such acts will face murder charges if the victim dies.
He wrote, “So I was at Trend FM today to discuss a different type of jungle justice. Many callers who called refused to yield to my advice and insisted that they will beat up a suspected thief black and blue before taking him to the police station.
“Let me make it clear, we won’t accept a wounded suspect who suffered from jungle justice in your compound from you.”
He further said that anyone who inflicts injuries on a suspect will be required to treat them him in the hospital before they can be taken into custody.
He added, “We will accompany you to the hospital where you will have to treat the suspect before we admit the suspect.
“And if the suspects dies due to the beating, you and your other accomplices will be charged to court for murder. No sentiment in law, know this, and know peace.”
According Online reported in April that the Nigeria Police Force condemned jungle justice, stressing its negative impact on the country’s justice system.
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Mali, Russian firm sign agreement to develop nuclear energy infrastructure
The ruling military junta in Mali has sealed a deal with a Russian state nuclear company, Rosatom, that will develop three nuclear energy infrastructure projects, including a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in the country.
A statement by Rosatom on Wednesday made available to TVN said that it had met with the leader of Mali’s junta, Assimi Goita, where negotiations were held with the junta officials responsible for the economy, energy and education.
“As well as discussing a strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in Mali, junta officials and Rosatom talked about solar power generation and geological exploration projects,” the statement said.
The statement added that the meeting was held between Goïta and officials of the Rosatom State Corporation on the prospects of nuclear energy and personnel development.
“A meeting took place between the President of the Transition Period of the Republic of Mali, Assimi Goïta and on July 2-3, 2024. Nikolay Spassky, the Deputy Director General for International Relations, informed the President in detail about the progress of the main cooperation projects being implemented in the Republic through the organisation.
“The ministerial delegation of the Republic of Mali led by the Minister of Economy and Finance Alousséni Sanou held detailed negotiations.
READ ALSO:Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger to set up anti-terrorist force
“In particular, projects in the fields of solar generation and geological exploration were discussed in detail. Particular attention was given to the prospect of launching a strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in Mali.
“The evidence of this growing cooperation is active participation of nuclear energy corporations’ representatives and various African delegations in important business events.
“Particular attention was given to the prospect of launching a strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in Mali.
“As a result of the negotiations, three memorandums were signed. Documents on cooperation in the field of development of nuclear infrastructure and on forming a positive public opinion were signed with Bintou Camara, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Mali.
“Bourema Kansaye, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Mali signed a memorandum about cooperation in the field of personnel training.
“The parties agreed to continue maintaining close contacts and periodically coordinate positions as joint work progresses. Cooperation between Mali and Rosatom may be a productive step towards building a sustainable energy future in Africa.”
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Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms, ammunition in Kaduna
The Nigerian Army on Thursday said troops deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Kaduna State neutralised one terrorist.
The bandits were in transit to unleash mayhem along Mallum Forest before the troops intercepted and recovered arms and ammunition from them.
In a statement on its social media platform, it said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, tactically positioned themselves along the terrorists’ axis of movement.
Upon sighting the terrorists on motorbikes emerging from Mallum Forest through an alternate route, they engaged the terrorists with heavy fire, neutralising one while others fled in disarray into the nearby forest, thereby thwarting their nefarious mission and preventing a potential attack on innocent civilians.
The statement added that the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two motorbikes, one Techno phone, head warmers, face masks, and a magazine jacket.
“Currently, the troops have intensified their presence in the general area to maintain security and prevent any further threats.”
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms, ammunition in Kaduna
Emir of Ilorin seeks anti-corruption crusade in schools, rural communities
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has pleaded with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take the Anti-Corruption campaign to both primary and Secondary Schools in the rural areas of the country.
The Emir made the appeal in Ilorin, the state capital on Thursday during a road walk organised by the EFCC and other security agencies to mark the Africa Union anti-corruption Day themed, “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption.”
Officials of the Ilorin zonal command of the EFCC led other sister agencies, traditional rulers, Civil Society organisations, NYSC members and individuals on a road walk through designated routes in Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking during the road walk, the Emir who was represented by Oba Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, Olusin of Isanlu Isin advised the commission to appoint officers in all the 16 local government areas of the state for the task to deepen the campaign against corruption in the rural areas.
The traditional ruler, who described the walk as a good exercise aimed at fighting against corruption in the society together with the anti-graft agency, said that it should be taken to communities, villages, and from primary to secondary schools.
“The EFCC should also set a day for the anti-corruption walk exercise in the grassroots areas of the state whereby the villagers would move around their communities and villages to preach to residents and embark on advising young ones against corrupt practices and catch them young against corruption.
“This is because corruption is everywhere in the country. An example of corruption is examination malpractice prevalent in our schools. If this form of exercise is taken to nooks and crannies of our state, corruption would be wiped away”, he said.
In his address, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said that aside from terrorism, corruption ranks as the next deadliest affliction of humanity in every region of the world.
Olukoyede, whose message, titled, Deepening Anti-Corruption Fight Through Effective Whistle Blowing delivered by the zonal director of the EFCC, Harry Erin, said that one way of fighting corruption is through the whistle-blowing initiative.
He said, “In view of the danger and threat to our existence which corruption represents, it is imperative that individuals, communities, corporate bodies and indeed the whole world join hands together to tackle it frontally. One way of doing this is through the whistle-blowing initiative.
“The Whistle-Blowing Policy in Nigeria was launched on December 21, 2016, by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance as an anti-corruption programme that encourages people to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, abuse or embezzlement of government assets and any other form of corruption or theft.
“The theme of the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day is “Effective Whistleblowing for Corruption-Free Nigeria”. Whistleblowers are anti-corruption promoters. Through their efforts, anti-corruption agencies are alerted about environmental compromises that should be investigated. The alert can come through verbal and non-verbal corridors.”
He added that at the EFCC, ”the Eagle Eye app is an established corruption reporting device that is generating intelligence the commission can leverage on. I urge whistleblowers to key into this device. Mails can be sent, telephone calls can be made, and personal visits can be made to any EFCC Command across the country to expose acts of shadiness around us. We also assure every whistle-blower of protection. EFCC will never betray you!
“One salient fact about whistle blowing is that it shows commitment and drive towards anti-corruption. No effort is too little in this regard. Although there are ample rewards accruable to the whistleblower, the most important thing is the need to move the wheel of anti-corruption forward. This is a duty for every Nigerian and it is the focus of this year’s anti-corruption Day.
“On this note, I want all of us to embrace this obligation more seriously. We cannot win the war against corruption through lip service, emotional outburst or mere mob campaigns. There is a need for commitment, passion, consistency and credibility of intelligence.”
He pointed out that every whistle blown must point towards truth and evidential proofs, warning that there is punishment for false claims and misleading intelligence.
“Finally, let us always remember that corruption affects all of us. An internet fraudster poses as much danger to our progress as a looter of our national treasury. We should not encourage their villainy by being indifferent, silent or non-committal. Whistle-blowing is our opportunity to kick against corruption. Let’s embrace it totally,” he said.
Members of sister agencies such as the NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs, FRSC, and NYSC, as well as associations like RTEAN, NURTW, tricycle associations, heads of agencies and parastatals and media, participated in the walk.
Unity key to party, Nigeria’s development – APC
The Secretary of the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Zakari Babale, says unity among party members is critical for the growth and development of the party and Nigeria.
Babale made this statement on Thursday in Abuja while receiving into the party, Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, who had recently retired as the Legal Advisor, Director Legal from the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC.
Babale, who received Ibrahim on behalf of the council Chairman, Alhaji Abbas Baba, described him as an asset who had proven himself as a Nigerian ambassador over the years, adding that Ibrahim’s entrance into the party was very strategic.
Babale expressed optimism that Ibrahim would help reposition and revive the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said that though the APC in the FCT had some challenges, it was not a time for members to grumble.
The secretary said it was time to support President Bola Tinubu in building a better society for all.
He advised members to remain supportive of the leadership of the party and President Tinubu, as opposition parties remained critical of the ruling party’s achievements.
He called on Nigerians to exercise patience with Tinubu, adding that his economic programmes and policies might be painful, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
In his remarks, Ibrahim said he joined the APC out of conviction that it meant well for Nigerians, saying there was need for all to support the vision and policies of President Tinubu..
He said in spite of the country’s challenges, Tinubu had done so much in the area of security, agriculture, education, health, youth, human capital development and social investment.
Ibrahim said that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu was already working, especially in the area of youth inclusion in politics and governance.
According to him, Tinubu has not only stabilized the polity but also worked on recovering the country’s economy, as well as improving its bilateral relations with other countries.
Ibrahim said that the administration had also given voice to the voiceless, especially in the area of human rights and all inclusive appointments.
“In this regard all hands must be on deck to support the president in his Renewed Hope Agenda, in order to move the country forward and move it to a greater and enviable height,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Abdulmalik Usman, Chairman of FCT APC, and the party’s members for their advice and his acceptance into the party.
“I am very delighted to be in your midst today, because today is the day that the Almighty God created. I would like to thank God for bringing us together.
“I have no doubt that today I am joining a good family with very eminent personalities and people who have contributed to the advancement of our dear and great country,” he said.
Unity key to party, Nigeria’s development – APC
Stop stigmatising, killing children with cleft lips’
Nigerians have been called upon to stop stigmatising or killing children with cleft lip and palate as they can be treated and live a normal life like others.
The President of the Nigerian Association For Cleft Lip And Palate, Prof. Fadikemi Ogini, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday during the fifth Annual Scientific Conference held in Kano.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Standardising Cleft Care In Nigeria,” .Ogini explained that the aim is to improve quality of life for individuals affected with cleft lip and palate.
She revealed that part of the association’s plan is to ensure that those affected can access standard treatment anywhere across the country.
“What we hope to achieve at the end of the event is to bring every cleft lip and palate service provider to a point where we are able to provide quality care that can be comparable across the nation.
“So, that you are in one part of the country and I am in another part of the country does not mean that we will receive different levels of care. We want care to be uniform, we want it standardised with everybody doing exactly the same thing and offering high quality care to all patients across the nation.
“To Nigerians, I will say those who have children born with cleft lip and palate, those who see individuals with cleft lip and palate should not stigmatise them because they can be cared for and they can live a normal life.
“I will also call on well-meaning Nigerians who have the means to support cleft care to approach the Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palates and ask for how they might be able to help provide care for these children.
“Don’t kill children with cleft lip and palate, don’t stigmatise children with cleft, lip and pzlate, bring them out for comprehensive care and they can live a normal life” she said.
In his keynote address at the conference, the immediate past President of the West African College of Surgeons, Prof. Peter Donko, explained that cleft lip and palate is a global issue but Africa is particularly affected because of all the issues with poverty, lack of resources and adequate manpower to deal with the issue.
“We are here to challenge ourselves to work with organizations like Smile Train which have been funding cleft treatment for many years and also with our governments to take the initiative forward, provide resources for treating these children who are unfortunate enough to be born with this congenital defect.
“We believe that we must also change the way we care for them. We should not only focus on surgical repair of the defects that we see,” he added.
Ex-Accountant General begs for time to refund looted funds
A former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, on Wednesday, pleaded with Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja to give him more time to conclude the refund of the public funds allegedly looted by him and his co-defendant.
Nwabuoku and his co-defendant, Felix Nweke, are facing 11 counts of money laundering to the tune of N1.6bn.
They are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The defendants were accused of committing to the act while Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.
While Nwabuoku is the first defendant, Nweke is the second defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/24 dated May 20 and filed on May 27 by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.
Nwabuoku was appointed acting AGoF on May 20, 2022, under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari after Ahmed Idris was suspended as AGF over alleged N80bn fraud.
He was, however, removed in July 2022, a few weeks after assuming office.
When the matter was called on Wednesday, the defendants prayed the court to halt their arraignment until another date to perfect the refund.
Nweke’s lawyer, Emeka Onyeaka, informed the court that there was a new development in the case.
He told the court that his client had taken steps towards settling the matter.
The lawyer said Nweke had made substantial refunds of the money traced to him by the anti-graft agency.
“The second defendant has taken steps, as there is a communication to the commission via-a-vs the alleged offences on making a refund.
“The commission is in receipt of the money and promised to communicate to us,” he said.
The defence counsel said upon being served with the charge, “We communicated with the commission and we were asked to tarry for their administrative procedure.”
He said since a substantial amount had been refunded, if his client was arraigned, such action would affect the trial.
He, therefore, prayed the court to grant them an adjournment to take further steps on the administrative procedure.
Maduakolam Igwe, who appeared for Nwabuoku, aligned with Onyeaka’s submission.
Igwe said his client had equally taken the same steps and that a substantial amount had been refunded.
“We have written to the commission on this. The first defendant has also made some refunds.
“May I adopt the submission of my learner friend to tidy up the administrative procedure,” he corroborated.
Responding, counsel who appeared for the EFCC, Ogechi Ujam, acknowledged that though the commission was in receipt of a proposal letter, she said, “No negotiation has been made, no settlement has been done and no agreement has been reached by parties.
“In the circumstances, we urge this honourable court to allow us to arraign the defendants.”
After hearing the parties out, Justice Omotosho adjourned till October 14 for arraignment.