Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Transformation and Orientation Initiative, an advocacy group, has decried the continued maltreatment of Nigerians in diaspora, stressing that the sad situation was becoming alarming.
The group took its cry to the headquarters of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, in Abuja concerning the general maltreatment of Nigerians citizens abroad but more specifically concerning the continued detention of a Nigerian cleric, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, in Benin Republic on a charge not substantiated.
TVN reports that Nigerians had staged a protest to the Benin Republic Embassy in Abuja recently to register their displeasure over the circumstances surrounding the detention of Pastor Egbaji, urging the Nigerian government to intervene in the matter and also look into several cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in several countries.
Samson Eze, media coordinator of the group, who led the group at a media chat with the spokesman of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated that over 5,000 other Nigerians apart from Mr Egbaji, are languishing in detention in Benin Republic.
Eze noted that this is an affront to the people and government of Nigeria that a neighbouring West African country could inflict such harm on Nigerians with the Nigerian government doing little or nothing to address the situation.
He therefore called on the government to apply the principle of reciprocity and show its power in reaction to the unacceptable behaviour from the authorities in Benin Republic.
They also claimed that Pastor Benjamin Egbaji may have been set up due to his popularity in the country.
“There seems to be this hatred for Nigerians in the diaspora, the moment you say you’re a Nigerian like the case of South Africa or any other part of the world, there seems to be this hatred, people begin to hate you for nothing.
“We’ve heard a series of stories of our people being victimised or attacked simply because they are Nigerians,” the group lamented.
Responding, NiDCOm spokesman Balogun assured them that the government has intervened in the case of the cleric by providing additional legal representation, which he believed will go a long way to help in his case.
He stated that the country will apply diplomatic efforts to ensure justice for the Nigerian detainee.
Balogun however, noted that everyone should wait for the outcome since the matter was before a court of law, and advised Nigerians to be good ambassadors of the country by being law-abiding in their host countries. He stressed that the intervention of the government will be easier if cases against Nigerians abroad are not based on criminality and infringement of the laws of their host countries.
Group decries ill-treatment of Nigerians abroad, demands govt intervention
Group decries ill-treatment of Nigerians abroad, demands govt intervention
Fubara charges exco members on procurement law
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged members of the State Executive Council to abide by the public procurement law.
Fubara gave the charge during the Public Procurement Enlightenment Workshop organised by the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday.
At the event, the governor was conferred with the Champion for Exemplary Compliance to Public Procurement Law by the RSBoPP and it was presented by the Special Guest of Honour,Justice Mary Odili (rtd.).
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the governor stressed the importance of public procurement to the commonwealth of the people.
He said, “As the Bible says, let your light so shine before men that they may glorify your father in heaven. Let our good works shine before the people of Rivers State so that they can have cause to glorify God that indeed the government they have voted into office is doing well.
“That is the time we will begin to celebrate. What we are doing today is very crucial. Every government literally rises or falls on how they practice their procurement. Virtually, everything we do as a government, money is spent and what we are talking about today is how to spend the people’ s money.
“The money does not belong to any of us, and the people need to know how we are spending their money. What we are learning today is the procedure and practices the people have laid down on how to spend their money. We should re-emphasize the fact that what we are doing today is crucial.”
He warned all officials to take the training seriously as anyone found wanting in relation to procurement law will be held responsible.
He said any commissioner or permanent secretary in violation of the law will be seriously frowned at.
Fubara thanked Hon Justice Odili for her presence, consistent advice and guidance on transparency and good governance in the affairs of the state.
He commended the RSBoPP for organising the workshop as he believes in accountability, transparency and the works of the Bureau, while maintaining that the workshop was crucial because the success of government also depends on abiding by procurement laws
Justice Odili said the workshop was appropriate to improve accountability in governance.
She admonished the government on the need for the training to be a regular exercise so that all government and public offices will know what to do when matters concerning procurement are involved.
“It is a wonderful programme and I commend the Governor for making sure that the session takes place. It will enhance accountability in governance as it will bring understanding and opening of minds to what is expected and what the public deserves to know about government funds and money,” she said.
On her part, the Acting Director General, Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, Engr. Dr. Ine Briggs, said, “That despite all the powers the Governor wields, he goes through the process of awards of contracts and passes documentation through the bureau. It is an exemplary effort.
“If the governor can comply, what stops other agencies from complying? We gave him the award to thank him and encourage him to use it as an example to all entities in the state,” she said.
She said the workshop was necessitated by the need to enlighten officials on procurement laws, adding that necessary actions will be taken against defaulters because the law emboldens the Bureau to take requisite actions against violators.
Sanwo-Olu hails NOVA Bank expansion plans
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended NOVA Bank Limited on the opening of its new business office in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation at the commissioning of the office, which is NOVA Bank’s first commercial banking branch, on Tuesday.
He said, “We need to commend them. We need to encourage them. The NOVA team have a choice to go elsewhere or to remain in the merchant banking space. But they decided to take it further, and taking it further means they have to commit additional resources that will enable them to remain competitive and to make more impact.
“So on behalf of the Lagos State government, I am here to thank you, encourage you and to say to you that we are excited with this milestone, “ the governor stated, adding that NOVA Bank Limited has a lot of multi-talented men and women.
While especially thanking the Board Chairman, Mr Philip Oduoza, for playing a significant role on the board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund years back, he said there has been no record of bank robbery for a long time due to improvement in the security situation in the state.
Nova Bank recently transitioned to a national commercial bank after receiving its licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In his address, the Chairman and founder of NOVA Bank, Oduoza, expressed delight about the future of the bank.
He said, “I feel very excited about it because this is something that we have been looking up to, for some time. We have been very successful in the Merchant banking space, which is the space where you attend to wholesale banking clients and corporate commercial banking. Now we have turned around, to take this success story to the retail market, and the retail market has far more population than the wholesale space. So we want to take this excellent service to many more people in Nigeria because we know it is going to make an impact on the economy.
“The impact comes in various forms. One is financial services provision, the second one is empowering the consumers through consumer credit and the third one is providing them with our suite of products that have been very, very successful, “ Obuoza stated.
According to him, of critical importance is the ‘PHYGITAL’ model of the bank which is a convergence of the physical offices and digital platforms, thus empowering customers to do so many things.
Both “from your office, your house, on the go, anywhere at all, and that’s what the digital experience gives to you, “ he assured.
He said by opening up more branches, the Bank would be supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the area of job creation and stabilising the economy.
He emphasised the bank’s unwavering commitment to customer focus and delivering exceptional service.
“As we expand our services, we remain dedicated to delivering an unparalleled banking experience that seamlessly integrates the physical and digital realms.
“Our trademarked PHYGITAL experience combines a select number of strategically located physical branches with high-tech, seamless digital banking capabilities, ensuring that our customers receive the best of both worlds. This approach allows us to provide personalised, in-person service where it is most needed, while also offering the convenience and efficiency of cutting-edge digital solutions,” he explained.
Answering questions regarding the latest N500bn banking sector recapitalisation requirements, Oduoza said that shareholders who believed so much in the lender, raised capital through a rights issue last year to meet the capital requirements of the commercial banks, have committed to do it again to meet the CBN deadline.
NOVA Bank, which was established in 2018, is set to open additional branches in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.
Allegation against UNIMED VC spurious
The Director of Media and Protocols of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Mr. Isaac Oluyi, has said that the allegations of corruption, by a group, against the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, were spurious.
A group under the auspices of the Coalition of Ondo State Indigenes Against Corruption alleged that Fatusi was involved in some corrupt practices in the administration of the institution.
They also asked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to sack the VC.
Speaking on the matter on Tuesday, Oluyi said the allegations by the group were the handiwork of detractors who did not understand how universities work all over the world or have little or no knowledge about UNIMED.
He said, “This is the first specialised university of medical sciences in Nigeria that has grown in leaps and bounds under Professor Adesegun Fatusi, with visible evidence in terms of accomplishments. We invite the whole world to come and see for themselves.
“Results do not lie. The footprints of Professor Fatusi in terms of remarkable achievements are there even for a blind man to see. How can anybody say that a university ranked as the fourth best university among the state-owned universities in Nigeria under Fatusi is in ruins?
“This is completely laughable! For whosoever cares to know the truth, we invite you to our fast-growing university under the able leadership of Professor Fatusi, a man who prioritises merit over any other primordial sentiment.”
The leader of the group, Feyi Emmanuel, in a statement, said they were calling for the sack of the VC, saying the institution was not in good condition.
“The UNIMED is our institution of pride in Ondo State. It is the foremost leading institution in the country in the field of medicine and other relevant medical courses. We are sorry to report that an institution Prof. Fatusi inherited has become a sorry state. The institution needs to be rescued from the grip of Fatusi. Prof Fatusi’s only mission is to leave the school in ruins,” he stressed.
Enforce town planning laws, Akpabio tells Plateau gov
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has advised the Plateau State Government to ensure that the laws governing town planning are reinforced to forestall a recurrence of the recent tragic incident of a collapsed building in which some students lost their lives.
Akpabio made the remarks when the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, accompanied by some traditional rulers, paid him a courtesy call in his office on Tuesday.
The Senate President told his guests, “We want to condole you on the building collapse. Such a horrific sight and the building was not even built during your tenure. What it means is that you have to take steps to reinforce the town planning laws and take a lot of interest in the building industry.
“No sentiments attached. No matter whose ox is gored, if somebody does not follow the rules, if somebody erects a building on a passage for stream water, once the foundation is questioned, such building should be brought down.”
He added, “We know what has happened in the past. It is as if the high and mighty in society should construct a building, nobody would want to touch the building out of respect for them.
“We will continue to mourn the demise of those children. The entire country is very sad. So on behalf of the 10th Senate, please accept our condolences. We are with you in this period of mourning.”
In his remarks, Mutfwang said he and his entourage were at that National Assembly to participate in the public hearing on the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024.
The bill is expected to upgrade the Mining and Geoscience Institute to a full-fledged University and the governor expressed optimism that his state would be the host for the University.
Recall that Saint Academy in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Friday, July 12, collapsed at about 8:30 am when the students and teachers were in their classrooms.
According to the State Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, the death toll from the tragic incident had risen to 22, while 154 persons suffered various degrees of injuries.
The commissioner said a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse was underway.
Kano gov signs law establishing three second-class emirates
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Tuesday assented to the Kano State Emirates Council Bill 2024 which was passed by the state assembly earlier in the morning.
The signing of the Bill into law allows the establishment of three second-class emirates within the state.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Governor’s Spokesman, Sunusi Tofa on Tuesday.
Tofa said, “This development underscores our unwavering commitment to preserving our traditional institutions and cultural heritage, recognising them as essential pillars of peace and heritage conservation.”
Yusuf also urged the newly established emirates to diligently serve humanity, saying that the state government would reveal the names of the new emirs soon.
Earlier today, the Kano State House of Assembly endorsed the Kano State Emirates Council Establishment Bill 2024, setting the stage for the creation of three additional second-class emirates.
Championed by Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Bututu, the bill aims to elevate Kano’s status to that of a first-class emirate, with Rano, Gaya, and Karaye identified as second-class emirates.
As stipulated in the bill, the newly established Rano emirate will encompass Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya local government areas.
The Gaya emirate will include Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi local government areas, while the Karaye emirate will cover Karaye and Rogo local government areas.
The second-class emirs of these emirates will be answerable to the Emir of Kano.
They will possess the authority to counsel the Emir on matters concerning public order, territorial disputes, communal conflicts, and religious affairs within their respective domains.
Bauchi Assembly investigates Dambam LG chair over alleged misconduct
The Bauchi State House of Assembly has commenced an investigation into petitions from indigenes against Mohammad Sabo Joji, the caretaker chairman of Dambam Local Government Area, following allegations of misconduct.
The deputy chairman of the State Assembly Committee on Public Petitions, Habib Umar, announced after Tuesday’s plenary session.
Umar while fielding questions from journalists said the committee had received petitions from three indigenes of the LGA against the caretaker chairman.
According to Umar, the first petitioner, Umar Danlami, accused the chairman of alleged misconduct and misappropriation of lpublic funds, claiming it was contrary to the local government service rules.
The second petitioner, Mohammad Adamu Ja’eh, had accused the chairman of illegally confiscating his five hectares of farmland in the area while the third petitioner, Suleiman, accused him of denying him his schedule of duties after he had served as a councilor in the local government.
Umar stated that the committee, after receiving the three petitions, would conduct thorough investigations and invite the affected persons to ensure justice prevails.
He further urged the people of the state to report any cases of misconduct, negligence, and abuse of fundamental rights to the petition committee for necessary legislative action.
Bauchi Assembly investigates Dambam LG chair over alleged misconduct
England qualify for Euro 2025 with Sweden draw
Reigning champions England held on for a goalless draw against Sweden in their final women’s Euro 2025 qualifier on Tuesday to book their place at next year’s finals, as Italy and the Netherlands also qualified.
Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses knew they would secure a top-two finish in Group A3 and qualify automatically for the tournament next July in Switzerland if they avoided defeat.
England created few chances in Gothenburg but clung on despite late pressure from 1984 winners Sweden, who would have qualified themselves with a victory.
“I’m happy, I’m very relieved because it was a tough game,” coach Wiegman told ITV. “The first half I think we dominated.
“When you are so dominant we have to create more chances and score goals. In the second half we couldn’t keep up that level.
“We did fight for it. I think we can do a little bit better, but keeping the 0-0, qualifying in this group, I am relieved.”
The Scandinavians finished third in the group and will have to settle for a place in the play-offs to be played later this year.
Elsewhere, Italy and the Netherlands progressed from Group A1, in which all four teams still had a chance of going through ahead of Tuesday’s fixtures.
Italy romped to a 4-0 victory over Finland to finish top, while the Dutch secured second place with a 1-1 draw against Norway.
Days ago, its male team counterpart on Sunday lost the final to Spain in the tournament, Euro 2024, hosted by Germany.
Meanwhile, According Online reports that the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 will take place in Switzerland from July 2 to July 27, 2025.
This 16-team tournament will be hosted across eight cities: Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zürich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Thun, and Sion.
The opening match and the final will both be held at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.
Gunmen abduct Naval rating, seven others in A’Ibom
Fear gripped residents of Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area as gunmen kidnapped eight persons including a Naval Rating in the community.
It was gathered that the victims were reportedly abducted Monday night at the Classic Point Hotel, Ibaka, where they were relaxing
According to sources close to the community, the victims were taken away by their abductors.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command ASP Timfon John, when contacted confirmed the report to our correspondent on Monday evening.
She said that the commissioner of police, Waheed Ayilara, led a team of police officers to the community after he was briefed about the development
John said: “When the police got the information the Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, led a team of security personnel to the community. I can assure you that with that visit by the CP and other strategic approaches normalcy will return.”
However, the Naval authority in Akwa Ibom are yet to speak on the development
Our correspondent reports that the incident is coming days after a bus driver and 18 passengers leaving Uyo to Port Harcourt, Rivers state were abducted with whereabouts yet to be established.
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Ohanaeze urges South East to reject planned nationwide protests
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned South-East states against participating in the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, 2024.
The protests, organised by various groups, aim to express frustration over escalating living costs and hardships faced by Nigerians.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a released statement on Tuesday, explained the organisation’s stance citing historical incidents where Igbo people have suffered disproportionately in the aftermath of major protests and riots.
“Reflecting on the poignant history of the Igbo people in Nigeria, particularly in the aftermath of significant riots and protests… It is evident that Igbos have often been unfairly treated as sacrificial lambs amidst the turmoil,” Isiguzoro stated.
The organisation highlighted several past events, including the 1978 “ALI MUST GO” protests, the 1989 anti-SAP riots, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, and the 2020 END SARS protests, where Igbos reportedly faced significant losses of life and property.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo provided multiple reasons for their advisory against participation including security challenges in the Southeast region making safe protest conduct impossible, among others.
The statement said, “First and foremost, the prevailing security challenges in the Southeast region pose insurmountable obstacles to the safe conduct of protests and riots. In recognition of this reality, any Nationwide Protest scheduled within the Southeast is hereby revoked, with a clear directive that Igbos will not partake.
“Enforcing such protests risks exacerbating the existing security dilemmas in the Southeast, creating opportunities for criminal elements and external Igbo detractors to exploit the situation and instigate further chaos. Thus, it is in the best interest of all concerned parties to refrain from organizing any protests within the region.
“Secondly, the fear of Igbos once again being perceived as sacrificial lambs in the forthcoming nationwide protests is a legitimate concern. In this regard, OHANAEZE NDIGBO calls upon Igbo residents in the 19 northern states and Southwest regions to boycott the looming protests for their safety and security.”
The statement further urged Igbo residents in northern states and the Southwest to boycott the protests for their safety.
“Demonstrating restraint and prudence by avoiding involvement in the protests is imperative to safeguard their well-being during this period,” Isiguzoro emphasized.
Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stressed that the primary focus for the Southeast region should be the release of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than engaging in nationwide protests.