Air Peace has bagged the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Achievement Award, for breaking new grounds in the Nigerian aviation sector.
This is contained in a statement signed by the airline’s Lead, Corporate Communications, Mr Stanley Olisa, on Sunday in Lagos
.
According to Olisa, the airline clinched the Achievement Award in the Corporate Category at the 2024 ICAN Awards and Annual Dinner.
“The award is in recognition of Air Peace’s top-tier achievements in its niche, and the industry-leading initiatives, which the airline has embarked on since inception.
‘Specifically, it’s recent disruptive entry into the London market.”
According to Olisa, the airline’s Safety Manager, Capt. Godfrey Ogbogu, received the award on behalf of the airline and thanked the leadership of ICAN for the honour.
Ogbogu was said to have applauded the institute’s firm commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism in accounting practice.
He also affirmed Air Peace’s drive to continually connect cities locally, regionally and globally, adding that the airline was poised to reduce the burden of air travel for Nigerians.
While fostering economic prosperity across cities, countries and continents. (NAN)
The Edo House of Assembly on Monday suspended three lawmakers over alleged plot to impeach the Speaker and other Principal Officers.
The Speaker, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, announced the suspension at resumption of plenary in Benin.
Agbebaku alleged that Donald Okogbe(PDP Akoko-Edo11), Bright Iyamu(PDP- Orihonmwon South) and Adeh Isibor (PDP- Esan North East 1)were being used by some external forces to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the House.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pronouncement led to rowdy situation at the House as the lawmakers tried to challenge their suspension. “Mr speaker, you don’t have the right to unilaterally suspend any member of the house.
” You must call for votes. Allow members vote on the matter.”
The Speaker, thereafter adjourned plenary abruptly.(NAN)
Mr Bayo Akinlade, the Convener of the Citizens Support for Lower Court Initiative (SFLC), an NGO, has called for better remuneration for lower court judges.
Akinlade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that improved pay for lower court judges across the country would go a long way in fostering productivity in the state’s judiciary.
He said that the disparity in salaries and allowances between High court judges and lowe
r court judges was too wide, adding that there was a need for state governments to put this in focus.
“The financial and economic imbalance between high court judges and lower court judges is one of the problems that weaken the foundation of an effective justice delivery system.
“This unfair and discriminatory economic condition meted on lower court judges has driven the common man to disrespect and devalue the judiciary.
“This is even though as much as 80 per cent of citizens of a state will have access to justice which only a lower court provides,” he said.
Akinlade said that lower court judges required the requisite “tools” of engagement to enable them to dispense their services effectively for a better judiciary.
“When a lower court judge is not equipped to do his job, he may be forced to find other ingenious ways of ensuring that he “files his returns” on time. . “Lower court judges are enslaved within the judiciary and this is sad because these lower court judges are the colleagues of high court judges as well as chief judges in the legal profession.
“There are a few lower court judges that are not only senior to some judges in practice but also have better academic qualifications.
“One, therefore, wonders why there should be financial disparity and lack of respect for lower court judges,” he said.
Akinlade, therefore, called for advocacy at the level of the state houses of assembly, to increase salaries for lower court judges.
“Their salaries need not be at par with those of high court judges, but it must reflect the nature and importance of their work.
“We know the solution; we only need the willingness to apply our intellect to make Nigeria better for all its citizens.
“I, however, remain optimistic that an independent judiciary is still our best option in this country,” he said (NAN)
The Nigerian award winning writer, Helon Habila last week received the highly coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the just concluded 2024 Kaduna Book & Arts Festival which took place in Kaduna, Nigeria.
The Award which was presented by the Governor of Kaduna State, H E Senator Uba Sani, had been previously won by other notable Nigerian authors such, Zaynab Alkali, Labo Yari among others.
Habila, the author of four critically acclaimed novels and several seminal works, who was the first Chinua Achebe Fellow at Bard College in New York in 2005 is currently a Professor of Creative Writing at George Mason University in Virginia, USA.
The writer is also on the board of the Africa Writers Trust, an organization to promote African writers and writing.
Above picture shows Governor Uba Sani presenting the award to Helon Habila (centre). Next to the Governor is Mrs Hadiza El Rufai, wife of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Bello El Rufai with Ms Lola Shoneyin, the Curator of the Festival (far right).
Looking on (first Left) is Dr Wale Okediran, the Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA)
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has cautioned the Federal Government against allowing the U. S or French government to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
Mr Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP National Publicity Secretary, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. Ishaq said that the relocation of these foreign military bases to Nigeria carried a myriad of potential dangers that could adversely affect the security, sovereignty, and overall well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“As a party resolutely committed to the sovereignty, security and well-being of our nation, it is our responsibility to voice our concerns and caution the Nigerian government against entering into any pacts that may endorse such arrangements.
“As a party founded on the principles of total liberation from imperialism, we feel compelled to highlight these risks of threat to sovereignty, security concerns, economic implications, diplomatic tensions in the region, amongst others.
“The presence of foreign military bases on Nigerian soil may lead to a gradual erosion of our national sovereignty.
“This could result in our government being pressured to align with the foreign policy interests of the United States and France, potentially compromising our ability to make independent decisions,” he said.
Ishaq said that allowing the military bases to be sited in Nigeria could inadvertently expose the country to new security threats, as foreign troops may not fully understand the complex and dynamic nature of the security landscape in Nigeria.
This, he said, could lead to unintended consequences, adding that their presence might provoke resentment among local communities, increasing the risk of insurgency and other forms of violence.
Ishaq urged the government to consider the economic impact of hosting foreign military bases and how the costs associated with accommodating these troops, maintaining infrastructure, and addressing potential security issues could strain limited resources.
He also said that the presence of these bases may plung Nigeria to the risk of increased dependency on foreign aid and assistance which may undermine the country’s self-reliance and economic growth.
Ishaq insisted that the relocation of American and French military bases to Nigeria could potentially strain Nigeria’s relations with other African countries could lead to diplomatic tensions and regional instability.
He called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to reject any proposal for the sake national interest and the safety of Nigerians.
“The issue of relocation of these base are a distraction and should not be given any attention, rather the government should remain focused on its internal defense and security needs.
“We and strongly call on the Nigerian government to outrightly reject such proposals for our national interest and specifically for these reasons.
“We believe that such a decision would pose significant risks to our national sovereignty, security, environment, and economy.
“We call for comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges faced in the Sahel region, one that prioritise diplomacy, regional cooperation, and sustainable development,” he said.(NAN)
Aisha Muhammed’s daughter was missing. Three-year-old Talatu (not real name) was nowhere to be found.
That cold realisation brought tears to Muhammed’s eyes. “At that time, I could not think straight, I was just crying and begging God to forgive me for my wrongs and bring back my only child,” she said.
Muhammed was expecting her daughter’s return on a Sunday morning. Talatu had slept over at her aunt’s house, a stone throw away from her own home in Rigasa area of Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna state. When she inquired on the phone about her child, she got the shocking news that Talatu went missing 12 hours ago.
Apparently, Talatu went outside to play with other children in the same compound but, unlike the others, did not return indoors after 6:00 pm. Five hours after a door-to-door search and she was still not found.
Muhammed remembered a report she had heard on radio about children stolen from their community and taken to another state or region for sale. This put her into more despair. “It was my mum that suggested we report the matter to the police station,” she narrated.
“So we all went to my aunt’s place and together we left for the police station where I reported the matter describing my child’s appearance and the time she was missing.”
A frightening trend
In recent times, there have been reports of missing children from the northern part of Nigeria on account of child trafficking. In some instances, they were located in southeastern Nigeria where they were renamed and sold.
For instance, in 2019, the Kano State Police Command arrested eight suspects involved in the kidnapping and trafficking of nine children. The victims, who were reunited with their relatives, aged between two and 10, were kidnapped from various locations within the state capital and trafficked in Anambra State.
What started as isolated cases of missing children in Kano State gradually grew to become a great source of concern as Kaduna State also recorded such cases with some suspected traffickers arrested.
In Sept. 2023, the police in Kaduna State had arrested four suspected child traffickers, Rahila Gajere, a retired social worker; Ngozi Peter, a nurse; Maryam Afaka; and Blessing Eze, in Zaria LGA.
During questioning at the police command, Afaka confessed to supplying Peter with stolen children and receiving payments ranging from N25,000 to N50,000 for each newborn from girls with unwanted pregnancies.
Some children are allegedly picked or lured by child traffickers who travel far to either sell or enslave them.
According to the latest figures shared by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), 64,000 cases of disappeared persons have been reported across Africa. In Nigeria alone, over 25,000 have been reported missing. Almost 14,000, more than half of the missing, are children.
Collaborations
The traditional institution comprising of a district head (Hakimi), village heads ( mai unguwa), area chiefs (sarkin unguwa) and other community leaders in Rigasa ward of Igabi LGA took it upon themselves to accommodate missing children found in the community pending when their caregivers come for them.
One of these traditional leaders is Salisu Sani, popularly known as Baba Zango, who is the (sarkin samarin gunduman Rigasa) youth leader of Rigasa ward. He was assigned by the ward’s district head, Muhammad Idris, to oversee the case of missing children and adults in the community through collaboration with the police, the area chiefs and village heads.
“Almost every day, when parents who are searching for their missing children search everywhere to no avail, the moment they come to us, I immediately place a call to all the various village chiefs and heads; and with the help of God, the missing children are found and reunited with their parents.
“We have a very good relationship with the police and other security operatives; that is why they refer people who report cases of missing children or persons to us at the district head’s office,” Zango said.
When Muhammed reported that her daughter was missing to the police, the officer taking the report told her to meet Baba Zango at the district head’s office in Rigasa, saying he had the contact of all the village heads in the ward. When they did, Zango placed a call to the village heads in proximity to where her daughter went missing. Unfortunately, most of them said they had no one with Talatu’s description.
After several more calls and a request for one of the heads to check their Whatsapp platform on Talatu’s issue, Baba Zango later called a village head from another chiefdom. It was reported that two girls of the same age as Talatu were found in the evening and had spent the night in that village head’s home.
“We immediately went to the traditional head’s house to check if Talatu was one of the found children,” Muhammed continued. Fear, however, made her lag behind. She could not bare hearing a negative outcome.
But then, there was Talatu playing with the other girl in her company, unconcerned and unaware of her predicament. When she saw her family, she ran and embraced them.
That was not the end of the matter. The process did not work that quickly without some checks.
Muhammed was not allowed to take her child home because of a policy in the palace which stated that she would have to come with the father of the child or any respected man known by the palace.
Muhammed’s husband was out of town and she had not informed him about the situation because she feared he would blame her for being careless. So she called Baba Zango who came and stood for her before the child was released.
The Whatsapp group
“In the past, when a missing child was found in our community, we searched house to house looking for the parents. Sometimes we use the town crier to announce that a child is missing or found.
“Nowadays things have changed with the help of technology. We place calls to our colleagues to enquire about a missing child,” Mai Unguwa Yusuf Abisai said.
Abisai, who is the village head of Kutungare, Mashi Gwari village in Rigasa explained that they now have a Whatsapp group where issues related to missing children are treated with their pictures and names posted on the platform for easy identification.
This WhatsApp group has all the village heads of a particular chiefdom in the ward, alongside members of the palace. Other important information related to these villages were also passed in the online platform.
Abisai added that the Whatsapp group was created six years ago with each chiefdom in Rigasa ward having their own unique group.
From January to date, we have found over 20 missing children who have been reunited with their families. Some spend some hours with us while others spend days.
“Right now I have two children under my care which I posted on the group; it turns out that one of the children’s parents had visited a colleague of mine searching for the child and she was referred to my house.”
Who takes care of the children?
The Children are taken care of by the village heads’ wives. They stay with the children before their parents or relatives come for them.
“We provide their feeding and our wives bath and cloth them for the number of days they are with us,” Shittu Abubakar who is the village head of Lokoja road, said.
“We don’t charge any fee from their parents for taking care of the children. But some parents usually give our wives gifts or money when they come to pick their children.”
Abubakar, however, lamented that some parents do not appreciate their effort and claim their children were playing outdoors and not missing.
Due process before release
When parents or caregivers find their child in a village head’s custody, they are required to follow some procedures before the child is released.
Abubakar explained that a form has to be filled by parents who come to pick their children in which they are required to write their name, address, phone number and other important details.
Sample of a form parents fill before their children are released
He added that the father of the child has to be present or someone known in the community, before a child is released.
“We don’t just give out children to anyone like that because one may claim someone else’s child. That is why we document information regarding the child and the parent.
“We also advise parents to be more careful while taking care of their children by cautioning them about leaving a small child outside alone with the excuse of playing,” he said.
According to the village head, some parents refuse to fill the forms and sign. They ask “don’t you trust me?” But after an explanation is given to them on the importance of keeping records, they oblige.
Due to the high population of the Rigasa community, certain persons opt to keep a missing child in their homes rather than take them to their village head. This causes delays in child-parents re-union, Abubakar revealed. There is also the lack of financial support from the government or non-governmental organisations for proper upkeep of such children.
“We feed and take care of these children from our personal purse, accommodating them in our homes because children are for everyone,” Abubakar said.(NAN)
***This is supported by the Solution Journalism Africa Initiative (Phase II) with collaboration of the Nigeria Health Watch.
The Police on Monday docked Mr Samuel Oyetayo, 35, in an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan for allegedly forging the Oyo Government hackney permit and ticket.
Oyetayo, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a count charge bothering on forgery of the Oyo Government hackney permit.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Insp Toyin Ibrahim told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 1, around Dugbe area, Ibadan.
Ibrahim said that the defendant, on the said date and place, forged the Oyo Government hackney permit and ticket without the government’s consent.
He said the offence contravened Section 467 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Kausarat Ayofe granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case until June 24 for hearing. (NAN)
Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended 31st March 2024, with an impressive triple-digit growth of 189% in Gross Earnings, from ₦270 billion reported in Q1 2023 to ₦781 billion in Q1 2024. This is despite the challenging operating environment and tightening monetary policy stance.
From the unaudited statement of account submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Friday, 3rd May 2024, this impressive growth in the topline also enhanced the bottom line, as profit before tax (PBT) rose to ₦320 billion in Q1 2024, representing an increase of 270% from the ₦87 billion reported in Q1 2023. Profit after tax (PAT) equally grew significantly by 291% from the ₦66 billion reported in Q1 2023 to ₦258 billion in the current period.
Interest and non-interest income contributed significantly to the growth in gross earnings. Interest income grew by 155% from the ₦192 billion reported in the quarter ended March 2023 to ₦489 billion in the period to 31 March 2024. The growth in interest income is due to the repricing of risk assets, owing to the increase in the central bank’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which currently stands at 24.75%. The growth in net interest income is primarily due to the increase in fees and commissions as well as trading grains.
The Group reported an impairment charge of ₦56 billion for Q1 2024, up from ₦8 billion recorded in Q1 2023. This is attributable to significant growth in risk assets, primarily driven by the revaluation of its USD loans, which necessitated additional impairment on the bank’s foreign currency-denominated loans.
The cost of funds grew by 48% from 2.7% in Q1 2023 to 4% in Q1 2024 due to the high-interest rate environment, while interest expense increased by 157% from ₦71 billion reported in Q1 2023 to ₦182 billion in the period to March 2024. Notwithstanding the year-on-year (YoY) increase in interest expense, net interest margin (NIM) grew by 20% from 6.9% in the 3 months ended March 2023 to 8.3% in the current period ending 31 March 2024. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) increased year-on-year (YoY) by 114% and 119%, respectively, due to improved profitability.
Gross loans, which are largely funded by customer deposits, grew by 30% from ₦7.1 trillion in December 2023 to ₦9.2 trillion in March 2024. Customer deposits also grew by 11% from ₦15.2 trillion in December 2023 to ₦16.8 trillion in March 2024, underpinning continued customer confidence in the Zenith brand. Total assets increased by 19% to ₦24 trillion within the same period.
The Group has consistently maintained all prudential ratios well above the minimum regulatory requirement. At the end of Q1 2024, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 20% and 67%, respectively, demonstrating the Group’s ability to maintain a strong and liquid balance sheet.
The Group is making progress on the planned capital raise to support future growth and is very optimistic about meeting the new minimum capital requirements in line with the CBN’s recapitalisation directive. As the Group accelerates migration to its new technology architecture and also transitions into a holding company, it remains poised to maximise value for all stakeholders.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has advised corps members in Osun to join the fight against corruption and social vices in the country.
Mrs Winifred Ngboro, Head of Public Enlightenment and Education Unit, ICPC, Osun office, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Osogbo.
Ngboro, who explained on the pivotal role of the ICPC in dealing with corruption-related practices in the country, said such concerted efforts would help reduce the rate of negative social vices.
According to her, the commission will not relent in spreading the crusade against any form of corruption in order to make the system free from such menace.
“The ICPC’s mandate empowers it to conduct system studies within government agencies to ensure adherence to established procedures and protocols.
“Also, major functions of ICPC include enforcement, investigation of reported offences and the prosecution of culpable individuals,” she said.
Ngboro, however, said the commission would continue to partner with key government anti-graft agencies towards ensuring that the society was free from any form of corruption and indiscipline. (NAN)
Lokoja residents have scored Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, high interms of delivering democracy dividends to the people in his first 100 days in office. Across section of residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja described Ododo as promising and committed governor that could help develop the state in a very short while.
Ododo was sworn into office on Jan. 27 after winning the Kogi Nov. 11 Off-Cycle election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mrs Idris oyiza, a civil servant, lauded the governor for ensuring monthly salary payment for workers in the state, saying that he had outshined his predecessor in the area of workers welfare.
“The payment of salaries of civil servants is now 100 per cent, and very regular, which has raised the hope of workers that better days are coming.
“Water that used to be very scarce is available as our taps are running well now. We only want him to help us talk to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to supply us with electricity regularly too, ” she said. Mrs Suleiman Zainab, a business woman, said that Ododo had recorded some major achievements in his 100 days office.
Zainab said appealed to Ododo to introduce some economic policies and programmes that would capture other residents, especially those who were vulnerable.
“We want this government to support we the small and medium entrepreneurs with loans and other incentives for us to succeed in our businesses and in turn boost the economy of the state, ” she said
Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, a commercial cycling, urged the governor to introduce some control on some union officials collecting illegal levies on cyclists without remitting it to government coffers.
Also speaking, Mrs Victoria Jagboro, Provost, College of Education Technical, Mopa, Kogi, said that Ododo had been able to ensure peace in the state within his few days in office.
Jagboro said that the governor was averse to disunity of any kind.
“Yours, is no doubt, a new beginning for our dear state.
“We appreciate your commitment to the well-being of the citizenry and your dogged commitment to the education sector.
“Be rest assured that we will stand by you on this remarkable feat of moving our dear state forward, support all actions that will be taken and mobilise our members to embrace the programs and policies of your administration,” she said.
Retired Cmd Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, described Ododo as an outstanding leader, commended him for the improved security of lives and property in the state.
“Ododo’s sterling leadership qualities have resulted in a peaceful atmosphere in Kogi in just his 100 days in office.
“His policies and programmes have supported the overall development of the state, and as well as the well-being of the people of the state.
“Most laudable is Ododo’s open door administrative policy to Kogi people along his giant strides in tackling insecurity in the state,” he said.
Mr Bashiru Gegu, the state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, congratulated the governor and his deputy, Mr JoelOyibo-Salifu, on their first 100 days in office.
The commissioner said that the 100 days of the governor had been full of activities that had had positive impact on the lives of the residents of the state.
“In fact, we have seen our governor’s genuine commitment to sustaining the legacies of development and performance of former Gov. Yahaya Bello.
“We have equally seen exceptional drive for excellence and good governance.
“This is the way we are congratulating our governor and wishing him more fruitful years in office to keep raising the hope of the citizens,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Danladi Aliyu, commended the governor for tackling the security challenge facing the state.
Aliyu said that the donation of 42 motorcycles to the local government councils for security was a pointer to the fact that Ododo’s administration placed great premium on the well-being of the people. (NAN)
