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  • Family, friends of West Ham players attacked in Netherlands

    Family and friends of West Ham United players, celebrating their success in Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final in the Netherlands, were attacked by AZ Alkmaar supporters at the final whistle.

    According to Dutch media, AZ supporters broke through a fence and attacked the West Ham contingent seated in a reserved section at the AZ Stadium.

    A brawl ensued in which West Ham players, including captain Declan Rice, attempted to intervene, the Algemeen Dagblad (ad.nl) added.

    Police and stewards were quickly on the scene to prevent further confrontation and calm was restored 10 minutes later.

    There was a similar incident in London last week when AZ supporters, including the family of coach Pascal Jansen, were accosted by West Ham fans.

    This was after they celebrated the goal scored by the Dutch club in the first half of the first leg.

    West Ham came back to win last Thursday’s match 2-1 and then scored a last gasp winner in the second leg of the semi-final for a 3-1 aggregate triumph. 

  • Fire guts FCTA ICT Unit

    A minor fire incident has occurred at the server room of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Unit of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    The Director, Information and Communication, FCT, Malam Muhammad Sule, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Sule explained that the fire incident was as a result of electric power surge at about 8pm, Thursday May 18th.

    He said the incident, which partially affected the server room, was contained in less than 15 minutes by the combined efforts of Federal and FCT fire services, and security men on duty.

    “The Administration wishes to assure its clientele that the incident will not in any way interfere with its daily operations as there exists adequate redundancy.

    “To this end, there is no cause for alarm as the incident will not in any way hinder the smooth operations of the ICT Unit nor any function of the Administration.

    “The Administration wishes to use this medium to commend the prompt intervention of the gallant officers of the FCT and Federal Fire Service officials for their prompt response and action.”

  • We collected N58.1bn revenue in 2022, not N77.1bn – KADIRS

    We collected N58.1bn revenue in 2022, not N77.1bn – KADIRS

    The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has refuted the Auditor General Report on IGR which put the revenue generated by the state in 2022 at N77.1 billion.

    The Executive Chairman of the service, Dr Zaid Abubakar refuted the figure in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday.

    He said that the actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for 2022 was N58.1 billion.

    The Citizens Accountability Report (CAR) on the implementation of the 2022 budget claimed that the government generated N77.1 billion IGR in 2022.

    According to the report disseminated to citizens on May 10, the N77.1 billion represents 87.1 per cent of the N88.5 billion targeted IGR for the year.

    CAR is a series of graphic and tabular illustrations of the content of the Audited Financial Statements prepared by the State Audit Office for citizens, to ensure accountability of public funds.

    The accountability report is based on the 2022 financial year and reports on state budget, revenue, and expenditure.

    Similarly, the 2022 4th Quarter Budget Performance Report, produced by the Office of Accountant General with support of the State Planning and Budget Commission, puts the IGR figure at N59.98 billion.

    According to the report, published on the Planning and Budget website in Jan. 2023, the N59.98 billion represents 80.5 per cent of the N74.5 billion IGR target for the year.

    Abubakar, however, said that the reports citing IGR collection figure for 2022 different from N58.1billion did not emanate from the authorised agency of the Kaduna State Government and should be disregarded.

    He said that the Kaduna state has maintained a steady trajectory of growth in its IGR – N44.9 billion in 2019, N50.8 billion in 2020, N52.9 billion in 2021 and N58.1 billion in 2022.

    “These remarkable strides owe much to the legal and institutional reforms undertaken since 2015 to strengthen the ability to collect revenues and to block leakages.

    “The Tax Codification and Consolidation Law enacted by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai Government appointed the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) as the sole collector of government revenues.

    “It also outlines all the taxes and levies payable in the state and prohibits the cash collection of revenue by any public officer.

    “These efforts have been remarkably successful, quadrupling the IGR from less than N13 billion in 2015 to N52.9 billion in 2021 and rising to N58.1 billion in 2022,” the chairman said.

    The KADIRS boss noted that the unprecedented levels of IGR collection in the state have been a notable feature of the El-Rufai administration.

    According to him, the reforms that led to the successes in IGR have created a viable platform for the incoming government to build on for further progress in expanding state revenues.

    Reacting to the conflicting 2022 IGR figures released by different government agencies, Mr Yusuf Goje, a public finance analyst described the development as “very disturbing”.

    Goje blamed part of the problem to the unrealistic budget of the government, leading to suspicion on the credibility of published budget performance data.

    He said the development shows lack of synergy and coordination around data management among relevant government agencies.

    Goje stressed that if KADIRS refuted the Budget Performance Report and Auditor General Report on IGR, “then it means someone is fabricating the data. Who could this be?

    “This calls for reform on information management such that responsible government agencies would validate all data before it would be made public,” he said.

    According to him, putting out conflicting data by different government agencies only deepens citizens’ suspicion on published government data.

    “This is disturbing because the essence of the Open Government Partnership that the state government signed unto is for citizens to have accurate and unquestionable data.

    “When we are talking about transparency, we are talking about data that is usable for citizens to effectively engage the governance process.

    “This conflicting data has cast a doubt on the credibility of official government data.”

    Goje called on the government to urgently explain the situation to rebuild citizens’ confidence on available government data.

  • Lack of credit access stifling economic growth—FG

    The Federal Government has said that poor access to credit especially for small and medium enterprises was contributing to stifling Nigeria’s economic growth.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said this at the National Workshop on Bankruptcy and Debt Collection in Nigeria.

    The event with the theme “Creating A 21st Century Credit-Oriented Economy’’, was organized by the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN) in collaboration with AELEX.

    Adebayo expressed concern that the credit system in Nigeria faced numerous challenges with many businesses unable to access credit due to finance scarcity, high interest rates, and stringent lending conditions often imposed by financial institutions.

    “The lack of access to credit has stifled economic growth, leading to a decline in investment and job creation.

    “This is a trend that we have to reverse for the greater interest of the national economy going forward,” he said.

    Adebayo said that the outcomes of the workshop must ensure the institutionalization of a vibrant and sustainable credit system in the country.

    According to him, it should sufficiently incentivize financial institutions to lend to especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    “This is critical towards enhancing the overall competitiveness of the national economy, leading to increased productivity, economic growth and employment generation, as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and increased benefits from the country’s participation in international trade,” he said.

    The minister recalled that in March 2022, the Federal Executive Council approved the proposal to establish the Nigerian Bankruptcy Commission with Debt Collection Offices in the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    He said that the commission was established to provide an effective legal and institutional framework to regulate business behaviour and reduce the challenges associated with enforcement of trade-debt contracts in the regular courts.

    According to him, this is as the debt collection office would be equipped with the expertise, resources and specific focus to ensure that customers pay their trade debts on time.

    “If successfully implemented, the commission will not only be complementary to the ongoing reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

    “It will also significantly contribute to the creation of a modern 21st Century credit-oriented economy for the benefit of producers, retailers and consumers in Nigeria,” he said.

    The minister expressed the federal government’s commitment to promote financial inclusion by ensuring that all Nigerians have access to financial services, regardless of their income level or location.

    Adebayo said that it would contribute positively to financial stability as well as enhance trade and economic growth.

    Earlier, Mr. Fred Agah, Director-General/Chief Trade Negotiator, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN) emphasized the need for a review of the regulatory and institutional framework for bankruptcy and debt collection.

    According to him, it will help producers get credit for their products and consumers to get goods and pay later.

    He said that the framework would facilitate definitive procedures for loan recovery and risk management as well.

    “Even when a growing concern runs into trouble, the priority as to how assets will be shared among creditors is clear.

    “So, you either have a claim on a particular asset or at least you know that this can help you and you can even retrieve the goods while it is still being delivered to the creditor,” he said.

    The event recorded lecture topics including “The inter-relationship between bankruptcy, debt collection and trade and overview of the bankruptcy and debt collection system in Nigeria.

  • Troops destroy 38 illegal refineries, apprehend 29 oil thieves

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have destroyed 38 illegal refining sites and apprehended 29 suspected oil thieves in the last two weeks, the Defence Headquarters has said on Thursday.

    The Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, who said this in Abuja at the bi-weekly news conference on the operations of the armed forces, said the troops conducted patrols, raids, anti-illegal oil refining and swap buggies operations at different locations within Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

    He said this was aimed at denying oil theft and other criminal elements freedom of action.

    Danmadami said the troops, in the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations, discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites with 24 wooden boats, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens and 19 dugout pits.

    According to him, the troops also recovered 551,500 litres of crude oil, 394,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 16 vehicles, four motorcycles and one tricycle.

    Other items recovered were two pumping machines, one outboard engine, one generator, one speed boat, four weapons and 132 assorted ammunition, while 29 economic saboteurs were also arrested.

    “All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

    “Additionally, it is worthy to mention that the sum of N448.3 million were denied to the oil thieves.

    “Relatedly, the air component conducted a series of air operations within the joint area of operation.

    “Notably, an air interdiction was conducted at Abacheke general area, observed to be active with illegal oil bunkering activities.

    “Consequently, the target was struck, destroying all illegal refining equipment at the location,” he added.

    In the South-East, Danmadami said the troops of Operation UDO KA had sustained an offensive against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network and other criminal activities in the zone.

    He said the operational activities resulted in killing of two terrorists, arrest of seven suspected terrorists and rescue of four kidnapped victims within the period under review.

  • Saint Obi’s family slams Zik Zulu, debunks allegations against his widow

    Late Saint Obi and his wife Lynda

    Late Nollywood star, Saint Obi’s family have finally broken their silence concerning revelations made by actor/producer Zik Zulu Okafor about their son’s death.

    In a statement signed by two elder sisters of the actor on behalf of the family, they stated that part of the story was fabricated and meant to portray his estranged wife in a defamatory manner.

    According to them, the “publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner.

    “This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with,” the family said.

    They said further that what Zik Zulu wrote was a figment of his imagination as it does not represent their late brother’s wife that they know and relate with, adding that they should be allowed to mourn their loss in peace whilst they prepare for his burial.

    See the full statement below:

    “PRESS STATEMENT RE: DEMISE OF SAINT OBI (MR. OBINNA NWAFOR)

    “Our attention has been drawn to the publication by one Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor concerning the death of our son, Mr. Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, and the accompanying negative commentary in social and other media portraying his widow in an unfair and most defamatory manner. This is in no way, shape or form an accurate portrayal of the Lynda that we know and relate with.

    “The Nwafor family also views the said article by Mr. Okafor as sad and most unfortunate. It was neither written in consultation with any member of the family nor authored with our consent or authority. We totally disassociate ourselves from it.

    “The views and allegations contained therein are entirely the opinion of the writer. They are false, malicious and insensitive to the wife, children and entire family he left behind.

    “This is a mourning period for the family, and while we appreciate the condolences of friends, fans, and well-wishers, we ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.

    “The funeral rites will be communicated to the public in due course. May the soul of our dearly beloved brother, son, father and husband, rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

    The statement was signed by Ugoeze Edith Chinyere Obichuku, Mrs. Freda Nwachukwu, Eldest Sister (Texas, U.S.A), Elder Sister (Jos, Nigeria)

    For: The Nwafor Family of Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi, Ogwa, Mbatoli L.G.A, Imo State.

  • Electricity: Buhari virtually inaugurates Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, inaugurated the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam’s 40MW Hydropower Station and Associated 132KV Switchyard, Transmission Line and Distribution Substation (Phase I) Project that is located at the Kashimbila Dam site in Taraba State.

    Speaking at a virtual ceremony held at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja, Buhari underscored the importance of the project, and highlighted the project’s role in his administration’s commitment to achieving the target of 30GW of electricity in the country by 2030, under the Electricity Vision 30:30:30.

    According to Buhari, the Electricity Vision initiative aims to have renewable energy contribute at least 30 per cent to the energy mix, thereby expediting the expansion of electricity access.

    He said the implementation and completion of the Kashimbila projects align with his government’s policies to alleviate poverty, generate employment opportunities, enhance healthcare services, and improve the overall standard of living of Nigerians.

    “The Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam in Taraba, with storage capacity of 500million cubic metres, was conceived principally to checkmate the threat of the imminent collapse of the structurally weak and poisonous Lake Nyos,” he said.

    He said that the Dam, located at the line of volcanic activities in Cameroun Republic, and its collapse could result in flooding and affecting millions of lives and properties.

    Buhari maintained that the Dam was meant to serve as a buffer to contain possible discharge of water of Lake Nyos.

    He said its engineering design maximized the benefits of the Kashimbila ecosystem by incorporating a 40MW Hydropower Station, 60,000 cubic metre per day Water Supply Scheme, 2,000 hectares of Irrigation System, an airstrip, fishing activities and tourism potentials.

    According to the President, the Phase I of the Power Evacuation Component of the Project includes the 132KV Switchyard, four substations at Takum, Wukari, Rafin Kada, Donga, and the rehabilitation of the existing 132KV Yandev substation.

  • Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles arrive in Mendoza

    Nigeria’s Flying Eagles arrived in the city of Mendoza, four days before their opening match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals against the Dominican Republic.

    The team led by Head Coach, Ladan Bosso touched down at Aero Puerto International Airport, Mendoza and was received by NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor and officials of the Local Organizing Committee of the championship.

    The Nigeria Football Federation had set up a pre-World Cup training camp for the Flying Eagles in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, where the team defeated an Argentine second division team, Almirante and battled out a 3-3 draw with fellow World Cup finalists Colombia in friendlies.

    Nigeria, who will be making their 13th appearance at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals, open their World Cup campaign in group D against Dominican Republic on 21 May, and will also play Italy and Brazil in that order in the group phase.

  • Foreign hardship forced 48% Nigerians back home- NBS

    New National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report has revealed that hardship was responsible for the return of many Nigerians that travelled to Saudi Arabia and Benin Republic.

    In a report titled, ‘Awareness and Perception of Intending and Returned Migrants on the Dangers of Irregular Migration 2022’, the NBS added deceit and crime as other factors that made most Nigerian migrants return home.

    NBS stated that hardship accounted for 48.0 percent as the major reason for the return of migrants, deceit was next at 20.1 per cent and crime was the least with 1.7 percent. 

    The report, which surveyed a total of 2,400 households, was collated to examine the sentiments of Nigerians about the country of their destination before they left Nigeria and when they started living there.

    Saudi Arabia and Benin Republic were the top destinations for migrants, while Kano and Lagos states were the preferred destinations upon the migrants’ return to Nigeria.

    “Returned migrants are persons returning to their country of origin having migrated to another country other than that of their origin or citizenship (migrants whether on short-term or long-term).

    These categories of people can differentiate between their earlier beliefs about their countries of destination before crossing the international borders and what they saw upon arrival. 

    “Figure 5.1 shows the percentage distribution of returned migrants per state. The distribution indicates that Kano State had the highest percentage of Returnees, with 39.0 percent, followed by Lagos state, with 20.7 percent.

    Benue state had the least percentage of returned migrants with 3.9 percent,” the report read. 


    However, regardless of the hardship, about 52.4 per cent of the returned migrants from Edo state told NBS they don’t mind going back to the foreign country, while migrants in Lagos were next on the list, as 14.3 per cent shared the same sentiment with those of Edo State. 

    Note that they all returned to Nigeria for various reasons, while 90.9 per cent of the migrants voluntarily returned and 5.9 per cent were forced to return. 

    Further breakdown showed that 24.9 per cent travelled for business purposes and work accounted for 22.6 per cent.

  • I won Delta guber, Omo-Agege still insists

    The Delta State gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the just concluded general election, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has maintained that he won the March election clean and clear.

    Omo-Agege, who is also the Deputy Senate President (DSP), spoke in Abuja, when he granted audience to a delegation from Ndokwa/Ukwuani led by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mercy Almona Isei, on a thank you visit for facilitating the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Kwale community.

    He said that the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was a ruse that cannot stand the test of litigation.

    ”I won the Delta Governorship election conducted in March this year by INEC, clean and clear.

    ”All the manipulations carried out by PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), in collaboration with some staff of INEC, have been exposed, and will be used as exhibits in the court of law. 

    ”I am determined to fight it all the way because the real valid votes scored by me in the election, are more than enough to declare me as the governor-elect,” he said.

    On the visitation made to him by his constituents from Ndokwa, Omo-Agege said that President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, should be thanked for the feat.

    He noted that he made the facilitation without any consultation or collaboration with anybody in Delta State.

    ”I didn’t do it in consultation with anybody. I did it all by myself. If anybody should be thanked for the University, it should be President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu,” he stated.