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  • Maida Excited At Nigeria’s Success At World Radio Communications Conference 2023

    Maida Excited At Nigeria’s Success At World Radio Communications Conference 2023

    The Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida (right) with Director-General, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates, Engineer Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, during a bilateral meeting at the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 taking place in Dubai. The event started on November 20, 2023 and will end December 15, 2023.

    The leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is excited about Nigeria’s impressive performance at the ongoing International Telecommunications Union (ITU)’s World Radio Communications (WRC) Conference 2023, holding in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where two Nigerians were elected into leadership positions, while some other delegates from the Commission were elected into Working Groups.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, speaking on the sidelines of WRC 2023 in Dubai, announced that the Director of Spectrum Administration at NCC, Engineer Abraham Oshadami, has been elected Vice Chairman of the ITU’s Radiocommunication Advisory Group (RAG); while the Acting General Manager and Project Manager, Navigation Project Office, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Dr. Lasisi Salami Lawal was elected Vice Chairman of the ITU-R Study Group Four (Satellite Services). Some other members of the NCC delegation were elected into WRC 2023 Working Groups.

    While congratulating the successful delegates, Maida commended the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who led Nigeria’s delegation to WRC 2023, for “providing guidance, leadership, encouragement and support to the Nigerian delegation at the conference.”

    The WRC Conference brings together the global community to agree on the use of the world’s finite spectrum resources, the electromagnetic waves that provide connectivity for our day-to-day technologies.

     

    Maida expressed delight at the outcome of the elections, stating that roles of the Nigerian elected delegates would enhance Nigeria’s global standing in the telecom space, as well as ensure that the country’s interests and goals are more aptly aligned with global best practices.

    “I am excited about the election of two of our colleagues, Engr. Oshadami and Dr. Lawal as Vice Chairs of the Key Study Groups. It is an honour for the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited to have produced these two intellectuals as global radiocommunication leaders.

    Their positions will also ensure that our interests and goals aptly align with global best practices, especially as we work towards attaining the target set by the National Broadband Plan,” he said.

    He further charged them to live up to the huge expectations that the global radiocommunication community has placed on them by electing them into the roles.

    He also reflected deeply on the presence of the Honourable Minister at the event as a major booster for the delegation and a strong indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to the delegation’s participation at the WRC-23.

    The NCC boss also used his presence at the event to engage with the leadership of the ITU, as well as other leaders in the global telecom industry.

    He held meetings with the Secretary General of the ITU, Mrs. Doreen Borden-Martin, as well as the Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Mr. John Omo, during which he shared his vision and priorities for the Commission, as well as potential areas of collaboration and increased Nigerian participation in the two unions.

  • EFCC Sets up 14 Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs in Sokoto,  Kebbi States

    EFCC Sets up 14 Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs in Sokoto,  Kebbi States

     

     By Biola Lawal

    Abuja: (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has established fourteen Integrity and Zero Tolerance Clubs in Sokoto and Kebbi States.

    The clubs, established between April and December, 2023 include nine in Sokoto and five in Kebbi States, Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesperson disclosed in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Those established in Sokoto state are based in Usman Dan Fodio University, Usman Dan Fodio  University Staff Secondary School,  Usman Dan Fodio University Staff Primary School,  Shehu Shagari College of Education, Shehu Shagari College of Education Staff Secondary School, Shehu Shagari College of Education Staff Primary School,  Gamji School of Health Technology,  Usmaniya School of Health Technology and Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Kware.

    In Kebbi, five schools where the clubs are established areKebbi Federal University Birnin Kebbi,  Kalgo,  Kebbi State University of Science and Technology,  Aliero,  College of Education Argungu,  Umaru Gwandu Polytechnic, and  Federal Government Girls College Gwandu.

    Explaining the rationale for their establishment, Head,  Enlightenment and Reorientation of the EFCC,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE11 Aisha Mohammed said  that Zero Tolerance Clubs at A-level institutions and Integrity Clubs at O-level schools across Nigeria were ”measures for ridding the country of all forms of economic and financial crimes as encapsulated in the vision of the EFCC.”

    While presenting the Operational Manual of these Clubs and administering the Oath of Membership, Head, Public Affairs of the Sokoto Command of the EFCC, ACE11 Kamilu Ibrahim Gebi assures members of the club that the EFCC will continue to depend on them to serve as foot soldiers of the Commission by being role models in their various institutions and reporting any suspicious acts they notice to the EFCC.

     In   their responses, heads of the institutions in the two states commended the EFCC  “ for its laudable initiative aimed at catching them young by creating platforms  through which the epidemic of internet fraud  can be tackled headlong”.  They also gave their commitment to offering free hands to the clubs in the conduct of their activities.   (Flowerbudnews)

  • Shiites petition NHRC, seek prosecution of army officers responsible in mistake airstrike in Kaduna village

    Shiites petition NHRC, seek prosecution of army officers responsible in mistake airstrike in Kaduna village

    Abuja:  Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also knowns as the Shi’ites, on Monday, staged a peaceful protest at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with a petition, seeking the investigation and prosecution of army officers responsible for the recent killing of scores of people at Tudun Biri Village in Kaduna State.

    The protest, which started from the traffic before the Public Complain Commission (PCC), terminated at NHRC where the petition was delivered.

    They called on the executive secretary of NHRC to pressurise the Federal Government to immediately investigate and prosecute the culprits, saying the claim by the Nigerian Army that the incident was a mistake is unacceptable as this is not the first of it kind.

    Also in a statement issued shortly after the protest by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, on behalf of the IMN under the leadership of His Eminence Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky (H), condemned the act.

    It reads: “Numerous national dailies report that the Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for the Tudun Biri massacre that left hundreds of innocent Citizens killed at Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State.

    “The army said the attack was a mistake. It is in record that this type of massacre, referred to as a mistake, took place several times in this decade alone, especially in the north-east and northwest.

    “To refer to this atrocity as a mistake is unacceptable. The Nigerian Army should be held responsible for this massacre.

    “Nigerian security forces have repeatedly killed civilians in settlements, camps, villages, and cities. In 2014, a Nigerian military aircraft dropped a bomb on Daglun village in Borno State, killing 20 civilians.

    “In 2015, more than 1,000 disciples of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky were massacred in Zaria by the Nigerian Army. In 2017, 76 people were killed by the Nigerian Air Force strike on a refugee camp in Rann Camp in Borno State. In 2022, 64 people were reportedly killed by the Nigerian military’s airstrike in Mutumji Community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “These are unacceptable and condemnable atrocities, and a deafening silence on these atrocities will result in the reoccurrence of another massacre.

    “In view of the foregoing, the Islamic movement, under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky (H) demanded The perpetrators of this massacre should with immediate effect be identified and prosecuted for committing this great crime against humanity.” (Flowerbudnews)

  • Abuja Catholic Archbishop tasks judges to deliver justice with fear of God

    Abuja Catholic Archbishop tasks judges to deliver justice with fear of God

     

    Abuja: Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, on Monday, urged judges in the country to always deliver justice with the fear of God.

    Kaigama gave the advice while delivering his message at the Federal High Court (FHC)’s 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

    Kaigama, who was represented by Rev. Father Christopher Nnubia, the Judicial Vicar of Catholic Church in Abuja, urged the judges to be committed to discharging justice in the face of challenges.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, read the first Bible reading from the book of Isaiah 35:1 to 10.

    (The Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho and other brother judges at the Special Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja on Monday.)

    Kaigama said it was their responsibility to give hope to the hopeless and strengthen the weak in the society.

    “It is your responsibility to make firm the feeble knees.

    “And as you do that, you need to do that with the fear of God knowing that at the end of the world, we will give account to the divine judge where we will render account of what we have done.

    “What will you do that day? Will you say you have rendered justuce in the way it should be irrespective of religions you find yourself?

    “We will answer before God. So, whatever you are doing, always remember God; always remember the last day when you will render account,” he said.

    He enjoined the judges, who were Catholic Church members, to be good ambassadors of the church.

    (Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, represented by Rev. Father Christopher Nnubia, the Judicial Vicar of Catholic Church in Abuja, with the Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho and other brother judges at the Special Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja on Monday.)

    “As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, I pray that the good lord will bless everyone of you and strengthen you to carry out your duty,” he said.
    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, while speaking to the newsmen, urged the judges to keep looking up to God.
    “God called Solomon and filled him with his wisdom to govern his people and to let people know who God is and the way he had ministered.
    “It is the same thing with them (judges). God called them specifically to ensure that the system works, the system flows.

    “Our prayer should be to them that they too can do the right thing, and they have been trying looking at the antecedent of the court
    “So they have been putting the very best and may God continue to work ahead of them, protect them and above all, grant them with his wisdom so that they will always do the right thing for the citizenry to the glory of God,” he said.

    Earlier, Justice Tsoho thanked everyone for finding time to attend the service.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the activities to commemorate the 50 years anniversary of FHC began today, Dec. 11.
    Earlier, rhe Chief Registrar of FHC, Sulaiman Amida-Hassan, in the programme released in Abuja, disclosed that the activities would commence with devotional worships at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the National Mosque both in Abuja at 9:30am.


    According to him, there will be a Special Legal Year Court Session at Ukeje Hall, FHC, Abuja also on Dec. 11 by 1:00pm.
    He said a novelty football match between selected FHC judges and members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) would be organised on Dec. 12 at 9:30am.

    This, he said, would be followed by a presentation of publications of FHC by the Hon. Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho at Ukeje Hall by 10:00am.
    Amida-Hassan said that on Dec. 13, judges’ annual conference anniversary lectures would be opened at 9:30am and end by 12noon.
    “Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, judges’annual conference continues at 10am to 2:30pm.
    “On Dec. 14 also, there will be Gala/Cultural Night (Dress Code: Native/National Attire) at the Ballroom 232, Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT at 5:00pm.
    “On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, there will be an health talk for honourable judges, Hon. Chief Judge’s Merit Awards Ceremony and closure of judges’ annual conference at National Stadium, Abuja by 4:00pm,” he said.

    He said the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, would chair the occasion.
    The FHC, which was established in 1973, was formerly known as Federal Revenue Court.
    It was established by the Federal Revenue Act 1973 (1973 No.13) and began with four judges with a president as its head.

    The court was, however, renamed the “Federal High Court” by Section 228 (1) and 230 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979.

    While Honourable Justice S.O. Lambo was the first president of the then Federal Revenue Court and served between 1973 and 1975, Justice John Tsoho is the 10th and current Chief Judge of FHC.

    The court, which had grown structurally over the years, presently has 38 divisions in all the states of the federation, including Abuja, where its headquarters is located, with 95 judges.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • EFCC Arraigns Kano Couple for N410million Fraud

    EFCC Arraigns Kano Couple for N410million Fraud

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Kano (Flowerbudnews): The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  has arraigned Aisha Salihu Malkohi (a.k.a Ummitah, Arab Money) and her husband, Abubakar Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud( at large) on five- count charges of misappropriation to the tune of NN410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only).

    They were arraigned on Friday, December 8, 2023 before Justice Aisha Mahmud of the Kano State High Court sitting in Kano, Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesperson disclosed in a statement.

    One of the charge reads ‘’’that you Aisha Salihu Malkohi and Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud (now at large) on or about 2022 in Kano, Kano state within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did obtain the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand Naira only (225,259,000) belonging to Farida Ibrahim between 6th January to 16th December, 2022 into account bearing Abubakar Sadiq Mahmoud domiciled at Zenith Bank that the said money were paid to you for the purchase and supply of 64 cars, from Saudi Arabia facts which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a)&(b) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act,2006’’

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the five counts when they were read to her.

    In view of her plea, EFCC counsel, Zarami Mohammed prayed the court for a trial date.  Defence counsel, G.I Abubakar moved a bail application for his client which was opposed by Mohammed.  Justice Mahmud thereafter adjourned the matter till December 15, 2023 for ruling on the bail application. She also remanded the defendant in EFCC custody pending ruling on her bail application.

    Malkohi was arrested by investigators of the EFCC in Kano following a petition from two petitioners, Farida Ibrahim and Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulrahman alleging that she conspired with her husband and defrauded them of their hard earned monies under the guise of supplying them with cars, gold, electronics and kitchen utensils from Saudi Arabia.

    Upon the receipt of the petition, the Commission swung into actions and conducted thorough investigation which so far  revealed that the defendant had collected a total sum of N410,518,000 (Four Hundred and Ten Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira only) through bank accounts belonging to her company, Golden Grass Hill International Ltd and her husband’s Zenith Bank account. Further investigation also revealed that the defendant, alongside her husband,  who is still at large, diverted the monies into several bank accounts. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Artiste advises on adoption of different styles, sounds in gospel music

    Artiste advises on adoption of different styles, sounds in gospel music

    By Taiye Olayemi

    A gospel artiste, Benedict Onyemechalu, on Monday advised colleagues to adopt different sounds and styles in their music to give room for versatility in the gospel music industry.

    Onyemechalu, a Reverend Father of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    According to the artiste, gospel music should not be limited to certain sounds and styles which are becoming  monotonous.

    He commended the likes of Johnny Drille and Asaka who have made remarkable changes to their sounds and styles.

    “In practical terms, in our day today, if your gospel sound doesn’t sound in a certain kind of way, then it is not gospel music. So, you must engage the electronic pads, and speak a little bit in tongues, use high pitch vocal range amongst many others.

    “But thanks to the likes of Asaka and Johnny Drille, who came to redefine and open up the net to accommodate many other sounds.

    “And gradually, people have adapted and they are doing great with their sounds, this should be encouraged by others.

    “To me, the conventional concept of gospel music tightens the net and allows for little or no further expansions but music cannot be caged. Music cannot and should not be contained,” he said.

    Onyemechalu, also the Creative Director of O’Padre Creations, said he usually gains inspiration to compose his songs and sing when driving.

    “I love to drive. Driving is a hobby for me, as well as a channel of creative birthing to life of ideas and many other stuff.

    “The moment I drive in a relaxed disposition, I get to come back home with songs, depending on the distance covered.

    “Most of my songs, great as they may sound, started as ideas while I was driving,” he said.

    The artiste who has released 12 singles and an EP of seven tracks, which was his debut, said he started his musical career in 2003 when he started writing choral and liturgical music for use in Catholic worship.

    He said some of the liturgical music are still sung in Catholic churches around.

    He noted that music comes to him naturally and it has been a rewarding experience for him so far.

    “In 2016, I had a somewhat dramatic switch to Gospo-Contemporary music, with a view to exploring the other kinds of music in me.

    “I would say that it has been quite a rewarding experience. I still hope to write choral music for liturgical purposes. But for now, let me exploit a bit more of the music in me.

    “I have a great interest and experience in photography, videography, editing, community building and youth development, technology and smartphone creative ventures, amongst others.

    “I believe and strongly support all that pushes for the growth of innovation in creative arts since a creative mind is a God-driven mind,” he said.

    On who his role models are in the musical industry, he said, “I have been influenced by the works of notable Nigerian choral musicians like Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Sir Sam Ojukwu and Sir Jude Nnam.

    “I look up to musicians like my friend and brother, Moses Abdulkass. I love the works of Nathaniel Bassey.

    “On the flip side of it all, I look up to finesse acts like Johnny Drille and Asaka. The list can go on and on.”

    Onyemechalu, who is also a keyboardist, revealed his plans for the next five years to include becoming a professional artiste.

    “I would love to hear the name “FadaBen” on everyone’s lips. I would love to hear my music sung in the streets of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other cities in Nigeria and down to other nations of the world.

    “I used to say that God gave me all the gifts I needed and wanted in this world, except one, which is dancing.

    “I wish I could dance. I would have used my dancing skills in fostering the cause of the kingdom through neo-evangelisation media.

    “If I could dance, you would have heard the title, “The Dancing Priest”, just as we have the “dancing senator”,” he said.  (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Tinubu inaugurates Nigeria’s first electric taxis in Maiduguri

    Tinubu inaugurates Nigeria’s first electric taxis in Maiduguri

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Maiduguri inaugurated 107 mass transit vehicles, including 50 electric taxis purchased by the Borno State Government.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the President lauded Governor Babagana Zulum for his foresight and people-oriented policies and projects.

     

    He disclosed that the Federal Government planned to set up a plant in that direction to create employment and ease transportation.

    Earlier, Zulum said he was motivated to embark on the project following a directive from the President to the governors after the removal of fuel subsidy.

     

    He said the deployment of 50 electric taxis was the first of its kind in Nigeria and was in line with the realities of climate change.

     

    NAN reports that the vehicles inaugurated by the President included 50 electric taxis, 35 coaster buses, 12 Hummer buses and 10 luxurious buses.

    Tinubu, who was in Maiduguri on his first official visit to the state, paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi.

     

    The President also declared the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference open

    .

     

  • CBN suspends processing fees on large cash deposits

    CBN suspends processing fees on large cash deposits

    The Central Bank of Nigeria has suspended the processing fees on large cash deposits, a release by the Acting Director of Supervision, Dr Adetona Adedeji, on Monday revealed.

     

    The new development under the “Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial Institutions, and Non-Bank Financial Institutions” issued on December 20, 2019, with reference number (FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/07/042), affects deposits above N500,000 for individual accounts and N3,000,000 for corporate accounts.

     

    The suspension shall remain in effect until April 30, 2024, CBN said.

     

    The CBN had in 2019 declared that it would begin to levy bank customers making cash deposits and withdrawals as part of its efforts to reduce cash in use.

    The CBN also made known that for corporate accounts, the Deposits Money Banks would charge five per cent processing fees for withdrawals and three per cent processing fees for lodgments of amounts above N3,000,000.

     

    “Consequently all financial institutions regulated by the CBN should accept all cash deposits from the public without any charges going forward’

     

    “Please be guided accordingly,” the apex bank said.

  • 27 Rivers PDP lawmakers defect to APC

    27 Rivers PDP lawmakers defect to APC

    The crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly took a new turn on Monday with twenty-seven members defecting from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state to the All Progressives Congress.

     

    The lawmakers cited division within the PDP as the primary reason for their defection to the APC.

     

    The affected lawmakers are said to be the ones loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

     

    The lawmakers, it was gathered held plenary around 8am on Monday where the decision was taken.

    The lawmakers sat under tight security mounted at the entrance of the Assembly complex along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.

    Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has summoned an emergency executive council meeting.

     

    The meeting, which is presently ongoing is expected to discuss the defection of 27 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly from the PDP to the APC.

    The meeting which is being presided over by the governor is the 5th executive council meeting.

     

    The 4th executive council meeting was held on October 27, 2023, where the council approved four draft bills.