Chibok: Two Months in Captivity Soul-wrecking, Says Bishop

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Read Time:1 Minute, 55 Second

 The Bishop of the Anglican Communion and Leader of the Northern Christian Forum (NOSCEF), Bishop Emeritus Emmanuel Kana Mani, said it was a sad commentary and soul-wrecking that the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls are still in captivity two months after.
Mani also advocated prison term for anyone who calls a Christian, “people with faith”, “Arne or Kirdi”, as some are quick to call.

The bishop said it was the right time for government of Borno state, leaders of thought and traditional institutions and elsewhere in the country to work towards ensuring peaceful coexistence between the adherence of the nation’s two prominent religions.

He made the declaration during his speech at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, when he led the delegation of the members of the NOSCEF on a courtesy visit yesterday.

Speaking during the visit, Mani said the group are in the palace to pay homage and also to console and condole with the royal father as the deputy Chairman of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah over the death of the Emir of Kano, Sarkin Ado Bayero, the Emir of Gombe and the Emir of Gwoza as well other Muslims and Christian Clerics who passed away recently.

He said as a group their heart was still grieved and they remain shocked by the failure to rescue the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram sect.

He said for over two months now, the families of the abducted Chibok girls, their relations, Borno, and the entire people of Nigeria as well as the international communities are pained by the incident and expressed hope that government would double its effort in the search and rescue these innocent girls and bring them back to their parents.

Mani said now more than ever is the time to allow for unity among the adherents of both Islamic and Christian religions.

The Bishop said, as a matter of fact, one of the issues that remain of concern to the Christian body particularly in Borno state is the use of the concepts of “Arne” and “Kirdi” by some Muslims to refer to Christians. This creates quarrels and fights between adherents of the two religions in buses, markets, schools and other places not mentioned.

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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: Fashola Accepts Resignation of Special Adviser CBD, Approves Replacement

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Read Time:1 Minute, 7 Second

 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has accepted the resignation of his Special Adviser on Central Business District, Mrs. Aderinola Disu, and approved her replacement with the Managing Director of the Lagos State Number Plate Production Agency, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker.

According to a press release signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, the resignation followed months of consultation during which Disu explained the need for her to devote her full time to family commitments after which Governor Fashola has had to reluctantly accept her decision to step down from the State Executive Council.

While wishing her the very best in all her endeavours, Fashola thanked Disu for her immense contributions as a public officer of several years standing and, most especially, her distinguished service as the Special Adviser on the Lagos State Central Business District from 2011 to date.

Born July 27, 1965 to the Agoro and Coker families of Lagos, Mr. Folarin-Coker attended St Gregory’s College in Obalende. He holds a B.A Hons. Degree from the University of Manchester and a post graduate from the Diplomatic Academy of Westminster University, London.

He is the son of Chief Folarin Coker, the Baba Eto of Lagos, who himself was one of the founding public servants when Lagos State was created in 1967.

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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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ICMR: Unclaimed Dividends Hit N50.94bn in 2013

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Read Time:1 Minute, 32 Second

The Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) yesterday said unclaimed dividends in the nation’s purse had reached N50.94 billion as at December 31, 2013.

The Chairman of Council ICMR, Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, who made the disclosure in Lagos at a news conference, said the figure represented 5.05 per cent of the total dividends declared for the past 10 years. He said the current level of unclaimed dividends was a significant improvement compared with past years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that N50.94 billion was recorded as unclaimed dividends in 2013 as against N60 billion recorded in 2012.

Olugbemi said efforts made by regulators and registrars had helped to reduce the level of unclaimed dividends in the nation’s capital market. He said the value of dividends currently being declared by companies were huge compared to 10 years ago.

Olugbemi, the Managing Director, First Registrars Ltd., said the efforts of regulators and registrars had yielded significant results in reducing the level of unclaimed dividends in the market.

“Years back the percentage of unclaimed dividends was around 24 per cent. But we have reduced it to below 20 per cent, 10 per cent and 5.05 per cent in December 2013,” he said. He promised that stakeholders in capital market would do more to further reduce the level of unclaimed dividends.
The chairman said some of the big banks in the country which paid dividends below N10 billion in past years, paid over N54 billion dividends in 2013. He said tin 2013 Dangote Cement declared dividend of about N120 billion.

Olugbemi said registrars would not relent in their efforts to make the capital market more attractive to investors. He said the ICMR had decided to focus on corporate governance at its conference coming billed for this year.

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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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Aliyu: It’s Everybody’s Business to End Insurgency

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Read Time:1 Minute, 28 Second

 Niger  State  Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday said it was everybody’s business to end insurgency in the country and not the Federal Government’s alone.

This is contained in statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Israel Ebije, according to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report. In it, the governor contended in Minna that insecurity was self-inflicted in the country.

“Security challenge does not happen just like that. It takes the indulgence of some elites who are desperate to gain political advantage. It is the thugs they engage that are causing the nation serious security challenge”, he said.

Aliyu urged Nigerian leaders to imbibe the culture of practicing true democracy devoid of engaging thugs. “A governor must at all times seek ways of protecting the lives and property of people of his state. It is the duty of different countries and State Governments to put sect members on the watch and dislodge them.”

The statement quoted Gov Aliyu as saying, “we were proactive in sacking Darul Islam sect, where at least the key leaders of the Boko Haram were once encamped. The sacking of the sect from its Mokwa base in 2010 prevented the Boko Haram sect from establishing a base in the state.

“We were proactive in managing Boko Haram insurgents from having a base in Niger state. Imagine having Boko Haram in the middle of Nigeria”, he said.

The governor urged schools and institutions of higher learning to build future leaders with moral chastity and teach them how to be positive goal-oriented. “You have to focus more on instilling moral ethos on young Nigerians towards engendering security preparedness and inspiring good leadership”, he said.

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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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Appointment of MD Paralyses Activities in Ogun/Oshun River Basin

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Read Time:1 Minute, 9 Second

 Crisis has erupted at the Ogun/Oshun River Basin Authority over announcement of one Mr. Akintunde Soyemi as the new Managing Director of the organisation.

Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) is one of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities established by the Federal Government of Nigeria under decrees number 25 of 1976 and 31 of 1977.

However, following Soyemi’s appointment as the new boss of the organisation, activities were paralysed as both senior and junior staff members took to the street protesting against his appointment.

One of the protesting staff members who declined to identify himself, alleged that the crisis was created by the Permanent Secretary of the authority who recommended Soyemi’s as MD as against the Executive Director, Alhaji Lateef Yusuf.

He further explained that Yusuf was Senior Executive Director Finance and Admin since January 2011 and the Acting Managing Director of the organisation since February 2014.

He said Soyemi was Director of Planning since 2013, saying that through the recommendation of the Permanent Secretary, the appointment of Soyemi was announced and confirmed as new MD.
He said the angry staff members took to the street and shunned activities of the authority because of the injustice that played out, adding that “Soyemi was a junior officer to Alhaji Lateef, so how can a lower officer be appointed against senior officer?”

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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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Jonathan to Attend Dakar Summit on Financing Infrastructure Development in Africa

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Read Time:1 Minute, 22 Second

President Goodluck Jonathan will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the African Union’s Summit on Financing Infrastructure Development, scheduled to hold in Dakar, the Senegalese capital today.

According to a release issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, the President’s entourage will include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga.

Jonathan will join other participating Heads of State and Government, representatives of the United Nations, the AU, global financial institutions and leading investors in deliberations at the summit aimed at accelerating the implementation of key priority infrastructure projects within the framework of the African Union’s  Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

The President and other participants at the Summit which has been convened under the auspices of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) will also brainstorm on the mobilisation of domestic financial resources for infrastructure development, the creation of conducive policy environments to enhance investments in infrastructure development and the leveraging of Public-Private Partnerships for continental infrastructure transformation.

The summit is expected to pay particular attention to the evolution of fresh strategies for the financing of high priority infrastructure projects such as regional road and rail networks, power supply and ports development. President Jonathan who will also be accompanied by the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and his Special Adviser on NEPAD, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze, will return to Abuja at the conclusion of the summit on Sunday.

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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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Boko Haram: Institute Matriculates Students Amidst Fear

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Read Time:1 Minute, 39 Second

 The Pan-Africa Institute of Paralegal Studies yesterday matriculated the second set of its students in a low-key programme, due to the current security challenge facing the country.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony in Abuja, the Rector of the Institute, Mr. Olajide Olakanmi, said unlike last year when the first edition was done in an elaborate way, this year’s edition was organised in a low key manner in order not to invite unnecessary attention to the school.

According to him, “we have decided to play it very quietly for the prevailing situation in the country today. As at last year we all know and realised what we organised but we all know what is happening in the country today and so we have decided to play it cool and quietly too.”

“Moreso, that we have quite a number of students around us here, we never wanted the situation where we will be inviting unnecessary attention to the school that might end up earning us a negative result”, Olakanmi added.

The rector stated that “we all know what has happened in Chibok, Borno State and some other places, we all praying that will never happen in Abuja and in Nigeria again”.
Olakanmi however used the occasion to appreciate the parents and colleagues that  decided to be part of the ceremony in spite of all the odds.

The rector advised some of the matriculating students who might not be ready to undertake the rigorous academic journey to use the occasion to step aside, stressing that the next one year would be challenging and equally rigorous. He revealed that although institute was the first in Nigeria but the management was working tirelessly to making it one of the best in Africa.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the institute, Mr. Adetoun Akerele, while presenting the 36 matriculating students for 2013/2014 academic session, said they had shown discipline and the ability to pursue academic pursuit.

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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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Afrinvest MD Drives Re-launch of Rhodes Scholarship in Nigeria

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Read Time:1 Minute, 38 Second

 Nigeria will, once again, be among beneficiaries of the Rhodes scholarship, the world’s most preeminent post-graduate scholarship scheme. Two exceptionally bright students will receive full funding, valued at between £40,000 to £50,000 per annum, to study at the prestigious Oxford University, United Kingdom.

Chief Executive Officer of The Rhodes Trust and Warden of Rhodes House in Oxford, Mr. Charles Conn, announced the re-introduction of the scheme during the 3rd Business Forum of the Oxbridge (Oxford & Cambridge) Club of Nigeria, facilitated by Afrinvest, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja recently.

Conn explained that the Rhodes Scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend for room and board, health insurance and travel, as well as the costs of the Rhodes Programme including those of Rhodes House.

“Depending on the course of study, the total value of the scholarship could range from £40,000 to £50,000 per annum, with the average tenure for a Rhodes Scholar being 2.8 years and 3 – 4 years for PhD courses. Over time, up to four scholars in residence will be supported under each Scholarship at a total of approximately £200,000 each year per Scholarship, which is sustained by a 4% take rate on the endowment funds.”

Managing Director of Afrinvest and a Rhodes Scholar, Ike Chioke, is driving the 15-year campaign with the Rhodes Trust to reinstate the Nigerian award which led to Conn’s visit to Nigeria as a guest speaker at the Oxbridge Club Business Forum.

Established in the Will of Cecil John Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding allâ€Âround students at the University of Oxford, and providing transformative opportunities for exceptional young leaders. A class of 83 Scholars is selected each year from 30 countries around the globe. The scholarship has been in existence for 111 years.

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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Akpabio Signs Amended Portion of Ex-Govs’ Pension Law

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Read Time:1 Minute, 16 Second

 Following public outcry of Nigerians, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, on Friday signed into law a new bill on the payment of pensions and benefits to the former Governors and Deputy Governors of the state as amended by the State House of Assembly.

In line with public condemnation, Akpabio had on Wednesday returned to the State House of Assembly the controversial pension law for past Governors and Deputy Governors, which he had earlier signed into law.

After working on the bill as forwarded to them, the state lawmakers on Thursday passed it into law with the repeal of the contentious area of the law, which was payment of N100 million for ex-Governors and N50 million for ex-Deputy Governors in the state as their annual medical allowances.

The latest bill as signed into law by the governor brought to fifth amended law on the payment of pensions and other allowances to ex-Governors and Deputy Governors in the state.

While assenting to the law, Akpabio noted that the pension law in the state is a 16-year-old law, which started in 1998 as special grant for past state Governors and their deputies, and was further amended in 1999, adopted in 2000 as Pension Bill and in 2007 and 2014 respectively.

He explained that the law would cover former Governors and their deputies who served both in the old Cross River State, insisting that the law would not cover ex- Governors and their deputies who served less than three years.

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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NHIS to Launch N49bn Health Insurance for Pupils

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Read Time:1 Minute, 19 Second

 To help attain the goal of achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians by 2020, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has concluded plans to roll out health insurance programme that would cover all pupils in public primary schools in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of NHIS, Dr. Femi Thomas, made this known during an advocacy visit of NHIS team to government house Umuahia, saying the primary insurance programme was expected to cost N48 billion per annum at monthly rate of N220 per pupil.

He said since the programme is a child of the NHIS “we intend to cover all students in public primary schools for the rest of the year without participation by the states”, once registration kicks off in September.

However the NHIS boss explained that in subsequent years and to ensure continuity the cost of implementing the programme would be shared between NHIS and the 36 states with NHIS contributing N20 billion per year and the 36 states making up the balance of N28 billion.

“It is expected that this will translate to about N132 per pupil per month and it will guarantee adequate primary health care for all these pupils and secondary and tertiary support where necessary,” he said, appealing to state governors to support the programme.

The NHIS boss further stated that aside from providing health insurance coverage for pupils the Scheme has plans to take care of them in their adolescent years with health insurance for students in tertiary institutions at a cost of N1,800 per student per annum.

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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