Fuel Subsidy: House of Reps lifts ban on Olusola Adekanola & Co

The House of Representatives has revoked its resolution calling on the Federal Government to blacklist and prosecute a foremost indigenous firm of chartered accountants and tax practitioners, Olusola Adekanola & Co., for alleged involvement in the petroleum subsidy regime.

A statement by the Media  media and communication consultant to Olusola Adekanola & Co., Mr. Kazie Uko, stated, ” The decision by the House to quash the resolution, a fall-out of recommendation by its ad-hoc committee on fuel subsidy probe, was as a result of petition by Olusola Adekanola & Co., which, according to the House, showed that the accounting firm was never in any way involved in the subsidy regime before the investigation by the House and eventual cessation of service to its employer, Federal Ministry of Finance.

According to the transcript of Votes and Proceedings of the House, No. 98, dated Wednesday, 5 June, 2013, the House in the Committee of the Whole chaired by the deputy speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, considered the report of its Committee on Public Petitions to reconsider the House resolution on the petroleum subsidy report, as it affected Olusola Adekanola & Co.

The petition was presented to the House by Hon. Uzo Azubuike (Abia North/Abia South Federal Constituency). When the question was put to vote by the House Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who presided during the Plenary, the House adopted the report and thereafter quashed the earlier recommendation and subsequent resolution to the government to blacklist and prosecute the firm of Olusola Adekanola & Co.

Olusola Adekanola & Co., had in various publications protested its indictment by the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on petroleum subsidy regime, chaired by Hon. Farouk Lawan, declaring that it was innocent of the allegation of wrong doing against it.

“We hold the House of Representatives committee on fuel subsidy in high esteem and we are sure that it did not have valid information within its reach to premise its recommendations on. We are therefore prepared to avail it information and evidence to assert our innocence on this subject”, Otunba Olusola Adekanola, executive chairman of Olusola Adekanola & Co had announced in one the publications.

FG to recruit 2,000 additional midwives

Dutse – The Federal Government is to recruit 2,000 additional midwives to be deployed to rural areas, Dr Ado Mohammed, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency has said.

Mohammed made the disclosure in an interview in Dutse on Sunday.

He said that the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS) introduced by government was an ongoing programme to tackle maternal mortality in the country.

The director said that so far, 4,300 midwives were deployed to health facilities in rural areas across the country.

He noted that the MSS had been implemented in 1,500 health centres, adding that the agency was also training community health officers to assist the midwives.

“We also recruited some women and built their capacities to provide some basic services in their communities.

“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that we meet the MDGs target of eradicating maternal mortality.

“We are working with the state and Local Governments, to put Nigeria on track in achieving the MDGs target of eradicating maternal mortality in the country,” he said.

Mohammed also appealed to traditional rulers to assist the government in the supervision of midwives posted to their areas. (NAN)

Protesting Chanchangi workers were not sacked – Management

The management of Chanchangi Airline said the 53 workers of Chanchangi Airline who have been on compulsory leave  were not sacked. The station manager of the airline, Mr. Babadiya Ahmed said the airline is already looking into the matter.

The workers protested last week at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA’s  headquarters, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos over unpaid salaries alleged to have accrued since 2010 when the airline sent them on compulsory leave. The workers who decried the airline’s delay in paying their salaries registered their grievances at the ticket counters of the company at the airport before proceeding to the NCAA headquarters to drive home their demands.

They alleged that they have not been paid their salaries for 36 months, a situation which they said cannot be tolerated any more.The workers further said they were asked to stay off work since 2010, when the airline started having operational challenges, and have not been paid since.

According to them, all attempts to draw the attention of the management of the airline to their plight fell on deaf ears, even as the official communication to the NCAA on the matter has not yielded positive result.

Receiving the workers at NCAA, the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Austin Amadi Ifeanyi and the Director of Consumer Protection, Alhaji Adamu Abdulahi assured them that the regulatory agency would look into their plight and provide possible solutions by ensuring that the airline does what is right.

The directors further commended the aggrieved workers for towing the path of peace by reporting the matter at the appropriate quarter as it is the duty of NCAA to ensure that all goes well in the aviation sector.

According to them, the regulatory authority will investigate their claims and call Chanchangi Airline to order to ensure that the grievances of the workers are addressed and their demands met.

They, however, gave a week timeline for the aggrieved workers to get back, assuring them that the matter would be critically looked into for the health of the industry.

Meanwhile, the station manager of Chanchangi Airline, Mr Babadiya Ahmed said the airline is already looking into the matter, but however affirmed that the workers were not sacked.

2 killed, 7 injured in Okene-Lokoja highway auto crash

Lokoja – Two people have lost their lives while seven others sustained injuries in a fatal accident that occurred at Zariagi Village along the Okene-Lokoja road in Kogi on Saturday.

The state’s Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission made the announcement in a statement, signed by the Sector Commander, Mr Olakunle Motajo in Lokoja on Sunday.

Motajo said that the accident involved two vehicles, a Toyota Hilux van with registration number KG 24U 01 and a commercial Peugeot 504 station waggon with registration number Lagos BC 942 LND.

He said the vehicles had a head on collision, killing two people on the spot while seven others sustained various degree of injuries.

Motajo blamed the accident on human error, adding that wrongful over-taking on the part of one of the vehicles led to the accident.

He said that investigation on the incident had commenced.

The sector commander said that the corpses, a male and female, had been deposited at the morgue of the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.

He said that the seven injured victims had also been taken to the same hospital and were responding to treatment.

Motajo said the road which was blocked as a result of the accident, had since been cleared to ease free flow of traffic. (NAN)

Nigeria to leverage on Turkish expertise in energy – Nebo

The Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, has said that Nigeria in its quest for new energy mix strategy would leverage on Turkish expertise in Thermal and Hydro power sources.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Amb Dr. Godknows Igali, said that Nigeria offers the best environment for business not only in power, but also in heavy equipment, machineries and construction.
Speaking in Abuja while receiving the Bereket energi Group led by its Deputy Chairman, Ali Yagli and the Nigerian partner -Oral Energy Limited (the core investor of Jos DISCO), the minister commended the group for the confidence it has in the Nigeria economy, saying that the Group would not regret its decision as there are unequal potentials in terms of returns on investment.
He described their visit as the best timed against the backdrop of the shift in emphasis on hydro renewable like wind, solar and coal to power, with the enormous coal reserves that stretched from Enugu-Kogi-Benue and Nasarawa States.   Nigeria should harness these potentials to the fullest as our coal has been described as one of high quality. On the group’s request for more participation in Nigeria’s power market, the minister assured the Turkish company that other renewable like solar energy, wind are also available for exploration.
Responding on behalf of the group, Tukur Modibo, who represented, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the Chairman of Oral Energy Ltd, said that the Bereket energi of Turkey has been a dependable ally in the on-going privatisation of the power sector.   He said the group has enormous experience that has helped the Nigeria partner to effectively operate in six states with three million customers through its Jos DISCO. With that success story, the Turkish group is ready to go into power generation.

Compressed gas: FG woos investors

Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) has called for more private investments in compressed Natural Gas (CNG) industry. This followed the successful conversion of engines of heavy-duty trucks from petrol to CNG and diesel as alternative automotive fuel by Sagas Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote group.

Seidu Mohammed, Managing Director of NGC, who made the call during the launch of  Ikeja Conversion Centre by the Dangote subsidiary firm, and called for more investors into the project.

According to him, the Federal Government is keen on creating opportunities for industrial growth through its gas master plan and availability of more gas for end users, stressing “Nigeria stands to gain if compressed natural gas use is embraced in the country.”

Alhaji Sani Dangote, Chairman of Sagas Energy, said: “Of the 5000 trucks belonging to Dantrans, the haulage arm of the Dangote, 200 has been successfully converted to the new system for the trucks to be able to run on both gas and diesel (dual fuel usage).”

Dangote said the launch is in furtherance of the 20 years gas supply agreement the company signed with the NGC to supply and distribute compressed natural gas.

The  Sagas boss disclosed that 5000 trucks would be converted within a year and that the kit to convert 1000 are already on ground. He advised commercial vehicle owners as well as industrial and private owners to avail themselves of the benefits of the new technology.

He said his company would open more conversion centers at strategic locations across the country before the end of the year, adding that his company has trained over 30 Nigerian engineers to work in the centers and that more engineers would be trained as the company increases the centers nationwide

“Authorized conversion centers and gas filling stations would be established. We already have some of these centers in operation now. We have commenced the training of engineers and other technicians that would undertake the conversion. Our partners are here to put them through,” he said.

On the safety of the technology, Dangote allayed the fears of Nigerians: ” The Cylinder being used for automobile gas has been designed in such a way to prevent explosion. “The cylinder is bullet proof, it is stronger that armored tanks, no object can puncture it and as you can feel it. Even in extreme condition such as accident, the gas cannot explode.”

Chief Operating Officer of Prins Autogas West Africa Limited, Henry Van Tienen, explained that the conversion was a novel technology in Africa and that the use of gas either as alternative fuel or a mix blend with diesel has advantages over any other fuel currently in  use.newswatchs.blogspot.com

Lagos to develop 50-year master plan for tertiary education

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said the state government has concluded plans to develop a 50-year master plan for tertiary education, aimed at improving the infrastructure and quality of education in the state.

Fashola who disclosed this at a meeting with students and the managements of the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Lagos State College of Education (LACOED), Lagos City Polytechnic, youth organisations and members of the State Executive Council.

The meeting held at the auditorium of LASU to commemorate the 2,200 days of his administration and to facilitate and encourage the discussion and communication between the GOWN (which is the generic word for our higher institutions of learning) and the TOWN (the generic word for the larger society).

The governor said that the plan will soon be concluded and is a joint effort of the state executive council and the management of the state’s tertiary institutions. He said; “It will help both parties achieve their desired dream for the institutions in the state. And our dream is to ensure that the institutions have higher quality of intellectual exchange just the way it happens in other great institutions of the world.

“This will further assist our students to compete favourably with their peers in Oxford, Harvard and others. Our students in tertiary institutions are in the generation right behind us. They are the ones who in a short time will bear the responsibility to refine our crude oil, generate our electricity, produce our water, manage this university, build our trains, secure our state and country and generally be responsible for our people’s well-being,” Fashola added.

According to him, “We are dreaming of this school 50 years ahead when many of us will not be here to determine the fate of the institution. We are courageous enough to start that journey today.”

On the content of the plan, Fashola said; “Just in the way we have constructed a dedicated 24-hour Lagos Island Independent Power Project, IPP, to power public infrastructure in that axis, we will also be setting up a dedicated IPP for the institutions to provide an uninterrupted power supply,”adding that there will be new students hostel, staff quarters, and University Guest House that will help the institutions attract guest lecturers who can stay on campus to deliver their service.”

Stakeholders pledge enabling environment as French investors visit Rivers

PORT HARCOURT—THE government and organised private sector in Rivers State have pledged to produce the enabling environment for the over 10 visiting French investment groups, exploring expansionist business opportunities in the state.

At a session to acquaint some French businessmen with prospective Nigerian partners and target clients in Port Harcourt, Rivers State House of Assembly and Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, jointly guaranteed a safe business environment, while pledging to take necessary steps to secure investor’s stakes in the state.

Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr. Leyii Kwanee, who spoke for government said through proactive legislations, provision of basic infrastructure, harmonious executive/legislature relationship and sustained commitment to peace and security, Rivers has become investors’ destination of choice.

Government’s overall efforts at building investor’s confidence, Kwanee noted, are manifested in ongoing legislative debates to harmonise taxes and reduce multiple taxation on businesses in the state, expansion of energy project towards achieving steady power supply and increased investment in security, among others.

“I am delighted this forum assembled top executives of major French companies also are in the state looking at investment possibilities in the state.  This lends credence to the conducive investment environment being fashioned out by the Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration. Be rest assured that the government will encourage you,” Kwanee told the French business tourists.

Engr. Emeka Nnachukwu, President of PHACCIMA, while giving the private sector perspective, said the wealth of natural resources, availability of labour, and cohesion of the local business community through the Port Harcourt Chambers, added to the government efforts, make Rivers the most investment friendly economy in Nigeria.

Nnachukwu, however, cautioned the visitors that “To take full advantage of the Rivers enabling environment, you must not act alone. You must be guided by the organised private sector,  if not through the chambers, then certainly through a qualified agent. And you must honour the Nigerian Content Act. Otherwise you are bound to fail.”

June 12 is a unique day – President Jonathan

Abuja -  President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday described June 12 as “a unique day that has changed the political history’’ of the country.
The president made the remarks at the inauguration of the Board of the Police Service Commission held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Today is also a unique day, June 12, a date that has changed the political history of this country in one way or the other.
“In some parts of the country, some state governments have declared public holiday to mark today, but at the centre, it has not been formally recognised as a public holiday.
“We appreciate what happened on this day that you are being inaugurated, I think it is a unique date,’’ he said.
The resident made the short remarks before he gave his charge to the board chaired by former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro.
It will be recalled that precisely 20 years ago, June 12, 1993, a presidential election was held in the country in which Late Chief Moshood Abiola was believed to be the winner.
The former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida,  annulled the election which was adjudged by local and international observers to be the freest and fairest.
The annulment of the election led to crisis and outrage as well as the arrest and incarceration of Abiola, who died in detention on July 8, 1998. (NAN)

National development to be enhanced using space technology

FG to use space technology to enhance national development – Jonathan

Abuja- The Federal Government is rolling out plans to use space technology to enhance national security, communication, industrialisation and sustained socio-economic development.
President Goodluck Jonathan made this known on Tuesday when he inaugurated a 13-member National Space Council (NSC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said that given the critical place of space technology in national security, communication, industrialisation and sustained socio-economic development, the need to properly structure and drive the national space programme could not be over-emphasised.
“This informs why our administration has constituted this council with high calibre membership.
“We must evolve clear cut initiatives that will not only fast-track our industrialisation process, but one that will also see us, within the shortest possible period, to be able to build our own motor vehicles, our own boats and our own aircraft.
“We should also be able to launch our own satellite manufactured in Nigeria from a launch site in Nigeria on a launch vehicle made in Nigeria.”
Jonathan said this was a challenge not only to the members of the council, but to all Nigerians.
“We should rededicate ourselves to building a better, technologically advanced, stable and prosperous Nigeria for our children.”
He reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to the actualisation of the goal of the programme, and urged members of the Council to evolve measures that would enable the country to maximally benefit from the huge investments in the development of space technology.
The Council is chaired by the President, while Vice President Namadi Sambo is the deputy chairman.
Other members are the ministers of science and technology, communication technology, education, defence, interior and national planning.
The attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice; professors Elijah Mshelia, Vincent Olunloyo and Francesca Okeke, and the director-general, National Space Research and Development Agency, are also members of the Council.
The National Space Council is the apex body charged with the responsibility of developing policy guidelines for the country’s activities in space, in addition to monitoring the implementation of the National Space Programme. (NAN)