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  • May 29: Shun fake news, raising false alarm, DSS cautions media, CSOs

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the Media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage and sensationalism ahead of the May 29 inauguration.

    The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the call was to guard against reports that could inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the inauguration.

    Afunanya said the service was aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programme in parts of the country.

    According to him, their aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies and create panic and fear among members of the public.

    “Based on these, citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events.

    “They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises,” he said.

    The DSS spokesman said undesirable acts would serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion.

    Afunanya warned unauthorised and non-accredited persons to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the inauguration venues.

    He called on the public to remain calm and law-abiding, adding that the DSS would continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inauguration ceremonies nationwide. 

  • Nigeria’s GDP growth slows by 2.31% in Q1 2023- NBS

    Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed by 2.31 percent in the first quarter of 2023 on a year-on-year basis, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

    In the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report Q1 2023 released in Abuja on Thursday, the NBS said the growth represented a decline from 3.52 percent in the preceding quarter and 3.11 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2022.

    The reduction in GDP performance is attributed to the adverse effects of the cash crunch experienced during the quarter, it noted.

    Growth was largely driven by the services sector, which recorded a growth of 4.35 percent and contributed 57.29 percent to the aggregate GDP.

    The agriculture sector grew by -0.90 percent, lower than the growth of 3.16 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2022.

    According to the NBS, although the growth of the industry sector improved to 0.31 percent relative to – 6.81 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2022, agriculture, and the industry sectors contributed less to the aggregate GDP in the quarter under review compared to the first quarter of 2022.

    “The agriculture sector grew by -0.90 percent, lower than the growth of 3.16 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2022.

    “Although the growth of the industry sector improved to 0.31 percent relative to – 6.81 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2022, agriculture and the industry sectors contributed less to the aggregate GDP in the quarter under review compared to the first quarter of 2022,” a part of the release said.

    The NBS disclosed that the real growth of the oil sector was –4.21 percent on a year-on-year basis in Q1 2023, indicating an increase of 21.83 percent relative to the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2022 at -26.04 percent.

    It said growth increased by 9.18 percent when compared to Q4 2022, which was –13.38 percent, and on a quarter-on-quarter basis, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of 20.68 percent in Q1 2023.

    The sector, according to the stats office, contributed 6.21 per cent to the total real GDP in Q1 2023, down from the figure recorded in the corresponding period of 2022 and up from the preceding quarter, where it contributed 6.63 percent and 4.34 percent, respectively.

    As for the non-oil sector, it grew by 2.77 percent in real terms during the reference quarter, lower by 3.30 percent points compared to the rate recorded in the same quarter of 2022 and 1.67 percent points lower than the fourth quarter of 2022.

    This sector was driven in the first quarter of 2023 mainly by Information and Communication (Telecommunication); Financial and Insurance (Financial Institutions); Trade; Manufacturing (Food, Beverage & Tobacco); Construction; and Transportation & Storage (Road Transport), accounting for positive GDP growth.

    In real terms, the report showed that the non-oil sector contributed 93.79 percent to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, higher than the share recorded in the first quarter of 2022, which was 93.37 percent and lower than the fourth quarter of 2022 recorded as 95.66 percent. 

  • Children’s Day: ICPC holds anti-corruption debate for students in Osun

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday organised an anti-corruption debate for secondary school students in Osun on the impact of corruption in the society.

    The debate was organised in commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day celebration on May 27.

    Mr Demola Bakare, ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in the state, said the debate was geared toward behavioural change in the minds of the students and further push its anti-corruption drive among the youth.

    Bakare said a careful stakeholders’ analysis had identified the school system as a major pillar of any behavioural change and anti-corruption endeavour.

    He said it was based on this analysis that the commission put together a robust programme of engagement with the school system as well as youths in the country.

    “The debate is part of the public mobilisation (education and enlightenment) mandate of the ICPC.

    “At the end of today’s debate programme, ICPC would have contributed something to competitive scholarship among secondary schools in Osun State.

    “We would have deepened our engagement with the anti-corruption clubs established by the commission in schools around the state.

    “Also, as part of the national ethics and integrity policy of the commission, students and youths would speak their mind, which will further encourage them to make useful inputs into the fight against corruption,” he said.

    Bakare urged the students to add morality to their education, shun the get-rich-quick syndrome, embrace integrity and strive to achieve their dreams in life.

    The debate, which is the first edition, has as its topic: “Who Is Responsible for Corruption, the Masses or Government?”

    Fakunle Comprehensive College, Osogbo, emerged winner of the debate, defeating four other secondary schools that participated. 

  • ‘Queen of rock ‘n’ roll’ Tina Turner dies at 83

    Tina Turner performs in London

    Tina Turner, the American-born singer who left a hardscrabble farming community and abusive relationship to become one of the top recording artists of all time has died on Wednesday at the age of 83.

    She died peacefully after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, her representative said.

    Turner began her career in the 1950s during the early years of rock and roll and evolved into an MTV phenomenon.

    In the video for her chart-topping song “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” in which she called love a “second-hand emotion,” Turner epitomized 1980s style as she strutted through New York City streets with her spiky blond hair, wearing a cropped jean jacket, mini skirt, and stiletto heels.

    With her taste for musical experimentation and bluntly-worded ballads, Turner gelled perfectly with a 1980s pop landscape in which music fans valued electronically-produced sounds and scorned hippie-era idealism.

    Sometimes nicknamed the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Turner won six of her eight Grammy Awards in the 1980s. The decade saw her land a dozen songs on the Top 40, including “Typical Male,” “The Best,” “Private Dancer” and “Better Be Good to Me.” Her 1988 show in Rio de Janeiro drew 180,000 people, which remains one of the largest concert audiences for any single performer.

  • We’re working until May 29 — Lai Mohammed

    *Says FEC not dissolved

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, directed members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to continue with their functions till Friday.

    President Buhari was expected to dissolve his cabinet at the valedictory session which was held at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The valedictory session was the last Federal Executive Council meeting to be presided by President Buhari as he prepares to leave office on May 29 when the new administration would be inaugurated.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the valedictory session, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the cabinet was not dissolved contrary to reports in some quarters.

    He described the report of the dissolution while President Muhammadu Buhari was presiding, as fake news.

    He said President Buhari has directed all ministers to return to their desks and continue working on their transition assignments.

    According to him: “I just want to make this clarification. While we were at the chambers there was a false breaking news that the federal executive council has been dissolved which is not correct. As a matter of fact, we have been directed by the president that we should all go back and return to our offices. So it is not true that the federal executive council has been dissolved, it is still very much alive.

    “We have all been directed to go back to our offices and ensure that we continue to work right to the end of 29 May. So please ignore the fake news.”
    President Buhari had earlier sworn in seven federal commissioners of the Revenue, Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    The federal commissioners include Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu state), Peter Opara (Imo state), Hawa Aliyu (Jigawa state), and Rekiya Haruna (Kebbi state).
    Others are Ismaila Agaka (Kwara).

  • FG sets to launch National Cybercrime Centre 

    The war against cybercrime in Nigeria has taken a centre stage as the Federal Government disclosed readiness to launch the National Cybercrime Centre to curb the increasing wave of cyber-related crimes in the country.

    1st National Consultation on the Cybercrimes Legal Framework jointly sponsored by the GLACY+ and OCWAR-C (both EU funded projects) projects in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    The Cyber security centre which will be supervised by the Nigeria Police Force would among others synergise with both National and international security communities for robust legislation, and strategies to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace. 

    This was made known by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, at the first Consultation forum on the national legal framework on Cybercrime held in Abuja. 

    In a remark, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno pointed out that Nigeria’s cyberspace is currently threatened by money laundering, child pornography, and fishing among other cyber-related crimes.  

    Monguno said to reverse the growing trends of cybercrimes and to properly harness the revolution’s benefits from the potential of cyberspace,  there is a need for collaborative efforts by agencies to cope with the threats.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the African Union Cybersecurity Group of experts, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, also stressed the need to improve legislation along with the cyber security architecture in the country.

    Ajijola said, “I urge Nigeria to ratify and accede to the Malabo convention as Africa has started moving forward on it without us. 

    “However, legislation alone is not enough. We need to fortify our digital frontiers with advanced cybersecurity technologies.”

    In the same vern, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Isa Pantami also called for collaborative efforts by Ministries and agencies of government to tackle the menace of cybercrime.

    The Digital and communication minister also stressed the need for an improved legislative framework that will combat the complexity of the crimes. 

    Pantami said, “Let us remember the profound importance of our collective efforts. Cybercrime knows no borders, and its impact transcends individual nations. 

    “We must work together as stakeholders from various sectors – government, law enforcement agencies, industry, civil society, and academia – to address the multifaceted challenges 

    “We must seize this opportunity to develop a robust national legal framework that encompasses the complexities of cybercrimes and electronic evidence gathering. 

    “Our legislation should empower law enforcement agencies, enable effective investigation and prosecution of cybercriminals, and safeguard the rights and privacy of our citizens. It should promote international cooperation and information sharing to combat cyber threats effectively.”

    Also  the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stressed the need for an improved legal framework to combat rising threats to Nigeria’s cyberspace. 

    He said, “A cybercrime legislative framework Is one of those critical areas that needs to be addressed in order to promote a healthy digital economy. “

    He added, “As we embark on this collaborative journey, let us embrace the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and resilience. Let us seize this opportunity to devise legal frameworks that strike a delicate balance between security and privacy, empower law enforcement agencies, protect our citizens and critical infrastructure, and foster trust in our digital ecosystem.” 

    Earlier, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, in a welcome address, urged the participants at the forum to harness the opportunities provided by the three-day consultative forum to improve modalities towards curbing cybercrime in Nigeria.

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho on his part, pledged the commitment of the courts towards achieving the aims of Act, -2015 cybercrime Act.

    Represented by Justice D.U. Okorowo, the CJ stressed that the Federal High Court is not just a critical stakeholder, but a decisive partner in the achievement of the aims of the Act.

    Justice Tsoho said, “The Federal High Court as an institution is committed to providing adequate support to all relevant stakeholders to achieve the aims of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Preventions) Act, 2015

    “Section 50 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Preventions) Act, 2015 conferred on the Federal High Court exclusive jurisdiction over offences committed under the Act.”

  • ‘Shine Your Eye’, NCC sensitises traders on fraudsters’ tactics

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sensitised traders on how to avoid falling prey to fraudsters in the country.

    The commission did the sensitisation at the Market Square, Kasuwar Rusau, Keffi, on Wednesday in Nasarawa State.

    The programme was tagged: “Shine Your Eye, No Fall Mugu”.

    The Executive Vice-chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, was represented by Mr Clement Omife, Head, Consumer Protection Advocacy Unit of the NCC.

    Danbatta said that the awareness was to promote initiatives such as to empower telecom consumers with knowledge and advocate for their protection within the telecom industry.

    He said that the menace, which follows wide acceptance of new methods of mobile money, electronic banking and payment systems has been discovered to cost the country whopping sums of money.

    Danbatta said that a lot of people were highly ignorant of how losing their phones to fraudsters can lead to a complete clean-up of their bank accounts. 

    He said|: “These fraudsters do this by stealing victims’ identities; names, addresses, bank information, which they use in gaining access to their bank accounts.

    “They also use the stolen identity to defraud other people and even apply for loans, leaving the victim with debts.”

    According to him, as the telecom industry evolves, there is a growing concern over the rising trend of fraud on telecom (electronic fraud) across sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    Danbatta added: “CBN rates electronic fraud as the biggest risk in the sector which has widely incorporated electronic payment solutions such as ATMs, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS) Instant Payment and mobile banking.

    “The telecommunications sector is not also spared in the raging storm stoked by cyber fraudsters across the country.

    “Attackers are now targeting telecom networks with the intent to disrupt service delivery and infiltrate their data bank SIM swaps and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).

    “USSD e-payment frauds are currently some of the sensuous cyber threats in the telecom industry. Fraudsters conduct SIM swaps of individuals and then conduct USSD-based transactions which cost victims huge losses.”

    He said that the commission also collaborated with critical stakeholders such as the CBN, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), EFCC, ICPC and others relevant in the fight against e-banking fraudsters.

    Danbatta said that effective collaboration between government agencies, private organisations and individuals was pivotal in tackling this scourge of electronic fraud.

    He assured consumers that the commission would intensify its regulatory efforts in protecting the interest of telecom consumers.

    Danbatta said that the development and deployment of robust infrastructure to support innovative technologies and services had no doubt positively transformed the socio-economic space.

    “One of the critical mandates of the NCC is the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers, which is majorly domiciled with the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the commission.

    “As part of the strategy to actualise this mandate, the department collaborates with Consumer Advocacy Groups and relevant stakeholders in creating consumer awareness.

    “By promoting initiatives such as this to empower telecom consumers with knowledge and advocate for their protection within the telecom industry.

    “Today, telecom consumers are enjoying broadband and other services driven by the quest to establish a digital economy,” he said.

    He urged traders to avail themselves of the necessary information required to avoid falling prey to cybercriminals.

    Danbatta also urged consumers to be careful not to open unfamiliar emails or respond to unfamiliar inquiries and report suspicious E-fraud to their bank and telecom service providers.

    The Chairman, Keffi Traders Association, Alhaji Musa Yakubu, called on traders to learn about financial frauds and the strategies to tackle them.

    “We appreciate NCC for coming to enlighten our people on how to manage our money.

    “I have mandated my members to be here to be able to learn how not to fall victim to financial frauds,” he said. 

  • EU court annuls approved €130m aid for Italian airlines

    A European Union court has annulled the approval for state aid granted to Italian airlines worth 130 million euros (140 million U.S. dollars) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a ruling.

    The EU General Court on Wednesday cancelled the European Commission’s approval after finding that the basis for compatibility with EU law had not been sufficiently justified, according to a statement.

    Budget airline Ryanair filed the complaint against the state support from Italy.

    It follows a similar court decision taken against German state aid awarded to German airline company Lufthansa.

    The 130 million euros in funds was intended to compensate the airlines for damages suffered as a result of COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

    According to the EU General Court, the commission should have either explained why the competition authority had no issue with the state aid or started an investigation.

    State support is usually closely regulated; however, restrictions were loosened during the pandemic.

    The commission is the bloc’s top authority on competition matters and approves state subsidies.

    The ruling may be appealed at the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the bloc’s highest court.

  • Judgement Debts: Buhari seeks Senate’s approval to pay N226bn, $556.8m, £98.5m

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the approval of the Senate to issue a promissory note for the payment of $566,754,584.31, £98,526,012.00, and N226, 281, 801, 881.64 judgement debts owed by the Federal Government.

    Buhari’s request was contained in a letter addressed to Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    Buhari in the letter said: “Distinguished Senate President, you may wish to be informed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of March 29, 2023, approved the liquidations of top priority judgment debts and general debts owed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through the issuance of promissory notes.

    “The judgment debts are to be settled through the issuance of promissory notes which will then be redeemed over time through provisions in the budgets of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “Thus debt securities have been issued for the settlement of the judgment debts and approval of the National Assembly is required for this purpose.

    “In view of the foregoing, I wish to request the Senate to kindly consider and approve through its resolution the settlement of the top priority debts incurred by Federal MDAs in the sum of 566,754,584.31 dollars, 98,526,012.00 Pounds and N226,281,801,881.64 through the issuance of promissory notes.

    “The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning shall provide any information that may be required by the Senate for the consideration of this request.”

    Senate also at plenary passed for first reading five bills.

    The bills include Federal Medical Centres Act Amendment Bill 2023 sponsored by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto), Federal Teaching Hospital, Markurdi, Benue State Establishment Bill, 2023 by Sen.Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto),

    Others are Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act Amendment Bill, 2023 by Senator Gobir Ibrahim (APC- Sokoto), and Federal University of Petroleum Technology, Ohaji-Egbema Establishment Bill, 2023 by Senator Rochas Okorocha.

  • Efficient legal system will boost economy- CBN

    *Says it will attract foreign investments

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele has said that an efficient national judicial system will strengthen the confidence in the economy and attract foreign investments.

    Emefiele said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2023 Capacity Building Workshop on Banking and Financial Services Sector for Judicial Workers organised by the CBN, in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

    Discussing the theme: “The Law and Modern Banking: Adapting to Issues Regarding Digital Products and Services; Regulation of Payment Services Banks and Other Emerging Digital Payment Services”, Emefiele said investors are more willing to invest in jurisdictions where the rule of law takes prominence in shaping business and investment decisions.

    He said that the judiciary helps to ensure that all parties adhere to legal ethical standards, while individuals and businesses can also seek relief through the law courts on violations of agreements.

    “They can also be sure that disputes will be treated swiftly and fairly in accordance with the prevailing laws.

    “The presence of a fair and just legal system will help in attracting much-needed foreign investments.

    “Such investments will help in updating our distinguished legal community on emerging trends in the financial services industry,” he said.

    According to him, this is with a view to enhancing their knowledge on how to build legal frameworks that will contribute to the growth of the financial services industry.

    He added that it would also help them deal with some emerging risks associated with such innovations.

    “The judiciary, invariably, contributes to the effectiveness of monetary policy, financial system stability, economic growth and development through their interpretation of statutes and sometimes, giving effect to acts of governments and its agencies,”he said.

    Also speaking, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola said that the workshop was designed to explore strategies that will aid the legal system in adapting to rapid and significant changes in the banking sector.

    According to Ariwoola, these transformations, when fully harnessed and managed. will further strengthen our financial system in terms of providing new opportunities and thereby bringing stability and growth to the financial sector.

    “The theme of this workshop, no doubt carries tremendous significance in our contemporary society.

    “We are currently witnessing a time of rapid technological advancements, particularly within the financial sector, where conventional practices are swiftly being displaced by digital products and services that offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency.

    “In light of recent developments, I am of the view that it is expedient to have a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework put in place by the CBN.

    “We should juxtapose it with other relevant laws and regulations establishing the legal frameworks governing digital products and services,” he said.

    He cited the Cybercrime Act 2015; the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and the BOFIA Act, 2007 as notablee examples of such regulations.

    ” These frameworks provide comprehensive directives concerning crucial aspects such as data protection, cyber security, and consumer protection in the context of digital activities.

    “They delineate the specific criteria and responsibilities that digital service providers must adhere to” Ariwoola said.

    The Administrator of the NJI, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, said that the workshop was aimed at equipping judicial officers with the indispensable knowledge and skills required to navigate the intricate landscape of modern banking.

    According to Abdullahi, this aligns perfectly with the mandate of the NJI in an era where technology is driving unprecedented transformation in the financial sector.

    “It is of utmost importance that the judiciary remains up-to-date with the latest developments and trends to carry out its duties effectively,” he said.