Day: June 11, 2024

Master Oma-Benedi Excel of the Government Science Secondary School, Piakasa in Maitama has emerged the overall winner of the Abuja ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate tournament.

While Excel clinched the prize of N1 million and a phone tablet, the runner-up, Miss Cindy Paul, an SSII student of Roberto Schools in Wuse II, Abuja got the prize of N500,000 and a phone tablet respectively.

The debate tournament was organised by the Nigeria Info and supported by 3Js Hotel and Apartment, PressPay Ng and Call to fly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Excel and Paul would represent Abuja in Lagos where they would slog it out with other winners from Port Harcourt and Lagos in the ‘I beg to differ’ debate soon.

Meanwhile, the 13 year-old Excel described the victory as ‘ecstatic. It is a brilliant feeling. I had a great time competing with the best in Abuja.

‘However, to get here was not easy, it took a lot of effort, sleepless nights and support from those around me. I hope to positively represent Abuja in
Lagos.

‘For what I will do with the prize money, I prefer to keep it confidential. However, the experience of meeting Cindy, Mazida, Tommy amd others that participated in the debate was great,’ Excel said.

He appreciated the organiser, sponsors, his parents, teachers, fellow students for the support and encouragement that propelled him to victory.

Similarly the runner up, Paul said, coming second felt like a dream, adding that she had never experienced such before.

‘Half of the prize money will be going for savings and the other half for investment.

‘In Lagos, expect more better performance. I will do much research and preparation to ensure that the Abuja team bring back the trophy,’ Paul said.

Meanwhile, the Group Programme Director of CoolWabiaInfo , Mr Prince Daniel also known as ‘Aboki’ said the debate was one of Nigeria Info’s platforms.

‘Having done ‘I Beg to Differ’ in Lagos and Port Harcourt twice and for the first edition in Abuja, is beyond our expectation. It was greater than we expected.

‘
This is something we will like to continue , because our mission is to advance the cause of education in Nigeria. So using this platform gives us the opportunity to do that.

‘All the four people that made it to the semi-finals and finals will be meeting other contestants from Port Harcourt and those that won in Lagos. All will meet in Lagos to debate.

‘We actually want to power debating clubs in school and as well as begin to organise Abuja City Debate.

‘We are also construction Kids FM in Port Harcourt. We have launched one in Lagos already and soon, we will start that of Abuja,’ Daniel said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

TEXEM UK, the United Kingdom based leadership development organisation, recently concluded its customised executive development programme titled ‘Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World’.

The programme held from May 27 to May 30 at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester.

The event was an outstanding success, bringing together senior leaders and executives from various sectors to hone their strategic leadership skills in today’s complex and rapidly changing global-local (glocal) environment.

The programme which also brought together Nigerian participants, began with a compelling session on ‘Leveraging Cultural Diversity for Success,’ facilitated by Dr Alim Abubakre, British Nigerian founder of TEXEM.

Abubakre highlighted the importance of cultural diversity as a strategic asset, demonstrating how cultural intelligence can drive innovation and provide a competitive edge.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions and activities, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead.

The f
irst day concluded with a picturesque boat ride along the River Thames, offering a unique opportunity for networking in a relaxed setting.

This serene experience allowed participants to forge connections and reflect on the day’s insights amidst Manchester’s scenic beauty.

Day Two commenced with an insightful session by Prof. Rodria Laline, Visiting Professor at Harvard, INSEAD, and IESE.

Focusing on ‘Global Trade Dynamics and Strategic Leadership,’ Professor Laline guided attendees through strategies for navigating international trade regulations and customs processes.

The session was followed by an enriching tour of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, where discussions revolved around, Leading businesses through post-Brexit regulatory changes, and

Developing strategies for successful international trade operations.

Building and managing networks with overseas partners was also among important topics discussed.

The programme’s content was comprehensive, covering critical topics such as market expansion
, innovation in international business, and economic integration.

Participants explored, Effective communication strategies in multicultural environments, Techniques for managing market research to inform expansion, and Innovative solutions for complex trade processes.

Another area of focus was, Supporting local businesses in the global economy and fostering sustainable trade practices.

Utilizing a blend of interactive tools such as games, group discussions, assessments, peer-to-peer learning, self-reflection, observation practice, and visits to tourist destinations and companies, the programme provided an immersive learning experience.

Participants benefited from the expertise of renowned thought leaders.

These are, Prof. Rodria Laline, Chair of Intrabond Capital, Prof. Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space, and Prof. John Peters, former Prisoner of War and Chair of the Association of MBAs.

Key sessions and highlights included that of Day
Three when Peters led discussions on ‘Leading Resilience: Thriving Amid Uncertainty,’ focusing on building personal and organizational resilience and developing impactful GLOCAL leadership strategies.

On Day Four which was the grand finale, Griffith led discussion which covered ‘The Role of Innovation in Navigating Change,’ emphasizing pragmatic leadership approaches and developing actionable leadership plans in uncertain times.

Participants lauded the programme’s impact and structure.

One Nigerian executive Ibrahim Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer, Tawada Nigeria Ltd commended the programme.

‘I’ve been to so many leadership courses, but honestly, I found this one to be excellent and one of the best, the instructors, the content of the course is excellent.

‘And I have learned a lot… this course has really changed the way I view things a lot… I will go review and also try to apply all the things I’ve learned here,’ Ahmed said.

Also, Femi Asenuga, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc. another p
articipant in the programme, was full of praises.

‘I got a lot of validation of knowledge and also, some more insights into how to navigate the leadership journey.

‘And for me, I’m going away with some profound life changing practice, tips that will enable me to, you know, continue to pilot the affairs of my business…we got some exposition as to how to be creative.

‘The program has been an exceptional one, very practical program. We had a very good mix of, you know, theory with practical … illustrations and examples,’ Asenuga said.

Another attendee praised the networking opportunities, saying, ‘The diverse group of leaders and unique settings, like the boat ride, facilitated deep connections and valuable exchanges of ideas.’

Abubakre, TEXEM founder asserted that

the programme successfully met its objectives which is equipping leaders with strategies to navigate macroeconomic turbulence and enhancing organisational agility.

He said other objectives are, fostering resilience, cultivating impactful leader
ship skills, encouraging innovation, and developing pragmatic leadership strategies for sustainable growth and success.

According to Abubakre, ‘Strategic leadership is crucial for nation-building, especially in uncertain times. This TEXEM programme empowers Nigerian executives to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth’.

He said that by developing visionary leaders, ‘we can build resilient organisations that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic and social progress’.

To many observers, TEXEM UK’s ‘Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World’ has set a new standard for executive development programmes.

It has empowered leaders to thrive amidst global uncertainties and local challenges, fostering a new generation of agile, innovative, and impactful leaders ready to guide their organisations towards sustainable success.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Trade Modernisation Project(TMP), of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is designed to ease the transfer of technological knowledge to NCS personnel, its General Manager, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, has said.

Ogunshola told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja that the project was applying technology to ease export and import clearances, and payment of duties and the release of goods.

‘We are deploying modern technology for its implementation; we are working with NCS personnel from the beginning of the process until its completion, to ensure sustainability.

‘Our feeling is that if there is no sense of ownership, honestly, at the end of the day, it will be jettisoned.

‘We jointly designed and developed these solutions, so there is 100 per cent knowledge transfer in everything that we are doing.

‘From the day the first code of the software was written, NCS officers were in the room with us. It was designed, developed and is being deployed from this room (modernisation hub). This has been on sin
ce July 2023,’ he said.

NAN reports that TMP Ltd is the concessionaire of the NCS trade project.

It is a 20-year concession agreement which has three phases with phase one covering year one to six; phase two, seven to 13, and phase three from 14 to 20.

The agreement was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS to simplify, and enhance, the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

Ogunshola said that during the third phase of the project’s implementation, the concessionaire would step back from management it, leaving NCS to handle it for full six years.

‘NCS will continue to perform all its activities and operations; none of its statutory mandate has been concessioned to anyone, and they will continue to man all their stations.

‘All we are doing is to provide systems and platforms as well as services that enhance those functions and activities
of NCS.

‘ We believe that by the end of the project, NCS will be a pride among its peers,’ he said.

NAN reports that the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for the Federal Government over the life of the concession.

The concessionaire is expected to invest 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank staff, on Monday admitted that Ali Bello, a co-defendant in the ongoing money laundering trial, neither lodged nor withdrew money in the bank statements tendered in the proceedings.

Egoro, who is also an EFCC 2nd prosecution witness (PW2), stated this while being cross-examined by Bello’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Upon resumed hearing, Aliyu applied for some exhibits of bank statements tendered by the anti-graft agency.

The bank statements belonged to some companies including Vifaz Multibiz Investment Company, Ary Consulting and Integrated Services, Hayzma Business Enterprise, e-Traders International Limited, and Aleshua Solutions Services.

Other companies’ account statements tendered included that of Whales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas, Dada Grand Merchant Ltd, and that of the Unnatii and Jamilu Abdullahi.

When Aliyu asked if there was any lodgement or withdrawal made by Bel
lo in those accounts, the EFCC’s witness, after thoroughly going through the exhibits, said: ‘None my lord.’

The lawyer also asked Egoro to confirm from Exhibit E if there was any payment made to T.B Bank United States, e-Traders International Limited, Aleshua Solutions Services and others, and the witness equally said: ‘None my lord.’

When asked if there was any withdrawal that exceeded the statutory limit stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Exhibit E tendered, the witness said: ‘I don’t know what the limit was at the time.’

‘Do you know what it is now?’ the lawyer asked the witness.

Egoro responded that for an individual, the statutory withdrawal limit is N5 million while for a corporate body is N10 million.

The witness, however, agreed that the bank usually adhere to the laid down rules in its transaction.

He acknowledged that for Hayzma Business Enterprise account, the signatory is the 3rd defendant.

He also agreed with the lawyer that for e-Traders’ account in Exhibit G, the only pe
rson that made payment into that account was the 2nd defendant.

Egoro confirmed that the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants never made any payment into the account.

When asked if there was anything wrong in a signatory to an account to withdraw money from the same account, the witness said: ‘No, my lord.’

He said he was aware that the federal, state and local governments do award contracts to individuals and that when such contracts are executed, payments are made.

The witness admitted that majority of the transactions he earlier identified from the accounts belonging to the 2nd to 4th defendants which were suspected to be proceeds of money laundering from the LGAs or Kogi state were proceeds from a loan of N2 billion accessed from the bank by the 4th defendant’s company.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until June 24 for counsel for the 2nd to 4th defendants, Mr Nureini Jimoh, SAN, to cross-examine Egoro.

NAN reports that in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, Bello and three others are facing trial o
n an alleged N3 billion fraud charge preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Presidency and the National Institute of Policies is to partner with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau to review and harmonies inter-sectoral policies to enhance effective service delivery.

The partnership is in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and others.

Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination to President Bola Tinubu stated this at the meeting of the Committee for the Review and Harmonisation of Sectoral Policies in Abuja.

Bala-Usman, who is also the Chairman of the committee, said that the team comprised of representatives from NIPPS, Office of the Vice President, SGF and others.

She noted that in view of the absence of inter-relationship across sectoral policies, the Federal Government has deemed it fit to constitute the team.

‘This team or committee is expected to look at how sectoral policies would be reviewed and coordinated with enhance collaboration across the sectors.

‘We
have noted with concern some outdated policies are still within our sector, and the need for us to engage with respective Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and relevant stakeholders.

‘The aim of the engagement is to come up with current policy deployment that speaks to the reality of what is needed to achieve our eight presidential priorities.

‘So we are going to lean on subject matter experts across the sectors; we are going to work with respective ministries and heads of agencies.

‘This is to see what needs to be done to enhance our policies deployment across sectors and ministries of federal government to enhance effective service delivery, ‘ Bala-Usman said.

She further explained that the committee was working on a work plan, adding that it is an assignment that would take within 12 to 18 weeks to wrap up on priority on sectoral policies being updated.

She said that the committee had already identified few MDAs that have outdated policies and was working with them to upgrade and improve on
them.

According to her, the work the committee is doing will not stop or negatively affect the activities of any sectoral ministries, department or agencies.

Also speaking, the Director-General, NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, said the composition of the committee indicated that no organisation want to work in silos any more.

‘One thing I want to assure everyone is that the NIPPS and presidency together with other collaborative agencies will deliver to the nation workable plan, development and implementation framework.

‘This will be done in such a way that policies in Nigeria will no longer contradict themselves. We will ensure the resolution of cross-sectoral issues that have contradictions in our policies,’ Omotayo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that those in attendance are Bashir Maiduguri, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance in the office of the Vice President and many others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Amnesty International, has called on the Federal Government to provide access to healthcare, education and vocational training for survivors of Boko-Haram insurgencies to aid easy reintegration into the society.

Mr Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, made the call at a news conference and inauguration of an investigative report in Abuja.

The report entitled: ‘Help us build our lives: Girl survivors of Boko Haram and military abuses in North-East Nigeria’, was unveiled by Amnesty International to highlight the plight of survivors of Boko-Haram attacks.

Sanusi said that the report revealed the plight of girls and young women who escaped Boko Haram captivity in the north-eastern part of the country who are faced with further suffering, including unlawful detention, among others.

‘The report investigated how girls survived trafficking and crimes against humanity by Boko Haram insurgents.

These include abduction, forced marriage, enslavement and sexual violence.

‘The report is
based on 126 interviews, including 82 with survivors that were conducted in-person in the north-eastern part of the country and remotely between 2019 and 2024,” he said.

Sanusi said that on April 4, Amnesty International wrote to Nigerian federal and state authorities, as well as to UN offices, with its research findings.

‘Nearly 50 girls and younger women told Amnesty International they risked their lives and the lives of their children to successfully escape Boko Haram,’ he said.

Sanusi said that many women and girls experienced harrowing journeys lasting up to days where they survived with little food found and water.

The report said that 31 girls and young women said they were unlawfully held in military detention for almost four years between 2015 and mid-2023, typically because of their perceived association with Boko Haram.

Sanusi said that in addition to these, they were not receiving adequate support as they attempt to rebuild their lives after so many years of horrific and traumatic experience
.

He added that the girls and women after escaping terrorist captivity also faced abuses in prolonged and unlawful detention which called for concerns.

‘Those not unlawfully detained were left to fend for themselves in displacement camps amidst millions of other people needing humanitarian assistance,’ he said.

Sanusi said that some of the survivors were reunited with their surrendered Boko Haram ‘husbands’ in a government-run transit camp, exposing them to the risk of continued abuse.

According to him, the call for their support to settle well into the society is necessary because their unique experiences and needs have not been given the deserved attention.

He said that to this end, Amnesty International therefore, recommended that international partners and the Nigerian authorities should support these girls and young women.

This, he said, was to enable them to get the assistance they needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and in safety.

Sanusi said that Amnesty International was calling on the
Nigerian government authorities, UN agencies and donor governments, to urgently make available tailored reintegration services for these girls and young women.

‘Amnesty International urges the Nigerian authorities to ensure girls and young women have a meaningful alternative to being returned to their Boko Haram ‘husbands’ and given necessary support to rebuild their lives.

‘Relevant authorities should ensure their livelihood support among others to enable the survivors to live well,’ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, Chair Board of Trustees, Amnesty International, reiterated the need to punish both the state actors and non-state actors, perpetrators of crimes to serve as deterrent to others.

Rafsanjani called for provision of centres for the treatment of survivors of terrorist crimes.

‘The government has to play its part in this because civil society organisations cannot replace the government.

‘There is a lot we can do but we are limited, but it is keenly the government that can take const
ituted and necessary actions to address these things.

‘We only bring credible research elements so that the government can take necessary actions,’ he said.

Rafsanjani called on security personal to treat survivors with dignity and respect, adding that all hands must be on deck to address challenges of human rights in Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria