The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Real Estate agents to join hands with the Commission in the fight against corruption and avoid being used as conduit for money laundering.
Its Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement in Abuja
He said that the Commander of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Commission, Michael Nzekwe made the call when he received executive members of the Kwara Chapter of Estate Rent and Commission Agent Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN)
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association was led on the visit to the commission by its Chairman, Mr Adewole Onibokun.
Nzekwe said his Command was determined to fight financial crime through enforcement of all regulations with a view to curtailing sharp practices and money laundering especially in the real estate sector.
“Real estate is an avenue through which corrupt Nigerians launder proceeds of crime.
“I was delighted when I got your letter that you would be coming on a courtesy visit because I know the visit will offer us the opportunity to discuss how we can deal with this issue,” he said.
Nzekwe described the association as one of the critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption and admonished members to live above board.
He urged them to pay serious attention to the provisions of the new Money Laundering Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Advance Fee Fraud Act and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
He called on them to adequately acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations guiding the real estate sector particularly Section 3 of the AFF Act, 2006.
According to him, the Act stated that “A person who, being the occupier or is concerned in the management of any premises, causes or knowingly permits the premises to be used for any purpose which constitutes an offence under this Act commits an offence
“And, is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not more than 15 years and not less than five years without the option of a fine.”
He said this provision of the law placed serious responsibilities on Real Estate Agents to make “KYC” (Know Your Customer) a precondition in dealing with customers so as to be free of liabilities in case of any eventuality.
He also called on members of the association to ensure compliance with the regulation requiring registration and certification of their businesses by the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML).
He urged them to report suspicious transactions to the appropriate agency as required by the law.
Earlier, the Association’s Chairman commended the giant strides of the Ilorin Zonal Command in fighting corruption.
Onibokun expressed the willingness of his members to assist the Commission in fighting money laundering and other financial crimes in the real estate sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Benue Government has given assurance that schools in the state would be repositioned to provide qualitative education in line with global standard.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, gave the assurance during an inspection visit to Government College Makurdi, on Thursday.
According to him, government will bringing bringing about the desired changes in the education sector for the benefit of the state and the country.
“If the education sector is fixed, everything else would work perfectly,” he added, and solicited the support of teachers and other stakeholders in the task ahead.
The commissioner pledged to sustain visits to schools in the state “until they are well positioned to impart qualitative education to the public”.
“The best way to improve the quality of education is through effective inspection and supervision, and I will continue to do so,” Ikyaan added.
The commissioner advised teachers to remain resilient as they have critical roles to play in shaping the society and humanity.
He explained that the inspection visit was to have first hand knowledge of the condition of the school and teachers.
Ikyaan expressed dismay at the level of infrastructure decay in the exchnage school which houses 1,006 students.
He pledged government support to reinvigorate and renovate the school facilities, and all other public schools in the state.
“The reports given are true reflections of what I have seen, the school has to be raised fglobal present deplorable state to a better form.
“We cannot have such a system in the globally world and expect the best from the students,” Ikyaan added.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs Aumbur Agena, appreciated the commissioner for taking time to embark on assessment of facilities in the state.
She said the exchange school has students from 19 nothern states, and urged the state government to respond speedily to the needs of the students in terms of facilities and infrastructure.
The principal said on their part, they have been trying their best to ensure staff welfare and meet the needs of the students.(NAN) BTT/MZA
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed the determination of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to turn the country’s anticipated demographic bulge into dividends.
Shettima stated this in his keynote address at the opening of a two-day retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, on Friday.
He said the unrivalled democratic credentials of Tinubu, which include legislative experience would continue to rub off on the entrenched and valuable governance style of the President.
“One out of every four black man is a Nigerian. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. By 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous nation on earth.
“Our population will hit 440 million and by the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth. And what are we going to do with the anticipated demographic bulge?.
“This is a blessed nation. We can change the anticipated demographic bulge into demographic dividends. I believe with the quality of leadership we have it will not turn into a democratic disaster that will consume all of us.”
The vice president said that Nigeria was the representative of the Blackman, saying “that is the burden we all carry, if Nigeria fails, the Blackman has failed. Let us make Nigeria work.”
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that the true test of government policies and programmes was the ability to improve the lives and circumstances of citizens in measurable ways.
“We have gathered here in lovely Akwa Ibom State for the purpose of improving our individual and shared ability to be better stewards of the mandate we are given. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of continued fraternal bond between the executive and the legislative arms of government.
Shettima gave the assurance when he declared open a two-day retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom on Friday.
The vice president said that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Shettima also assured the leadership of the National Assembly of Tinubu’s avowed commitment to entrenching democratic ideals and values through collaborative partnership with all arms of government.
He said the unrivalled democratic credentials of Tinubu, which include legislative experience, would continue to rub off on his governance style.
This, he said especially as it borders on respect of the rule of law, adherence to separation of powers as well as deference for constitutional rights.
Shettima described the composition of the Federal Government as well as the leadership of the National Assembly as historical, unique and a major pathway to Nigeria’s unprecedented development.
This, he said, was more so that the expectations of Nigerians would be met regardless of the present challenges.
“For the first time in our history, all the elected heads of our branches of government are produced by the hallowed halls of the National Assembly.
“For the first time in our history, the heart of the executive branch of our government is serviced by the alumni of the National Assembly.
“Both the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President are proud alumni of the National Assembly. The Secretary to the Federal Government is one of us.
“We cannot, therefore, afford to go to war. Not because we are going to overlook each other’s transgressions, but because you are going to engage with those who know the gravity of your work and would never take you for granted.”
Standing from left; Director-General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at the opening of a two-day retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, on Friday.
He said given the composition of the National Assembly, it has become emphatic that ranks are closed in the bid to give unprecedented service delivery and democratic pact to the Nigerian people.
“There’s no place in this country where you can find a fraternal bond as enduring as the ones that bind the members of the National Assembly.
“From converging on Abuja to water the dreams, debate the needs, and mitigate the fears of this diverse nation, we have forged friendships that defy the stereotypes of our differences.
“Term after term, election after election, old and new members return and exit, but the burden of managing a diverse nation has ensured that we cannot afford to tread the path of divisions.”
He further reiterated the need for national cohesion, saying it has become non-negotiable if the country’s potential must be fully harnessed and tapped for prosperity and generality of all Nigerians.
“You have a President and a Vice President who are one of you and recognise the sacrifices you make.
“President Tinubu has, with utter certainty, reassured us that we are not in government to go to war with the National Assembly. We are here to collaborate and march towards shared values.
“Governance is a collective responsibility, not a personal endeavour. Our most significant achievements were attained through cooperation and harmony.
“This is what we seek from you because we are brothers and sisters in pursuit of a country that serves all of us.
Shettima described the NASS as a complete spectrum of human experience.
“This is where you will witness eloquent testimonies of your colleagues in defence of reason.
“This is where you will witness profound debates that will dismantle your age-long assumptions. But, in the end, you will realize we are all bound by our fidelity to the ideals of democracy.”
Earlier, President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that the retreat was the beginning of the rejuvenation and a time of reflection and deliberate planning that would determine the direction of legislative efforts.
“We have a huge responsibility as the National Assembly leaders, as the guardians of democracy, it is our responsibility to set the legislative agenda, make sure that our venerable institution runs smoothly.
“Our neighbours are watching us, and they turn to us for leadership and action. We therefore have a chance to establish a strong future direction during this retreat, which is more than just a gathering of leaders.”
Also, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, thanked Tinubu for his continued support and deepened respect for legislative independence and harmony.
He said the institute remained committed to working with the 10th NASS in improving legislative governance.
Notable guests at the event include Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, former Senate Presidents Ayim Pius Ayim, David Mark, Ken Nnamani and Ahmed Lawan.
Others were the Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Germany, Mr Johnnes Lehne and all Principal leaders of the National Assembly. (NAN)
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Friday assured that the state’s governorship election billed for Nov. 11 would be the most peaceful ever held in the state.
Speaking at the 3rd Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) Seminar for Nigeria’s Political and Crime Correspondents/Editors in Abuja, the governor said that the election would also be free and fair.
On the allegations and counter allegations regarding destruction of campaign offices in the state, the governor said the APC candidate, Alhaji Usman Ododo, remained the most popular and loved and so would not engage in any act that might mar the polls.
“Ododo has endeared himself to the people of Kogi. How can you be the most popular candidate, positioned to win and still instigate violence?”
He said that Ododo, whom mischievous opposition has alleged is his cousin, emerged as APC candidate based on merit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some opposition parties had claimed that Ododo emerged as the APC candidate because he is Bello’s cousin.
The governor maintained that he had no blood relationship with the APC governorship candidate in the state, Alhaji Usman Ododo.
Bello said that Ododo emerged overwhelmingly in a free and fair primaries of the APC.
“Ododo and I may come from the same place but we do not share blood relationship. He is a very compassionate, hardworking and competent fellow and those qualities spoke for him at the primaries.”
Bello explained that part of his administration’s focus was to do away with ethnic sentiments that had set the state backwards before his emergence.
“Ethnic sentiments has set Kogi backward for 19 years and we must break away from that for competence.
“My administration has changed the narrative of ethnicity and have been appointing and working with competent people against choosing people by their tribe.
“We raise people from different backgrounds, irrespective of their senatorial zones.”
Earlier, the Kogi Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said no blood would be shed because of an election.
Fanwo said that security remained key to the state, and therefore it would not be distracted from the part of peace. (NAN) (www.nannrws.ng)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Friday advised Nigerian youths to desist from substance abuse and involvement in illicit drugs for a greater and better future.
Mrs Rita Geh, Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substance, NDLEA, gave the advice at a conference organised for secondary school students by the Healing Heart Foundation, an NGO, on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had the theme: “Youth for the Future: Power of Focus”.
Geh expressed worry over the abuse of prohibited substances and drugs among Nigerian youths, which, she said, could be found at every nook and cranny of the society.
She said that some of the substances and drugs that people abused included nail polish, lizard faeces, paints, adding that some people also mix Lacasera and Tom-Tom sweet, among others.
She advised that youths should desist from any form of illicit drug/substance involvement if they wanted to be successful in life.
Geh called for collective efforts by all stakeholders and all concerned patriotic citizens in the fight against drug abuse, saying that it should not be left for the NDLEA alone.
“The increasing rate of drug abuse and its corresponding devastating effects make it pertinent for all stakeholders including governments, families, policy-makers and organisations to collectively look at the issue with a view to addressing it.
“Unfortunately, many youths do not know the adverse effects of drug and abuse to human life.
“Drug abuse does not only affect the abuser, it also affect his family and the general public.
“Drug abuse is the root cause of insecurity, kidnapping, rape, violence and other social vices that are bedeviling the country today.
“And everyday, new substances of intoxication are coming up and young people are trying new ways of getting intoxicated,” Geh noted.
Mrs Sophy Mbanisi, President of the Foundation, said that the event was organised to sensitize secondary school students on the effects of abusing drugs.
Mbaisi said that considering the prevalence of drug abuse among the youths, the objective of the event was to guide teenagers and youths against drug abuse.
She said that some young ones had started abusing drugs even at primary or secondary school level.
She said that 20 secondary schools, both private and government schools, were represented at the event, with each of the school having a total of 20 students, excluding their teachers.
According to her, Nigerian youths need to keep hope alive, believe in themselves and shun drug abuse for a brighter future, because they are tomorrow’s leaders.
Speaking, a Psychiatric Nurse, Mrs Racheal Mubo, urged the youth to say no to drug abuse and addiction in the interest of their mental health.
Mubo, also an Assistant Director, Nursing Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, said that over 90 per cent of mental illness were caused by drug and substance abuse.
She noted that many youths do not know the implications of drug involvement, saying that it could affect one’s mental, moral, financial and physical behaviour.
According to her, it is imperative to make youths understand the mental health implications of their action in abusing drugs.
“The chronic use of illicit drugs can lead to short and long term changes in the brain, which could lead to mental health issues like memory loss, depression and anxiety.
“It can even damage the body system, causing other sicknesses. Drug abuse can ruin one’s life and make one useless for life,” Mubo said.
Mrs Shade Ajayi, a Sexual Abuse Expert, advised the youth to shun rape, sexual violence and Child Sex Abuses (CSA) for the sake of their future.
Ajayi described rape and CSA as a huge violation of human rights, saying that both are injurious to the victim and perpetrator.
She said that “any sexual intercourse without consent is rape and it is injurious to both persons.
“The victim will be physically and mentally hurt with attendant stigma, while the predator will be shamed and imprisoned under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
By Ibukun Emiola
University Press (UP) Plc on Thursday in Ibadan declared a dividend of 10 kobo per share for the 2022/2023 financial year.
The Chairman, Board of UP Plc, Mr Obafunso Ogunkeye, made the declaration while addressing shareholders during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company.
Ogunkeye expressed optimism about the company’s future, saying it was more committed to its growth by ensuring optimal performance in spite of the challenging business environment.
He said the company would ensure it thrives through strategic planning, effective risk management and judicious use of its dedicated human capital and technology.
“The year in review was quite challenging for our company going by all that happened in this country and globally.
“The country witnessed high level of inflation occasioned by the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as tension between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China.
“All these factors contributed to disrupting global supply chains.
“To counter the high level of inflation, Central Banks around the world increased interest rates.
“Africa also witnessed slow economic growth, dropping from 4.1 percent in 2021 to 3.6 percent in 2022, and it is projected to decline further in 2023 due to ever-rising inflation rates and high fiscal debt levels,” Ogunkeye said.
He stated that Nigeria experienced foreign exchange pressures, high levels of fiscal debt and weak governance, while the country’s dependence on oil as its main foreign exchange-earner offered little succour.
“The challenges of sourcing foreign exchange greatly affected our business as we were unable to produce our desired quantities through our foreign printers.
“It equally hindered our efforts at printing locally, owing to high cost of paper, which is a significant proportion of our cost of production,” the board chairman said.
He pointed out that the challenges faced, among others, resulted in a six per cent reduction in the company’s turnover when compared to the 2021/2022 fiscal year.
“The company’s turnover for 2022/2023 was N2.2 billion and the profit after tax was N142.3 million, a 31 per cent decrease when compared with the previous year.
“Considering the company’s performance, the board is recommending a dividend of 10 kobo per share or N43 million for the 2022/2023 financial year,” Ogunkeye said.
Similarly, the company’s Managing Director, Mr Samuel Kolawole, identified various challenges facing the firm in the year under review.
He said: “The company will continue to respond to the challenges identified and prepare for the unexpected that may emerge down the line.
‘We see a good future, even in the midst of all the challenges. We intend to continue to innovate, manage our costs, lean and efficient in the running of the company, to ensure that we are able to improve on our performances.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
reports that some of the shareholders who spoke at the meeting included Messrs Alex Adio and Oladimeji Adeleke.
The duo commended the company for the payment of dividend, adding that it was an improvement from the five kobo dividend paid for the 2021/2022 financial year.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IBK/KOLE/OLAL
===============
(Edited by Remi Koleoso and Olawale Alabi)
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it will sanction fuel stations operators who alters petroleum pumps.
Mr Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA Chief Executive, said this during an interactive session with commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Friday in Abuja.
Ahmed said that petrol stations caught dispensing fuel with adjusted fuel pumps would face heavy sanction.
He said that the sanctions to be meted out include revocation of operating licenses, suspension from operation or shut down depending on the gravity of the offence.
According to him, adjustment of fuel pumps by filling station operators is a major concern to the oil regulatory bodies and the Federal Government.
“What we are doing now is that we have some of our staff going round to take on-the-spot checks of some of the petrol stations.
“If you drive into a station, drive out, you will not know if you have been cheated until you do a measurement.
“Sometimes we do a physical measurement where we go to some stations and buy one litre, look at that environment to see whether that one litre is really one litre.
”Then we will know whether or not they have tampered with the pump,” he said.
The NMDPRA boss said that the authority would continue to collaborate with the RMAFC to generate more revenue for the federation.
“We have started the engagement but this is just a formal collaboration on areas where we can improve the revenue generation for the federation.
“There are two areas we have to look at which are either to generate revenue or cut costs,” he said.
He called on citizens to invest in the midstream sector of the economy.
“For example, if you want to build a gas plant, come to us, we will give you the guidelines, the policies, and you will come and invest.
“The area you want to invest in will determine the cost of investment; the investment opportunities are there,” he said.
RMAFC Chairman, Mr Bello Shehu, said that the engagement between both organisations was to strengthen their partnership.
“We are here in order for them to enlighten us on what they do and what we can do as a commission to assist them to better boost revenue generation for Nigeria.
“We are interested in what the authority does to enable us monitor better and know the right questions to ask which will enable us give appropriate information,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, Sept. 22, 2023 (NAN) Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, has felicitated First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu on the occasion of her 63rd birthday.
Tallen, who congratulated the President’s wife in a statement on Friday in Abuja, eulogised the First Lady, who she described as “a rare gem and rare gift to the nation.”
She prayed for more years of God’s exceeding grace on Mrs Tinubu, describing her as extremely humane, an epitome of humility and an indispensable strong pillar of support to her husband.
Tallen said, “Your Excellency, on this milestone and auspicious occasion of your 63rd birthday, I join millions of your well-wishers across the globe, especially the womenfolk, to celebrate with you, while thanking God for His exceeding grace upon you, while wishing you the best that life can offer in the many decades ahead.
“As a wife, mother, fervent preacher of the gospel, as well as an iconic political leader, who exemplifies the struggle for women in politics, you will remain a veritable source of inspiration and pride for women for generations yet unborn.
“Indeed, we could not have asked God for a better First Lady at this time, considering your rare track record of achievements, as your life has been a gift, not just to Nigerian women after your breaking of many barriers for women and setting a perfect example for young girls over the years.”
The former Deputy Governor of Plateau and one-time Minister of State, Science and Technology, said that the people of Plateau would remain eternally grateful to Mrs Tinubu, particularly for her recent visit to the state and donation of a whooping sum of N500 million to families of crisis victims in the state.
She said that through her Renewed Hope Initiative, as Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Tinubu has demonstrated her empathy, humanity and philanthropic gesture by pursuing the well-being of others with unquantifiable compassion and zeal to help the less privileged, the challenged and those in need.
Tallen, therefore, prayed for long life, good health, increased grace and wisdom for the First Lady and her entire family.(NAN)
OPO/YEN/CHOM
The Center for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi, has urged the Federal Government to put climate change at the centre of its economic growth plan.
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, the Director of the center, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos against the backdrop of recent flooding incidences in the country.
According to him, climate change is not just a simple marginal environmental problem; rather, it has wide scale economic impact.
The don stressed that there was the need for countries around the world and Nigeria to wake up to the significant economic consequences of climate change.
He urged the government to leverage climate change adaptation and mitigation to engender economic progress in the country.
“If the government is to stand a chance of succeeding in delivering economic growth in the country, it is important for it to pay attention to climate change.
“This is because the negative economic impact of climate change will likely derail the nation’s ability to sustain economic growth,’’ the don said.
He said that recent flooding in various parts of the country, including Lagos and Abuja, was at a huge cost to the nation in terms of human and property loss.
“These events bring to sharp attention and focus, the extent and scale of impact that climate change-induced weather patterns can cause.
“Scientists, including myself, have been calling attention to the wide-ranging impact of climate change around the world and especially in Nigeria.
“There is the need for countries around the world and Nigeria to wake up to the significant economic consequences of climate change,” Okereke said.
He recalled that the flooding event of 2012 had cost Nigeria trillions of Naira in damages, adding that more recent flooding events had also taken a lot of lives and caused immense damages to property.
“It is possible that the worst is not over yet.
“The metrological agency has warned that there will be a lot of flooding this year. More recently, the Cameroonian Government has warned that it will be opening up the dam because of large rainfall.
“This large rainfall in our view has to do with climate change.
“So, it is important that we begin to take proactive measures to respond to climate change and to increase our resilience,” Okereke said.
The don said that he recently called on the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to take cognisance of the implications of climate change to the wellbeing and economic growth of the indigenes of their states.
He said that he had appealed to the NGF to adopt measures to increase the resilience of their states to climate change.
“Several states across the country still do not have any coherent climate change policy or action plan.
“It is time that they begin to do so, under a range of different measures that the national and state governments can put in place such as simple drainage systems, better city management and the clearing of drainage systems.
“All of these can help to limit the impact of flooding and the devastation that it causes to citizens,” Okereke said.
He emphasised the need for the government to put climate change at the centre of its economic growth plan.
The don added that the government needed to also engage robustly within the international community to draw down climate finance that was necessary to put in place series of measures to combat climate change in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare
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