????????????????????????????????????

TUNDE AYENI: Exposing a Criminal Opportunist, Serial Fraudster …See Shocking Documents Inside

by with No Comment News

This is a story of treachery, greed, betrayal and wickedness of gargantuan proportions. It is the tale of a Carpetbagger turned scalawag.

In general terms, a Carpetbagger is an opportunist who comes with the deception of financial collaboration and the scalawag is the deceitful and untrustworthy fellow who enables the carpetbagger.

After reading this story, you may want to re-appraise your relationships with hangers-on, good time acquaintances, opportunists and friends who wear the white garment in the morning but at night, they adorn the Devil’s evil garment.

It is the ultimate peak of fraud and daylight robbery, the deviousness of a very greedy man.

This is the mind boggling story of one man’s over leaping ambition for wealth and power which has led him to extreme measures in his bid to snatch a business interest which belongs to the very person who took him on as a trusted ally.

You may think you are reading a script for a soap opera but this is real life and it is the unbelievable but factual experience of the Billionaire, Captain Hosa Okunbo and a certain Tunde Ayeni, a man who has been unpeeled as a serial embracer of dubiousness.

Captain Hosa Okubo’s friendship with the now sheep in wolf’s clothing Tunde Ayeni, spans over two decades. The very large hearted Captain took on the little known Tunde Ayeni, a small time car dealer and under his tutelage, transformed him into a very rich man by involving him in his business interests.

Unfortunately, the Captain met with ill health as most humans are wont to but the very person who should protect his business concerns has turned around with several unsuccessful attempts to snatch them spreading lies and sponsoring a media campaign full of falsehood. Let us examine Ayeni’s false claims and we will let you into authoritative documents and facts obtained during Paparazzi investigations.

Tunde Ayeni, former Chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, has told the world that a partner of his, referring to his benefactor, stole his stake in Ocean Marine Solutions Limited {OMS}. This is absolutely false.

While a petition written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission {EFCC} by Ayeni became a subject of media feasting without any attempt to dig the facts of the matter.

Ayeni, who was sacked by the Central Bank of Nigeria {CBN} as Chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, in a petition signed by Femi Falana (SAN) falsely, accused Okunbo of mismanagement, stealing and diversion of millions of funds belonging to Ocean Marine Security (OMS) Limited.

He also accused Okunbo in the petition of scheming him out of the company, alleging that sometime in 2007, he, Okunbo, Joe Aikhomu, represented by his father, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, and Gareth Dooley formed a company named Ocean Marine Security Limited, which later became Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, adding that while Okunbo holds 46 percent shares in the company, he holds 35, Dooley 14 and Aikhomu five percent.

According to Ayeni the company later incorporated four other subsidiaries and invested in Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company as well as Yola Electricity Distribution Company.

He also averred that trouble began when in 2016 the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took over Skye Bank Plc, now Polaris Bank Limited. The development he said saw the new management of the bank drag the former management of the bank under Ayeni to the Federal High Court and the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, via a petition to the EFCC.

“During this period, the company had a payment challenge from the CBN as it also works for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiary NPDC as a result of which some of the payments are denominated in United States Dollars and as such the payments come through the CBN,” Falana said.

He said in order to shield the company from the effect of his client’s prosecution that Okunbo persuaded him to step aside from the company and its subsidiaries and handover to him to enable him protect income sources of the company.

He said he acceded to the request from Okunbo, who he said later allegedly “turned around and said Ayeni’s shares had been sold to him”.

He insisted in the petition that he did not at any time discuss the actual sale of his interest in the company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates with Okunbo.

Ayeni alleged that Okunbo introduced one Mr Ned Nwoko to the company with Nwoko claiming he had contract with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in respect of the Paris Club refund and that his fee was 20 per cent.

He added that after Nwoko asked the company to fund the transaction process for him, that Okunbo funded him at various times to the tune of $6 million.

“Captain Okunbo claimed that only $4.5 million was paid which was less than the money given to Ned Nwoko because the Nigeria Governors’ Forum reduced his payment and he could not afford the commitment.

“Captain Okunbo suggested to our client to accept the money to reduce the pressure from AMCON, which he obliged, as this was the practice in the company – any particular director in need is sometimes advanced sums of money ahead of others,” the petition said.

He also accused Captain Okunbo of several financial infractions.

THE MAN LIED

Now, we reveal the truth.

Paparazzi’s pain staking investigations has unveiled facts that will make even the most hardened weak in the knees.

A tale of lies and even more lies.

Paparazzi investigations reveal that Ayeni has been telling blatant and bare faced lies, or like the popular saying, he is trying to take the whole plate of food away after being invited by a benevolent friend to a meal, a trait that has been noticeable in the Kogi State born lawyer and business man.

Documents in the possession of Paparazzi indicate that there was an actual transfer of shares held by Ayeni and Prime Union Investment Limited, an investment company belonging to Ayeni and his wife, Abiola.

Also, resolutions of the board of OMS, where it was agreed to buy up the shares belonging to Ayeni and Prime Union Investment Limited, showed that Ayeni did not only sell his shares in the company but also resigned as a director in the company.

Also in the possession of Paparazzi are transfer instructions to a branch of Sterling Bank in Abuja for payment of money as consideration for the sale of the shares, evidence of re -allotment of shares filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission {CAC}, Abuja.

Reacting to allegations of financial infractions against Okunbo, the board of OMS, in a resolution dated December 17, 2020, denied Ayeni’s allegations and said that he was no longer a part of either OMS or its associated companies because he resigned since 2018 after selling all his shares.

The resolution read in part: “The attention of the Board of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMS) has been drawn to several petitions written to various Government Agencies and widely circulated online, written, authored and orchestrated by Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni, a former Director and shareholder of OMS.”

The board also said it has explicit confidence in the leadership of Captain Okunbo, denying the allegations of financial infractions against him.

The said further: “That Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni is no longer a Director of OMS and any of its Associated Companies having resigned from OMS since August 2018. That Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni is no longer a shareholder of OMS and its Associated Companies having sold and transferred all his shares and interests to Wells Property Development Company Limited for valuable consideration since 2018,” the company said.

“That Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni has not been involved and connected in the management of OMS since 2018 when he resigned from the Board and sold his shares. That Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni became aware in September, 2020 that the Chairman of OMS Capt. [Dr.] Idahosa Wells Okunbo had health Issues and was undergoing treatment in London and has since that time started making false claims that he is still a part of OMS.

“That the Board of OMS has implicit and unshaken confidence in all the steps taken by Capt. [Dr.] Idahosa Wells Okunbo in managing the affairs of the Company and the lofty heights to which he has taken the Company. The Company states unequivocally that it accounts are in good and correct order and its funds are intact and not missing, misappropriated or otherwise mismanaged.

“The Board has passed a vote of confidence on Capt. [Dr.] Idahosa Wells Okunbo. Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni is a meddlesome interloper who is seeking to blackmail Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo at this time of his ill-health for financial benefit.”

The company’s management added that Ayeni has “no interest whatsoever” in OMS and its affairs. It, therefore, advised him to “steer clear from OMS and its Associated Companies”.

Also, businessman Ned Nwoko has reacted to his name being mentioned in the petition, insisting that he never had any dealings with Ayeni or OMS in any capacity whatsoever in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

In a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Nwoko said that at no point in time “have I had any dealings with Ayeni or Ocean Marine Solutions in whatever capacity”.

According to Nwoko, all transactions he had concerning the deal referred to by Ayeni in his petition, was done with Okunbo in his personal capacity, adding that neither Ayeni nor OMS had any role to play in the transactions.

EFCC ABSOLVES OMS OF ANY WRONGDOING

The EFCC, while absolving OMS of any wrongdoing in the money laundering fraud related charges against Ayeni concerning the defunct Skye Bank, said its investigations did not indict the company.

In the letter dated June 25, 2019 and addressed to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of OMS, the EFCC said: “We wish to state that in June 2017, a petition regarding infractions by the previous Board and Management of Skye Bank was forwarded from the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it read in part.

“In the course of investigation, Dr Tunde Ayeni was invited and he volunteered a statement confirming the withdrawal of 29.5 billion naira cash from the Skye Bank. He, however, promised to refund the said funds to the bank and further claimed to have some interest in Ocean Marine and its subsidiary companies.

“Based on the above, investigation was extended to the Corporate Affairs Commission where it was discovered that Dr Tunde Ayeni had on the 8th August, 2018 actually sold his 35 million ordinary shares in Ocean Marine Solutions Limited and 37.2 million ordinary shares in PPP Fluid Mechanics Limited to Wells Property Development Company Limited, a subsidiary of Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd.

“Investigation carried out so far revealed that Dr. Tunde Ayeni is no longer a Director and Shareholder of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited and PPP Fluid Mechanics Limited as he has since sold his entire shares and resigned his appointment and Shareholder of the companies.

“Consequent upon the foregoing, the Commission’s investigation so far did not indict the Chairman of Ocean Marines Solutions and its subsidiary companies, Capt. Idahosa Wells Okunbo, on the alleged diversion of 29.5 billion naira from the defunct Skye Bank Plc, by Dr Tunde Ayeni.”

The current controversies surrounding Ayeni and his bid to recover shares he has evidently sold and got paid for, may not be surprising to many who have followed him closely over the years.

According to sources, Ayeni is not just a vicious businessman but criminal opportunist, with a fraudulent disposition. The crash of Skye Bank is still fresh in the memory of Nigerians, especially depositors and shareholders of the bank.

In what may qualify as the biggest rape of a Nigerian Bank, the EFCC accused Ayeni of diverting N21.1b, N17.4b and N3.7b from the covers of the bank.

It took the timely intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria to salvage the little it could and saved depositors from losing all their money in the bank completely. Though the CBN changed the name of the bank to Polaris and effected a change in management, Polaris remained a shadow of the once vibrant Skye Bank.

It would also be recalled that a former Director of defunct Bond Bank, John Darlington, had lamented how Ayeni treated him unfairly.

In an interview with BusinessDay, Darlington vowed to take him down, claiming that Ayeni betrayed and repeatedly cheated him of his dues. But in his characteristics manner, through his handlers, contended that he had always offered a helping hand to Darlington and not the other way round.

Even more dis-heartening is the way Ayeni has treated the family of late former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Those who know are quick to tell you that the former Bayelsa governor was the singular person that made Ayeni what he is today. But kinsmen of the Alamieyeseigha, in a statement said Ayeni has been lying and disrespecting his memory.

The kinsmen under the aegis of the Bayelsa Natives in Nigeria and the Diaspora, B.A.N.N.D, in a widely circulated statement recently, said they were taken aback that despite all that the former governor did to empower Ayeni, he has only repaid him by maliciously lying on his memory and abandoning his family.

The group said: “It came to our notice that when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arrested Tunde Ayeni for withdrawing N29 billion from Skye Bank, he lied to the agency that he gave the money as bribe to our brother and illustrious son of the Niger Delta, the late Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha. That is callous and gratuitous. At no time, as far as we know, did Chief Alamieyeseigha have that amount of money in any bank whether in Nigeria or abroad. He was a simple man of the people who gave back to the society that made him. He coveted no riches and he led a simple life.

“What Tunde Ayeni did was to just lie against a dead man who cannot defend himself. This is a betrayal of the friendship we are aware that they maintained while the former governor was alive. Ayeni merely played to the gallery and decided to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it. This is not what friendship is about. And we have no doubt that the man (the former governor) must be turning in his grave at this deliberate and disdainful desecration of his memory.”

The group also declared that its investigations at the EFCC showed that after his initial grandstanding, Ayeni sang like a bird to investigators and went on a lying spree against prominent dead Nigerians including Alamieyeseigha.

“He lied that he gave N29 billion to Alamieyeseigha as a bribe but we found out that it was part of the money that he diverted to buy NITEL and MTEL which he renamed NTEL. He was using NTEL’s assets to offset his indebtedness to the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, in a classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul,” the statement added.

The group also lamented that since Alamieyeseigha’s death, Ayeni turned his back on his benefactor’s family, describing it as “grave sin against man and God.

“He was never there for the family even when he could have. We are sure that at the appropriate time, representatives of the family will address their grouse with him”. Adding that they were not surprised at Ayeni’s capricious about-face.

“It is his stock-in-trade. It is why those he calls his friends are wary of having any business or personal dealing with him because there is no atom of loyalty in his veins”, the group said.

To peak the height of his perfidious nature, Tunde Ayeni has again today, like the fabled scorpion which was carried on the back of a dog to swim across the river, latched his poisonous fangs into the veins of the very person who gave him an in-road into high level wheeling and dealing.

Captain Hosa, the generous and unobtrusive philanthropist, a man who has changed the lives of thousands of Nigerians and never left anyone who met him in want, a man loved, cherished and respected, a self-made billionaire who grew his wealth through hard work and diligence, is not just battling ill health right now but now grappling with the betrayal of one to who he acted as a selfless benefactor.

It is indeed a very sad story but as long as the truth is told and facts are presented, Ayeni will remain in the filthy dustbin of traitors and betrayals.

EVIDENCE DON’T LIE!

Presenting the Documents:

 

Adam-Nuru (1)

Paternity Scandal: FCMB’s MD Not Father of My Kids- Moyo Thomas

by with No Comment By Godwin EdeduanNews

Moyo Thomas, the lady who allegedly had an affair with Adam Nuru, the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, resulting in two children, has broken her silence for the first time since the scandal broke in late December.

Thisday Newspaper on Saturday reported Ms. Thomas as saying that on no occasion did she tell her deceased husband, Tunde, that he was not the father of her two children.

Thousands signed a petition asking the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sack the bank chieftain.

The petition alleged that the bank chieftain was responsible for the demise of Tunde Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was said to have died of depression on December 16, 2020.

It alleged that Moyo had informed her husband that she was leaving Nigeria for the United States with the kids only to call him upon arrival that the children do not belong to him.

The petition claimed the news initially caused Mr. Thomas to be down with a stroke but later recovered and thereafter met another lady whom he planned to marry.

But according to a statement titled, “Tunde is the Father of My Kids” reportedly written by Ms. Thomas’s friends and published in Thisday, she explained why she decided to remain silent amid a myriad of allegations.

“On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is, therefore, deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his,’’ the statement partly read.

“The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in my place, or anyone’s place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.

“Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences to affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments. I do wish his family and friends the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss and I ask that we all be allowed to grieve his loss in peace,’’ she stated.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how FCMB has been in the eye of the storm lately when allegations of an unprofessional romantic affair between both parties were made public by friends of the deceased.

ton

FCMB: Promoting SMEs, Productivity and Initiatives that Enrich Nigerians Lives on the Watch of Adam Nuru

by with No Comment BankingBy Godwin Ededuan

“As a caring and inclusive brand, FCMB will continue to empower individuals and communities by championing and executing initiatives that enrich the lives of Nigerians.” So declared FCMB sometime in February this year as it announced the award of a full scholarship to Fathia Dele Rasheed, the 7-year old schoolgirl who was spotted using lights from the ATM Gallery at its branch located along Ondo Road Akure, Ondo State, to do her homework.
The bank commended Dele’s determination, as well as that of other Nigerians like her, who aspire to a better life and are relentless in their pursuit of it. This brings out the brand persona of FCMB-“a caring and inclusive brand At a time when the country is looking towards the Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help rebuild the economy devastated by COVID-19, the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has become an excellent role model of commitment to help grow the country’s GDP and create jobs. This is possible because of the commitment to entrepreneurship development and innovation. No wonder, FCMB and its Managing director Adam Nuru regularly attract honours and awards.
Of course, a commitment to innovation has always been at the heart of banking, and it has been instrumental to the continuous performance improvements countries have realized through efficiency and economic sustainability. This FCMB has been doing for a long time now.
Today, the FCMB)continues to encourage innovative and prudent measures to help SMEs do business better and keep vital operations possible. This is why the bank in collaboration with SystemSpecs Limited, launched a solution called “FCMB Payroll”, that is focused on aiding different aspects of business operation. This was in October this year.
In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Lagos, the bank said the product is a payroll solution, designed to meet the yearnings of thousands of its SME customers seeking more efficient, easy-to-use and affordable business tools to seamlessly operate their businesses. This, it was disclosed, will be very useful to individuals in business, small and medium enterprises as well as corporate organizations.
FCMB Payroll is a solution that comes with exciting features that enable SME owners to easily process payroll; pay employees’ salaries into commercial/micro-finance bank accounts or wallets and issue them regular pay slips.
To all staff of any customer or registered SME, this solution also over-rides collateral requirements, even without the traditional documentation to access loans from FCMB. The product enables these customers to easily maintain historical personal and payment records of all employees, including items such as their taxes, pensions and other possible transactions.
In that October during the launching Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Adam Nuru, said the introduction of the FCMB Payroll initiative was in line with the commitment of the bank to grow the nation’s economy by providing SMEs with cutting-edge business tools to support their operations and help them build scale. Mr. Nuru further stated that, “we are excited to partner with SystemSpecs, a major solutions provider in the financial ecosystem to address some of the challenges confronting SMEs.
The FCMB Payroll platform has been designed to provide a more convenient and modern business tool for business owners and their employees.As a Bank that is consistently innovating to meet our increasingly dynamic customer base, we are confident that the FCMB Payroll initiative will go a long way to boost the operations of SMEs and improve their productivity”.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of SystemSpecs, John Obaro, said, “as an organisation, our aim is to continue to provide individuals and organisations with innovative tools to help them become more productive and take full charge of their operations. We are delighted at the opportunity to partner FCMB to extend our experience and expertise in payroll solutions to the Bank’s customers. We are convinced that FCMB Payroll would help SME customers improve their processes, maintain a satisfied workforce, boost margins and increase scale speedily.”
The FCMB Payroll”, is yet another part of FCMB commitments to SMEs in Nigeria, as it regularly FCMB supports capacity building programmefor SMEs, using its FCMB Training Academy which holds a yearly programme tagged ‘Business Enterprises and Sustainability Training (BEST) for SMEs, existing and start-ups which bring together many SMEs operators to participate in the annual training programme..
According to the bank, the rationale behind this capacity building programme is to lay a solid foundation for their long-term success. It will also enable entrepreneurs to have access to business management skills and advisory services, learn and acquire competencies which they can apply for effective management of their respective businesses in a sustainable manner.
Last year, the FCMB held the sixth edition of the BEST programme for existing and start-up SMEs held in Uyo, AkwaIbom State on June 8, 2019. Hundreds of existing and start-up entrepreneurs from the six states in the South-south zone took part and benefitted from the intensive training and empowerment exercise. This followed the huge success recorded at previous editions of the training across Nigeria since it commenced in 2018.
The initiative, led by FCMB Training Academy, the bank’s Business Banking Group and seasoned facilitators, focused on business and skills development, marketing, finance and accounting for SMEs. It covered various topical areas such as identifying business opportunities, surviving in a harsh business environment, improving productivity, raising capital, optimising sales, cost and revenue management, among others. It is one of the value-added offerings of FCMB to complement its efforts in the areas of lending and advisory services to SMEs with the objective of stimulating their growth and contributions to overall national development.
According to the Executive Director, Business Development of FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith, the Bank recognises the increasing role and impact of SMEs.
“The BEST initiative is one of the innovative ways we empower, promote and support the growth of our SME customers because without effective training and exposure, it could be quite difficult for their businesses to succeed. We believe this training will go a long way to impact positively on the SME operators who have participated in this programme. It will propel them to further develop themselves in order to compete favourably within and outside the Nigerian market. We, therefore, urge the beneficiaries to take advantage of the unique opportunities provided by this exercise, because it is a veritable platform for them to take the lead in driving the diversification and growth of the Nigerian economy”, she said.
Also speaking at that time, the Head, Training Academy of FCMB, Sola Oyegbade, stated that: “Just like the roots of a tree are responsible for the overall health and strength of the tree, FCMB BEST initiative has become a forum for feeding the SMEs with relevant resources to nurture and nourish their businesses profitably through tested and proven principles for capacity building, skills development and sustainability.
FCMB Training Academy is playing its part as a skillful gardener alongside other stakeholders to ensure the sustained health and continuous growth of all the SMEs that have subscribed and partnered with us in the BEST initiative”.
Besides the BEST capacity building programme, FCMB has other exciting cutting-edge offerings in the SMEs segment. The financial institution is one of the top participating Banks appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to drive the N220 billion Development Fund instituted by the apex regulatory institution to provide loans to SMEs. In addition, the Bank offers free banking transactions for a period of three months to new its SME customers.
SheVentures is also another value-added initiative from FCMB. It is designed for women-owned SMEs. The purpose is to provide enhanced support to existing and upcoming women-owned SMEs through access to finance, training and mentoring to boost their business in a sustainable manner. SheVentures which also comes with the unique benefit of zero-interest rate for an initial period of three months, is anchored on a unique selling proposition of ”Be You”, which means confidence, independence and the courage required by women to fulfill their aspirations. At the launch of the initiative in March this year, some women SME operators received loans ranging from N500,000.00 to N5,000,000.00.
Apart from these iniatives on SMEs sub-sector of the economy, FCMB has also been catering to the youthful segment of the population who are more technology-proficient than their predecessors, through various digital engagement which include the following:
· Flexx zone with over 130,000 visits and Flexx Mobile App with 17,329 users.
· Dare to Dream talent hunt in 10 campuses and over 15,000 participants in the three-year span.
· Flexx your creativity that had close to 20,000 digital reaches; this was a digital showcasing of their creative art.
· Flexxtern in partnership with Lagos State Government, corporate and SMEs, providing internship opportunities to youth in structured organisations.
· YEEP- Youth Entrepreneurship Programme for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with the participation of over 20,000 corps members in the last two years.
·Youth Entrepreneurship Masterclass which has provided the opportunity for young entrepreneurship to acquire more knowledge and mentorship in various field.
· National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp engagement in at least 20 states for the last four years reaching more than 300,0000 corps members in orientation camps.
· Weekly campus activation to engage young people in different institution of learning on the need to save during and after school. This provides an opportunity for financial inclusion and enlightenment.
All these initiatives tend to show that “Youths have pushed FCMB to innovate ahead of competitors”, as being claimed by some.
As all these programmes roll on, there is an increased publicinterest in FCMB for what it has to offer to the public in terms of products offerings and services .
Why is FCMB going so strong at this time? This due to the work of its managing director, MrNuru, a seasoned banker appointed in 2017.With about 30 years banking experience covering Corporate Finance, Consumer Banking, Public Sector, Treasury, Commercial/Retail Banking and Human Resources Management, Nuru is a banking guru. He began his career at the Nigerian Agricultural & Cooperative Bank. He also worked at Oceanic Bank and FSB International Bank (Now Fidelity Bank), where he headed Public Sector, later Retail Banking (Lagos), and eventually Human Resources Management Group. He joined FCMB in 2005 as Head of Enterprise Management overseeing Human Resources, Administration & Logistics and Branch Development.
In 2009, he left FCMB to joinFinBankPlc as Executive Director, North Nigeria. Three years later, he rejoined FCMB as Executive Director Abuja & North Nigeria, following the merger of FCMB and FinBank in 2012.
The bank’s board knew his capacity. Hence he was appointed in recognition of his ability to bring strong and decisive leadership to the banking institution at this time. And ever since, he has taken the banking brand higher up the ladder both in visibility and the consciousness of the people. No wonder, the bank continues to win awards after awards.
In 2018, FCMB was rated as the 3rd most customer-focused Bank by KPMG, a leading international consulting firm, in the Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS), among other national and international recognitions and awards.
In 2019, FCMB bagged ”Excellence in Customer Experience Enhancement”, on the Bank at the Finnovex West Africa Awards,. The award held on October 22, 2019 in Lagos. In addition, the Managing Director of the Bank, Mr. Adam Nuru, emerged as the CEO of the year. They were elected to the positions after a survey conducted by the organisers of the award which involved Banks’ customers.
Thus under the watch of Adam Nuru, FCMB, as an inclusive lender, has continued to dictate the pace and expand its channels. The Bank is known for providing one of the fastest, secure, convenient and seamless alternate channel banking platforms cutting across Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sales (PoS), mobile, internet banking, among others

are

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Building Mutual Trust and Fruitful Co-operation at the Ministry of Interior

by with No Comment GoverancePolitics

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Nigeria’s Minister of Interior is a man with strong commitments to the magnificent vision and dedication of President Muhammadu Buhari towards the security and welfare of the Nigerian people.Today, as the flag of this country flutters in the hands of this great leader, Aregbesola is working tirelessly to help him achieve the people’s aspirations, broader national ambitions, and to continue the process of growth, renewal, development and prosperity. Despite the global turbulence occassioned by COVID-19, Aregbesola remains one of the pillars of support, actively supporting him with his creativity and ingenuity at the Ministry of Interior.
Since his appointment as minister of Interior, he has worked towards realizing the vision of the Buhari leadership and its sound directives by contributing to transforming Nigeria challenges into development opportunities that keeps pace with the rhythm of the era, anticipates a promising future, and achieves rates of development and growth that can dazzle the world.
Ayear ago,Ogbeni Aregbesola was appointed minister when President Buhari constituted his second term cabinet and deployed him to that ministry. The Ministry of Interior has become more vibrant since then
After a careful assessment of things on getting into office in 2019, he began to work on revamping the entire internal security architecture, under his supervision for efficient service delivery, along the path of President Buhari’s vision of SET – security, economic rejuvenation and transparency. Aregbesola has been pursuing a strategy to improve and develop performance of the agencies under the ministry in all competitiveness indicators. Clearly the approach is rooted in open socio-economic policies, modernisation and updating of policies and streamlining of procedures as well as the adoption of innovation to move the country up on the scale of global competitiveness in all agencies he ministry has supervisory control over.
He started by paying inspection visits to all the agencies under his supervision. They include the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which had just been reformed from the old Nigerian Prison Service; the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); the Federal Fire Service (FFS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
Improvement in staff welfare:
On assumption of duty, in August 2019 Aregbesola promised to make life better for the staff in the ministry and the agencies under the ministry.To the minister, equipping staff and giving them relevant training will motivate them to be efficient and productive.
He said staff welfare would be a top priority of his and that he would make a strong case for training, equipping and motivating the personnel, emphasising that a well motivated personnel will deliver well on the job. This promise soon became a reality. The ministry organized many workshops for the staff of NIS and NCoS and also deployed fire fighting trucks to Bayelsa and Kaduna States respectively. Equally, it promoted 3548 staff of the NIS and NCos. He also commissioned Kwara and Adamawa States commands of the NIS and unveiled the Forward Operation base in Katsina State.
Relations with other countries:
Ogbeni Aregbesola had promised to restore the confidence of the international community where business partnership will be established among Nigeria and other countries.He also said his ministry would restore the confidence of the global community in doing business with Nigeria by enhancing the ease of doing business.
So far, the ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Federal Government with the Belarusian Minister of Internal Affairs, Yuri Karayev, in Minsk with actions planned towards ending poverty and inequality in both countries leveraging on each other’s experience.
Well, after a year in office, the MoU with Belarus is yet to generate any positive returns accruing to the country. Perhaps implementation of the MoU is still in the pipeline.
Security and safety: NSCDC
To tackle the rising wave of general insecurity in the country, Aregbesola had promised to ensure that national peace and stability is attained. Some success has been recorded on with the creation of a solution path.
The NSCDC recorded the following achievements within the same time frame. Training and deployment of over 2,000 personnel as professional Peace Ambassadors and Chartered Mediators to promote peace in the country; training and deployed over 1,500 personnel as Agro-Rangers in Yobe and Adamawa State to protect farmers and their farms to ensure food security. Creation of the Agro-Rangers Squad for the provision of physical security to the Agro-Allied sector of the economy and the safety of the proposed 250 cattle ranches nationwide. Deployment of over 5,000 officers to the North East to protect the IDP Camps and to re-occupy the liberated towns and villages in the North East. Arrest of Illegal Miners in Zamfara, Kebbi, Osun and illegal refineries destroyed in the Niger Delta in the quest to protect critical national asset. Last comes the creation of the Citizens’ Integrity Unit in the Corp to fight rape and other sexual abuses in the country.
With what is listed above, it is clear for anyone to see that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been doing a lot to secure communities and promote peace, in addition to providing security for critical national infrastructure. It is on the back of NSCDC that the Agro Rangers scheme is built. Without this scheme and the service of brave men and officers in the Agro Rangers Unit, food production from the North, which witnessed perennial herder/farmers clashes in the past, would not have improved considerably. The unit continues to provide security for farmers and herders.
Of interest to President Buhari is the dignity and integrity of citizens. To actualise this, a new unit called the Citizen’s Integrity Unit was established. They oversee and nip in the bud, the perennial cases of rape, extortion and dehumanising treatment that Nigerian citizens are subjected to.
Fire Service:
As at the time Aregbesola assumed office, the equipment in the inventory at Federal Fire Service was old and mostly out of order. To him putting things in order became urgency, so as to prevent avoidable loss of lives and properties to fire.He put in initiatives that helped Fire Service to hit the ground running with the procurement of vehicles, equipment as well as being infused with efficiency.
Thus Federal Fire Service in five months after the minister took over, responded to 2,615 fire calls, saving 726 lives and assets worth N1.629 trillion across the country. The service was able to do these because of the initiatives that were put on ground by Aregebesola, which have made the fire service record tremendous achievements.
These include first the establishment of Six (6) additional training school towards capacity development of officer of the federal fire service. Second achievement is the creation of Six (6) additional zonal commands, recruitment and training of newly employed 2,200 personnel in order to drive efficiency towards ensuring public safety of lives and property across the country. Third comes the buying, commissioning and deployment of twelve (12) modern firefighting trucks to strengthen the federal fire service capacity in ensuring public safety of lives and property.
Fourth is the Affiliation of National Fire Academy, Sheda with Nigeria Defence Academy to run Postgraduate studies in Disaster and Risk Management towards human capacity development. The fifth achievement of the service is its collaboration with the Federal ministry of Environment to disinfect and decontaminate public offices, markets, educational institutions, and streets with a view to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aregbesola knows that a Fire Service is as good as the fire engines and fighters it possesses. So he made necessary arrangements that made President Buhari approve for the Service the purchase of about 100 ultramodern firefighting trucks and engines. The last time any equipment was procured was sometime in 1996. The equipment in the inventory before the advent of the administration of President Buhari were those procured between 1985 and 1996, and since then there has been no procurement until now. It will also interest you to note that 2,200 fire fighters have been employed, trained, commissioned and deployed into service. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, Federal Fire Service stations and presence now exist in every state of the federation.

Correctional Centre Reforms and Decongestion:
Aregbesola focuses on prison inmates well-being. Normally, Correctional Service provides the mechanisms, facilities and services for carrying out the orders of the judiciary in relation to community members who have been charged with or convicted for breaking the laws of the country.
When he took office, he said his ministry would concentrate on looking after prisoners well-being – providing food and healthcare for them. Though times are tough, with Aregbesola’s effort , Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) now provides good food for prisoners which is very important , with mechanism in place to ensure that the prisoners are not be so shabbily treated. As a result of commitments , the correctional Centre Reforms gathered momentum, leading the NCS to record milestone achievements. These include the following:
Safe custody of over seventy-five thousand inmates and personal against Covid 19 with no single case recorded; laying the foundation for three thousand capacity correctional centre in three zones across the federation in order to improve the infrastructure of the correctional service thereby gradually solving the problem of overcrowding, launching and unveiling of 243 operational vehicles for smooth operation of inmates and personal of the service.
Others include the full Implementation of the correctional service act signed by President Buhari which changed the name from the Nigeria Prison Service to the Nigeria Correctional Service which brings in play new initiatives such as Non-custodial measures which will drive decongestion within the correctional facilities and drive human capital development of men and officers of the service; the release of over five thousand inmates from the various correctional centres across the federation in consultation with the presidential committee on prison decongestion as a way to reduce the effect of Covid-19 infection; the launching of digital empowerment scheme which complements government efforts at reforming inmates at the correctional centres and equipping them with life skills that will make them better members of the society and lastly, the graduation of a total 315 cadets’ officers-despite the COVID-19 pandemic- at the correctional training school in kaduna which further strengthens the workforce of the service.
For a long time, recruitment was on hold along with maintenance on NCS officers’ houses and prisons and prisoners’ rehabilitation programmes. Then there was overcrowding of prisons, which resulted in continuous jailbreaks.
The minister changed all these and said the inmates ‘must have peace of mind by ensuring that the environment of the correctional centres remains a conducive atmosphere for them to reflect on their past life and make the transition to a new life easy for them.
And he set the procedure in motion to enhance the safety and security of society through secure, humane containment and facilitating the rehabilitation of convicted detainees in partnership with stakeholders in fulfilment of Correctional Service mandate and to achieve President Buhari’s SET Agenda. Along that path, it is responsible to provide counselling, education, and training, which will assist detainees to return to society as reformed citizens.

Another major activity was the ministry’s decision to decongest the correctional centres in the last one year. Encouragingly, the de-congestion policy has started in many states, with about 5,000 inmates regaining their freedom in the last one year.This was made possible by the pardon and amnesty graciously approved by President Buhari. The process is ongoing and many more who meet certain stringent criteria will benefit from the programme. Added to this is the fact that modalities are being put in place to operationalise the parole system, so that first-time minor offenders or others who have no reason to be incarcerated can serve their terms at home or other designated places
Also, 850, inmates were able to continue their educational courses. Virtual learning center was opened in Kaduna State and pharmaceutical drugs distributed across the correctional centres in the country.
The New Visa Policy:
There is a new visa policy in place: Nigerian Visa Policy(NVP)2020 launched by President Buhari.The new Visa Policy now has 75 categories which include Religious Visa, Sport Visa, Entertainment Visa, several others which were not part of the old visa policy.No doubt, the new visa policy is a welcome development and can be termed an achievement for Aregbesola.
Now friends, those not-so-friendly, adversaries and enemies will agree that the minister has done well in the past one year.Of course, he is a treasure of trust to the government, and all could connect to him, and trust him. Why? Primarily because he is the predictable factor of the APC.
It is anybody’s guess now that without the presence of this one-man-institution — who is a ready reckoner of President Buhari’s era in Nigerian politics — the recent developments in the interior ministry would not have been possible.
Contribution to the goals of a country is a journey all of us must set out on, one day or another. Aregbesola is helping the government of President Buhari to fulfill many of the dreams of the people. From the time he joined the cabinet in 2019, there wasn’t a single promise made by him that he did not honour. Every now and then, we see new decisions, new efforts, and new initiatives announced by the ministry of interior under the watch of Ogbeni Aregbesola as he continues to support President Buhari’s vision for achievements in all political, economic, social, human and environmental fields to take Nigeria forward on the path of progress, and build a fair, safe, productive, prosperous and developed society forall.

600600p1134EDNmainlife-insurance-min

Life Insurance Eases burdens

by with No Comment By Elvis EbigwuNews

Life Insurance Eases burdens LIFE insurance is something not commonly discussed about in Nigeria and the rest of Africa as elsewhere in the world. Perhaps this is due to life insurance’s complexity, the posture of those who sell it or merely our preference for avoiding the topic of our own demise.

But armed with the proper information, you can simplify the decision-making process and arrive at the right choice for you and your family. Life insurance is one of the pillars of personal finance, deserving of consideration by every household. If anyone relies on you financially, you need life insurance. It is virtually obligatory if you are a spouse or the parent of dependent children.

Life insurance does not simply apply a monetary value to someone’s life, instead, it helps compensate for the inevitable financial consequences that accompany the loss of life. Strategically, it helps those left behind cover the costs of final expenses, outstanding debts and mortgages, planned educational expenses and lost income. But most importantly, in the aftermath of an unexpected death, life insurance could lessen financial burdens at a time when surviving family members were dealing with the loss of a loved one.

In addition, life insurance can provide valuable peace of mind for the policy holder. That is why life insurance is vital for the bread winner of a single-income household but still important for a stay-at-home spouse. It is surprising and disconcerting that only about two per cent or 200,000 of the 200 million Nigerians are insured. In the Nigerian society, there is so much reliance on the benevolence of family system that many believe can come to the aid of the children when the bread winner dies.

The National Insurance Commission needs to push for creating awareness on this. It can start by being part of, maybe, three-month nationwide inclusive insurance campaign in the country. Such a step will focus on creating more awareness not only around their products but generally making more Nigerians aware of the benefits of having one’s life insured.

This may be dangerous, particularly with the trend in the economy where it is difficult for many to carry their own responsibilities, not to talk of adding additional burden by supporting children of loved relatives. So it is wrong to assume that support will continue for the deceased’s immediate family after the death of loved one.

While that is part of the cultural lifestyle, we need to recognize the significance of life insurance, as a vital form of financial protection in the event of accident and sudden loss of life. Life insurance can be confusing for many. The Nigerian insurance industry is not helping matters in this regard. And most of the players seem to have “a build-it-and they will come” mentality. So they hardly advertise their products, not educate and encourage people on the issue of life insurance .
There is now need for advocacy at encouraging young people to move away from the dangerous path of leaving things to chance , take responsibility of their own lives by getting insured. This is for two reasons: taking care of the family one has left behind or when one dies – that insurance caters for death expenses. The National Insurance Commission needs to push for creating awareness on this. It can start by being part of, maybe, three-month nationwide inclusive insurance campaign in the country. Such a step will focus on creating more awareness not only around their products but generally making more Nigerians aware of the benefits of having one’s life insured. Some banks are also in insurance business. These banks should be commended for their move in joining the industry. They have strong marketing communication experience to deploy in creating awareness about life insurance through rigorous campaign.

With such campaign, the Nigerian insurance industry may be able to break down the silence through its various marketing campaigns which has always been detailed. We do not know when we will pass away. It could be today, tomorrow or 50 years from now, but it will happen eventually. Of course, no amount of money could ever replace a person.
But more than anything, life insurance can help provide protection for the uncertainties in life. Without a doubt, having life insurance coverage will bring you and your family peace of mind.
It is one thing you can be sure of and you’ll no longer have to question whether they will be taken care of when you are gone.

jamoh

Dr. Bashir Jamoh’s Inspirational Leadership at NIMASA: Helping Sailors Navigate Safer Waters , Building Robust Maritime Economy

by with No Comment Corporate LeadershipGoverancePolitics

Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh is a man schooled in providing creative solutions to issues. And saddled with the task of delivering the mandate of NIMASA to the nation, he has been working to reposition shipping business in Nigeria, taking practical steps and pursuit that have positive ramifications for security, jobs and prosperity of Nigeria.
Jamoh noticed that through creative solutionsmany countries have begun to shed entrenched roadblocks and create their own framework for investment and growth. He taps into this framework, to help ease things for maritime stakeholders, as Nigeria braces up for a contraction of up to 20% in 2021. To him sound economic and regulatory management becomes the most important path to recovery for the government.He believes that maritime sector is key to this recovery, and business must also be an engine for growth for the economy, as a joint commitment between public and private sectors to stimulate trade, partnerships, and investment will be key for reactivation, employment, and regional stability.
Some recent, creative exercises are being developed in the shipping industry by NIMASA under Jamoh’s watch are commendable. These are done through the creation of programmes aimed at promoting maritime security and safety, pushing Nigeria’s competitive advantages in coastal shipping, in pursuit of new, domestic investment in infrastructure and investments in seafarers development and welfare,ensuring that seafarers years of theoretical knowledge, practical applications, and experience at sea are optimally deployed to enhance maritime business and the cabotage trade, while creating opportunities for them in shipping industry.
First to stimulate investment and boost activities in the maritime industry, amid the downturn caused by COVID-19, the Director-General drummed that the Federal Ministry of Transportation was considering zero import duty on new vessels, parts for ship building and repairs following years of agitation by indigenous shipping operators for import duty waiver as obtained in aviation sector. He conveyed the Ministry’s position to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed.
Jamoh reiterated the commitment of the Honorable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Honourable Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, towards ensuring the growth of maritime in Nigeria saying the ministry also proposed other tax incentives for maritime industry operators.
He said the proposed incentives included zero import duty for brand new vessels imported by Nigerians or Nigerian shipping companies for use in foreign or domestic trade; 0.5 percent only import duty for vessels aged between one and five years intended for use in foreign or domestic trade; and one percent only import duty for vessels aged between five and eight years intended for use in foreign or domestic trade.
There was also a proposal for zero import duty for parts or components imported by Nigerian shipyards for local ship building, which will be for an initial period of four years after which it can be reviewed by government. All these are expected to give the sector the vibrancy it needs for growth.
Second, on the safety and security front, NIMASA has a working relationship with different security agencies. These include the Nigerian Air Force. To realize fast-track this, the NIMASA Director-General paid a working visit to the Nigerian Air Force headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, announced that air assets acquired under the Deep Blue Project, also called the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, domiciled with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) were set for deployment by the Nigerian Air Force in support of the Federal Government’s maritime security effort.
The NIMASA DG had requested adequate arrangement to receive and deploy the two special mission aircraft expected in the country in the next few months. He praised the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to capacity development, and noted that NIMASA was committed to ensuring the success of the Deep Blue Project with adequate cooperation from all stakeholders.
“We have received two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and the two special mission aircraft are expected to arrive in Nigeria before the end of the year. The challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the special training for the personnel to man these air assets, but we have found a way around it. We will continue to seek your partnership to secure the Nigerian maritime domain.”
Dr. Jamoh revealed that 17 fast interceptor boats, 15 armoured vehicles, and two special mission vessels were some of the land and marine assets already on the ground, saying all hands must be on deck to secure the country’s maritime environment and change all negative narratives.
The Deep Blue Project, also called the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, is a maritime security project, which aims to comprehensively tackle insecurity in Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, up to the Gulf of Guinea.
Third action has to do with human capital development and training of seafarers. Not long ago,. Dr Jamoh, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos that NIMASA had secured more sea time berths for 400 cadets in spite of limitations caused by COVID-19 pandemic. He said the cadets were trained under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), disclosing that the achievement followed a recent three-month extension granted the 400 Nigerian seafarers undertaking sea time courses in different parts of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jamoh said that the training was extended for another three months by NIMASA to enable the seafarers complete their training due to the global lockdown caused by the pandemic. According to him, the three-month programme would lead to the award of Certificate of Competency (CoC) to beneficiaries.He added that the agency had intensified efforts to secure sea time opportunities for a good number of the trained cadets across the globe.
“In the first quarter of 2020 alone, we secured sea time berths for over 550 cadets in various countries for the three months programme leading to the issuance of CoCs.However, due to the pandemic, we extended their sponsorship for another three months, which comes with additional cost, and we are still looking to extend it further as we continue to monitor the pandemic and how it affects the programme.”
He said that the agency was in constant touch with Nigerian embassies in the beneficiaries’ host countries as well as the students themselves and their leaders.
“Keeping in touch is to monitor their situations and guard against anything that could keep them stranded in a foreign country.We have adapted our approaches to the peculiar conditions of the different countries where we have Nigerian seafarers on sea time training.The feedback from the students’ leaders in the various countries have been very encouraging.”
He disclosed that another set of NSDP cadets had been approved for training, but their enrollment was on hold due to the global pandemic.
The NSDP was initiated by NIMASA in 2008 to deal with the dearth of trained and certified seafarers in Nigeria.So far, the programme had graduated over 2,000 cadets, and many of them have undergone sea time courses and are currently in the employment of various international shipping lines.
Fourth action has to with cabotage trade. Sometimes in October, NIMASA came out with a three month notice to companies engaged in cabotage trade in Nigeria to register vessels used in coastal and inland water trade. In addition in the applicable register for cabotage vessels and ship owning companies and obtaining the certificate of cabotage registration and license for all cabotage vessels within 3 months.
According to NIMASA, it will be at the expiration of the three months that it would notify relevant authorities , international oil companies to stop engaging vessels without cabotage certificates. speaking after the release of a maritime notice to announce the decision, Dr Jamoh disclosed that the was part of effort to ensure strict enforcement of the coastal and inland shipping (Cabotage act 2003) and guidelines on the implementation of the act.
“The act provided that every vessel intended for use in domestic trade must be duly registered by the registrar of ships. The law provides that every vessel intended for use under the cabotage Act must be duly registered and the operational certificates be renewed annually. We are to ensure strict implementation of NIMASA mandate under the law.”
Jamoh asserted that NIMASA’s intention is to build and continue to enhance the capacity of Nigerians in the shipping industry in with relevant international organizations.
Success in these endeavors will not be complete without addressing seafarers welfare and capacity. This forms the fifth plank of NIMASA action.Having discovered the shabby ways some ship owners treat seafarers in terms welfare packages, the agency wields its policy tools to whip erring ship owners into the line and strengthen hope of welfare for these seafarers by making ship owners more responsible to their workers, making the work environment more employees friendly. He discovered that many seafarers are often treated shabbily by ship-owners who mostly employ them. Jamoh frowned at this kind of labour/employers relationships.He felt there was need to ensure sanity. And right now there is a gradual shift and improvement towards addressing this, as concerned stakeholders make moves to ensure adequate welfare of Nigerian seafarers
As a result of Jamoh’s initiatives, something great is being done in a bid to ensure sanity in the relationship between ship owners and seafarers. This is brought out by the fact that the federal government has threatened to sanction ship owners who default in the implementation of the contributory pension scheme for seafarers. This came to the open in September.
Jamoh disclosed this during a webinar hosted by NIMASA to mark the 2020 Day of the Seafarer in Lagos.The session, attracted local and international participants, with the key speaker and consultant at Transbasin Limited, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Karen Ogidigben Onimisi, and Nigerian Labour Attaché at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Switzerland, Essah Aniefiok Etim, calling for better welfare and support for seafarers.
According to Jamoh, “Policies are in the pipeline to improve the quality of training and certificates we give to the seafarers. We are taking steps to standardise the curriculum of our training institutions in line with international standards. We are also working on increasing the remuneration of our seafarers. These policies would be announced as soon as we complete work on them.”
Disclosing that seafarers were among the most courageous people in the world, he stressed that the theme for this year’s Day of the Seafarer, ‘Seafarers are key workers,’ is a “testament to the fact that the world cannot do without seafarers. Seafarers hold the key to humanity’s survival on a day-to-day basis. They hold the key to our wellbeing in this time of COVID-19 period.”
He observed that seafarers are key to sustaining the global supply chain, distributing urgently needed medical supplies with enormous risk to their lives and families.
“The seafarers are unsung heroes; they are also our invisible heroes. We see their handwork every day and everywhere in agricultural machinery, the food we eat, and the unbroken run of the manufacturing base, despite the global lockdown.”
The DG spoke on the challenges faced by seafarers amid the coronavirus pandemic, including stringent work conditions in some countries, movement restrictions, lockdowns, crew change difficulties, fatigue and seasickness, and disruption of contracts.
“As a regulator, we have taken steps to alleviate the suffering of the seafarers. NIMASA was among the first government agencies to declare seafarers as being on essential duty, and we published this in a marine notice. We also issued COVID-19 guidelines to incoming ships towards ensuring that there is no importation of the virus by sea.
“NIMASA was the first in West Africa to issue a COVID-19 marine notice. We challenged ship-owners and employers of seafarers to take necessary proactive measures to lessen the pains of seafarers. We also walked in lockstep with the IMO to tailor all our marine notices in the early period of COVID-19 towards supporting the extension of the validity of seafarers’ certificates, crew change, guidelines, procedure and their designation as essential workers.”
According to Jamoh, “It is said that a good sailor weathers the storm he cannot avoid; COVID-19 was a storm Seafarers couldn’t avoid. As tried and tested seamen and women, our seafarers have continued to weather this storm for us. We celebrate you today. Nigeria thanks you, the world appreciates you, NIMASA as a regulator will never abandon you. We will support you all the way.”
On his part, Director, Maritime Sector Consultant at Transbasin Limited, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Onimisi called on the international community to render necessary assistance to seafarers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She commended NIMASA for supporting seafarers during the pandemic and emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop post-pandemic measures to make the country’s seafarers internationally marketable and competitive.
“Seafarers are part of the global supply chain and should have access to shore leave at ports in accordance with global regulations. There is also a need to look at improved ways to mitigate the challenges that COVID-19 has brought before us, commencing with digitalisation of our processes, including local training and licensing of Nigerian seafarers.”
Also speaking, ILO Nigerian Labour Attaché, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in Switzerland, Etim sued for better working conditions for seafarers, calling for greater opportunities to make their voices heard, saying they should be encouraged through appropriate rewards and compesations.
As part of the activities marking the day, NIMASA donated to the seafarers, items that included essential commodities, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), facemasks, and hand sanitisers.
Dr Jamoh’s attention was drawn to what seafarers in the country have in recent times decry as marginalisation by foreign shipping lines and some local shipping lines as well. They claimed these shipping lines made no pretence that theyhave a prefence for their counterparts from other countries, even with less qualifications. They said this is despite the massive investment in seafarers development by Federal Government, championed by NIMASA. According to them, the discrimination formerly popular among foreign companies has now further taken roots with several indigenous companies, including the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) producing company with the Nigerian Government as a shareholder.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, a seafarer Daniel Ikueyemi pointed out that poor feedback at NIMASA has deprived the agency of the true impact of the investment in seafarers development. Programme (NSDP) are on the verge of having their Certificates of Competence (CoC) expire, “yet many have no resources to renew it because they never had an opportunity of going on board vessels even for a single day.
“NLNG rejects seafarers with Nigerian CoCs. NLNG is a company in which the nation has shares. If this certificate doesn’t have value in our country and organizations like NLNG reject it, there is no need talking about acceptability of this certificate around the globe. There is no point wasting our time on that. “
Ikueyemi proposed that NIMASA creates a seafarers’ desk at the agency with the task of receiving valuable information and experiences of seafarers especially on practices on-board vessels.
“NIMASA shouldn’t allow their resources waste away because that is what happens when the seafarers aren’t engaged. The duration of CoC is five years and it becomes useless if one doesn’t utilise it during that timeframe.”
Since his appointment as NIMASA D-G, Jamoh has made improved welfare and human capital development for seafarers part of his agenda. This is because of his belief in economic justice and the fact that seafarers are critical to the Nigerian economy. He knows that the job of seafarers involve years of rigorous training in mastering the aspects of navigation, cargo work and ship operations and the everyday precise application of it. And as a result, they need to be treated fairly.

eze

Prince Arthur Eze’s Contributions to Nigeria Development through Entrepreneurship, Peace-building and Philanthrophy

by with No Comment Corporate LeadershipGoverance

Prince Arthur Ikpechukwu Eze, OFR is an outstanding Nigerian, a self-made man who rose to the pinnacle of success through hard work, integrity, self- discipline and accountability. He is a man who is living a “life of enterprise”, to quote a childhood friend of his- Chief AnayoEjem (IchieNnabuenyi) who wrote a special tribute on Eze during his birthday in November.
At the heat of COVID-19 pandemic in March, Eze used his life of enterprise to give lifelines to many Nigerians when he dispatched truck loads, upon truck loads of palliative materials to communities in the South-eastern and South-south states and beyond. He is thus one of the very few single individuals who played the roles of beingtheir brothers keepers. But he the most prominent role of being his brothers’ keeper. He made the largest single individual donation during that trying period, rescuing thousands from hunger and untimely death when even many state governments abandoned the poor and needy.

Chief Anay Ejem writing on Eze therefore captures the essence of this man.
“25th November is an important date for many Nigerians, especially the indigenes of Ukpo, for one reason. It is the birthday of one of Nigeria’s eminent citizens and an illustrious son of Ukpo, Prince Engr Arthur IkpechukwuEze, OFR. For his friends and kinsmen Arthur’s birthday is always a joyful occasion, which paradoxically presents a nagging problem: how do you celebrate a man whose life is itself a celebration? And what material gift can you give to someone who has everything?
Perhaps the only way to honor Arthur on his birthday should be to thank him for a lifetime of enterprise and selflessness, which then makes it mandatory for us to understand his exemplary humanity. Because when you see beyond the sobriquets, appellations and the high-sounding epithets; when you cast aside the fame, pomp and pageantry, you will behold one of the finest human beings ever created. Frankly, birthday or not, I think Nigerians should occasionally just thank Arthur, for being Arthur.”

Indeed, Prince Eze is a man with a proud and distinguished history of promoting investment, national content, homegrown companies and technology through his commitments to the country. He is also one of those great Nigerian business leaders who give the opportunity to continue telling the Africa story, notably energy story and to help our great continent attract the investments necessary to reaching its full potential. He is a Nigerian oil businessman, philanthropist, politician, and the CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, the largest Nigerian exploration and production group that one single individual operates.
Portraying businesswith such conviction, poise and élan that business men who study him and try to take after him, feel compelled to measure up to him, Eze is a rare example of a performer who is suave, daring, versatile and hasan iconic persona. He captivates people with his unmatchable jokes and fantastic presence, mixing with the high and powerful, yet not despising the presence of the common man. He is a man who is making much indelible mark in the history of business in Nigeria.
Eze has been in business for over forty years without a dent on his name. In 1991, founded OrantoAtlasOranto Petroleum. The company has 22 oil and gas licenses in 12 jurisdictions across Africa, with assets in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and several Atlas Oranto operated blocks. To date, the company is the largest holder of oil exploration blocks in Africa.
Atlas Oranto has regional offices and representatives across core investment locations in West Africa with its technical base located in Lagos, while its headquarters is at Abuja. The chairman chose Abuja as its headquarters so, that the management of the company can have direct access to African policy-makers in the region. The Eze family has ownership of the company stock and all the shareholders are involved in the company’s operation.
He is an example of the imperative to shape a conducive legislative environment for incubating creative ideas and making the most of local talent. Also an example of why government should pay special attention to and support fast-growing companies, since such entities tend to increase their market value quickly, enhancing their ability to create jobs and contribute to GDP growth, which brings us closer to the economic diversification goals we need to achieve in building a brighter future.
Not only did Orascom build enormous brand equity through starting out in Nigeria and the neighbouring West African region and growing into other parts of the African continent, it also managed to put in billions of dollars’ worth of investment while dealing with global market leaders in many business deals. These deals are a testament to the good name, good thinking, market intelligence of Prince Eze who deploys his foresight to take advantage of the fast-paced economic changes sweeping the African region. Innovation is truly the fuel of our future, and he embraces it. Therefore it is possible for him to rapidly expand the business, deploying the tentacles of Oranto Atlas Petroleum across Africa, from Gabon through Equatorial Guinea and recently to places like South Sudan and Uganda.
In February 2017, Oranto Petroleum spread its tentacles to South Sudan’s oil and gas entrant landscape as a new player, putting in a $500-million investment in the process. That year, it began its exploration programme through an agreement with BGP Inc. South Sudan. The deal came just 8 months after Oranto signed its Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) with the South Sudanese government, committing $500 million to the development of the 24,415 km2 acreage, with the Oranto expected to kick off its three-year first exploration commitment period. Following a competitive tender process, geophysical specialist, BGP, was selected to perform an airborne gravity and magnetic survey of the contract area, Block B3. The block is believed to be highly prospective, with productive parts of the Muglad basin to the northwest and estimated reserves in place of more than three barrels of oil.
As soon as Oranto Petroleum announced that it had signed an exploration production sharing contract (EPSA) in Juba for the reserve-rich Block B3 and that it would invest as much as $500 million in South Sudan, it began work immediately. The EPSA that Oranto signed was the first to be signed in South Sudan since 2012.
Prince Arthur Eze, founder and executive chairman of Oranto Petroleum said “The development of our assigned contract area and fulfilment of our contractual obligations in South Sudan is a priority for Oranto. The government and the Ministry of Petroleum have been working very hard to create an enabling environment for investors and we are fortunate to benefit from their assistance. South Sudan is a nation with a great future, and we are proud to be a part of that, contributing with a purposeful, well-resourced exploration and development campaign.”
That investment in South Sudan was a God-sent rescue for that county at that time. This was because it happened at a period when the South Sudan government was looking for investments, trying to raise production in its oil output.
“We believe the petroleum resources of Block B3 are vast. To reach our target of more than double current oil production, we need committed new entrants like Oranto,” said Minister of Petroleum Ezekiel LolGatkuoth. “The government is working hard to reinvigorate the petroleum industry in South Sudan by creating an enabling environment for International oil and gas companies to invest and operate. It is up to the oil companies to come in, explore and produce.”
That same year, Oranto Petroleum also made its presence felt in Uganda, where it dipped its footing. In Octovber of that year, it signed two Production Sharing Agreements for the Ngassa Shallow and Deepwater Plays of Lake Albert in Uganda, holding a 100 percent stake in both licenses.
With that showing,Oranto itself as one of Africa’s strongest independents focused on frontier exploration. It entered that agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development for the Republic of Uganda and committed to a first exploration period of two years. A second period would be for a maximum of two years, with a minimum work program for both periods that would include acquiring and reprocessing 2D and 3D seismic data and amplitude versus offset (AVO) studies. A renewal would also include drilling at least one exploration well.
“We are excited to enter this agreement with the Government of Uganda and look forward to a successful exploration period,” saidEze in a press release. “Lake Albert is home to some prime petroleum acreage and we hope to make a valuable contribution to the country and its people.”
The Ngassa Play, comprised of 410 square kilometers of both shallow and deepwater areas, is in the southern part of Lake Albert. Already, Lake Albert is home to major oil discoveries, with recoverable crude reserves estimated between 1.4 billion and 1.7 billion barrels of oil. The first discovery in Lake Albert was made in 2006 by Tullow Oil, and production is expected in 2020, after Uganda builds a pipeline to export the crude.
As a result of his massive investments and knowledge in the oil industry, Prince Eze washonoured with themembership of the Africa Oil & Power Advisory Board in 2018, along with such distinguished Africans like…..
Africa Oil & Power Advisory Board isa body of accomplished energy policy makers and business executives who will contribute valuable insights and experience in developing our program and content agenda. The Advisory Board represents the best of the industry in Africa, bringing the wisdom of life-long careers in energy and finance. Members of the board are chosen for their outstanding lifetime contributions to their field, and each individual is a champion of the African energy industry.
According to a statement from the company, “this board is composed of some infinitely knowledgeable and accomplished individuals who have committed their entire careers to championing Africa,” said Guillaume Doane, CEO of Africa Oil & Power. “Their collective body of experience in creating energy policy and striking deals will bring a powerful voice in shaping the conversation of Africa Oil & Power on and off the stage.”
A key function of the Advisory Board is to act as an effective vehicle for engaging African governments to help them promote and attract investment in their oil, gas and power sectors. The Board members will assist Africa Oil & Power in collaborating with government leaders and supporting African countries in organizing world-class events that enable investment, promote local content and technology, empower home-grown companies and give a voice to policy makers and thought leaders.
Over the years, Chief Arthur Eze has been making great things happen, as he embarked upon a remarkable quest for progress, fuelled by the pursuit of development, fully immersed in services to the nation, providing jobs for thousands of people directly and indirectly .
His insights have always earned him friends across the country. This explains his having friends spread across the country. It explains why he was able to influence the creation of a local government council .He also lobbied and brought the Police Zone 13 Headquarters to his hometown, Ukpo in Anambra State.
We measure love by its impact, especially on the less-privileged. Eze demonstrates this love is demonstrated by creating opportunities for the children of the poor become useful to themseleves, helping them create a sustainable future which is the common passport out of poverty. He ensures that nobody’s aspiration is circumscribed by social status. As a result of this quality, he was able to lobby and bring the Police Zone 13 Headquarters to his hometown, Ukpo in Anambra State
On this this fact, listen to his boyhood friend ChiefAnayoEjem:
“Arthur’s commitment to God and Ukpo runs deep. You can say without fear of contradiction that he has given his soul to Christ, and his life to NdiUkpo. Take the former, Arthur has been an extraordinary pillar (the corner-stone) of the Church of Christ, regardless of denomination. His transcendent assistance has enabled church and clergy to robustly continue to advance the Word.
Arthur has been phenomenal in all matters pertaining to Ukpo. Long ago, he fashioned the creation of Dunukofia Local Government, with headquarters in Ukpo, thereby bringing the entire Dunukofia Clan under one administrative structure. Through his instrumentality, the South Eastern Police Protection Unit, as well as a Police Secondary School were sited in Ukpo. Progressively, he is turning Ukpo into a work of fine art – refurbishing schools, market stalls, commercial buildings, roads and street lighting. Against significant odds, Arthur brought the headquarters of Zone 13 of the Nigerian Police to Ukpo, having command over all police formations in Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States.”
This is true indeed. Eze loves his people his Ukpo town so dearly. He’s someone who is a leading voice in an area of great concern, especially in his home town of Ukpo. The town is something he has been passionate about for years. He thinks about doing some help for people in different ways to what some other feel – that’s the fun to him and part of worshipping God.
Chief Ezephilantrophist who gives without looking back. He is in the frontlines of philanthropy, providing for the sick, the poor and the needy in the society.His philantrophic gestures are in the areas of road network, peace, promoting education, healthcare, water, social harmony and community development. He has consistently done things to bring up many of his kinsmen into any public office wherever they contact him for such.
Some of his philanthropic activities include but not limited to the following
Donation of $12 million for the construction of St. Stephen’s Anglican Deanery and Youth Development Center in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria in 2013; donation of $800,000 for the construction of two primary schools in Yirol and Rumbek communities in central South Sudan; donation of 10 million naira to the elderly people of the Ukpo community; donation of the sum of N5 million to the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD), for a standard sickle cell clinic at the Ukpo, Dunukofia Council Area of Anambra State; donation of $6.3-million to the flood relief efforts in Nigeria in the year 2013.
The people of the Abagana community benefited from his cheerful giving as he gave them the sum of 20 million naira for musical instruments and renovations of a church in 2015. Arthur singlehandedly built a medical research unit for the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. He was part of those that contributed to the relief needs of the victims of Boko Haram insurgencies, of which he donated the sum of $800,000 at a fundraiser in Abuja. He gave 25 million naira of the total funds raised for the ‘Russia 2018’ FIFA World Cup in 2018. He modernized the local market near the Ukpo palace and also created road networks linking the Dunukofia clan with neighboring towns like Abba, Awkuzu, Ifite-Dunu, and Abagana. Equally, he constructed the overhead bridge in Ebonyi State with his funds, without asking for government intervention.
Who does not know about the legendary generosity of Arthur Eze? Not just in Anambra State, but in different parts of the country. Many people have been touched by the man’s philanthropy. As a result, he has been honored with many awards and Recognitions.

police

Hakeem Odumosu: The Poster Boy of the Nigeria Police Force People can trust, How he makes Lagos Security system work for the People

by with No Comment Security

Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, is long known for his reputation of serving with dignity. He is one of the best officers when it comes to police operations around the country. And his discipline and humility are impressive. These, of course, make him the poster boy, the advertisement for the type of police force Nigeria needs and Nigerians can feel confident in and trust.
He has been one of the few police officers in the country that offer the youth and emerging officers, across the nation, a great model, inspiration, and a bedrock commitment to the nation. The futuristic and farsightedness of Odumosu’s stewardship as the commissioner of Lagos State Police Command is helping Lagos to become more secure and live up to its status as Nigeria’s business and investment beachhead, boasting of a majestic future.
A needle-threader extraordinaire who is aware of the police being the iconic operational face of the rule of law, Hakeem leads from the front to make Lagos state security system work for the people. This explains why Lagos police were easily re-mobilized to continue their duties of law enforcement and protection of trouble spots in the aftermath of the recent EndSARS protests.
On Thursday, December 3, 2020, Odumosu presented the report of the activities of his command to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwool at the 14th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security. The event was held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, with many dignitaries in attendance. These included the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Funds ( LSSTF) Dr. AbdulRazaq Balogun and the AIG Zone II Nigeria Police-Alhaji…..
CP Odumosu, in his extensive report, said his men rose to the occasion of effectively combating crimes in Lagos because of constant logistics supplies from the State Government. He told the gathering that despite the trauma the police personnel went through during the EndSARS protests, the Command was able to promptly re-mobilize officers to guard troubled communities where police stations had been burnt and destroyed. Giving the breakdown of crimes recorded in Lagos from October 2019 to last September, Odumosu said the Command foiled 273 cases of armed robbery, arresting 1,181 robbers in operations. He said 27 robbers were killed in the encounter during the period. He added that the State recorded a sharp decline in kidnapping in the past year, an effort he linked to improved intelligence-driven operations. He, however, said cases of

 

cultism and drug abuse were on the rise, promising to beam focus to the issues.
Receiving the report of security activities across the State in the last 12 months from CP Odumosu, Governor Sanwoolu expressed his delight at the downward trend observed in sophisticated crimes, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, in the last one year.
“We must sustain the steady progress Lagos has recorded insecurity of lives and businesses. The issue of security is a shared mission. The more we are able to engage the citizens, the better we will become at nipping crimes in the bud. Our Government will continue to proactively engage all stakeholders as part of the ongoing exercise to address all security concerns.” The governor affirmed.
Sanwoolu is impressed with Odumosu’s performance. He is happy that the CP’s administrative capacity and operational competence for adequate policing are strong enough to cater to the security needs of Lagos state. No wonder his boutique of achievements.
But why and how was Odumosu able to achieve all these? His leadership style and communication strategy play crucial roles here. Back in his days at the Lagos State Task Force, Hakeem has demonstrated motivational leadership that gives hope to men and officers under him, boosting then morale to put in their best.

His biggest characteristics as a policeman are accountability, capacity for compassion, and logical reasoning as part of corporate governance within the force, he also understands the honors that come with the fruits of investing one’s time and effort at protecting and securing the human being, and understanding of the fact that law and order issues impact government processes, business operations and community activities throughout the country.
Odumosu is a leader, rather than a boss. He is so passionate about accountability, process, and procedure. That is why he is doing everything possible to ensure that Area commanders and DPOs and their staff perform as committed and honest public servants. If you take responsibility for your own actions, you show accountability and leadership in service delivery, creating the best possible opportunity to build public trust and deliver services efficiently. A government is accountable for decisions and laws affecting its citizens; while an individual is accountable for their acts and behaviors. Thus he leads from the front and maintains a hands-on approach to policy execution. CP Odumosu was posted to Lagos Police Command in November 2019. About a week into his redeployment, he made known his intention about making efficient traffic management a top priority. To realize the objective, he deployed over 1,000 policemen to join in tackling the gridlock that had made commuting unbearable in the state. The move has a two-pronged objective. Motorists in prolonged gridlock often become sitting ducks for armed criminals who are always lurking in the neighborhood. Valuables are routinely lost to the thieves who smash windows and, sometimes, bones in their heinous crime almost unhindered.

Then Odumosu mobilized his men for the task ahead. He convened a meeting of heads of all the critical units and departments in his command. In attendance were Deputy Commissioners of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Operations, Criminal Investigation Department, and Rapid Response Squad. Also in attendance were Area F Commanders, Area Operations Officers, State Traffic Officers, Divisional Traffic Officers as well as the chairman, Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, among others.

He introduced an innovative approach to the schedule of service personnel manning the roads. Rather than policemen leaving motorists to their fate at the peak of the crippling traffic having completed their beat, Odumosu reviewed the time schedule of traffic wardens to run between 10am and 10pm, while the second shift would run from 10pm to 10am to provide 24 hours coverage.

At that time, the then Lagos police spokesman DSP Bala Elkana, gave motorists assurance of safety, saying its men would all operate in their usual reflective jackets. The then PPRO said the measure would help in ensuring the free flow of traffic and would also curb the menace of traffic robbery.

An officer with the recognition of the three pillars upon which policing is built: peace and security, development, and human rights, CP Odumosu doesn’t joke with these. In the same way, he doesn’t joke about discipline issues within his command. No wonder he doesn’t fail to address human rights grievances that get to his desk, having upheld the conviction that respect for human rights is essential to crime prevention, the prevention of conflict, and the promotion of human development.

In November Odumosu introduced some innovations to further make the streets of Lagos very hot for criminals. These came up over the attack on a bullion van at Langbasa-Ajah area of Lagos State recently, where there was no adequate and/or official deployment of men for such movement. CP Odumosu was reported to have addressed police officers, over the incident, at the police command in Ikeja, where he frowned at the lackadaisical attitudes of banks and financial institutions to secure their facilities and cash in transit. There, he asked banks to fortify security in their facilities by installing more sophisticated CCTV cameras that have 100-day recording capacity so as to have a backup and source of evidence in the police investigation of any incident within their areas of responsibility.
According to a statement by Lagos State police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “The two policemen allegedly on the escort movement were procured illegally and without the knowledge of the command. This kind of movement is condemned and unacceptable in totality.
According to the Lagos PPRO “The police boss also directed that Standard Operating Procedure on Species Escort (movement of valuables) must be sustained; noting that there must be minimum of two operational vehicles conveying fully armed policemen escorting a bullion van which must be fully armoured.
“Similarly, in compliance with traffic rules, the Commissioner of Police strongly warned them against driving on One Way and BRT corridors, driving of bullion vans without or with covered number plates, breaking of traffic light and reckless driving on highways.
“CP Hakeem Odumosu then ordered Area Commanders, DPOs, and Heads of Departments to henceforth stop and contravene any bullion van on movement without due compliance with the stipulated security arrangements and traffic regulations in the state.
“He also warned the Commanding Officers of Police Mobile Force in the state to desist from deploying men to banks and financial institutions without due approval of the Commissioner of Police.
At the end of that meeting, he formed a committee for the implementation of the rules and regulations of providing security to banks, financial institutions, and the movement of valuables (amounts of cash) within the state. The committee comprises the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, DCP Mohammed Ali, Officer in Charge of Bank Guards, Lagos State Command, two of the Chief Security Officers of the bankers, and two representatives of the Cash In Transfer firms
Opinions indicate that CP Odumosu is doing well, but some say he needs to do more on community policing and communication with the CDAs and CDCs. They say this will create long term preventive measures that are needed to fully eliminate some crimes, including the menace of urban cultism in Lagos state.
“Strengthening the system is the means to this end while the question remains can the people at the grassroots stay the course.” Says Squadron Leader Soji Oni, a retired Air Force officer. He observed that there is a lot of indifference and apathy among members of the public to security issues.
“Many people will agree that a lot of people are becoming their own worst enemies because they feel unconcerned with the security of their areas. They put everything on the police’s head. If a robbery occurs, they want police to fish out the robbers. If somebody is killed here, they all want police to find out the killer within a few hours, yet they are not doing their own bits. Do they think the police are spirits?
Apart from those supporting the police through the PCRC, many other people quietly look away on matters of security. Are cult boys not living in communities where people know some of them? What effort steps have landlords and neighbors taken to give police intellig­­­­­­orming the mindset to see and do things differently. We should develop great minds of people who can challenge the wrongs and disorderly conduct and create a solution path.”
It is an uphill battle, but it is not a dilemma experienced in Nigeria only. In many instances, the societies that have made headway in achieving peaceful, progressive, and harmonious existence are those that have strong and effective policing and a sound, fair justice system, and where citizens are bold enough to watch their neighborhood, and inform the police if they notice any unusual movement or strange faces in order to prevent crimes.”
Benson Edokpae, a researcher with Nexitier and security expert, is of the opinion that CP Odumosu’s performance can be rated as well above average, but added that serious efforts should be rolled out to achieve community policing security across Lagos state.
“I think CP Odumosu has achieved some remarkable things, Don’t forget, he was posted to Lagos when the security situation of the state was nothing to write home about.”
“He has done well since his arrival as CP Lagos state early this year. The state was in a security dilemma at that time. Now, he has made the streets of Lagos metropolis particularly hot for criminals of all sorts. He is also tackling the issue of urban cultism. He is aware if we don’t kick out crimes, investors will not come.”
Both administratively and strategically, Odumosu remains a fascinating role model for emerging youth as a true “leader and friend of all and an enemy of none, except criminals.

1__bcrYx_V7Ol1VNaI19X-SA

Security System Needs Strengthening

by with No Comment Editorial

This year, citizens of this country celebrated 60 years of political independence that was achieved without any blood, sweat and tears. In the ensuing years, Nigeria has faced many challenges of nation-building and survived several major political crises, including a 30 months civil war, that have threatened its existence and system of government.

In the eyes of the world, Nigeria has had a pretty good run without the kind of political, social and economic upheavals that have beset and ruined many nations in recently and in the past. Nigeria may be the envy of many developing countries, but the country faces other serious issues that threaten to dismantle its democratic processes and institutions. These include insecurity and other law and order issues that have the potential to cause collateral damage to our system of government and the economy.

The killing of 45 rice farmers in Borno state and the abduction of over 300 students of Kankara Science Secondary school in Katsina State top the list of the terrible security problems of recent times. Urban cultism , apart from other Law and order issues,  have  also been a thorn in the side of successive governments for sometimes now. The Federal Government has to move quickly to address them, not just using the security forces or enacting tougher laws and penalties for serious crimes. Despite these commendable initiatives, insecurity and law and order issues continue to seriously affect government processes, business operations and community activities throughout the country.

The National security adviser, the DG of the SSS , the IG-P and other stakeholders should  come up with better initiatives. President Buhari himself has spoken about the need for traditional rulers being part of the security engagements to ensure amicable and long term preventive measures. We add here that the traditional institutions be strengthened to effectively play this role. And every citizen must see security as his concern, too.

In addition, government should immediately begin a process of attaching security personnel to schools, as done in the 1980s. Security undercover agents should be recruited to survey different blackspot areas, CDAs and CDCs should monitor unnecessary gathering and strange movements in their own environment.

After 60 years of independence, problems of law and order remain the single most important issue on the agenda of public debate in the country.

The recent spate of violent crimes, and clashes, some of which resulted in deaths in the country has left many in urban centres and indeed throughout the country in a state of fear, apprehension, and unease. The vicious destruction of property and the injuring and damage of, in many instances, innocent individuals are reaching a stage where the shock of such incidents quickly dissipates from public consciousness after a very short period of time.

Dare we say it, we are live in a state fear but also of indifference and apathy.

We now live in a suffocating and restrictive situation where no one is truly free: to coexist, and conduct their business without the need to constantly look over one’s shoulder at every turn.

Core among the reasons for this decline in living a relatively tranquil, harmonious and peaceful existence in Nigeria is the relative absence of the law and law enforcement. Not a week goes by that we do not hear of youths getting into trouble with the police over cultism, rape, violence and drug-related offences.Occasionally, we get reports of tragedies that result from urban cultism.  Violent flare ups in many areas of an average urban city, including Lagos the nation’s economic  capital  seem to have  become a normal narrative. This demonstrates a depressing lack of respect, not only for human life, but for the laws of the country which are there to regulate and control anti-social behaviour.

Surprisingly, CDAs and CDCs members know some of these boys, but refuse to do nothing, saying security is for police alone.  This is means we are our greatest enemies.

We therefore recommend as follows. CDCs and CDAs should own security of their areas and monitor the gathering and behavior of rough boys in the neighbourhood. It is about transforming the mindset to see and do things differently. We should develop great minds of people who can challenge the wrongs and create a solution path.

Attachment of security personnel to schools. Seeing security personnel attached to schools will drastically reduce urban cultism and make them be without much security issues and the area around schools will be trouble-free. This will give teachers and parents peace of mind that children and people are safe.

Unplanned settlements in many big cities- places such as  Lagos and Abuja-are increasing at an alarming rate,  and if not contained will pose a serious law and order challenge for the police. The youths in settlements and some suburbs dwell in an environment that is conducive to crime and lawlessness.

Crime is intoxicating for many of them and like a drug, it becomes an escape route for their miserable existence.

Above all, police must be adequately funded, trained, motivated and must be logistically capable of keeping the peace, maintaining Law and order and bringing to justice all.

Tombomieye

NNPC Shines at NSE Fellowship Award with COO, Upstream, 6 Staff Inducted

by with No Comment By Godwin Ededuan

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was the centre of attraction at the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ (NSE) fellowship award ceremony with the Corporation bagging a Special Recognition Award and seven of its staff, including the Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, conferred with the prestigious Fellowship award.

The Special Recognition Award was given to the Corporation for its robust contributions to the development of the engineering profession in Nigeria, a press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated.

The President of the NSE, Engr. Babagana Mohammed, who presented the award to the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, said the NNPC was the backbone to the visible development of the country and the engineering profession.

He noted that NNPC has remained committed to offering free training to young engineers through the National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO) in a bid to assist in providing the manpower requirement in the oil and gas industry.

The NSE boss urged the awardees to keep flying the flag of the NSE in their various endeavours positively, stressing that they are duty bound to serve as role models to others in the society.

The NNPC GMD, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Ventures and Business Development, Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji, said NNPC would continue to play a major role in growing the engineering profession, which he described as is critical to the success of the Corporation.

He said NNPC will remain focused on key projects such as Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline and refineries rehabilitation, to ensure that they are delivered on time, within budget and to specifications.

“This award is in recognition of NNPC’s contribution to the nation’s development and its efforts and drive to improve engineering profession in Nigeria. NNPC as a responsible national oil company will continue to focus on key projects that will deliver optimal value to Nigerians”, the GMD stated.

He applauded the COO and the other staff who were awarded the NSE fellowship, for attaining the peak of the Engineering profession, noting that the Corporation would continue to be a pacesetter in the Engineering vocation as the foremost National Oil Company in Africa.

On his part, the COO, Upstream, Engr. Tombomieye, said the award would spur him to bring his professional expertise to bear on his job by adding value to the Upstream business of the Corporation for the good of the country.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NETCO, Engr. Usman Baba, said the recognition would spur the company to continue to build the capacity of young engineers in the country and prepare them for the oil and gas industry.

He noted that NETCO offers the young graduates placement and pays them as a way of contributing towards tackling unemployment in the country.

“As the NSE President mentioned, NETCO trains young Nigerian Engineers, as the only indigenous engineering company in the face of this dangerous situation where other companies do not want to train and nobody wants to employ non-experienced staff.

“So, NETCO has taken the responsibility of training them with pay, so that they can be marketable in the industry. This is one of our major contributions to the industry. As at today, we have brought in about 35 new young graduates of the engineering profession to be trained for the market,” Engr. Baba stated.

Two other NNPC staff who were conferred with the award, Engr. Sagiru Adamu and Engr. Bassey Essiet, described the fellowship award as a dream come true.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the NSE, Engr. Felix Atume, congratulated Engr. Tombomieye and the other Engineers on the fellowship award and urged them to uphold the ethics of the engineering profession for upcoming engineers to emulate.

Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the awards by GMD of NNPC, Mallam Kyari, to the Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman, Director of Department of Petroleum Resources, Engr. Sarki Muktar and to the COO, Upstream of NNPC, Engr. Tombomieye.

A total of 120 Engineers were conferred with the fellowship awards at the 16th edition of the NSE award and lecture series, with eight others being conferred with their awards virtually.