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Wigwe’s philanthropy, dedication to gospel message exemplary

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Wigwe’s philanthropy, dedication to gospel message exemplary

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has hailed the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, for his philanthropy and dedication to the gospel.

Adeboye said this on Thursday at the combined Service of Songs for Wigwe, his wife, Doreen and their son, Chizi, which held at the RCCG Resurrection Parish, Lekki, Lagos.

The trio died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America early February alongside a former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

Reading an excerpt of Adeboye’s condolence message at the service was the Pastor in charge of Region 11 of  RCCG and Head of the Blessed Family, Pastor Charles Pande, who gave the word of exhortation.

Adeboye’s message partly read, “Dr Wigwe was not only an accomplished professional but a fine gentleman, possessing a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities and business acumen. His dedication to philanthropy, nation-building, advocacy for children’s literacy and love for the arts made him a remarkable individual.

“More importantly, his commitment to the Christian faith and active involvement in spreading the gospel were exemplary. We share in your profound grief during his challenging time. The void left by Dr Herbert will be felt and his absence deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Paying tribute to the deceased banking whiz, the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, recalled that Wigwe never asked him for a favour throughout his eight years in office.

He said, “I have known him for so many years. I’m not even sure how many years. While I was in office for the entire eight, Herbert called me practically every other month, just to say, ‘How are you doing?’ never asking for a favour. But two months before I left office, he called me and said he needed to see me. So, I thought, he must have some issue and he came with a notebook. I was very surprised because Herbert never comes with a notebook and he said that he wanted to know what my plans were after I left office. I laughed over it and he insisted and took note very diligently of everything that I said I wanted to do. Thereafter he visited me no less than three times before I left office.

“The Thursday before he died, he called me on Tuesday and said he was going to come see me in Abuja on Thursday and he did. We spent about three hours reviewing practically everything, the university, the philanthropy (initiatives) he was involved in, everything.”

Speaking further, Osinbajo said that the deceased was one who walked the talk when it comes to friendship

 “I don’t think any event in recent times for me in particular has made it clear how important friendships and relationships are. Herbert was one who walked the talk of brotherhood and friendship,” he said.

Consoling the bereaved children, the former VP said, “No amount of words can heal your hearts but that you are not alone in your grief.  This tragedy has troubled so many, both young and old. A deep dark cloud hangs over our hearts.

“This event has confronted me and many of us with our own mortality. One thing I will like you to know especially, the children. The manner of death is not as important to God; John was beheaded, Stephen was stoned to death, Elisha died of an ailment. What is important to God is the difference between dying and perishing.”

After the series of events in Lagos, activities will move to Rivers State for the Christian Wake-Keeping Friday at Wigwe University, Isiokpo, followed by a Combined Funeral Service on Saturday at  RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo and then a private interment ceremony. The final event is the outing service on Sunday at RCCG, Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo.

Some dignitaries at the service of songs include billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  Ola Olukoyede;  Senior Pastor of This Present House, Tony Rapu; lead pastor of the Trinity House Church, Lagos, Ituah Ighodalo; Senior Pastor of the House On The Rock church,  Paul Adefarasin and  his wife, Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin and a former Access Bank chairman, Dr Dere Awosika, among others.

Bus drivers lament as NSCDC evicts motorists from garage

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Bus drivers lament as NSCDC evicts motorists from garage

Some commercial drivers at the Ikeja under bridge garage of Lagos State have lamented what they described as the sudden exit given by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for them to exit the area

According Metro gathered that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Our correspondent, who visited the area, observed some government agents and armed men pursuing the drivers out of the garage.

It was also observed that the traders selling their goods by the park had moved.

Speaking to our correspondent, some of the drivers claimed that officials of the NSCDC and the Lagos State Task force had chased them from the park.

A driver, simply identified as Emeka, said  the new development would make it challenging for commuters to use the road.

“They just came today to chase us away from the place. Although we were still here in the afternoon, suddenly we saw them chasing us away from the park. Some of our drivers have moved forward to get their customers, while others tried their luck to stay in front before getting caught. They even seized some of the vehicles.

Also, another commercial driver, who gave his name as Oladayo, claimed that prior to the scenario, the agency did not provide any notice.

He said, “The same thing happened in Berger, and now it is Ikeja’s turn. I do not know where they want us to park our cars to carry passengers. Everywhere around this Lagos is illegal. The best thing they would have done was to give us a short notice that they wanted to vacate us from the garage, and then we would have been prepared.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Taskforce, Raheem Gbadeyanka, stated that the park was illegal and that commercial vehicles had harmed the once-beautiful area.

He said, “It was not the taskforce men who chased them out of the place. However, the park is an eyesore and illegal. Some months ago, if you can recall, the place they claimed to be a garage was a place filled with flowers, and it was a beautiful sight. They came, removed the flowers, called it theirs, and started to park their vehicles and shuttle buses.

Also, when contacted, the NSCDC spokesperson, Abolurin Oluwaseun, said it was a joint effort between the agency and the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to reduce traffic congestion and guarantee unhindered vehicle flow.

He said, “We have officers legally attached to the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that the day to day transport movement is easy for commuters. They were positioned strategically. It was a joint action between the Ministry of Environment and the agency. They are also stationed to ensure the safety of commuters.”

House probes N200bn spent on suspended census

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House probes N200bn spent on suspended census

The House of Representatives is set to probe the N200bn spent on the suspended 2023 Population and Housing Census.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Clement Akanni during plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

Moving the motion, Akanni said the immediate-past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari planned

to conduct a census in 2022 but the programme was later postponed to 2023.

He said the former minister of state for budget and national planning, Mr Clem Agba, said a total of N869bn would be required for the exercise.

“This figure, according to the

minister, included post-census activities, adding that the National Population Commission said, it spent about N200bn to prepare for the 2023 population and housing census.”

According to him, the exercise was, however, suspended indefinitely by Buhari,  a few days before leaving office.

He added that the need to provide the nation with accurate and reliable demographic data for policy formulation and planning for sustainable development remained imperative,

Adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Population to invite the Director-General of the NPC  to explain how the N200bn meant for the suspended 2023 population and housing census was spent.

The House urged the committee to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

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Reps demand rescue of 200 abducted Borno women

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Reps demand rescue of 200 abducted Borno women

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, urged security agencies to rescue about 200 women 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.

While residents put the number of the abducted women at about 101, the

United Nations, on Wednesday, said it believed the figure was over 200.

“The exact number of people abducted remains unknown but is estimated at over 200 people,” Ann Weru, Head of Public Information, Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the UN in Nigeria, said in a statement.

Moving a motion on a matter of urgent public importance on the floor of the House on Thursday, the lawmaker representing Bama/Ngala/Kalabalge Federal Constituency of Borno State, Zainab Gimba, described the abduction as worrisome, liking it with the April 2014 abduction of school girls in Chibok.

She said, “I want to bring to the notice of the House that about 300 women were abducted while fetching firewood for domestic and commercial purposes in my constituency.

“I am calling on security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, see to the rescue of these women who went in search of their daily bread.

“The House notes that this is the second biggest number of abductions after the Chibok girls abduction that took place in 2014 even though, some of those girls are still in captivity.”

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session, described the incident as a sad development and called on security agents to step up their search for the abducted women.

“We, as a House, are pained that the families of the abducted persons are going through what they are going through at the moment

“In the spirit of the International Women’s Day Celebration tomorrow (Friday), we pray that these women and those still in captivity be freed from their abductors.

“There is no better way to celebrate the

Women’s Day without calling for the protection and release of these women,” Kalu said.

Following the resolution of the House, the motion was referred to the Committee on Defence and National Emergency Management Agency.

The 7 Division Nigerian Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Ajemusu Jingina, told The According on Wednesday that the troops had begun a search for the abducted women.

“Troops have already been dispersed to far into the wilderness in search and rescue operations; the air component of the troops are also hovering around the wilderness for the search and rescue,” Jingina said.

“Times without number, we have warned the IDPs never to go out of the sight of security agents but they would never heed.

“Last Sunday, in the typical obstinacy of IDPs, these guys strayed out to as far as 25 kilometres from Ngala just to collect firewood; they were already in danger of any attack by the terrorists,” Jingina told The According angrily.

Let ordinary citizens feel justice, Sanwo-Olu tells judiciary

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Let ordinary citizens feel justice, Sanwo-Olu tells judiciary

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged top management of the Federal Ministry of Justice to build a justice system that will not only dispenses justice but fosters a sense of trust and confidence among the citizens.

Sanwo-Olu advocated a Nigeria “ where justice is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality of every citizen.”

This, he said, would “lay a foundation for a more just equitable, and prosperous nation.”

The Lagos governor made the call in a keynote address he delivered at the 2024 top management retreat of the Federal Ministry of Justice held on Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

He enjoined participants to evolve new legal initiatives in the justice administration that would assist the Tinubu-led government in addressing the demands and challenges facing the country.

Sanwo-Olu said, “As we delve into discussions, we should all keep in mind the overarching goal to build a justice system that not only dispenses justice but fosters a sense of trust and confidence within our citizens. The success of all your efforts will be measured by the positive impacts felt by ordinary Nigerians who are seeking justice.

“In our pursuit for enhanced systems and structures, let us take cognisance of the need for a continuous evaluation and adaptation of the dynamic system of our society.

“We need to have regular assessments; we need to develop a feedback mechanism and a commitment to continuously improve and ensure that relevant and effective justice reform systems are reviewed at all times.”

In his opening remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged top management officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice to take necessary steps to tackle challenges associated with coordinating justice sector institutions in the country.

Fagbemi said, “Our duties are an amalgamation of law and policy; it is, therefore, critical that we continually review our operational strategies to enable us to meet the yearnings of our people for an effective and people-oriented justice system.”

In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. B.E. Jedy-Agba, said the aim of the retreat was to formally review and validate the Strategic Plan of the Federal Ministry of Justice for Years 2023 – 2027, as well as its Work Plan for Year 2024.

Govt warns against exploiting consumers

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Govt warns against exploiting consumers

The Lagos State Government has maintained its unwavering stance against any violation of consumer rights in the state.

The government said its stringent stance would ensure fair treatment for residents in the state.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, gave the assurance during a press conference at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja on Thursday.

Solebo’s assurance followed growing concerns about reported cases of exploitation and malpractice by some businesses operating within the state.

He said, “We will not tolerate any actions or practices that undermine the rights of consumers in Lagos State. The government’s zero-tolerance policy extends to various sectors, including retail, hospitality, telecommunications, and financial services. Any business found guilty of infringing on consumer rights will face severe penalties, including fines and possible closure of operations.”

Solebo stated that World Consumer Rights Day was observed annually on March 15th to raise awareness about consumer rights and advocate for fair treatment and protection of consumers worldwide, with a focus on specific themes relevant to contemporary consumer issues every year.

“The need to ensure that consumers are protected can never be overemphasised because we are all consumers of one form of product or service at one time or another.

“You are either a consumer of goods or services. This makes it imperative for relevant stakeholders all over the world to take the promotion of consumer rights as a collective responsibility,” Afolabi stated.

Solebo described the theme for this year’s Consumer Rights Day, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” as “timely and reflective of  the changing landscape of consumer behavior in an increasingly technology-driven world.”

EFCC arrests 48 suspected Internet fraudsters, herbalist in Kogi

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EFCC arrests 48 suspected Internet fraudsters, herbalist in Kogi

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 48 suspected Internet fraudsters and a herbalist for offences bordering on conspiracy and obtaining Money under false pretence in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

The Ilorin zonal Command office of EFCC covers Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states with the zonal headquarters in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

A statement by Dele Oyewale, head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, made available to According Metro in Ilorin on Thursday said the suspects were arrested upon credible intelligence on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at various locations in Lokoja.

The herbalist, believed to be the spiritual godfather of the Internet fraudsters, was arrested with various charms, the statement further said.

Items recovered from them included 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles, 11 laptops, 83 mobile phones and charms.

 The suspects, all male, between the ages of 17 and 34 will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations, the statement said.

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Deceased’s relatives allege cover-up as police free murder suspect

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Deceased’s relatives allege cover-up as police free murder suspect

The relatives of the late Lukmon Ajibola, who was beaten to death on Monday, February 5, at Ilepa in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised the alarm over the release of a suspect, Kolawole Akinsanya, from police custody.

According Metro reports that the Ogun State Police Command arrested and put Akinsanya in protective custody for allegedly conspiring with hoodlums to beat Ajibola to death.

A goat belonging to the deceased was said to have strayed into the compound of Akinsanya and ate his dried yam. This was said to have infuriated Akinsanya who allegedly killed the animal in the process.

In his reaction, Ajibola was reported to have confronted Akinsanya over his action which a source said resulted in an argument whereby the latter allegedly invited some thugs who went to attack the former. The source said Ajibola became unconscious after the attack and later died in the hospital.

The Ogun State Police Command, however, confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspect, adding that efforts were under way to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday, a relative of the deceased said Akinsanya was seen walking freely in the community on Sunday morning.

The relative who craved anonymity claimed the police had refused to charge the suspect to court as promised.

“The police have failed us again. Akinsanya has been released from custody and we learnt he was freed after paying some amount of money to the police. So, human life is so cheap in this country. He was walking freely on the street this morning with his friends. He is planning to throw a welcome party next weekend. This is shameful. The police authorities need to intervene. This can’t be tolerated.”

A source in the community had told According Metro after the incident that Akinsanya had bragged that he would return the way someone who lived two streets away returned after killing another person in the same circumstance the previous year.

The source added that Akinsanya’s colleagues were mobilising funds to secure his release and make the police cover up the case. They were also said to have prevented the police from arresting the three other suspects.

Reiterating the claim, the relative said, “A man called Sunday allegedly killed his neighbour in this area last year and he was arrested and handed over to the police by the community. But he was later released after parting with a huge amount.  This was what Akinsanya relied on that he would also be released after bribing the police.

“The police had pressured the wife of the deceased to accept monetary compensation after receiving a bribe from Akinsanya’s colleagues. The matter was not charged to court as promised by the PPRO. That is one of the reasons why people take to jungle justice most times,” the relative added.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, denied knowledge of the suspect’s release. She said, “I will have to check about that.”

She had yet to reply as of the time this report was filed.

Scale up fight against oil theft, Fubara tells NSCDC

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Scale up fight against oil theft, Fubara tells NSCDC

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to scale up the fight against illegal bunkering, oil theft as well as protect critical national assets in the state.

He urged the corps to continue to support the military and the police to tackle such acts of economic sabotage, even as he commended the NSCDC for its tireless service in ensuring security at all levels.

Fubara also urged the NSCDC to checkmate the activities of vigilante groups in the state to ensure they don’t act outside the law.

Fubara made call during the 2024 World Civil Defence Day and passing out parade of the NSCDC 2022 regular intakes at the Command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Fubara said the vision of the founders of the NSCDC was not misplaced, as the agency had sustained rigorous support for the Nigerian military and police forces’ holistic peace initiatives in the country and Rivers State.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Fubara emphasised that while undertaking its roles of community vigilante across the state, the agency should also ensure community groups work in consonance with rules and regulations establishing them.

He stated, “Please redouble your efforts in support to the military and police to ensure that oil pipelines and all assets are protected, including metal works such as manholes and metal poles from thieves in the state.

“I know that overseeing the private security guards like community vigilante is part of your brief, please ensure they operate according to rules and regulations and work hand-in-hand with established security agencies in the state.”

The governor further applauded the new recruits for their courage to accept the call to national service and persuaded them to remain resilient, as he prayed more young personnel from Rivers State also take-up the challenge to serve.

He said, “I extol the new intakes for your courage to accept this call to national duty because we need all hands on deck to salvage the country and ensure sustainable peace and security. You have taken the right step, I urge you to continue.

“What is important in life is not where you are standing or where you are starting from, but where you will get to. Where you will get to is not also where you are today, but it is determined by who you have decided to become in your mind.

“This is determined by the efforts you are ready to invest, both mentally and physically to transform yourself.

“There is nobody here, whether recruit or senior officers, who cannot become what God has ordained you to become. I urge you to take this seriously, commit yourselves mentally and physically.”

The governor added, “Also upgrade yourselves academically to fit into any position God has ordained you to occupy in life. Congratulations and happy World Civil Defence Day. “

Rivers State NSCDC Zone L Zonal Commander, Aniekan Udoeyop, reiterated the desire of NSCDC to stamp out crimes and criminality in the country and ensure Nigerians are safe.

Udoeyop noted that the Corps will continue to ensure that its officers are disciplined, exemplary, motivated and poised for maximum exploits.

He charged the new personnel, “I urge you to eschew any act that will make the federal, state, local governments and our benefactors regret the huge resources spent on us.”

He noted that the Corps was established to protect critical national assets, champion the crusade against vandalism of piplelines/illegal oil activities, checkmate farmers-herders clashes, ensure safety of schools, disaster management, and intelligence information, amongst others.

The World Civil Defence Day is held every March 1 globally, with the 2024 edition themed: ‘Honour Heroes and Promote Safety Skills.’

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Air Force Commandant and heads of other sister agencies also graced the occasion.

Lagos plans to seize styrofoam in supermarkets, others

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Lagos plans to seize styrofoam in supermarkets, others

The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, reiterated its ban on styrofoam food packs and others in the state, stating that it would deploy its officers to mop up the products in supermarkets across the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this at a meeting in Alausa, Ikeja with environmental health officers.

Wahab, according to a statement by the spokesman for the ministry, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, called on environmental health officers from across the 57 local government and local council development areas to work with the ministry.

The commissioner said, “This meeting became necessary in order to ramp up enforcement of the ban and distribution of styrofoam food packs and trays across the state. The pronouncement on the ban of styrofoam was made over three years, but the law was never enforced until now.

“The ministry is set to rejig the operation of all environmental health officers across the local government areas to effectively enforce the law. Officers will be deployed to supermarkets, retailers, and wholesalers to mop up empty styrofoam food containers and trays in stock for onward transmission to the shredding site at Oshodi.”

Wahab said styrofoam constituted a menace to Lagos, being a coastal state, “and as such, it is prone to flooding.”

“Global warming is real and every government needs to put measures in place to mitigate its effects on the environment.

 “Now is the time to save the environment from the menace of styrofoam by coming up with substitutes for styrofoam takeaway packs and trays, as this particular product in question is highly hazardous to health.”

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