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ASF France Urges Nigerian Senate to Reverse Position on Death Penalty for Drug Trafficking

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Avocats Sans Frontières France also known as Lawyers Without Borders France has expressed deep concern over the recent approval by the Nigerian Senate of the death penalty for drug trafficking crimes in the Country.

In a statement signed by the Country Director, ASF France, Nigeria, –Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Agency said this decision represents a severe setback for human rights and justice in Nigeria and contradicts the position presented by the Nigerian government during the just concluded Universal Periodic Review, UPR. 

”The Nigerian government represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi SAN informed the United Nations, UN, and the world on the 23rd of January, 2024 in Geneva that Nigeria has a voluntary moratorium on the death penalty. The recent decision by the Senate is without regard to the government’s international policy on the death penalty.

”This approval of the death penalty for drug-related offenses contradicts the UN resolution on the death penalty which was adopted in 20231. The resolution states that countries that retain the death penalty should actively work on strictly limiting its application to the “most serious crimes under international law”, a threshold that drug offenses do not meet. Retentionist countries like Nigeria that apply the mandatory death penalty were also urged to abolish this practice.”

”It should be noted that in 2015, the Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the Indonesian Government for the execution of two Nigerians by firing squad due to drug-related offences2. It is therefore surprising and inconsistent that the same government will turn around to approve the death penalty for drug-related offenses in Nigeria, a policy they had once condemned publicly.”

”Progressive justice systems must be effective and result-driven. Studies have consistently shown that countries that retain the death penalty in their laws continue to experience high crime rates relating to drug trafficking and other serious offenses, thus the death penalty is ineffective as a deterrent. Also, the execution of the death penalty is irreversible and leaves no room for reconsideration even in the face of new evidence. This lack of flexibility can lead to a plethora of wrongful executions and miscarriages of justice which can never be reversed.

Uzoma-Iwuchukwu also said “No state should have the power to take a life because it is against the very principle of reformative and restorative justice and also a violation of the Right to Life. We therefore urge the Nigerian Government to reverse its position on the death penalty for drug trafficking. Instead of resorting to extreme and ineffective measures, we also urge the government to focus on evidence-based policies and measures that address the root causes of drug trafficking and promote justice and human rights in Nigeria”.

”ASF France’s position against the death penalty should not be misconstrued as support for criminal activities. We firmly believe in upholding justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Our opposition to the death penalty for all crimes stems from our commitment to promoting effective, evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of crime and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals in the process.”

”ASF France has been working in Nigeria to advance the promotion and protection of human rights. We have been supporting reforms in the use of the death penalty while providing access to justice for persons facing the death penalty, she noted. ”

Charting New Horizons: APWEN Lagos, First E&P To Explore Synergies in Energy Sector

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blacktalker
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The Association Of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN Lagos State chapter has sought to foster closer ties with First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited also known as First E&P, exploring avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit.

APWEN Lagos led by the distinguished Chairman, Engr. (Dr) Wuraola Atinuke Owolabi made this known when it paid a courtesy visit to the esteemed premises of First E&P in Ikoyi on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. 

Warmly welcomed by the Deputy General Manager of Corporate Services at First E&P, Similolu Adeyinka, the meeting was marked by insightful discussions on the current landscape of the energy sector, emerging trends, and prospects for partnership.

The host, First E&P shared insights into their ongoing projects, corporate ethos, and future aspirations, exemplifying a commitment to excellence and sustainable resource management. 

The Executive Director of Corporate Services, Emmanuel Etomi, and Mrs. Olatomiwa Akande-Ayeni, Head of Corporate Communications, expressed their appreciation for Apwen’s efforts in promoting gender diversity and sustainability in the engineering sphere.

The visiting delegation lauded First E&P for their industry contributions and expressed keen interest in forging collaborative initiatives, knowledge exchange programs, and capacity-building endeavors.

Eng. Owolabi eloquently articulated the vision and mission of APWEN Lagos, underscoring the organisation’s dedication to empowering women in engineering. The interactive session, including a dynamic question-and-answer segment, further enriched the exchange of ideas.

As the meeting concluded, she extended gratitude to the management of First E&P for their commitment to collaboration and partnership, emphasizing the significance of mutual respect and trust.

Both parties departed with a sense of optimism, affirming their commitment to maintaining open channels of communication for future engagement.

IWD: FEMALE VETERINARIANS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA, OYO STATE CHAPTER HOLDS OUTREACH FOR GIRLS, DISTRIBUTES SANITARY PADS

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blacktalker
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The Female Veterinarians Association of Nigeria, FEVAN, Oyo State Chapter, has held an outreach to celebrate the uniqueness of the female gender in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day. 

FEVAN took her campaign towards the total girl child to Abadina College, University of Ibadan, where female students were taken through a series of seminars and workshops on the theme of this year’s Women’s Day “Inspire Inclusion”. 

The Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Olufunke E. Ola Davies, explained that the purpose of the outreach was to share how women should be included, ensuring equity and equality, bringing women on board to be in leadership positions and to ensure that young girls are well-trained. 

Issues ranging from sexual abuse, abstinence from drugs and substances, and entrepreneurship skills were shared with the students, after which sanitary pads were distributed to the students.

Speaking to newsmen, Prof Ola-Davies maintained that every society that must make significant and sustained progress must learn and practice the act of including the female gender. She explained further that professional attainment is never exclusive to men saving females also can be veterinarians, they can do well and be in leadership positions while remaining homemakers. 

According to Professor Ola-Davies, it is time for accomplished female professionals in society to be more deliberate in the mentorship of young girls, and the choice of Abadina College for this exercise was borne out of two reasons: charity must begin at home, and it is better to catch the girls young before are caught by abusers and those who do not mean well for them. She called on the girls to value and maintain their dignity right from an early age as it will become a thing of pride for them later in life.

Expressing her excitement, a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr. Folusho Falade, said she saw the outreach as an opportunity to help the younger ones so that they do not feel left out and to encourage them by examples that they can see around them as female achievers. Another lecturer at the Faculty, Dr. Bisi Olajumoke Adeoye stressed the need for the girls to have entrepreneurship skills like bead-making, pastry-making, hairstyling, etc, that would not affect their expected great performance at school but complement it.

Also speaking, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr Adenike Olatunji-Akioye raised concerns over sexual abuse against female students. She however expressed her dissatisfaction with the situation where the society does not and is not ready to rise to the occasion on the issue.

Dr Olatunji-Akioye said it is sad to explain the trauma the girl child goes through when the people she trusts become her abuser, from physical abuse to sexual abuse. She emphasized the need for the girls to always speak out as abuses thrive in secrecy. 

In her words, “For the many girls who do not know where to go, we are here to say there is help for you all. The culture of silence over sexual abuse needs to stop.”

In addition, a lecturer from the Faculty, Dr. Adetolase Bakre, told the girls that being a woman is a great thing in the society maintaining that they are the actual future leaders of the society as females. 

Responding, the female students appreciated the gesture by the Female Veterinarians Association of Nigeria (FEVAN), the women’s wing of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association of Nigeria. 

The girls also expressed excitement that there could be a group of female professionals they can not only emulate but also rely on in the face of societal decadence especially the breakdown of trust in the handling of sexual abuse.

ENROLLEES APPLAUD SUNU HEALTH  FOR IMPACTFUL WORKERS’ DAY HEALTH, WELLNESS EVENT

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blacktalker
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In the spirit of the 2024 Workers’ Day, SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, a foremost Health Maintenance Organisation, HMO in Nigeria, hosted a successful wellness and sensitization programme at the National Film and Video Censors Board in Ikoyi, Lagos State, on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024.

The event garnered high praise from participants, reinforcing the company’s commitment to employee well-being.

A captivating health talk delivered by Mr. Godwin Ekanem, of SUNU Health, opened the event. His insightful presentation set the tone for the day’s activities, which included a series of essential health screenings such as body mass index (BMI) assessments, blood pressure checks, blood sugar level checks, and basic eye tests.

Participants at the Workers’ Day wellness and sensitization programme offered resounding reverence for the event’s impact and the benefits they received from the health activities. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undergo crucial health screenings and gain valuable insights into their overall well-being. Moreover, beneficiaries commended the event’s comprehensive approach, addressing various aspects of health promotion and disease prevention.

Assistant Chief Verification Officer at the National Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs. Happiness Ufoma Erike, echoed the positive sentiment and conveyed her satisfaction. “I’m sincerely grateful to SUNU Health for organizing such an informative and beneficial program. The health screenings provided valuable insights into our health status, and I genuinely appreciate the team’s dedication to promoting wellness among workers.” She remarked.

Principal Program Analyst at the National Film and Video Censors Board, Comrade Elijah Ademisoye, shared his perspective on the sensitization event, highlighting how it provided valuable insights. “The event opened my eyes, as I was unaware that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) had been changed to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), instilling confidence in the scheme and its services. Correspondingly, I commend SUNU Health for this gesture; it’s truly beneficial, and we eagerly anticipate more initiatives from the organization.” He expressed.

Adding his commendation, a former Chair Leader of the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Art Workers Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, Lagos Chapter, Comrade Mark Akhuetie, said: “I’m very impressed to see something of this magnitude. It shows SUNU Health truly has its enrollees’ well-being at heart and is proactive in taking action.”

In response to the praise from enrollees, the Brand and Corporate Communications Officer at SUNU Health, Mr. Samuel Olayemi, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to prioritizing innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery. “Events like the Workers’ Day wellness and sensitization program highlight our commitment to promoting health and wellness initiatives that benefit our enrollees,” he reiterated, emphasizing the organization’s efforts to positively impact lives because “humanity is the centre of our initiatives”.

Additionally, Mannych Eye Clinic, the partnered eye care provider, expressed satisfaction with the event’s influence and the opportunity to contribute to improving attendees’ vision health. The Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel, who led Mannych Eye Clinic’s team, acknowledged, “We are pleased to have been part of SUNU Health’s Workers’ Day wellness and sensitization program. It was reassuring to witness the fervour among enrollees and provide them with essential eye care services.”

ZENITH BANK SHAREHOLDERS REAP BUMPER HARVEST AS BANK PAYS DIVIDEND OF 125.59 BILLION NAIRA

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blacktalker
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Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc, at the 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, have approved the proposed final dividend payment of NGN3.50 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2023 financial year to NGN4.00 per share, with a total value of NGN125.59 billion, which is the highest dividend payout by any bank.

In his opening statement at the Annual General Meeting, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, thanked the shareholders for their unflinching support and loyalty to the Zenith brand which has been instrumental to the bank’s consistent superior performance.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, thanked the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his mentorship, which has been instrumental to his success in the last five years as CEO, and for providing the pedestal for the bank’s continued superior performance.

In his words, “As I prepare to pass the baton to Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, OON, I am confident in the bank’s trajectory under her leadership. I would like to express my profound gratitude to our Founder and Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, and to the board, shareholders, customers, and staff for their steadfast support throughout my tenure. I earnestly request that you extend the same level of support to my successor. It has been a remarkable journey, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. As I commence the mandatory regulatory cooling-off period, I am filled with optimism for Zenith Bank’s future, assured that we are on the path to even greater success.”

Speaking on the dividend payout, Mrs. Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, expressed her delight in the exceptional performance of the bank, as evidenced by the numerous awards received during the 2023 financial year.

She remarked, “We shareholders are very pleased today to receive a final dividend of N3.50 kobo from Zenith Bank. Following an interim dividend of 50 kobo paid last December, the total dividend for the 2023 Annual General Meeting amounts to N4.00— the highest in the banking sector to date. We truly appreciate this and are optimistic that the transition to a Holding Company will bring even greater returns. Zenith Bank’s numerous accolades this year clearly position it as the leading bank in the country. We anticipate that the 2024 AGM, marking the first year as a Holding Company, will be even more promising for Zenith.”

At the AGM, Dr. Faruk Umar, President of the Association of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), expressed his gratitude to the Chairman for facilitating a seamless succession plan. He stated, “The bank has performed exceptionally well, particularly in terms of succession planning. It’s encouraging to see the new Managing Director promoted from within, reinforcing our belief in the bank’s leadership development. This internal promotion strategy motivates our staff, giving them confidence that they can aspire to the highest levels within the bank.”

Chief Timothy Adesiyan, President of the Shareholders Solidarity Association of Nigeria, praised the Chairman and Management of Zenith Bank for their consistent delivery of value to shareholders. He noted, “The bank’s rapid growth can be attributed to the diligent oversight by our Founder, who is also a core investor and actively monitors all operations. 

”This growth is further supported by our adherence to strict corporate governance principles. The bank’s performance metrics are clearly delineated and managed by dedicated committees, ensuring accountability and responsiveness. As a stakeholder, I am very pleased with their performance and attentive response to any concerns raised.”

In spite of challenging macroeconomic conditions coupled with economic headwinds, Zenith Bank Group achieved a remarkable triple-digit growth of 125% in gross earnings, from NGN945.6 billion in the previous year to NGN2.132 trillion in 2023. This was driven by a 112% YoY growth in interest income and a 141% YoY growth in non-interest income. Customer deposits grew by 69%, reflecting the bank’s market leadership and customers’ trust. Operating expenses grew by 32% YoY. Total assets rose by 66%, largely due to growth in total deposits and the revaluation of foreign currency deposits.

In 2024, Zenith Bank Group plans to expand its reach following its restructuring into a holding company structure, adding new verticals to its businesses and pursuing growth in all chosen markets, locally and internationally.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria, for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023, being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS

EXPERTS CHART POSSIBLE WAY OUT FOR PRESS FREEDOM

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blacktalker
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…..Call For Robust Reportage Around Environmental Issues.

To achieve Press Freedom and create an environment where the media can perform its functions optimally, Nigeria must take urgent steps to bring its laws and practices into conformity with internationally accepted norms and standards.

The media sector must also appreciate its role in promoting a safe and sustainable environment and strive to play this role by bringing attention to environmental issues that may otherwise go unnoticed by the general public.

Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Edetaen Ojo gave these submissions at the Symposium commemorating the 2024 World Press Freedom Day organized by the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria HRJN, in collaboration with the UNESCO Office in Nigeria, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the United Nations Information Centre, UNIC in Nigeria.

The World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 every year to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and marking the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in Windhoek in 1991.

Delivering his keynote before over 100 stakeholders comprising Journalists and Civic Society Organisations who converged on Ikeja both physically and virtually, Ojo emphasised that reporting on the scale and urgency of environmental problems such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution, providing well-researched, evidence-based reporting on environmental issues to shape policy and inform effective environmental regulations are the way to go.

Stakeholders at the Symposium commemorating the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.

According to him, the media should engage in exposing corruption, negligence, or harmful practices by governments, corporations, or other powerful entities that contribute to environmental degradation; while explaining the complexities of environmental issues and their potential impact on society to the public.

Citing the 1999 Constitution which gives the Media the primary and perhaps, exclusive responsibility to focus on and monitor the implementation of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive

Principles of State Policy, Ojo said: ”Section 22 of the Constitution, which is contained in Chapter 2, provides as follows:

“The press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”

”We may ask: what does section 22 mean in reality? Chapter II of the Constitution captures the basic principles and philosophy of governance in Nigeria. It also guarantees the social, economic, and cultural rights in Nigeria, somewhat similar to how Chapter IV of the Constitution guarantees the civil and political rights of Nigerians.”

He noted that for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the principles contained in Chapter II, the Constitution is very clear in insisting that the courts should have no role in this.

”In common parlance, the provision ousts the jurisdiction of the courts to inquire into any act of commission or omission regarding the provisions of the Chapter. In effect, the media is given the duty of ensuring that all organs of government and all authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive, or judicial powers, conform to, observe, and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which cannot be enforced by the courts.”

”In the context of our current conversation, the most relevant provision of Chapter 2 of the Constitution is Section 20, which provides that: “The State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria, Ojo added. ” 

The Executive Director of the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria HRJN, Kehinde Adegboyega, in his opening remarks, said some journalists have had to change careers just because they want to stay alive as there are increasing attacks against journalists regularly.

Adegboyega, who highlighted the HRJN’s ongoing efforts to empower journalists and educate them about their rights, acknowledged the grave challenges facing journalists, stating that “the lives of many journalists are under threat, and some have even had to change careers to stay alive.”

 “Today’s event seeks to bring attention to the importance of journalism in addressing the pressing environmental issues we face and advocating for human rights. By engaging in these discussions, we hope to raise awareness of these critical issues and inspire action towards positive change.”

In the highlight of the event, a panel session moderated by a journalist and HRJN team member, Shakirudeen Bankole, focused on discussions around environmental issues and the role of journalism in addressing these concerns.

Broadcast journalist and Vice Chairperson of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Bunmi Yekini, opined that journalists are doing a good job with covering news in every aspect except the environmental sector, calling for more collaborations among media practitioners.

Also on the panel, the Media and Communication Officer at the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, Robert Egbe, expressed worries over the rates at which environmental issues are underreported by the Nigerian Media.

According to him, “We are not paying enough attention to environmental concerns that affect many people’s lives. Journalists often overlook these critical issues, leaving them undercovered and unaddressed.”

He also underscored the importance of drawing attention to the environment and the need for journalists to play a more active role in reporting on these issues.

PHOTO NEWS: Finance Minister, Wale Edun Receives Non-Alcoholic Industry Report

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From Left: Mr. Wale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance; with Mr. Seleem Adegunwa,  Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rite Foods Limited; Ms. Mariam Khan, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited; and Mr. Goran Sladic, Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited; during the presentation of the Non-Alcoholic Industry Report to the Honourable Minister of Finance in Abuja, on Tuesday, 7th May 2024.



OPERATIVES OF OGUN STATE POLICE COMMAND OVERPOWER TWO KIDNAPPERS 

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blacktalker
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***Rescued Three Indian Nationals unharmed.

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command on Monday, 7th May 2024 recorded a breakthrough over daredevil kidnappers terrorising the peace of the State.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, while addressing news men said on the fourth of May,2024 a distress call was put across to the DPO of Mowe Divisional headquarters over the kidnapping of three Indian Nationals at Kajola junction along the Ibadan-Lagos expressway.

”On the 4th of May 2024, the manager of Breeze Company Nigeria Limited located at Ibadan-Lagos expressway made a distress call to the DPO of Mowe Divisional headquarters that on the 3rd of May 2024, while his principals numbering about sixteen were returning to their residence, at Kajola junction, a gang of kidnappers opened gunfire into the two Toyota Hiace buses with registration numbers FST 686 YH Ash colour and SMK 986 YE black colour that was conveying them. 

”In response, the PMF escort attached to the first bus with Reg. No FST 686 YH exchanged fire with the kidnappers and managed to escape with all the occupants in the first vehicle, while three Indian Nationals, namely, Tejaram Chauhan ‘m’, Kaduwal Pradhan ‘m’ and Medani Kathiwada ‘m’, all inside the second bus without police escort were all kidnapped to an unknown destination.”

Odutola said the Anti-kidnapping Section of the Command in concert with Police formations in the axis with other local security agents swung into action by combing the area.

She said policemen engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle confronting the kidnappers in the forest along Benin-Sagamu Papalanto at about four-thirty on the 7th of May and succeeded in the rescue of the victims unhurt.

According to Odutola, in the course of the encounter, two of the six kidnappers were demobilized, rounds of ammunition were recovered, while the likely ransom loot of the sum of seven million, nine hundred thousand naira and one thousand, five hundred Rupees were also recovered.

”In the course of the encounter, two of the six kidnappers were demobilized, two AK 47 riffles, one single barrel locally made gun, one sword, cell phone, and criminal charms, and 65 rounds of ammunition were also recovered. ”

”The likely ransom loot of the two demobilized kidnappers of the sum of seven million, nine hundred thousand naira (#7.900.000), and one thousand five hundred Rupees of (Indian currency) were also recovered.”

”The two demobilized suspects have been deposited at the public mortuary, while intensive efforts are ongoing to arrest the four fleeing members of the kidnap gang.”

NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS REJECTS NEW CYBERSECURITY LEVY BY CBN

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has rejected the newly introduced cybersecurity levy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, demanding its immediate withdrawal.

In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC lamented that the levy is another anti-people policy of the government amid excruciating economic hardship.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Labour Congress, vehemently condemns the recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to levy a 0.5 percent ‘Cybersecurity Levy’ on electronic transfers.

“This levy, to be implemented by deduction at the transaction origination, is yet another burden on the shoulders of hardworking Nigerians.

“In a circular issued by the CBN, the directive mandates banks and payment service operators to affect these deductions, effective next two weeks. This move, ostensibly aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures, threatens to exacerbate the financial strain already faced by the populace.”

Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN had on Monday, ordered banks operating in the country to start charging a cybersecurity levy on transactions.

A circular from the apex bank disclosed that the implementation of the levy would start two weeks from today.

The circular was directed to all commercial, merchant, non-interest, and payment service banks, among others.

The circular revealed that it was a follow-up on an earlier letter dated June 25, 2018 (Ref: BPS/DIR/GEN/CIR/05/008) and October 5, 2018 (Ref: BSD/DIR/GEN/LAB/11/023), respectively, on compliance with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 27TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY

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The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilota Olatunji-Bello, mn, NPOM, has announced on behalf of the Management and Staff of the University, the 27th Convocation Ceremony.

A notice signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Emmanuel A. Fanu, reads: “On behalf of the Management and Staff, Lagos State University, the Vice Chancellors, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilota Olatunji-Bello, mn, NPOM, hereby informs all Graduands, Parents/Guardians, University Community and the General Public of the programme of events for the 27th Convocation Ceremony as follows:


The 27th Convocation is scheduled to hold between Thursday, 30th May and  Thursday, 6th June 2024.

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