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Lagos, ACAN International hold basketball clinic

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Lagos, ACAN International hold basketball clinic

The Lagos State Sports Commission in partnership with the ACAN International championed by former basketball international, Aloysius Anagonye organised a basketball clinic at Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, in Yaba, Lagos on Saturday.

It was an opportunity for the Lagos basketball players and coaches to be part of the mentorship and thoughtful programme aimed at improving their skills and capacity.

While addressing the participants, Lekan Fatodu, Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, emphasized the significance of the clinic to their personal development as it would also motivate them to increase the level of their performance.

He acknowledged the role of the Executive Governor of Lagos State Mr.Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his effort in ensuring that the state remains at the centre of conversation around sports development in Nigeria.

He added that the state values the partnership with the ex-basketball player saying, “We need to consistently stretch our hands of fellowship to organisations like ACAN and individuals like Mr.Aloysius so that they can be able to help in the areas we think there are gaps.

“It’s is very important we keep that kind of engagement going forward”, said Fatodu.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye pointed out that it is an initiative and meaningful collaboration that’s not going to stop with basketball.

Ex-basketball international, Aloysius Anagonye engaged the participants on the fundamental practice of basketball and his intention to contribute to the growth of the players in Nigeria.

“It’s a long-time dream of mine to do things in Nigeria. My purpose right now is to make people on ground understand the fundamental skills in the game of basketball,” he said.

Part of his discussions also centred on personal experiences, fitness, training, facilities and equipment as well as the development of trainers and players.

Anagonye represented Nigeria in international basketball competitions such as the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the 2007 FIBA Africa Championship.

2 million treated in NDDC medical outreach – MD

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2 million treated in NDDC medical outreach – MD

The Niger Delta Development Commission says no fewer than two million residents of the Niger Delta region have benefited from its ongoing free medical outreach.

This is according to a statement made available to The According on Tuesday by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni.

According to Ughakpoteni, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed the figure at the flag-off of the medical outreach in Cross River State on Sunday.

He added that the outreach had been carried out in eight states within the region with a mandate to align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal of universal health coverage for all.

The statement read in part, “Ogbuku, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Eme Inyangabia, said the free healthcare programme was a flagship of the Commission, targeted at changing the health situation and narrative of the people in the region.

“It is in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, number three, which aspires to achieve universal health coverage and ensure health and well-being for all.”

The statement noted further that medical cases such as malaria and fibroid surgeries would be attended to during the outreach.

It quoted the NDDC Director, of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, as saying, “Those who will go through surgeries will be monitored until they are ready to be discharged from the facility as we have a team on ground to handle that, and cases that we are unable to handle will be referred to tertiary facilities for treatment.”

“We are looking to treat 3,000 to 3,500 patients but not really the number of patients but the number of data points because one patient may have more than three interventions. So we are looking at between 12,000 to 15,000 data points.”

Present at the flag-off ceremony were the Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Okon Owuna, the paramount ruler of Akamkpa, Ewot Ebani, among others.

AKO makes thrilling Abuja debut

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AKO makes thrilling Abuja debut

The African Knockout Championship made a remarkable debut in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, captivating fans with its inaugural live event at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental with thrilling fights in the various categories of featherweight, middleweight, lightweight and women’s bantamweight.

The main event was a high-stakes showdown between Nigeria’s Daniel Emeka popularly known as “Big Shark” and Flex Munwe from Congo, culminating in Munwe’s triumphant victory by unanimous decision.

The co-main event featured Richard Muzaan from Nigeria, who delivered a breathtaking technical knockout against Cameroon’s Tayo Athanasius, leaving the crowd in awe.

In the featherweight category, Daniel Iwuoha stunned everyone with a knockout of Emmanuel Nworie in just 38 seconds.

Ugochukwu Melvin popularly known as “ the African sniper” also claimed victory over Burkina Faso’s Israel Mano in a light heavyweight division, while Nigeria’s Jane Osigwe showcased her prowess in the women’s bantamweight division, dominating Togo’s Jibidar Cynthia with a technical knockout.

Ivory Coast’s Marcel Yao, knocked out Cherif Drame in 42 seconds of the first round, there by winning the KO of the night.

Senegal’s Gasmire Diatta also known as “Kayilla the Killer” defeated Nigeria’s Jackiel Ayana (the smiling Assasin).

Nigeria’s Osigwe and Senegals Gasmire Diatta won performances of the night.

The atmosphere was electric as attendees witnessed high-octane action and fierce competition, making AKO4 a historic and exhilarating event. Among the audience were notable figures such as Nollywood actor Jim Iyke, comedian and skit maker Mark Angel, and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen.

General Manager of Abuja Continental and host company, Javier Sanchez said, “This event is a big boost for the company and we are proud to be part of this, development in Nigeria and in Abuja for the first time. We hope to sustain this gesture”

Also remarking, one of the fighters, Nigeria’s Osigwe said, “It’s great to be here and I feel like fighting more, I see AKO being more than UFC in Africa. I hope to be a world champion someday and I’m working towards this by devoting every day of my life to training”.

FERMA begins repair works on Lagos roads

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FERMA begins repair works on Lagos roads

Transporters and traders in Lagos State are hopeful of relief following the promise by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency to fix some bad portions of the roads in the state.

The FERMA Managing Director, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, disclosed that the agency was planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lagos State Government to fix some bad portions of the Federal roads, during his recent visit to Lagos.

He noted that FERMA and the Lagos Waste Management Agency would work on the drainage problem in the Moshalasi area of Agege Motor Road, Mushin.

 Agbasi stated that the agency considered signing an MOU with LAWMA due to the deplorable condition of the Moshalasi road in Mushin, which was caused by the blocked drainage system.

The FERMA boss, who visited different sites during the working visit, assured motorists of proffering solutions to the road, which had impacted businesses and transportation negatively.

 “We saw the drainage problem in Mushin. We have been able to assess what the problem is, which is primarily blocked drainage. We were also able to offer solutions where we felt that closer collaboration would be needed with the Lagos State Environmental Agency.

 “We are looking at having an MoU with them, with clearly defined outcomes on what each party will be responsible for. The MoU will commit the different parties to different tangible outcomes,” Agbasi said.

 The MD maintained that immediate desilting work had begun on the road to put an end to traffic gridlock and ameliorate the plights of road users.

 “We have started desilting existing drains to allow the water to flow. Water is the worst enemy for our roads, once the drainage system starts overflowing, obviously, it affects the people. The desilting work is ongoing, and we will continue to do that,” he added.

 Agbasi inspected the ongoing renovation work on the Ijora Causeway, which connects the Apapa port, which has been affecting vehicular movement in the area, and businesses.

Police probe alleged murder of fresh UNIBEN graduate

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Police probe alleged murder of fresh UNIBEN graduate

The Edo State Police Command says it has begun an investigation into the alleged murder of a graduate of the University of Benin, Glory Adekolure, by yet-to-be-identified persons.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, disclosed this in a telephone conversation with According Metro on Tuesday.

Adekolure was said to have gone to school (UNIBEN) for her final clearance on June 13, 2024, but her remains were found close to her house.

Sharing details about the incident, the lady’s brother who identified as @softbaba had taken to X.com to demand justice for her, stressing that she was returning home from school when the incident happened.

He claimed she was beaten, raped, and killed in the Iyowa community area of Benin, the Edo State capital and her remains were dropped close to their house.

In a series of posts on X.com on Monday, the user sought help from Nigerians, particularly the police to unravel the mystery surrounding her death.

He wrote, “Justice for my younger sister Adekolure Idowu Glory, who was raped and killed in lyowa community, Benin, Edo State on her way back from school (UNIBEN). She went for her clearance and her corpse dropped close to her mother’s house.

“Help us seek justice for my kid sister that just graduated from the University of Benin in April 2024 and still processing her projects and clearance and was raped to death on her way back from school on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at just 22 years.

“Her lifeless body was deposited at UBTH mortuary on 15/6/24 with the help of the Nigeria Police from Ekhiadolor Division. She was beaten, raped, and killed. Please Nigerians, come to my rescue. The help I need now is just for my innocent sister, my mum can’t hold herself. Please everyone should help me to retweet and tag those that can help me get justice.”

Responding to inquiries from our correspondent in a telephone conversation, Nwabuzor noted that the police had commenced an investigation into the matter.

He however did not disclose if any arrest had been made in connection with the incident, stating that the nature of the investigation did not allow for such a disclosure.

Nwabuzor said, “We have commenced an investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances behind her death. Because of the nature of the incident and so as not to jeopardise the ongoing investigation, I can’t disclose to you if any arrests have been made.

“We will continue to investigate and we will update members of the public of the development soonest.”

When contacted for a reaction, the spokesperson for the University of Benin, Benedicta Ehanire, said she was not aware of the incident.

“I am just knowing about the incident. I will inquire from the Dean of Students,” she said.

Worry as NCAA acting DG tenure expires

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Worry as NCAA acting DG tenure expires

There is disquiet among the staff members and management of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority as well as in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development over the decision of who becomes the substantive director-general of the aviation regulatory agency.

 There has been tension within the NCAA over the past six months, due to a leadership dispute between Captain Musa Nuhu, who was appointed substantive director-general of the NCAA by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, and Captain Chris Najomo, who was appointed as acting DG of the agency by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024.

Until his appointment, Nuhu, pilot, safety expert, quality assurance lead auditor, and artificial intelligence expert, was Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

 Nuhu had worked at various times at the defunct Nigeria Airways, Aero Contractors and Petrowest, among other organisations.

He holds an MSc. in Aviation Business from Concordia University and was in the Presidential Air Fleet as a captain and a safety officer. He also has a Diploma in Aviation Safety from the University of Southern California.

 On December 13, 2023, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development announced the suspension of Nuhu as the DG of the NCAA over alleged corrupt practices.

 The ministry, in a release, noted that Nuhu would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation.

The ministry named Najomo as Nuhu’s successor in an acting capacity for six months.

 Six months after the suspension, an update on his probe was yet to be made public.

 Efforts to get the official state of the investigation from the spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive, as he neither picked up repeated calls from our correspondent nor responded to text messages of inquiry on the matter.

 A top member of staff in the NCAA, who spoke under anonymous conditions over fear of getting reprimanded, hinted to The According that he was not sure that Nuhu was caught in the web of any form of corrupt practice.

“He was only in his travail because the minister must install loyal lieutenants in the agencies under his office, one of which was the NCAA,” the source stated.

 But, six months after his suspension from office, it was learned that Nuhu’s refusal to resign had been blocking the attempt to confirm Najomo as a substantive DG.

 Meanwhile, Najomo’s first six months in office expired on June 13.

When asked if the ministry had communicated the next move to the NCAA, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation, Tunde Moshood, assured that the ministry would do the necessary thing.

 “The real expiration is still in a few days and the next thing will be done, that you can be assured of. The minister has been away for a while; he just returned and I know he will act as appropriate,” he noted.

 Part IV of the NCAA Act 2022 stated, “The Director-General of Civil Aviation could only be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the minister, subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

 The Act also said that the director-general could be appointed for a term of five years in the first instance and may be re-appointed for a further term of five years.

 Section 3 of the Act added that the substantive director-general could only be removed from office by the President subject to confirmation by the Senate only when he is of unsound mind, absent from five consecutive meetings of the board without the consent of the chairman, unless he shows good reason for such absence and guilty of serious misconduct.

 The leadership tussle in the NCAA  has caused division in the agency, as some believed that the recusing of Nuhu was unjust, others stood with the acting DG, praying that he be confirmed as a substantive DG.

 The According also gathered that some senior staff members of the agency and non-staff members were already jostling for the seat of the NCAA DG.

Revenue-generating agencies owe FG over N3tn – FAAC

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Revenue-generating agencies owe FG over N3tn – FAAC

The Federal Government could face a potential loss of N2.97tn and $36.33m if revenue-generating agencies in the country do not reconcile unremitted earnings collected, The According has learnt.

The figure owed by an unnamed number of agencies as of April 2024 was revealed during the Federal Account Allocation Committee. Our correspondent obtained the minutes of the meeting on Monday.

The Vice President of the Post-Mortem Sub-committee representing the committee Chairman, Kabir Mashi, at the meeting, said the outstanding amounts were still being reconciled with the relevant agencies at the monthly reconciliation meeting

The minute read in part, “Outstanding Federation Account Revenue Arising from Inter-Agencies Reconciliation Meeting Held in April 2024: The Vice Chairman, PMSC reported that the total unresolved amount due to the Federation Account from the reconciliation meeting held with the Revenue Generating Agencies in April 2024 was $36,329,376.24 and N2,977,561,881,021.29.”

He disclosed that all other outstanding amounts from the RGAs before June 2023 were referred to the Stakeholders Alignment Committee and PMSC was awaiting the outcome of the reconciliation.

Commenting, the Chairman of the Commissioners’ Forum and Finance Commissioner, Ekiti State,  Akintunde Oyebode, commended the PMSC for the effort in the recovery of outstanding funds belonging to the Federation Account and informed that the sub-nationals were feeling the impacts of the recovery.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee disburses allocations from the revenues generated into the Federations Accounts, which comprise multiple accounts specific to a sector/ business type.

The bulk of the revenue shared at FAAC meetings by the federal, state, and local governments are earnings from oil exports, taxes, and other statutory allocations.

Under the current revenue-sharing formula, the Federal Government gets 52.68 per cent of the revenue, states 26.72 per cent, and local governments 20.60 per cent.

The fund which is arguably the major source of revenue for most states is to ensure development at different levels of government and also to enable the states and LGs to meet their obligations.

Man jailed 45 months for stealing fan, drum set

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Man jailed 45 months for stealing fan, drum set

An Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti Division has sentenced a middle-aged man, Saidu Abass, to 45 months imprisonment for stealing household items including a fan, iron and drum set from a house.

Abass was arraigned before the court on four counts of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing and escape from lawful custody.

According to the charge, the offences committed by the defendant and others at large are punishable under Sections 421, 323, 302, and 120(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

The charge stated that “Abass, one Emmanuel and others now at large on 15th May, 2024 at 5pm conspired and unlawfully entered the dwelling house of one Mrs Ademurele Bamidele located behind a gospel church at Agric Olope in Ado Ekiti.

“During the operation, the convict and his accomplices stole an Ox fan, fridge engine, palm oil, fan switch, drum set, iron, microphones, extension socket and table bell.

The prosecutor, Inspector Raymond Osas, said, “The defendant and others now at large were seen in action at the scene. While he was arrested, others escaped with the stolen properties.

“He was taken to the police station where he escaped from lawful custody under a woman police. After thorough search, he was rearrested on June 4, 2024 and later arraigned that day.

The prosecutor urged the court to give the defendant his deserved punishment for the offence committed.

The defendant (Abass), who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty when the charge was read, interpreted and explained to him.

In the judgment delivered on Thursday and made available on Tuesday, Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola said, “The defendant, having pleaded guilty and admitted to the commission of the offence of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing and escape from a lawful custody, this court is left with no option than to sentence him upon his earlier conviction by this court”.

The magistrate, in the verdict, said, “For conspiracy, he (the defendant) is sentenced to three months imprisonment with N2,000 option of fine; one year imprisonment for breaking into a dwelling house with N3,000 option of fine; two years imprisonment for stealing with N5,000 option of fine and six months imprisonment for escape from lawful custody with N2000 option of fine.

“The terms are to run concurrently while the fines are to run consecutively”, Daramola said.

FG offers 17 new oil blocks for bidding

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FG offers 17 new oil blocks for bidding

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, announced the addition of 17 deep offshore oil blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round for oil fields in Nigeria.

Recall that some deep offshore blocks were recently put on offer for the 2022/23 mini-bid round and other blocks which cut across onshore, continental shelf and deep offshore terrains were also put on offer for the Nigeria 2024 Licencing Round.

Precisely on May 8, the government invited investors to bid for 12 oil blocks and seven deep offshore assets in the 2024 marginal fields bid round.

Also on June 12, 2024, it was reported that the Federal government had increased the number of oil blocks on offer in the 2024 marginal bid round.

The Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this at the pre-bid conference for the 2024 licencing round in Lagos.

Providing updates on the 2022/2023 and 2024 licencing rounds, Komolafe, in a statement he signed and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, said 17 deep offshore blocks have been added to the 2024 Licensing Round.

He said, “In pursuit of the commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, the commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector.

“As a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the commission has added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round. Further details on the blocks can be found on the bid portal.”

Komolafe further stated that “by the published guidelines, we had earlier indicated that some of the assets on offer should be applied for as clusters, namely: PPL 300-CS & PPL 301-CS, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001. Bidders are hereby advised that they may, at their option, bid for those blocks as clusters or as single units.”

For clarification, he said bidders should refer to the Frequently Asked Questions Sections of the 2022/23 and 2024 Licensing Round portals, or contact the upstream regulatory agency.

The NUPRC boss also stated that to allow interested investors to take advantage of the expanded opportunities, the 2024 Licencing Round schedule had been amended.

He said, “Registration/submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024, has been extended by 10 days and will now close on July 5, 2024.

“Data access/data purchase/evaluation/bid preparation and submission which was initially scheduled to open on July 4, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 will now start on July 8, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 as previously scheduled.

“All other dates in the published 2024 licencing round schedule remain the same unless otherwise communicated.”

He stated that to vacate entry barriers, the commission had sought and obtained the approval of President Bola Tinubu, who, as petroleum minister, approved attractive fiscal regimes and also minimised entry fees for both licencing rounds by putting a cap on the signature bonus payable for the award of the acreages.

“Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the same bid criteria (in addition to the uniform signature bonus criteria) are applicable for both licencing rounds, to promote transparency and provide a level playing ground for all bidders.

“Since the criteria for the award of the oil blocks are now much more attractive than they initially were during the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round, it is in the interest of equity and fair play to give all investors the same opportunity to bid for the assets,” Komolafe stated.

Based on this, he declared that all blocks in the 2022/23 and 2024 Licencing Rounds were now available to all interested investors the websites developed for the exercise by the NUPRC, adding that the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round registration phase had been reopened to new applicants.

“The public is therefore invited to take advantage of this development and attractive entry terms and conditions and participate in the exercise.

“However, all the pre-qualified applicants published on the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round portal will not be required to go through a new pre-qualification process, as their technical submissions remain valid and eligible even for the 2024 Licencing Round.

“They may, however, wish to re-submit new commercial bids to take advantage of the more attractive criteria applicable to both licencing rounds and revise their bid bonds to adapt to the new bid criteria. They are also free to bid for blocks on offer in the 2024 Licencing Round,” Komolafe stated.

Court orders Arik Air to pay over $24,000 to ex-worker

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Court orders Arik Air to pay over $24,000 to ex-worker

An Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has ordered Arik Air to pay eight months’ salary arrears to an ex-worker, Mrs Andreia Perdigao, after she was wrongfully sacked.

 The Arik air worker approached the court after she was sacked in 2017, having worked for the airline for about three years.

She prayed that the court would order her ex-employer to pay her emoluments of several months, which remained unpaid till the time of filing this report.

 According to a judgment marked SUIT NO.: NICN/LA/532/2017 and obtained by our correspondent, the claimant, who had worked with the airline as an air hostess, was requesting her salaries from December 2016 to March 2017 before she was laid off by the airline.

 The court document put her monthly salary at $2,683.33 and the aggregate of the eight months’ salary at $21,466.64.

 The claimant, however, prayed that the court should mandate the defendant to pay the aggregate of her eight months’ salaries, put at $21,466.64 and N35m for breach of contract, among others.

 Justice M.N. Esowe, in his judgment, affirmed that a contract of employment existed between the claimant and the defendant.

 He added, “It is declared that the defendants are bound to pay to the claimant 8 (eight) months’ arrears of salary for the months of August 2016 through December 2016 and for the months of January 2017 to March 2017 when the 1 Defendant wrongfully terminated the Claimant’s employment with the IM Defendant at the sum of $2,683.33 (Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-three United States Dollars, Thirty-three Cents) per month aggregated at the sum of $21.466.64 USD (Twenty-one Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty-six ollars, sixty-four cents) for the 8 (eight) month period.

 “The court directs the defendants to pay to the claimant 8 (eight) months salary at the aggregated sum of $21,466.64 (twenty-one thousand, four hundred and sixty-six dollars, sixty-four cents).

 “The sum of $2,683.33 is hereby awarded to the claimant as general damages for breach of contract.

 “The court hereby orders the defendants to pay interest at the rate of 15 per cent on all the judgment sums from the date of delivery of the judgment until the same is fully liquidated.”

The According, however, gathered that the judgment, which was dated May 9, was yet to be effected by Arik Air at the time of filing this report.

 When contacted, the Head of Corporate Communications, Adebajo Ola, told our correspondent that he was not aware of the court ruling.

 “I am not aware of the case. I will need to find out,” Ola said.

 Our correspondent sent the document, including the suit information and suit number, to the Arik publicist as per his request.

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