Category: News

  • FOU Zone C Customs Seizes N1.6B Worth Of Drugs, IED Materials, Contraband, Arrests 9 Suspects In 2 Months

    FOU Zone C Customs Seizes N1.6B Worth Of Drugs, IED Materials, Contraband, Arrests 9 Suspects In 2 Months


    In its relentless effort to combat smuggling within its jurisdiction, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C,’ has successfully intercepted a significant haul of illicit goods.

    This includes cannabis sativa, materials used in the production of explosive devices, and various other contraband items, collectively valued at an impressive One Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,648,494,571.00).

    During the period from July 25th to September 23rd, 2023, the Zone apprehended nine suspects in connection with these seizures. Acting Comptroller, DC Kayode Kolade, conveyed this information to the press at the Government Warehouse in Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo state.

    Kolade expressed his dismay at the rampant smuggling activities within the Zone. However, he proudly reported that the customs unit had successfully recovered an additional Fifty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N54,244,571.00) through demand notices issued for detected violations. This brings the cumulative sum of recoveries to an impressive One Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,634,794,571.00) for the months under review.

    In addition to the significant drug seizures, which included 417 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 9,194kg, 627 compressed parcels of the same cannabis sativa weighing 1kg each, and 9 sacks of explosive raw materials weighing 50kg each, the customs unit also confiscated a range of other illicit products.

    These included 1,329 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, 5 cartons of DSP Cough Syrup with codeine 100mg containing 1000 bottles, 1 armored Bullion Van, 761 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, 883 cartons of various unregistered/expired medicaments, including tramadol, 100 cartons of various wines, 5,737 used pneumatic tires, 335 cartons of smuggled foreign tomato paste, and 300 cartons of foreign spaghetti.

    “Based on prompt intelligence and sting operation, the rice was intercepted along Calabar/Akwa Ibom axis and okada/benin expressway, the 417 sacks and 627 parcels of Indian hemp were intercepted at Okada-Benin and Ewu-Auchi Expressway respectively. 761 Jumbo bales of used clothing mostly concealed in trucks and buses were intercepted along Umeikaa/Aba Road and Okada-Benin road.

    “The 5 cartons of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and 883 cartons of unregistered medicaments were intercepted along Benin/Asaba/Onitsha Expressway.

    The armored Bullion Van without customs documents and End User Certificate was intercepted along Okada/Benin Expressway. 100 cartons of wine and 335 tomatoes paste were intercepted along Ewu/Ibilo axis, 5,737 pieces of used pneumatic tyres were also intercepted along Cross River waterside and Okada-Benin Expressway,“ he said.

    He continued to voice concern about the illicit transportation of explosives, especially while the nation was still dealing with the pervasive issues of insecurity.

    He urged smugglers to immediately cease their activities for the greater good of humanity, warning that they would face legal consequences if they persisted.

    “More worrisome is the interception of 9 sacks 50kg each of explosive materials (fertilizer , device cables and superpower90 chemicals). We all know the security implication if these explosives components get to their destination unchecked. It may interest you to know that Superpower 90 is designed for priming applications and as a column explosive in surface and underground mining and general blasting. The high detonation velocity and the robust nature of Superpower 90 make it an ideal primer for the initiation of column charge. Let’s us not just imagine if dynamites and landmines are detonated using these items,” he said.

    He also extended his congratulations to Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who had been appointed as the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service. He praised the appointment as “highly deserved,” citing Adeniyi’s exceptional background, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment to the service.

    “We will all make sure he succeeds as his leadership style has started yielding positive results in our operations. I thank the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts so far in providing needed incentives and necessary logistics that aided our performance. To my dear colleagues, Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police, I must commend your prompt intelligence sharing, resilience and tenacity that brought about this stride “, he added.

    He urged journalists to enlist in the Nigeria Customs Service’s advocacy campaign against the detrimental impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

    He also called upon all patriotic Nigerians to provide the service with vital intelligence and information that could help eradicate smuggling for the greater good of our homeland.

    Furthermore, the Comptroller issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in economic sabotage, who intend to exploit the upcoming period for their unlawful activities.

    He cautioned them to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that the Service would ensure they face substantial losses.

    He asserted, “No amount of disruption will deter us from fulfilling our statutory obligations, not even the recent attacks orchestrated by some sponsored individuals earlier this month.”
    (more…)

  • Nigerians Will Succeed If President Tinubu Succeeds — Governor Bello

    Nigerians Will Succeed If President Tinubu Succeeds — Governor Bello

    L-R: Reuben Abati, Former Presidential Spokesperson; President, Nigeria Union Journalists, Chris Isiguzo; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Immediate Past President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mustapha Isah; Senator Sadiku Ohere, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District; at the 3rd Annual GYB Seminar for Political and Crime Correspondents/Editors, in Abuja… on Saturday.

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, on Saturday, revealed that he has no political ambition for now but to help President Bola Tinubu to succeed.

    Responding to a question about his next move after governorship, being one of the major presidential aspirants during the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor pointed out that all Nigerians would have succeeded if President Tinubu succeeds.

    Gov. Bello spoke at an interactive session with journalists at the 3rd Annual GYB Seminar for Nigeria’s Political & Crime Correspondents/Editors on Saturday in Abuja.

    While pointing out that God had been kind to him, he said, “I thank God for my successes and achievements as governor of Kogi. I know where I met the state and I am happy for where I have taken the state to.

    “I believe that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, will build on the solid foundation we have laid down for Kogi.”

    According to him, the November Kogi governorship election will be a landslide victory for the APC.

    Reacting to a question on ensuring that all members remained in the APC fold in the state, Bello said that the APC remained solid in Kogi.

    “Our unity is why APC wins in Kogi and will continue to win. Our party is one. You cannot satisfy everyone. However, there are internal mechanisms in the APC to resolve issues and we always utilised that,” he noted.

    Earlier in a paper titled: “Unity in Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Religious Society, the Kogi Story” the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said any candidate campaigning on the basis of ethnic sentiments, is incompetent.

    Fanwo said that the state would continue to prioritise merit and not ethnicity to enable it continue to grow.

    Also in his paper on “Off Season Elections, Journalists as Responsible Watchdogs, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo, tasked members on responsible and ethical journalism.

    Isiguzo said there was a need for journalists to ensure transparency, check all facts and verify all information in their reportage.

    The NUJ president noted that off season elections presented challenges and opportunities for journalists to fulfill their role as responsible watchdogs of society.

    “I encourage all of us to approach the job with a sense of duty, knowing that the quality of our reporting can influence the future of our nation,” he stated.

    Presenting a paper on “Debt Burden, Transparency and Accountability in Governance: Kogi’s Success Story”, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiru Idris, said the Yahaya Bello administration put in place deliberate policies to entrench good governance through accountability, transparency and reduction in the debt burden of the state.

    “Kogi has commenced preparation of the 32 years development plan, critical to the realisation of Gov. Bello’s vision of all round development of the state.

    “The development plan when completed will be a focal point for development partners’ interventions,” he added.

    Also speaking on “Building a Viable Economy Through Strategic Investment in Education, the Kogi Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones, said that the state had not only given free education but had made it compulsory.

    “The budgetary allocation to the education sector in Kogi rose from 13 per cent in 2017 to 15 per cent in 2019 and 30 per cent 2022, higher that the UNESCO recommended benchmark of 26 per cent,” he said.

  • Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office Initiates Flood Mitigation And Environmental Sustainability Efforts In Apapa

    Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office Initiates Flood Mitigation And Environmental Sustainability Efforts In Apapa


    The Nigerian Navy Hydrographic office has taken measures to mitigate flooding and enhance environmental sustainability in Apapa area of Lagos.

    The Hydrographic office is tasked with the Hydrographic and Oceanographic survey of the Nigerian Maritime Environment for the National Defence and Prosperity. 

    Nigerian Navy is charged with the Hydrographic and oceanographic survey of it’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and by extension, it’s Extended Exclusive Economic Zones (EEEZ)

    Navy Captain Mark Abashi, Assistant Director, Administration and Survey of Nigeria Navy Hydrography Office, Naval Headquarters said the Hydrographic Office is also tasked with the Hydrographic survey and charting of the Nigerian Maritime Domain. 

    “Being an agency tasked with dredging of Nigerian Maritime Environment, the Chief of Naval Staff under the Leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukuwu Ogalla and the entire Navy community in tune with the effects of Climate change, ascendency of sea level rise and also human activities that have caused disruption to the ecosystem. 

    “Apapa as it is, normally experience flooding and the Chief of Naval Staff pointed it out in his strategic directives given in 2023 that units should carry out activities to mitigate effects of climate change.

    “Nigerian Navy Hydrographic office thought it wise to clear drainages to a level free flow of water into the harbour channel which probably is due to the effects of Climate change that we are having recently. 

    “Also, the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic office is harboured in a structure here in Apapa which is over 60 years and the office has lived happily with the members of the community and it was this premise that the Chief of Naval Staff directed that we should carry out clearance of the gutters to enable free flow of the gutters. 

    “The Navy has improved the security network in Apapa area. People are happily doing their business. The office also improved traffic control and Apapa is safe for business and for people to live,” he said. 

  • 2023 Kogi State Election Will Be Peaceful — Gov Yahaya Bello

    2023 Kogi State Election Will Be Peaceful — Gov Yahaya Bello

    L-R: Executive Vice Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, Leadership Newspapers, Azubuike Ishiekwene; Senator Sadiku Ohere, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District; President, Nigeria Union Journalists, Chris Isiguzo; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Immediate Past President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mustapha Isah; Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Ayoade; and State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), at the 3rd Annual GYB Seminar for Political and Crime Correspondents/Editors, in Abuja… on Friday.

    …says ‘I have no blood relationship with Ododo’

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, on Friday, assured the people of Kogi State, and Nigerians in general, that the governorship election billed for November 11, 2023, would be the most peaceful ever held in the state.

    The governor has also reiterated that he has no blood relationship with the APC governorship candidate in the state, Alhaji Usman Ododo, contrary to the propaganda by opposition, noting that he emerged based on merit, through a keenly contested, free and fair election.

    The Governor spoke at the 3rd Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) Seminar for Nigeria’s Political and Crime Correspondents/Editors in Abuja.

    On allegations and counter allegations regarding the destruction of campaign offices in the state, the governor said the APC candidate remained the most popular and loved and so would not engage in any act that might mar the poll.

    “Ododo has endeared himself to the people of Kogi. How can you be the most popular candidate, positioned to win and still instigate violence?” He asked.

    “Ododo and I may come from the same place but we do not share any blood relationship whatsoever. Do your findings. He is a very compassionate, hardworking and competent fellow and those qualities spoke for him at the primaries,” he added.

    Bello explained that part of his administration’s focus was to do away with ethnic sentiments that had set the state backwards before his emergence.

    “Ethnic sentiments set Kogi back for 19 years and we must break away from that for competence. My administration has changed the narrative of ethnicity and has been appointing and working with competent people as against choosing people from tribes in the state.

    “We raise people from different backgrounds, irrespective of their senatorial zones,” he added.

    Earlier, the Kogi Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said no blood would be shed because of an election.

    Fanwo said that security remained key to the state and therefore the government would not be distracted from the path of peace.

  • CLEEN Foundation Trains Stakeholders On Crime Prevention In Lagos

    CLEEN Foundation Trains Stakeholders On Crime Prevention In Lagos

    CLEEN Foundation, a non-governmental organisation trained some security stakeholders on prevention of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) in Ikeja, Lagos State.

    The two-day training which started on Monday had the theme: “Serious and Organized Crime (SOC) on Prevent for the Crime Prevention Steering Group (CPSG).

    The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Gad Peter, in his opening address, said that the idea to train stakeholders on crime prevention was because Lagos state was among states more prone to security challenges.

    Peter said that the Prevent Project was for everyone irrespective of status.

    “This project is not only for people in small community even the rich people we thought are protected suffer from molestation and do what they do not want to do.

    “We need to pay attention to what is happening around us.

    “Nigerians want to know how our security agents are responding to this issue of crime and criminality that push people into depression,” he said.

    He called on all stakeholders in Nigeria to work together to secure the country’s future.

    “We must ensure that everyone plays their part in promoting peace, security, and stability in the nation,” he said.

    The Executive Director urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

    The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kennedy Osezuah, said that SOC was a criminality that required a level of planning, preparation and coordination.

    He said that the impact goes beyond the crime itself, negativity impacting socio-economic, political dynamic and structure.

    “SOC includes but not limited to trafficking and dealing in drugs and people, weapons and counterfeit good, sophisticated theft and robbery.

    “Fraud and other forms of financial crime, cybercrime, kidnapping, child sexual exploitation,” he said.

    According to him, SOC is not new in the society, just that it is taking a new dimensions.

    Osezuah, who is the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) Ifako Division, said that SOC required a response across the whole of government, and close collaboration with the public, the private sector and with many other.

    He highlighted the role of Organised Criminal Groups (OCG) within the community in the state.

    “OCG is a well structured or coordinated crime planned by two or more people for a purpose, it could be local or international,” he said.

    According to him, the audience that Prevent intervention intend to target are those in anti-social behavior and low level crime but not yet as a member of an OCG.

    “We cannot allow this menace to continue in our society, we have to be conscious to curtail the ugly trend,” he said.

    Mr Trevor Service, Training advisor, SOC Prevent, United Kingdom, said that prevention was one of the approaches used to deal with SOC.

    “Prevent is the concept of providing meaning alternative pathways to those most likely to join OCGs to prevent the growth and proliferation of membership leading to a decline in criminal activity,” he said

    According to him, Prevent is close to community policing.

    “It is critical for the police to involve the community at a very local level and prevent is part of a community-oriented policing approach,” he said.

    The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP),
    Grace Longe, of the National Institute Police Studies (NIPS) called for concerted effort of all to prevent crime.

    “We all need to contribute our quota in our little way to ensure that SOC Prevent program succeed.

    “We are working to ensure that the initiative work so that the youth who are our future leaders can drive upon it.

    “When the society is doing well, everybody is at peace,” she said.

    NAN reports that the training was in collaboration with Brighter Future, Torchlight Group and Tag international.

    The training had in attendance representatives of Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Others are Ministry of justice, Ministry of Education, National Orientation Agency, Police, Community Relation Committee, and other communities development partnership.

  • UNGA: Tinubu Commends Tony Elumelu For Enormous $100m Support For SMEs, Startups

    UNGA: Tinubu Commends Tony Elumelu For Enormous $100m Support For SMEs, Startups


    … Challenges Africans to Look Inwards Instead of Reliance on Int’l Donor Funds

    President Bola Tinubu has commended Tony Elumelu for the impact his foundation, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has had on young people and SMEs in the country and beyond since 2010.

    He also challenged Africans, including its political and business leaders, to look inwards instead of undue reliance on international donor funds.

    He made the call at the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Generation Unlimited (GENU) Breakfast Roundtable meeting, a side event at the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, yesterday.

    The event also served as a forum for the launch of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Impact Report titled “The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship
    Programme: A Decade of Impact.”

    The president, who was represented by the Minister for Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, also stressed on the need for local solutions to economic growth and unemployment, while offering incentives to willing investors

    The President who was represented by the Minister for Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, decried the over reliance by Africans on foreign donors, calling for an end to that mindset.

    He said: “I don’t think we are doing enough as Africans for Africa. We need to do a lot more. Tony Elumelu has been the major person driving investments in supporting the youths and start-ups.

    “We need to challenge ourselves a bit more further. Africa has some of the richest people on the planet. We have a resource-rich continent with huge population of young people.

    “We need to take up the challenge upon ourselves as Africans to support one another. It is about time we stopped looking for international organisations for donor funding. We need to go out of that mentality.

    “We will rather have donor funds coming in to support what we have on ground already and not then coming to give us a seed or showing us the way. We actually know how to do things. In Africa, we have a rich culture and if we go back to our tradition, there is a whole lot we can learn from each other.”

    On the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), he said they were the engines of Nigerian and African economic growth, adding that they contributed almost half of national GDP, and more than 80 percent of employment.

    While wooing potential investors with promises of right infrastructure provision such as regulations, property rights, access to justice, protection from unfair competition, power, as well as roads to market and ports, he said: “We must organise the disorganised SME market, and enable greater organisation and formalisation.

    “We must invest in SMEs. Governments and the private sector have important roles to play in this regard. Our investing must be coordinated, targeted, and generous. This is where the example of the Tony Elumelu Foundation is a worthy role model for all.

    “We must create and expand pathways for our SMEs to export their products and services and integrate into global value chains.”

    In his speech, Founder TEF, Tony
    Elumelu said this highlights the significant contribution of the TEF’s flagship 100 million dollars Entrepreneurship Programme in advancing Africa’s socio-economic development.

    He noted that 13 years ago, the foundation took a bold step to rewrite and change Africa by enhancing entrepreneurship development to galvanise African solutions.

    Stressing on the seed capital, training and mentoring and networking provided by TEF, he added “we have lit a beacon, and we need the beacon to shine brighter and better. To do this, we need the support and collaboration of everyone.

    “100 million dollars is a drop of water in the ocean compared to what we need in Africa. Young Africans need economic support. We’ve seen the devastating effect of climate change, how our young ones due to hopelessness are migrating and living in difficult situations. We want to put a stop to that.”

    To achieve that, Elumelu called for collaboration to prioritise young Africans, bring more women to economic activities and alleviate poverty, adding that “poverty anywhere is a threat to all of us everywhere”.

    Sharing the Lagos experience at the gathering, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that TEF’s work aligns with Lagos State programmes on economic empowerment and poverty reduction.

    Sanwo-Olu said that collaborative efforts must be evolved to enhance the scale of impact to deepen inclusion, equity and fairness.

    Also speaking, Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa (UNDP) said they partnered TEF due to similar belief in galvanising development across Africa and globally, adding that Africa’s wealth was its population, which constitutes 70 per cent of young, vibrant and innovative Africans.

    “It is our loss if we don’t invest in them because that is the future of prosperity,” she said, just as she called for enhanced collaboration and investment to strengthen economic development of African youths.

    Earlier on, TEF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Somachi Chris-Asoluka, said the organisation is the partner of choice for all development agencies across the world who want to transform the way they give to Africa, who want to have a more catalytic, impactful partnership with the African continent.

    She said: “The Tony Elumelu foundation is a leading philanthropy in Africa empowering young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.

    “We launched our flagship program, the Tony Elumelu foundation Entrepreneurship programme in 2015 with a $100 million commitment by Mr Elumelu and his family.

    “His goal was to see 10,000 African entrepreneurs over 10 years, in only eight years, we have more than surpassed that target so date.

    “We have funded 18,000 entrepreneurs, disbursing over a 100 million dollars directly as seed capital to these entrepreneurs and they have gone on to create over 400 thousand jobs across all African countries.”

  • Shu’aibu Takes Over Idiroko Customs Command, Seeks Collaboration Of The Border Communities

    Shu’aibu Takes Over Idiroko Customs Command, Seeks Collaboration Of The Border Communities


    Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shu’aibu, took over the mantle of leadership from Comptroller Bamidele Makinde as the new Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service.

    Shu’aibu was one of the Customs Comptrollers who were redeployed by the Ag Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) on 6th of September, 2023. With over 30 years experience in Customs Administration covering Strategic, Enforcement and operational responsibilities.

    DC Ahmadu Bello Shu’aibu, the New Customs Area Controller Ogun 1 Command, is a native of Zungeru in Niger State. Born on December 24th, 1965, in Niger, he has a distinguished background in Customs Service.

    Until his redeployment, DC Shu’aibu served in different capacities and worked in all the six geo-political Zones of the country. Before his recent posting, he has diligently served in the following Area Commands: Borno/Yobe Command, Lillypond, Imo/Abia, Enforcement Headquarters Abuja, FOU ‘A’ as Staff officer General, A pioneer Staff of Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), FOU Zone ‘C’ as OC Operation, FOU Zone ‘A’ as DC Admin, Coordinator CGC Strike Force Zone ‘A’ Lagos, DC Tin-Can Island Port Command, then most recently Ag. CAC Ogun II Command, Abeokuta Ogun State.

    He was enlisted into Nigeria Customs Service as a Cadet in the year 1991 and was later commissioned as Assistant Superintendent of Customs after the Completion of Basic Training at the Customs Training College Ikeja, Lagos.

    He has attended many professional courses which includes the following: Advance Law Enforcement Course in Gaborone, Batswana; Law Enforcement Academy Roswell in USA, amongst others.

    “My Superior and good brother, Comptroller Makinde fii uni pse(+) Distinguished Heads of Agencies Our Security Counterpart from Igolo, Republic of Benin Secretary General Inter-Border Forums Members of the Command’s Management Team, it is my pleasure to be in your midst this morning, for this auspicious occasion of handing over and taking over ceremony, sequel to my posting to Ogun 1 Area Command by the Ag Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm finipr psc(+).

    “The posting is seen as a call to higher responsibility and I thank the Ag CGC for finding me worthy for the deployment. I shall discharge my duties diligently and uphold the policy thrust of the CGC. I will like to appreciate my boss and every one of you here present for the warm reception accorded to me.”

    “Permit me to state that, I am highly impressed with the presence of some of our critical stakeholders within and outside the country, indeed, this is an evidence of cordial working relationship. Let me congratulate my boss and good brother, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde mini psc(+) on his successful tour of duty with laudable achievements.

    “I am not surprise by his impeccable performance considering the fact that, you are an articulate and result oriented leader. Sir, I assure you of continuity and sustaining your performance tempo. Thank you for garnering support for my administration and wishing me well. I wish you success in your new endeavour.

    “Going forward, I will like state that, I am a team player and believe so much in a team work. I urge all Officers and Men of Ogun 1 Area Command to work as a team adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and discharge their duty in conformity with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023.

    “However, let me sound a note of warning to smugglers and their accomplice, their nefarious activities will not be condoned, and anyone caught in the act, shall be brought to book.

    “May I use this medium to assure the business community and our critical stakeholders, that the new administration will operate an open door policy, and strengthen the existing relationship with the Command”, he declared.

    Before now, the Outgone Controller, Comptroller Makinde Bamidele disclosed that for his duration of seventeen months, the command raked in a total of N225, 009,835.50 in revenue collection.

    He said, “From the inception of my tenure in office (9th of February, 2022) to date, which is about 17 months, the Command have recorded some laudable achievements. For emphasis, during this period, the Command generated a total sum of N225, 009,835.50 as revenue.

    ‘Interestingly, out of the revenue target of N136,532,168.22 set for the Command for the year 2023, we have generated the sum of N127,122,058.00 which is about 91% of the target, 3 months and some days to the end of the year.

    “Within the 17 months in office, the Command also recorded about 1,479 seizures comprising 1,245 rounds of live Ammunition, 72,989 bugs of foreign parboiled Rice of 50kg each (which is an equivalent of 122 Trucks load), 907 bales & 236 sacks of Secondhand clothing, 394 sacks & 2,678 wraps of Cannabis Sativa and 655,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (an equivalent of 20 Tankers load), among others, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N6, 604,107,655.92.”

    Rallying support for his successor, Makinde said, “May I call on officers to redouble their effort and give the incoming administration maximum support and cooperation to sustain the performance tempo of the Command. In a similar vein, I wish to solicit the unflinching support of our critical stakeholders for the new Area Controller.”

    He is very happily married and blessed with children. His hobbies includes: reading, sport, and adventure. He possess deep understanding of the complex and constantly evolving international trade landscape.

    The CAC seeks synergy amongst sister agencies as well as stakeholders collaborations of the border communities in Ogun State.

    Shu’aibu stressed that there is no alternative to peaceful coexistence as that is the only way to engender a virile economic development of any country.

    The new CAC has demonstrated excellent communication and leadership skills responsible for leading teams of Customs Officials, working closely with stakeholders.

    Shu’aibu is a team player and he understands the dynamite of his environment.

    This is evident in effective risk management strategies, guidance and support developed and implemented for his teams to ensure that all customs procedures are followed accurately and efficiently. He is dedicated to promoting trade and economic growth while ensuring compliance with all extant laws and regulations.

    Shu’aibu is known to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. He is also committed to continuously improving his knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the ever-changing customs landscape.

    Speaking shortly after a brief taking over ceremony, Shu’aibu thanked officers of the Command for the warm reception he received on arrival.

    He further expressed his innermost desire for the officers to support him in taking the Command to greater heights. He appealed for unity among officers in the course of discharging their official duties.

    He encouraged officers and men to utilize their physical and intellectual capacities by making positive contributions towards achieving deserve results.

    Comptroller Shu’aibu said his Area Command will key into the mandate given to it by the CGC.

    The CAC on behalf of the Officers and Men of Ogun 1 Command thanked the Ag Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) for the opportunity to serve and pledged his unwavering commitment to the fight against smuggling.

  • NAGAFF FOUNDER AT 65: Tin-Can CAC  Highlights His Contributions To Maritime Industry

    NAGAFF FOUNDER AT 65: Tin-Can CAC Highlights His Contributions To Maritime Industry

    The Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Island Port, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has lauded Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), on his 65th birthday.

    In a congratulatory message disseminated earlier today, the newly appointed Tin-Can Island Customs boss described Aniebonam as the “moral compass of Nigeria’s maritime industry.”

    “This is a special occasion to celebrate the ‘Ozo Ebubechukwu’ of Umuawulu, Anambra State, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam,” Comptroller Nnadi said. “You are a philanthropist, motivational speaker, prolific writer, conscientious counselor, a worthy role model par excellence, an empowerment giant, and more. I celebrate you, Sir.”

    “This birthday celebration is a golden opportunity for you to reflect on your role in the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry over the years,” the Comptroller continued. “While you reflect on the good times and noteworthy accomplishments, it is also important that you appreciate your good legacies and ensure that they are sustained by your mentees and followers.”

    Comptroller Nnadi, however, emphasized that the Tin Can Island Command expects the NAGAFF Founder to rally his leaders and members in lending a hand of support as Customs seeks to generate over 48 percent of its annual target in the next 3 months.

    “I’m using this opportunity to beckon on you as the cerebral NAGAFF Founder and a dynamic leader, to inspire your executives and members towards playing a strategic role in discouraging smuggling and ensuring a boost in revenue generation of Customs, and by extension, revenue boost for the nation,” Comptroller Nnadi said. “This is what Nigeria needs at such a time as this.”

    According to Comptroller Nnadi, there are not many personalities as influential as Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in the nation’s maritime space, yet the NAGAFF founder remains so humble, accessible, and generous.

    The Customs anti-smuggling czar, Nnadi, also thanked the veteran freight forwarder for gracing his recent handover ceremony when he took leadership reigns as the Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command on Wednesday.

    Dr. Aniebonam is a passionate National political party leader who founded the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), an in-depth scholar, a community leader, a devout Christian, an empowerment giant, a sports fan, and Patron of NAGAFF Football Club.

    Dr.Aniebonam is also a supporter of free expression and the role of the media in informing, educating, and entertaining. He is a patron of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), the Financial Correspondents of Nigeria (FICAN), and the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), among others.

  • Barr. Mbah Blasts Chinwe Onuoha Over Allegations Against Ngozi Braide

    Barr. Mbah Blasts Chinwe Onuoha Over Allegations Against Ngozi Braide

    …Says She is A Blatant Liar, Shedding Crocodile Tears

    A renowned legal practitioner and Managing Partner, Alpha-Harris Solicitors, Barr. Anayo Mba and lawyer to Ngozi Braide has cleared the air on the allegations of intimidation and sundry acts levelled against her by a lawyer, Chinwe Onuoha.

    The lawyer had gone to social media, especially Facebook and TikTok, to alleged that she bought a house from Ngozi, who refused to hand over the property to her. She further alleged that Ngozi pulled down the roof of the house she converted to a factory, leading to the destruction of equipment valued at N20 million by rainfall and loss of employment to 20 workers.

    Mba further alleged that Braide was using her power as a police officer to intimidate her.

    Since the allegations, the social media has been on fire as people, even without hearing the other side of the story, have been raining curses and condemnation on the woman police officer.

    In a swift reaction, legal adviser to Braide, Barrister Anayo A. Mbah, managing partner of Alpha Harris Solicitors, Lagos, has described the allegations against Ngozi, his client, as baseless, wicked, malicious and blatant lies.

    Anayo said Chinwe Onuoha had no reason to go to social media to start lying against a benefactor who helped her a lot when she was in need, “but rather than show gratitude, she is paying her with ingratitude, thereby trying to make her regret helping her and discouraging the heart of gold from helping the needy.”

    “Chinwe was in dire need when Braide gave her succour; but because of her greed, she ended up betraying her close friend and benefactor.

    “The post you saw on Facebook and TikTok is in relation to the matter that is pending before the Lagos State High Court, Ikorodu Judicial Division, before the Honourable Justice Akinkugbe. I was briefed by the defendant in that case, who happened to be Mrs. Ngozi Braide, and when we were served with the processes by dropping, we had to go to court and get certified true copies of the processes.

    “Because the lady pretended she served by posting to an address that was not actually the defendant’s address, we had to apply to get the court processes. Now we knew what she was asking for, what the claim was all about.

    “We discovered that the claim was about a house owned by the defendant, Ngozi Braide, in Ikorodu, Lagos, and she is claiming to have bought the house from the defendant and that the defendant refused to give her receipt of payment and deed of assignment. And we wondered how she sold a house and didn’t give receipts. But she explained to us that she never made any sales to her. What happened from the beginning was that Mba had an accommodation problem in her previous apartment in Ojodu and Chinwe Onuoha was arrested by her landlord when she violated an order for possession given by a magistrate’s court in Ojodu.

    She was arrested and detained at Ojodu Police Station. From there she called on her (Ngozi) to assist her. Ngozi went there to help her get bail and that was when she told her about the accommodation problem seeking her assistance, because she knew that Ngozi had a house in Ikorudu. She asked if she could temporarily stay there while she looked for alternative accommodation, and my client, being a woman with a large heart; a very kind person, and coming from the fact that they were old-time friends, said she could stay temporarily for three months because she believed that by that three months Onuoha would have found an accommodation. And that was how the woman came into the property.

    “So, when my client started demanding vacation and possession of the property, Chinwe Mba now started saying she liked the place and would want to buy it. Ngozi said she didn’t want to sell the property as she only gave her the place to stay temporarily for three months, and now she was requesting to buy it.

    Braide also informed her that her brother was coming to stay in that property that she wanted Mba to leave.

    “My client refused to sell her property, and before we knew it, she instituted this action and laid claims. Now, coming to the matter in court, I don’t really want to go down the way she went, because I know that what she did was contempt of court by claiming what does not exists in the records of the court. All she spoke about, apart from the fact that the matter is pending in the court, there is no truth about it. And there are records to show what actually transpired in the court. The matter is subjudice to the court. She was the one that complained about the matter. She should have allowed the court to decide before she went public. I am not against going to the press, but when you go to the press report what exactly happened in the court.

    “What happened in court? First of all, she said my client had always been in court, but my client has not appeared in that court in person. She has always been represented by her lawyer, and there is nothing in the record of the court that shows that my client has appeared in that court for one day.

    “Secondly, she mentioned the restraining order she applied for. Yes, she applied for the order restraining my client from entering her own property, but the court refused it, and the reason the court refused it was stated in the court ruling. She applied for an order restraining my client based on the fact that there is an urgent need for the court to grant that injunction and the court looked at the whole processes and everything, all the facts and evidence based on the affidavits she provided, because that application is what is called ex- parte, the other party is not meant to participate in the hearing, even if she is court. So, based on her own evidence, the court looked at it and said there was nothing like real urgency, which she created by her own facts, and the court would not rely on it to give an order restraining the defendant from entering into the property. The court adjourned the hearing of the case, which she also filed. But she presented to the world by her post that the judge made a pronouncement in her ruling that the reason she was not going to grant that application for the injunction was because the judge knew that the defendant was a police officer and a responsible person who would know ordinarily that she wouldn’t have to take law into her hands. This is a blatant lie against the defendant, the judge and against the court, and a calculated attempt to deceive the public and blackmail the court with what the court did not say. The court never mentioned or brought into its ruling the position or conduct of character of the defendant in the ruling that she gave relating to dismissing the ex-parte application. So, she knows what she is doing. She knows that lying against the court is contempt of court and she knows the implications and consequences of what she is doing. So she is telling blatant lies from beginning to end. After the court processes has been signed, the court went on vacation.

    “Why did Chinwe Onuoha go to the social media to rubbish a woman who housed her for three years without collecting a dime as rent and why didn’t she wait for the court to decide the case that she instituted herself? For your information, it was someone that called Ngozi to inform her that Chinwe was destroying her property. Onuoha, who was shedding crocodile tears and acting drama, was the person that pulled off the roof of the house to punish Ngozi. When we investigated, we discovered that Chinwe Onuoha has destroyed many things in the house. For instance, she said she bought the house for N2.3 million, and she was not given a receipt. How could she have paid N2.3 million for a house valued at N30 million? Was she buying the land or the fencing? I mean, there are things she shouldn’t have said. I repeat, Mba lied. Is it possible for Ngozi who suffered to build a house, to use her hands to destroy the house that she built?

    “Onuoha was the person who removed the roof to destroy the house when she packed out. She was only acting drama and shedding crocodile tears to whip up sentiments and sympathy.

    She lied to the world that she was being oppressed by a woman police officer.”

    In her claims alleging abuse of power, Chinwe Onuoha said: “I went into the factory to assess the damage that had been done. They ruined all my equipment. They ruined my bottle mould, reverse hoses, my ozone generator. When they realised that they could not ruin the bottle line, because it was big, they removed the zinc sheet, so that the rain would destroy the equipment, and this is an equipment I have not even finished paying for. And since the day of this incident, it has been raining cats and dogs in Ikorodu, and the whole rain has been beating my equipment.

    “If you enter my factory, you will see my bottle line lying in a pool of water. The whole motor has been completely destroyed and my factory is flooded. What kind of wickedness is this? How can law enforcement officers penetrate such issues in a civilized society.”

    Meanwhile the lawyer insists the claims are false. He said, “I can categorically tell you that all her allegations are blatant lies. I wouldn’t have joined issues with her, but to keep the record straight, she is deceiving the public, lying against her benefactor and the court.

    “She had moved out of the house and did a lot of damage by changing a residential home to a factory, partitioning some areas. She packed out and decided to punish Braide for asking her to move out of her house. She failed to tell how she moved into the house; rather, she lied that she acquired the house.

    “This is someone who was evicted by her former landlord for not being able to pay rent would lie that she opened a factory worth N20 million and had many workers. Someone whose colleagues refused to represent her in court, yet she ran to social media to shed crocodile tears. She took the matter to the court, yet, as a lawyer, she doesn’t trust her legal profession but went to the social media to whip up sentiment.

    “In whatever we do, we should fear God. Ngozi and Chinwe Onuoha were very good friends for many years. Ngozi was a friend indeed by assisting Mba who was in need. When Onuoha was given notice to quit and was arrested by her landlord and detained at the police station, Ngozi assisted her by bailing her and giving her a place to stay for three months to enable her settle down and get another house. But rather than leave after three months, Onuoha converted a residential building to a factory, defacing the house and converting some rooms to a warehouse and doing so many damage. That made Ngozi to give her verbal notice to quit, as a friend, but Onuoha cashed in on the fact that they were friends and decided that she won’t leave and stayed put in the house for three years. Ngozi had to petition the Zone 2 Police Command headquarters, Onikan.

    “Seeing that the police had intervened, Chinwe begged Ngozi to give her some time to quit, but rather than say thank you to Ngozi, Onuoha went to court. While in court, she packed out and opened the roof of the house so that the rain would destroy the property. She did not stop at that. She equally dropped some charms all over the premises.

    “However, we shall follow the matter to a logical conclusion. I rest my case for now by saying unequivocally that Chinwe Onuoha lied against her benefactor, the court and the world as a whole.”

  • Nigeria Silent Heroes Award To Honour Unsung Heroes At Fifth Edition On Sept. 1 in Abuja

    Nigeria Silent Heroes Award To Honour Unsung Heroes At Fifth Edition On Sept. 1 in Abuja


    …To launch compendium on Nigeria’s unsung trailblazers

    The Nigeria Silent Heroes Award (NSHA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated fifth annual event, scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the prestigious Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

    This grand occasion will pay tribute to outstanding individuals from various walks of life, including members of the security forces, industry leaders, clergy, judiciary, lawmakers, civil servants, traditional rulers, technocrats, business luminaries, and even media figures.

    NSHA, a distinguished non-governmental organization, seeks to acknowledge the profound impact of these exceptional individuals on our society. It honors their kindness towards fellow citizens, families, communities, and the environment, as well as their silent yet heroic contributions to our nation.

    Mrs. Ozioma Odita-Sunday, the dedicated Project Coordinator, expressed her excitement about the award, stating, “Through this recognition, we aspire to inspire others to become Silent Heroes. This year marks our fifth edition, during which we’ve celebrated the remarkable contributions of farmers, artisans, technocrats, and uniformed personnel who have silently driven our nation’s progress and shaped it for the next generation.”

    The event promises distinguished guests, with Oba Adewale Akanbi Telu, the Paramount Ruler of Iwo land, serving as the Royal Father of The Day. Special guests of honor include luminaries such as Heirs Holding CEO, Mr. Tony Elumelu (CFR); Mr. Monte Lucky Ehiwuogwu, MD/CEO Monaco Ventures; and Sir Mike Ejiofor (Fsi), former Director DSS.

    A remarkable lineup of awardees includes individuals from diverse sectors, such as business and industry, philanthropy, traditional leadership, ICT development, transparent banking culture, integrity and good governance, faith, policing, journalism, education development, local government administration, law and advocacy, medicine, and journalism (print media and book publishing).

    Notable awardees also comprise outstanding contributors to the fields of business and enterprise, gospel music, tourism and hospitality development, politics, trade facilitation, farming, food security, and grassroots politics.

    Furthermore, NSHA organizers have ambitious plans to launch a compendium that shines a light on the unsung trailblazers among us. These individuals have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to propel our nation’s progress, often without receiving the recognition they deserve.

    According to the organizers, “In our larger society, there are unsung heroes diligently working behind the scenes, driving our nation’s progress. These are the SILENT HEROES who, despite their significant contributions, have remained in the shadows. They are the unsung reasons for our nation’s modest progress across various fields, including education, security, journalism, industry, oil and gas, real estate, and governance.”

    The forthcoming book, “NIGERIA’S SILENT HEROES Volume 1,” serves as a testament to the remarkable milestones achieved by these dedicated individuals. The compendium offers readers a glimpse into the rich profiles of these unsung heroes, individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity.

    This spotlight on these exceptional Nigerians aims to inspire the younger generation, instilling in them the belief that hard work, integrity, and consistency are values that yield substantial dividends.

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