Francis Obinna Nwaubani has been appointed as the new acting Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) by Governor Alex Otti.
He replaces Mrs Esther Agu Anyanwu, who has been directed by the Governor to proceed on compulsory retirement.
Mrs Esther Agu Anyanwu, until her retirement, had served in an acting capacity since after taking over from the former DG, Hyacinth Okoli.
She was previously the Director of Finance (DF) before ascending the position of acting DG.
A circular from the office of the Head of Service in Abia State, dated July 30, 2024, confirmed the compulsory retirement of Mrs Anyanwu.
The circular, HSA/S.0117/Vol.V/44, which was signed by Kalu Boniface, for the Head of Service read in part:
“Directive to proceed on compulsory retirement:
“I am Directed to refer to the above subject and convey the directive of His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, OFR, the Executive Governor of Abia State for you to proceed on compulsory retirement with effect from the 31st of July 2024”.
According to the directive, the acting DG is to hand over to the new acting helmsman, Francis Obinna Nwaubani.
The circular also said that the newly appointed DG, who is from the Department of News and Current Affairs, came first during a recent interview conducted to fill the vacant position.
Confirming his appointment to journalists, the new acting Director General, Nwaubani said: “I am humbled. Thanks for all your good wishes and felicitations. I seek for your continued prayers and support in anyway for the great challenges ahead.”
Before the new development, BCA, which has Radio and Television stations, experienced some breaches in transmission for about two weeks.
Otti retires BCA DG, appoints Nwaubani
Otti retires BCA DG, appoints Nwaubani
Protest: Don’t gather within Amuwo Odofin – Lagos LG chair warns
The Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State has issued a stern warning to residents against gathering or participating in the planned protest, within the council area.
The Council Chairman, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, gave the warning in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Recall that a nationwide protest against hunger and the rising cost of living is planned to hold from August 1 to August 10.
The locations for Lagos State are Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park in Ketu.
According to Buraimoh, none of the locations approved for the planned protest in the state was in AOLG.
“As your Executive Chairman, I am compelled to warn that any gathering or protest within AOLG will be in contravention of the court’s judgement.
“I urge you all to respect the law and refrain from participating in any protest or gathering within our local government area.
“Let us prioritise peace and order in our community,” he said.
Buraimoh assured residents that he would continue to work tirelessly to ensure their well-being and safety
Protest: Don’t gather within Amuwo Odofin – Lagos LG chair warns
10 ways to remain safe during protests
As the nation gears up to witness the beginning of the 10-day- hunger protest on Thursday, the safety of all during protests remains paramount.
The protest, which is scheduled to be held from August 1-10 across the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, seeks to force the government to address the harsh economic realities bedevilling the populace.
However, engaging in any protest requires some preparations that you must note as it’s easy to become carried away with the agitation.
Therefore, in this piece, According Online highlights some key tips to stay safe before, during and after a protest:
- Know why you’re protesting: If you plan to join in any protest, you must not be caught off-guard on why you joined in the first place. Typically, for any Nigerian, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with others.
- Ensure you know the assembly point before the protests begin, and familiarise yourself with all possible routes throughout the protest.
- Keep your identity card with you.
- To stay hydrated, ensure you carry enough water with you in a bag, and put some snacks in your bag to eat. If you have any health concern, like Asthma, kindly take your inhaler along.
- Use a nose mask in case security operatives fire tear gas. Keep a hand sanitiser in your bag to be used at intervals.
- Put on light clothes and sneakers to ease your movement.
- Keep your mobile phone fully charged and also carry a power bank with you. Having enough airtime on your line(s) is advisable.
- While it’s safe to stay in groups, you should also be wary of the people and activities in your surroundings. Always stay alert.
- Obey the protest organisers and leaders. Don’t go against their directives.
- Do not taunt any security official simply because you have the constitutional right to protest.
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Protest: Human Rights Commission issues advisory to Nigerian Govt, security agencies, organisers
As the #EndBadGovernsnce protest kicks off nationwide today, Thursday, 1st August, 2024, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has issued an advisory to the major stakeholders involved in the exercise – the Nigerian Government, the security agencies and the organisers.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, who issued the advisory late Wednesday evening in Abuja, said the move was in line with the Commission’s mandate, as spelt out in Section 5, paragraphs (l), (m) and (o) of its enabling Act.
The ‘hunger protest’, billed to run for 10 days – from 1st August to 10th August – is going ahead despite spirited efforts made by President Bola Tinubu, governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, heads of security agencies and other influential Nigerians to stop it.
One of the organisers, Omoyele Sowore, an activist, on Wednesday debunked reports that the protest had been called off.
Nigerians are apprehensive over fears that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, and as a result, turn violent and bloody.
There are also fears that the protesters may clash with security agents, and pro-government elements who have already started holding rallies against the protest.
However, in its advisory, the NHRC recommended steps that should be taken by the government, security agencies and the organisers to ensure that the protest is peaceful.
Parts of the advisory read, “The National Human Rights Commission, in exercise of its mandate in Section 5, paragraphs (l), (m) and (o) of its enabling Act makes the following recommendations:
“Obligations of the Federal and State Governments
“The NHRC urges the Federal and State Government to uphold the Fundamental Human Rights and the Fundamental Objectives of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria.
“Federal and State Governments have obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies by ensuring full protection of protest assemblies.
“Federal and State Governments shall ensure that protests are not disrupted by opposing third parties, counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“Federal and State Governments shall ensure that initial approaches to emerging violence by protesters or counter-protesters does not immediately lead to the use of deadly force and all measures to preserve human lives shall be ensured in accordance with international best practices.”
Obligations of the Nigerian Police and Other Law Enforcement, Security and Armed Forces:
“On the use of force: Abide by the recommendations of the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
“This principle specifies that ‘law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty,’ that the use of force should be exceptional, and that ‘the use of firearms is considered an extreme measure’.
“It also states that ‘no law enforcement official may inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’.
“Law enforcement and security agencies shall respect the rights of protesters, including the right to peaceful assemblies to convene assemblies and to voice their opinions.
“Provide and protect traffic routes for protesters and non-protesters to ensure the right to freedom of movement is enjoyed by all parties.
“Provide protection for public and private properties from protesters or counter-protesters.
“Ensure a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into any incidents of human rights violations during the protest.
“Obligations of the Protest Leaders:
“Ensure that the protest is peaceful and avoid provocative actions such as carrying arms, hate speeches, attacks on law enforcement and security agencies or looting of public and private properties
“Ensure that the protest remains peaceful and law-abiding. Violence and destruction of property will undermine the legitimacy of the protest.
“While the right to protest is guaranteed, the protection of critical infrastructure is also essential. Cooperate with law enforcement to ensure peaceful protests and apprehension of offenders.”
The NHRC further stressed that through dialogue, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law, it is possible to address the grievances of the protesters while maintaining public order.
The Commission in the same vein called on all parties to avoid actions that could endanger public safety or damage private and public properties, as well as undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Ojukwu, who read out the advisory, disclosed that the NHRC will deploy its protective and promotional mandates to monitor every protest in Nigeria and ensure that human rights principles are observed by state and non-state actors.
Protest: Human Rights Commission issues advisory to Nigerian Govt, security agencies, organisers
August 1 protest: IGP reacts as explosive device is detonated in Lagos
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commended officers for the discovery and detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
The incident happened on Wednesday along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja in Lagos State.
In a statement signed by the Police PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun urged members of the public to remain alert and report unusual behaviour.
“Where one encounters an unfamiliar or suspicious object, please do not touch or move it. Rather, keep a safe distance and immediately inform the Police,” the statement read in part.
It added that the Nigeria Police “is working tirelessly to investigate further the source of the bearers of the IED planted in Lagos, dismantle their plans and apprehend those involved, the cooperation of well-meaning members of the public is vital in these critical times.”
August 1 protest: IGP reacts as explosive device is detonated in Lagos
Guard, two others held for Justice Ajumogobia daughter’s murder
The Lagos State Police Command said it had arrested three domestic workers of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia following the discovery of the judge’s daughter, Aribemchukwu’s dead body outside the gate of their Park View Estate home in the Ikoyi area of the state on Wednesday.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest while responding to inquiries on the incident by According Metro on Wednesday.
A family source privy to the incident who chose to be anonymous due to the nature of the matter had disclosed in a social media post that the incident happened on Tuesday night while the lifeless body of the daughter was found in the early hours of Wednesday.
The source noted that the incident appeared to be a murder allegedly orchestrated by some domestic workers of Justice Ajumogobia who were said to have been employed about a month ago.
The source wrote, “My brother and Sister-in-law, Soboma and Rita Ajumogobia’s daughter was murdered in their house in Parkview we think last night as her body was discovered this morning outside the gate to their house.
“It would appear that the new household staff might have been responsible and tried to stage as if she was outside when it happened. However, signs of an attempt to clean up blood inside the house and in the compound tell a different story.
“If this was indeed the handiwork of the staff, it’s salient to observe that they were newly employed less than a month (ago) and she was alone in the house with them. We all need to be super careful, especially with new hires.”
Reacting further when contacted by our correspondent, Hundeyin noted that an investigation had begun into the incident.
“Confirmed. Three domestic staff (have been) arrested. The case is now being handled at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the PPRO said.
Recall that Justice Ajumogobia was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 15 counts bordering on money laundering and breach of public trust.
She was detained by the EFCC in 2016 while probing the source of about $793,800, which the anti-graft agency claimed passed through the judge’s domiciliary accounts between 2012 and 2015.
Meanwhile, in a 2021 ruling, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Lagos Division of FHC upheld Ofili-Ajumogobia’s application to quash the charge and dismissed the allegations against her.
In 2022, the National Judicial Council ordered her reinstatement as a judge of the Federal High Court.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Chief Judge of the FHC, Justice John Tsoho, on December 5, 2022, notifying judges of the court about the development.
Kidnapped Ekiti varsity ex-DVC found buried in shallow grave
The former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, who was kidnapped on July 9, has been found dead.
Sources, who could not confirm whether the 79-year-old retired university teacher died as a result of weakness due to age or that he was killed by the kidnappers, told According Metro that the don was found buried in a shallow grave in the bush.
Olaofe was kidnapped in his house alongside his guard on July 9, over three weeks ago, and driven away in his car which the police said they recovered days after the kidnap incident.
Our correspondent gathered that the kidnappers initially demanded N50m ransom and thereafter remained incommunicado.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, who confirmed Olaofe’s death, said, “Yes, the professor has been found dead and we are doing everything possible to exhume the body for burial.
“However, we have arrested so many people and you know the circumstances surrounding the incident and we suspected insiders’ work in which the security man employed by the professor was the one who planned it.
“They (abductors) kidnapped the man with him so that we would not suspect. In the process of rescuing him, we have arrested some people. I can’t say much about the security guard, but at the appropriate time, we will brief the public,” the CP said.
While the search for the former university teacher lasted, members of the Are Ekiti Progressives Union; Ekiti Council of Elders; and Nigerian Universities Pensioners’ Association, EKSU Branch, charged the security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to rescue the old man.
N1.7bn disbursed to 20,000 student loan applicants – NELFUND
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund said on Wednesday it had disbursed a total of N1.17bn to 20,000 students in five of the public tertiary institutions that applied for the loan.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Sawyerr said NELFUND would keep increasing the number of beneficiaries based on applications
According to him, the fund is working on reviewing another 100 institutions whose applications have been received
“I am delighted to share that following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, NELFUND has been able to disburse students’ institutional fees amounting to N1,172,388,340.00 for 20,000 students (100 per cent paid) in the institutions across the country.
“These institutions were carefully selected based on their academic calendar.
“We have approved 260,000 loans, which is both institutional fees and upkeep. It is not everyone who applied for institutional loan who requested for upkeep loan. We are collaborating with a number of agencies and institutions to ensure that this scheme works fine.
“Disbursement to other institutions will be made at the beginning of their sessions to ensure a transparent and equitable distribution of resources,’’ he said.
Sawyerr said an additional disbursement of N850m would leave NELFUND to various institutions due to receiving the loans.
“The sum of N850,000,000 will be paid out today. We are also currently reviewing the applications of over 100 institutions.”
When asked if the loans could be given to postgraduate students, Sawyerr said the mandate of the fund focuses on undergraduate students with the fewest opportunities.
“Our focus is on the undergraduate students. It is a fund that enables those who have the fewest opportunities to get an education.
“While we acknowledge that there are students who will want to pursue their postgraduate studies, for now, our target is undergraduate students,’’ he said.
INEC urges factual reporting on Edo, Ondo polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission has appealed to the media for fair and factual reporting on the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives.
He noted that the September 21 date for the Edo election and the November 16 date for the Ondo election were fast approaching, saying that INEC’s preparations were in top gear.
“I wish to remind you of your obligation as journalists to report factually and accurately about the election and electoral activities, in compliance with the ethics of your noble profession.
“You should continue to be a bulwark against fake news, misinformation and disinformation. I urge you to fully comply with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. Similarly, you are required to comply with the INEC guidelines for media accreditation available on our website,” Yakubu said.
He expressed concern about the security situation in Edo and Ondo states, saying INEC would soon meet security agencies to fashion out security modalities.
He said,“We are as concerned about the safety of your personnel and equipment just as we are about the security of our officials, observers, service providers and, above all, the voters.
“We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations.
“The commission will meet with the security agencies as early as Friday this week under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue for discussion at the meeting.”
On INEC’s preparedness, he said, “It is now 51 days to the Edo State governorship election, coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024. Our preparations are going on in earnest. I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our state headquarters in Benin City two months ago. The damage to the physical infrastructure as well as movable and immovable facilities are being fixed or replaced.
“We have delivered additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines to Edo State for the training of election duty personnel as well as contingency for election day support. We have once again published the final list of candidates in compliance with the recent court order mandating the commission to replace the running mate with the candidate of the Labour Party. The amended list is already published on our website,” he said.
Flour Mills declares N763bn revenue
Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc has grown revenue by 67 per cent to N763.2bn in the first quarter ended June 30, 2024, from the N456.4bn recorded in the same period last year.
A statement from the firm on Wednesday indicated that its gross profit surged by 73 per cent to N86.9bn.
The profit for Q1 2024/2025 was N7.4bn, reversing the loss recorded in the previous year’s first quarter and returning to profit levels seen in the past two years.
The company’s operating profit rose to N49.9bn, supported by revenue growth and effective cost management strategies.
The financial performance was complemented by a cash position of N159bn, providing the company with the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and manage economic uncertainties.
Commenting on the performance, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FMN, Boye Olusanya, said, “Our Q1’24/25 results demonstrate FMN’s ability to deliver solid performance despite significant headwinds. We’ve shown remarkable agility in navigating the challenging macroeconomic environment, including persistent inflation and exchange rate volatilities.”
He added that the agro-allied segment saw a 68 per cent growth, driven by performance in the fertilizer and oil and fats businesses, as well as enhanced capacity utilisation.
The group’s Chief Finance Officer, Anders Kristiansson, highlighted that the company’s diversified business model provided a strong platform for sustainable growth and value creation for all stakeholders.
“Our Q1’24/25 results reflect our commitment to creating value for our shareholders. The significant strengthening of our profitability, coupled with our strong cash position, provides us with the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and navigate economic uncertainties,” Anders stated.
He noted that as the company continued to adapt to dynamic market conditions, it remained dedicated to its purpose of “Feeding and Enriching Lives, Every Day”, while driving long-term shareholder value through strategic investments and operational excellence.