NIGERIA: 48 illegal schools shut in Enugu

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Enugu State government, yesterday, ordered the closure of 48 private schools in Awgu Local Government Area for allegedly operating below standard and without approval.

State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Simon Ortuanya, who announ- ced the closure of the schools during an inspection tour of private and public schools, lamented that  the affected schools were not conducive for learning.

Ortuanya directed proprietors of the shut schools to immediately stop their operations or face the wrath of the government, saying the government could not fold its arms and allow unscrupulous elements to sabotage ongoing efforts to raise the standard of education.

Also speaking during the tour, Mrs. Sylvia Onwubuemeli, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said routine inspection tour of schools was part of efforts to ensure that the schools operated according to  the standard set by the government.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Task force destroys 5 illegal refineries in Delta

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IN a renewed effort to stem oil theft across the Niger Delta region, members of the National Task Force on Illegal Bunkering and Pipeline Vandalisation, yesterday, destroyed five illegal refineries along the Escravos line in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Briefing newsmen on the operation, the team leader, Mr. Frank Gbenekama, disclosed that the illegal refineries were discovered during a routine patrol of the Escravos waterways following a tip-off on activities of pipeline vandals in the area.

According to him, “based on the information made available to us, we decided to embark on a patrol of the Escravos line and in one of the location, we sighted some men on board a boat attempting to mount a valve on a trunk-line conveying crude oil. On approaching the vandals, they took to their heels through the bush, leaving behind their boat and other equipment used for the illegal operations”.

“It was in the process of tracing the pipes laid through the bush path that we discovered those illegal refineries and we set these refineries ablaze alongside the boat and the equipment used by these vandals in perpetrating their nefarious activities,” he stated.

While assuring that those behind these acts of sabotage, especially along the Delta Coastal areas are in for a tough time, Mr. Gbenekama, solicited the cooperation of indigenes of various communities along the Delta Waterways in combating the menace of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalization, stressing the need for useful information that could help security agents in identifying the possible hideout of these criminals.

He also called on the Federal and State Governments as well as government and non-governmental organizations to come to their aid by providing them with logistic supports such as speed boats, ammunitions, manpower and funds to enable them carry out effective policing of the waterways.

It would be recalled that the National Task Force on Illegal Bunkering and Pipeline Vandalization was established in 2010, as part of the initiatives by the Federal Government to rid the waterways of illegal bunkering activities in the region.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Imo lawmakers sign notice to impeach Dep Gov

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Only 10 of the 27 members of Imo State House of Assembly have reportedly signed the petition for the impeachment of Imo State Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.

Our investigations revealed that the signatories, who are mainly loyalists of all Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, includes Adaku Ihuoma, Donatus Ozoemena, Ikechukwu Amuka, Mike Ndubuaku, Emeka Nwafor, Luke Chukwu, Acho Ihim, Eudora Igwe, Victor Mere and Victor Ndunagu.

According to the petitioners, “the ground for the said petition is solely on the fact that the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, has committed gross misconduct by allowing his personal/pecuniary interest to affect the lawful performance of his duties as Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Works.”

The lawmakers equally alleged that this act not only contributed to the economic adversity of the state but also made it possible for the state to lose money directly under his watch.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers have passed a motion authorising the Sergeant-at-Arms to serve the impeachment notice with particulars of misconduct on Agbaso through substituted means.

The House authorised that the notice be pasted on the gate of his official residence and door of his office at Government House, Owerri.

It was also gathered that the impeachment notice was crafted pursuant to Section 188(1) 1999 Constitution, as amended.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: We supported Eagles at Afcon – Kenyan High Commissioner

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Newly appointed Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thomas Amolo, yesterday, revealed that Kenya was the greatest supporter of Nigeria during the just concluded African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2013 in South Africa.
Speaking during the official opening of the Kenyan Tourist Board/Kenyan Airways road show held in Abuja yesterday, Amolo who arrived Nigeria two weeks ago, described Nigeria as a wonderful country, saying he has a personal taste and love for Nigeria.

Displaying a traditional Nigerian outfit which he got five years ago, Amolo urged Kenyan nationals to embrace Nigeria as their own, even as he called on Nigerians to embrace Kenya as their own.

“We are national partners, we have to work together in all fields. When the Super Eagles were playing in Durban, I was there. And I can tell you: I was one of the Kenyan contingent to AFCON in Johannesburg. We were shouting the loudest when the Super Eagles were playing and scoring.

“I can tell you from what I saw that the other side was supporting Burkina Faso. I will not say who the other side was,” he stated.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: EFCC nabs Atuche, 2 others over alleged move to reclaim Keystone

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Wednesday, arrested the former Managing Director of defunct Bank PHB, Mr. Francis Atuche, in connection with ongoing investigations into operations of the bank.

He was arrested along with two other employees of Keystone Bank over alleged fraud.

Atuche was removed from the bank in the wake of sweeping bank reforms carried out by the nation’s apex bank, which also culminated in the name change of the bank to Keystone.

Operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed Atuche’s residence, yesterday, and picked him up to answer for renewed allegation of trying to regain the ownership of the financial institution through the back door.

Atuche was accused of trying to smuggle in forged board resolutions into Keystone Bank apparently to give him an upper hand in the ownership.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwuja-ren, who confirmed Atuche’s arrest, said two other men had been detained along with the former banker for aiding and abetting crime.

The two men, whose names were given as Nnosiri Joachim and Uguru Onyike, are said to be staff of Central Sharing System Centre of Keystone.

The three men are to be arraigned soon, according to the commission.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Obasanjo laments low returns on $2bn investment

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over poor returns accruing from about $2 billion invested by local operators in the shipping industry.

Obasanjo, who expressed  his displeasure at the ongoing NIMAREX EXPO taking place in Lagos, said that there is need for government to address the factors hindering such investors from getting commensurate returns from on their investments.

He also wondered why the Cabotage law enacted some years ago has not helped local shipping operators, saying that there is need for a process of implementation of the law to be included.

He explained that the Cabotage Act is a frame work to restrict shipping operations in the nation’s waterways to local ship-owners.

Obasanjo noted that though it is regretful that past efforts to improve the sector has not been successful, it is important that measures are put in place to achieve these objectives.

He pointed out that since import/export business is reliant on sea transportation coupled with the fact that the country enjoys 65 percent cargoes coming to West Africa, it is imperative that the clearing process of goods at the nation’s ports are simplified.

Similarly, he stressed the need for local ship-owners to be involved in the carriage of the country’s sea bound trade. According to him, Nigeria generates about 70 percent of cargo throughput in West and Central Africa region and therefore concrete efforts most be made to have full advantage of the volume.

He explained that unless efforts are made to bring down the cost of clearing goods from the nation’s ports and clearing time reduced, shippers’ will stop using the nation’s ports while neighbouring countries would benefit from Nigeria’s seeming lack of preparedness.

He observed that the domination of the nation’s shipping business has resulted in loss of billions in freight.

He concluded that the Federal Government and literal states must work together and put measures in place to solve the problem of piracy in the nation’s waterways.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Technology poses risk to soundness of financial system – CBN Director

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The increasing adoption and use of technologies for banking operations poses risk to the safety and soundness of the financial system.

Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Tokunbo Martins made this assertion in Lagos at the 1st Annual conference on audit and regulatory banking organised by the Audit Committee Institute (ACI).

She said, “Today, information technology has evidently impacted banking tremendously, even redefining the nature of banking and banking relationships. Banks are truly enjoying all the technological novelities with potential of expanding their products, services, customer base and responding to regulation, and above all improve their profitability. However it is important not to lose sight of the fact that technology comes with great risk.

As a leading mind in IT governance industry has repeatedly said, technology makes banking operations and banking errors/crimes equally efficiency. One immediately sees what the issue is: if technology makes errors and crimes equally efficiency, then it means that the entire assets of the banks are at risk. In other words, technology poses risk to the safety of and soundness of the financial institutions, to the public interest, and to the larger economy”.

Tokunbo listed the risks technology poses to banks to include bank computer crimes, indeterminate privacy issues, and complexified reputational risks and cross boarder customer risks. “Each of the technologies a bank adopts presents unique risks that raise safety and soundness concerns.

Take internet banking as an example, the following risks are presented: hacking, web-jacking, spoofing, viruses and unauthorised access. Others are theft of information, denial of service, fraud, slow access to website and rerouted connections. Because the bank is put at risk by these technologies, and because public interest is at risk as technologies are adapted, it behoves the regulator to extend regulatory coverage to the regime of use of these technologies,” she said.

She advised regulators to increase focus on IT systems of organisations under the supervision, stressing that, the age of chasing electronic transactions with manual examination methods are gone.

Explaining the rationale for the conference, Chairman, Audit Committee Institute (ACI), Mr. Christian Ekeigwe, noted that the inevitable increase in the adoption of technologies in banking creates legitimate audit and regulatory concerns about how these technologies amplify and complexify banking operations risks and impact the safety and soundness of banks and other financial institutions.

The aim of the conference is to focus attention on the key issues of banking technology risks, how auditors must audit them so assurance, and the proposition that technology risks contributed, insidiously, to the distress in the industry”.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Jonathan to launch migrant schools for farmers’ children in South-South

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In an effort to ensure that every child, whatever his or her background gets an opportunity to go to school, President Goodluck Jonathan, has approved the establishment of migrant schools for children of farmers in the South South zone.

The programme, to be launched soon by the President in Akwa Ibom State, is to ensure that the gap of 7.5 per cent of school children in the zone were given the opportunity  to go to school.

Vice President Namadi Sambo dropped the hint in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the national flag-off of the distribution of instructional materials for primary schools in the zone.

“It is my pleasure to inform you that Mr. President had already approved this exercise in the South-South and within the next six weeks, it will be launched here in Akwa Ibom State to address this issue.”

The Vice President, who represented the President Jonathan at the event, assured that the current administration will continue to tackle the issue of basic education headlong to ensure that the goal of education for all and provision of solid foundation for other levels of education were met.

He said over 96,363,675 books in Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science and Technology Science Studies had so far been procured and distributed to primary schools and libraries as resource materials for junior primary.

The President said the goal of the exercise was to attain a pupil-to-book ratio of 1-1 in all subjects.

Minister of Education, Professor Rayyatu Rufai at the event, said the provision of textbooks and instructional materials to teachers and students will improve learning in schools.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigerian man jailed 14yrs for trafficking teenagers for prostitution

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A Nigerian man has been jailed for 14 years for his role in the 'horrific' ordeal of two teenage girls being trafficked via London to work as prostitutes in mainland Europe.

A court heard Odosa Usiobaifo, 35, from Enfield, north London, was involved in a 'significant' organised crime gang trafficking young women for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Usiobaifo was arrested after two Nigerian girls missing from local authority care in London were given false passports and tickets and placed on a flight to Spain. The 35-year-old, who had collected the girls from a pre-arranged meeting point before they were given the false documents and put on the flight, was found guilty of conspiring to traffick for the purposes of sexual exploitation following a four-week trial at Isleworth Crown Court.

He had pleaded guilty to conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration earlier in the trial. The court heard the girls, aged 14 and 15 at the time, had previously been stopped by Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport separately on September 17 and November 23 2011. Both were using false passports which indicated they were adults. They had arrived on flights from Lagos, Nigeria, and were attempting to travel on to Paris, the trial heard. One of the girls was refused entry to Spain and returned to the care of authorities in UK, the other is still missing. During interviews with the Serious Organised Crime Agency's Vulnerable Persons Team it became clear that the pair were being trafficked to mainland Europe, via London, for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

They were placed in local authority care but on 6 April 2012 were reported missing to Sussex Police by their respective foster carers. Investigations revealed that contact had been made with the girls and Usiobaifo had collected them from a pre-arranged meeting point before they were given false passports and tickets and placed on a flight to Spain. One of the girls was refused entry to Spain and returned to the UK, where she remains in the care of the UK authorities. The other passed through Spanish border controls and is still missing.

 Usiobaifo was arrested at his flat in Enfield on 3 September 2012 alongside his partner Katie Igha, 25. Last Thursday a jury found Usiobaifo guilty of all charges but acquitted Igha of trafficking. They failed to reach a verdict on a charge of conspiring to facilitate against Igha. Senior investigating officer Jonathan Bush, from the UK Border Agency's Criminal and Financial Investigation team, said: 'We believe our investigation has disrupted a significant organised crime group suspected of being involved in the trafficking of young women into Europe through London. 'The ordeal these girls went through was horrific and tragically one of them remains missing.
'Working with Border Force, the police and SOCA we are determined to do all we can to stop the abhorrent crime of trafficking.'

Chief Inspector Jo Banks, who led the Sussex Police investigation into the girls' disappearance, said: 'This was a joint investigation with the UK Border Agency that led to the identification of Usiobaifo, and after a complex investigation showed his involvement in an organised crime group with the aim of trafficking young women for sexual exploitation.

'The two girls went through a turbulent ordeal, clearly aware of what was intended for them, and under the control of the traffickers. We will continue to search for girl who remains missing.'
A joint UK Border Agency and Border Force investigation, codenamed Operation Hudson, has involved law enforcement agencies in Britain and abroad. It is targeting a number of organised crime groups suspected of trafficking young women, via London, for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Youth corper asked to leave NYSC camp for refusing to wear trousers

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Reactions have started trailing the decamping of 2013 Batch A, female corps member, Ms Tolu Ekundayo, by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Ogun State for wearing skirt at the Shagamu orientation camp.

In a press conference organised by Ekundayo’s church, Faith Revival Apostolic Church, FRAC, in Lagos, the expelled corps member  said she was asked to leave the camp at about 11.00pm on March 8, 2013 by the Ogun State NYSC Co-ordinator, for her refusal to put on trousers.

She explained that her refusal to wear trousers was not in disobedience to NYSC authorities but in line with her belief and faith in God.

Also speaking, Apostle Paul Adenuga condemned the manner in which Ekundayo was expelled from the camp in the dead of the night without considering her safety and called on the Director-General of NYSC and the federal government to look into the matter before it gets out of hand.

“I call on Nigerians, mostly Christians that stand for the truth, not only to jointly condemn this barbaric and bestial act but to engage in constructive dialogue with the concerned authority for the change of such policy if it is official.”

When contacted, the Ogun State NYSC Co-ordinator, Mrs T.I Anosike maintained that the Service did not expelled anybody. According to her, Ms Ekundayo opted to go instead of abiding by the rules and regulations of the scheme.

She said wearing anything outside approved NYSC kits during the orientation programme was not allowed in the camp. This she said was the reason why every corps member was made to signed undertaking on cultism and dress code.

“Nobody asked her to leave. She was asked to comply with the NYSC directives or leave. So she decided to leave. When she said that she won’t comply, we asked her to put it in writing which she did. So we didn’t expel her, she left on her own.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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