AITEO Raise Alarm Over Threat To Sabotage 2.5m Crude Oil Production Target In 2020

Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Development Company of Nigeria Limited (“Aiteo”) operators of the pipeline that transport crude oil for export known as the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) has said that national target of producing and exporting 2.5million barrels by mid 2020 is under serious threat.

The company has identified what it called persistent and sophisticated attract on the pipeline despite significant investments in security, technology and civic engagements as the main source of achieving the set goal.

A statement from the company announcing the development said the disruptions that these attacks have brought about has led to direct, irretrievable and significant losses in production.

The statement signed by Aiteo spokesman, Ndiana Metthew, said, the company is constrained to alert all stakeholders of recent spate of sustained attacks on the key national oil infrastructure in its asset base, the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL). He noted the consequence such art has created revenue deficits that directly impact all the stakeholders across the relevant value chain.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to the company, stated that in 2019 alone, Joint Investigative Visits (JIVs) comprising security and regulatory agencies as well as community representatives and Aiteo personnel to ascertain cause of the breaches to the NCTL have revealed that 98 per cent of all incidences were attributable to third-party infractions alone.

Adding that the amount of barrels lost to these incidents, almost compare in volume to the country’s total daily production.

Part of the statement reads, “By virtue of this level of sabotage, the NCTL has been shut down for 61 days this year alone, constituting 83 per cent cause of downtime in this year only. Over the last 4 years, more than 200 shut down days have been recorded on the asset.

It noted that, despite significant investments in security, technology and civic engagements, the destructive pattern of pipeline vandalization still persists. Stressing that, “These attacks are persistent; sophisticated; appear timed to inflict debilitating and disruptive effect, all indisputably calculated to decimate Aiteo’s production output in the short if not medium term.

It further stated that, “Regrettably, these vicious and malicious exertions by individuals and faceless entities are having that unavoidable effect.

“The disruptions that these attacks have brought about has led to direct, irretrievable and significant losses in production and consequently has created revenue deficits that directly impact all the stakeholders across the relevant value chain.

“The consequences say nothing of the significant negative and inherently damaging effect that these malicious infractions have on the environment.

Speaking of the national implementation, the company said, “Industry sources forecast that Nigeria will be producing at least 2.5m barrels per day (bpd) by the middle of 2020, mainly by fixing damaged pipelines and dealing with security problems.

“In the face of this extremely high level of deliberate sabotage, it seems clear that there are interests within the country that seem determined to scuttle this aspiration.”

The company said this continued sabotage of critical economic oil assets must be confronted frontally, with all resources available to the country as a whole.

“We renew and reaffirm our total commitment to working with all agencies and interest groups to arrest this damaging atrocity. Our assurance to all stakeholders to ensuring a sustainable environment where economic development can thrive remains unassailable. “We acknowledge the assiduous effort of the Joint Task Force and call for wider collaboration between all law enforcement agencies as well as policy alliances between all arms of government to end these economically destructive infractions as soon as is practically possible.

“The losses to us as a commercial concern are significant and potentially irreparable: the losses to Nigeria through the deprivation of revenue as a direct enabler for the improvement of the quality of life of our people is so much greater. The disastrous subsistence of this malaise must be permanently resolved – NOW!.”

source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/11/18/aiteo-raise-alarm-over-threat-to-sabotage-2-5m-crude-oil-production-target-in-2020/

As Oyetola Moves For Speedy Development With 35-Member Cabinet

Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, the immediate past governor of Osun State ran what he termed an “Unusual Government.”

One of the features of the government was late appointment of a cabinet which supposed to be the nucleus for effectful governance of a state.

The incumbent, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola was at the forefront of Aregbesola’s administration and in actual fact one of the kitchen cabinet of Aregbesola as the Chief of staff to the governor.

Therefore, his refusal to put in place a cabinet within his five months in office did not come as a surprise to the people of Osun State especially when the government got to power on the platform of continuity.

However, not many people thought that the delay in the formation of cabinet will drag on till almost a year after the inauguration of the governor.

While some people believe that there is nothing wrong with a government without an extended cabinet, others are of the opinion that if a cabinet is not a necessary ingredient to good governance, it will not be in the constitution guiding governance in the land.

Whatever might be the reason for the delay to constitute the executive council, light appeared in the tunnel when the list was submitted to the clerk of the House a few minutes after 11:00 a.m of Tuesday, September 24, 2019. by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji.

Oyebamiji, who drove into the premises in a black-coloured Pajero met with the clerk for a few minutes before leaving and the submission of the list was later confirmed by the media aide to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Reading the names of the thirty-five nominees at the floor of Osun State House of Assembly, the Speaker, Hon. Timothy Owoeye said the House will do justice to the list.

He noted that the nominees would be screened and made to appear before the House to prove their worth.

Notable on the list were the Chairman, Guild of Editors and Editor-in-chief, New Telegraph Newspapers, Mrs Olufunke Egbemode, three ex-commissioners. Dr Rafiu Isamotu, Oluremi Omowaye, and Bola Oyebamiji.

While some Special Advisers in the Aregbesola led administration were also on the list, the alliance between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) reflected with the inclusion of the Deputy Governorship candidate of the party Yemi Lawal Azeez and Taiwo Akeju, the Publicity Secretary of the party.

The State House of Assembly commenced the screening the following Monday with the grilling of Mrs Funke Adenike Egbemode, former Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovations in the state, Mr Oluremi Omowaye, Oladoyin Olayinka Folorunso, Ibitoye Felix Adeniran and Adebisi Obawale Simeon.

Others include Oladepo Solagbade Atanda, Ajisefini Abiodun, Ogunfolaju Christiana Olusola and Nathaniel Agunbiade.

Responding to questions from the lawmakers, Egbemode promised to build a healthy relationship between the state government and the media if deployed to head the Ministry of Information and Strategy.

Speaking earlier during the plenary, the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye assured indigenes and residents of the state that the legislature will do a thorough and strict job on the screening of the nominees for the post of Commissioners/Special Advisers.

He maintained that the Assembly had resolved that the screening exercise is not going to be a “tea party” and that members were in high spirit and ready to give their all for the betterment of the state.

Owoeye, however, said that the House is not oblivious that the nominees would have gone through different levels of security checks, saying aside from such checks, the lawmakers will not shy away from its constitutional responsibility.

According to him, “it is on record that Governor Oyetola had sent a list of 35 persons to be screened as Commissioners/ Special advisers. I and my colleagues at the Assembly have resolved not to betray the confidence reposed in us by the public.”

“We are not unmindful of other screenings that might have taken place before now, but the State House of Assembly is constitutionally saddled with the final screening. We assure our people of Osun that we will do our job without favour, nothing but the interest of our state,” Owoeye remarked.

Consequently, all the thirty-five nominees were screened promptly and all of them were confirmed by the House of Assembly.

But before the confirmation of the Commissioners/Special Advisers designate, there were pockets of agitations from communities in the state against alleged marginalization by the governor.

But governor, Adegboyega Oyetola reassured the citizens of adequate representation in the administration, especially with regard to political appointments.

He said the administration was committed to ensuring that every local government of the state was fully represented in the management of the affairs of the state, saying apart from the list that was released then, there are many more appointments to be made and that those councils that may not have benefitted from the list of Commissioners and Advisers would certainly benefit from subsequent appointments that would be made.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Oyetola further said that the administration was committed to the welfare and general well-being of the people of the state as manifested in the myriads of social intervention programmes that the state has been embarking on in the last 10 months.

He appealed to the protesting citizens to remain calm as the government is committed to ensuring equal representation.

Having confirmed the list by the House of Assembly, a 4-day Executive Council Retreat for Commissioner and Special Adviser designates, was held.

It was at the end of the exercise that the governor announced the restructuring of twenty ministries which are: Finance; Economic Planning and Budget; Agriculture and Food Security; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Education; Health; Justice; Works and Transports; Information and Civic Orientation; Environment and Sanitation; Women and Children Affairs, and Water Resources.

Others are: Land, Physical Planning and urban Development; Special Duties and Regional Integration; Innovation, Science and Technolog; Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism; Youths and Sports; Rural Development and Community Affairs and Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.

Oyetola said the idea was to make the government more effective and efficient in the pursuit of the administration’s development agenda for the state.

He assured the nominees that he would give necessary support within the limits of the available resources to enable them perform, as the administration was determined to deliver “an Osun that would become a benchmark for many generations to come.”

He added that a performance charter would be handed to each of the nominees as a way of measuring their individual relevance in the cabinet.

“The only way to reciprocate the trust reposed in us is to go ahead and implement the Development Agenda conscientiously. As you know, great ideas are only relevant to the extent to which they are translated to concrete and measurable impact on the people.

“It would have been sheer waste of valuable time if all that have been produced here are not painstakingly applied in enhancing the quality of life of our beloved citizens.

“Your tasks have been carefully defined to enable you give full expression to your competence and contribution within the larger context of the Development Agenda. I count on you to write your name in gold through excellent service delivery.

The governor noted that there would be no ranking in the cabinet and that the idea of Commissioner and Special Adviser was merely for administrative convenience.

Earlier, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, said the essence of the retreat was to prepare the appointees for the task ahead in order to understand the nitty gritty of the government’s development agenda.

At the inauguration of the Commissioners/Special Advisers governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, admonished them to shun acts capable of undermining the corporate integrity of the administration and the state.

He said the administration has zero tolerance for corruption and opacity, warning that the government would not hesitate to wield the big stick where necessary on any official found wanting of public misconduct.

He warned them to do away with frivolities and work as one formidable and impenetrable team, bound together by the sole aim of delivering on the Developmental Agenda of the administration.

He called on them to see their appointments as clarion call to serve humanity and support the administration to uplift the state.

Speaking on behalf of the newly-inaugurated cabinet members, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, lauded the governor for the confidence reposed in them to serve the state.

She assured the governor and the entire people of the state of diligent service in their respective ministries.

Earlier, the governor announced portfolio for the new cabinet members as follows: Egbemode Funke Adenike, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation; Oyebamiji Bola, Commissioner for Finance; Yinusa Olalekan, Commissioner for Economy Planning and Budget; Kolajo Aderemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Economy Planning and Budget; Adewole Adedayo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; Ajisefini Abiodun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security; Adeleke Yekini Adedayo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Others are: Adeosun Adegboyega Rasaki, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; Oladoyin Olayinka Folorunso, Commissioner for Education; Isamotu Rafiu Olasunkanmi, Commissioner for Health; Olamiju Olasiji, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health; Akande Oluwafemi Jimoh, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Olanipekun Henry Olabode, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operative; Ogunfolaju Christiana Olusola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Industry and Co-operative; Omowaye Oluremi, Commissioner for Works and Transport; Olaniyan Hussein Toke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport; Agunbiade Nathaniel, Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning; Bakare- Akande, Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands and Physical Planning.

The rest are: Olawumi Jamiu Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education; Oladepo Solagbade Atanda, Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation; Oyegbile Rufus Adeyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation; Olaboopo Olubukola Rihanat, Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs; Babalola Idiat, Commissioner for Federal Matters; Badmus Olalekan Rahaman, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties; Lawal Azeez Olayemi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Olawale Babatunde Olumide, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology; Kareem Ismaeel Akande, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation, Science and Technology; Adebisi Obawale Simeon, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Lawal Tajudeen Olaniyi, Commissioner for Home Affairs; Tadese Amidu Raheem, Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy; Ibitoye Felix Adeniran, Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources and Energy; Oladimeji-Olanibi Adesegun Samson, Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs; Mumini Adekunle Rafiu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs; Giwa Lateefat Abiodun, Commissioner for Governor’s Office and Akeju Taiwo Sadrack, Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-governmental relations.

While observers have identified the putting of round pegs in right holes in the cabinet formation, others have queried the rationale for such a large-member cabinet in the face of paucity of funds.

It is difficult for anybody to fault the appointment of Mrs Funke Egbemode as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Oyebamiji Bola as Commissioner for Finance, Isamotu Rafiu Olasunkanmi as Commissioner for Health among others.

Yet, the seemingly proliferation of offices can be better explained by government otherwise it will appear as if it is a measure to find “job for the boys”.

While it is true that the support of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led to the victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the gubernatorial election, governor Oyetola may have to explain why he allowed SDP in his cabinet having said that he would not accommodate such for fear of loyalty and team work.

It is pertinent to note that the governor told his cabinet to hit the ground running and transform the state within the next two years.

read more : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/10/29/as-oyetola-moves-for-speedy-development-with-35-member-cabinet/

*Shehu Sani It’s Only Logical To Allow The South To Rule In 2023

*Shehu Sani warns North against holding onto to power beyond 2023

Northern political leaders have been warned to resist the temptation of holding on to the nation’s Presidency beyond 2023 as such political adventure would be a recipe for chaos and crisis capable of threatening the unity of the country.

Sounding the warning during an exclusive interview with The Nation in Abuja, Senator Shehu Sani said since President Muhammadu Buhari came to power with the support of the south and on the principle of rotation of power, it is only logical for the north to reciprocate the gesture by allowing the south to have the Presidency in 2023.

He said northern leaders who had been organising meetings to sell the idea of north holding on to power beyond 2023 should have a re-think and place the unity and interests of Nigeria above personnal interests.

Sani said: “The concept of rotation of power is simply to give every section of the country the opportunity and ability to feel that yes, we are equal stakeholders in the enterprise called Nigeria. If one part of the country now continue to dominate the political sphere, they can take the mantle of leadership, but they will not be able to have the peace to preside over the affairs of the country forever”.

” But my position on this is that President Muhammadu Buhari came to power with the support of the south. It would be logical enough that we understand the diversities of Nigeria, and the need to always balance our own personal interests and agenda with the need to sustain the unity, peace and orderliness of the country” Senator Sani who was a member of the 8th National Assembly from Kaduna Central Zone added.

Senator Sani further said: ” A lot of meetings are going on in the north today, and I can tell you that they are gaining traction. And part of the reasons for some of them who told me was that they believe that this government has served more people in the south than it has served people in the north.

“So that is the argument which many of them have given and you see sometimes words have life, if a prominent northerner who is well respected now averred that we are not going to respect the principle of rotation of power and the north will continue to have it forever, if you do not have a strong counter argument on that, it will settle in the minds of the people.

“So as far as I am concerned, there is the need for northern and southern leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and politicians need to come together and discuss Nigeria. Where do we head from here?

” Governance is such a serious business that you should not leave it to politicians alone to decide. I think it is ideal, for instance, what stops the leaders of Afenifere, and Ohaneze visiting Ango Abdullahi in his house in Zaria and discuss with him.

“What stops the leaders from the north moving to Chief E K Clark house in Abuja or down there in the south-south to discuss with him. These are issues that I believe we should resolve. But we should understand that if one part of the country is not prepared to rotate power to another part of the country, we are simply setting a road map to chaos and crisis in Nigeria”.

He said it is also possible for the south to lose out if political leaders from the region are not united and if the lack of coordination in the major political parties persist, warning that the northern political establishment could also take advantage of the unpreparedness of southern leaders to hold on to power beyond 2023.

Senator Sani advised President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul the nation’s security architecture by appointing new Service Chiefs to build on the foundations laid by the present ones, stressing that new ideas and initiatives would add the needed impetus to the fight against Boko Haram, kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in the country.

He said it is disheartening that governors are now negotiating with bandits for peace to reign in the north-west of the country, regretting that bandits and kidnappers have taken over scores of villages in Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states, with thousands of villagers migrating to cities and towns for safety.

He advised northern states governors to hold a regional security conference and develop a blue print that would be used to address the multi-faceted security challenges facing the region, saying time has come for them to borrow a leaf from South-east and south-west leaders who have responded to the security challenges in their regions with workable strategy.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to review the closure of borders considering the soaring prices of food items across the country, warning that the economy of the country should not be reduced to rice alone.

He said” the last time we heard about exporting yam to Europe, it became a failure, now it is about preserving rice. For goodness sake how would a country has no issue to discuss about order than rice.

“Agriculture should be about export of cash crops, agriculture should be about production of varieties of crops, agriculture should be about providing incentives to farmers, and if possible setting up state farms and connecting agriculture to industries”

Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/shehu-sani-warns-north-against-holding-onto-to-power-beyond-2023/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo - Hard work, integrity vital for success


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that talent, hard work, innovation, integrity and being trustworthy citizens are vital for success.

Eyes Of Lagos learnt that, Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement, said that the vice president gave this advice on Saturday in his convocation lecture at the 6th Convocation Ceremony of Baze University, Abuja.

The vice president told the graduands that they would be engaging the realities of life and the business of living by making a living thereafter.

“There are some timeless principles that have worked and continue to work through the years.

“Permit me to share one with you, the principle of trustworthiness or integrity; in my relatively modest experience in business, professional practice and, lately, politics, I have come to realize that trust or trustworthiness is fundamental to the success of practically everything you will do in life.

“In other words, if you can build your reputation in such a manner that you can win the trust of others, your bosses, co-workers, clients, business partners, you will be tremendously successful.

“Trust is the currency of successful business and social interaction. It is more valuable than money because it actually attracts money.’’

Osinbajo said that the story of the phenomenal growth of the university in just about a decade was worth repeating.

He said the institution began with 14 programmes in three Faculties, to 40 programmes in six Faculties, including Basic Medical Sciences, and a Teaching hospital, which was in view.

Osinbajo said that from structures covering a modest 3,000 square meters to 49,000 square meters, from 60 staff members to about 620 and from 17 Students to 1,500, Baze University had indeed recorded remarkable progress.

“While physical and numerical growth have been in leaps and bounds, so has been academic achievement, prolific research and the students of BAZE excelling in the market place and scholarships all over the world.

“But BAZE’s story is also the story of the tenacity, innovativeness, and commitment to education of its founder, visioner and Pro-Chancellor, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who in 2011, at the tender age of 41 years, established this university.

“His hard work and innovation continue to push this place of inquiry and learning to greater heights. I am, of course, especially partial to the University because your vice chancellor is a lawyer and as we all know lawyers make the best administrators!

“But it is to the distinguished scholars and teachers in the faculties of the university to which the growing academic reputation of this university is owed.

“And we cannot take that lightly; it is to you that the awesome responsibility of mediating the thoughts and ideas of this and the coming generations belong; we must applaud your immense successes in the journey so far,’’ he said.

The vice president congratulated the parents, families, guardians and sponsors and loved ones of the graduands.

read more : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/10/28/vice-president-yemi-osinbajo-hard-work-integrity-vital-for-success/

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed five fillings stations in Cross River for selling petrol above the government approved price of N145 per litre and other offences.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, DPR Operations Controller in Cross River, Mr Philip Awolu, disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar on Sunday.

The intensified surveillance across the state was led by Mr SirCham Musa-Mohammed, Head of Operations of DPR in Calabar.

Awolu said that the filling stations were sealed for cheating the public in violation of stipulated rules guiding operations in the petroleum sector.

“During the week, my officers visited 51 filling stations in Northern Cross River and out of that, 48 were active while 3 of them were not having petrol.

“Out of the 51 stations visited, five were sealed for selling above the pump price of N145 per litre, others closed for under dispensing and other offences,” he said.

The Operations Controller said that notices had been given to marketers who had not regularised their filling stations to do so and get their operating licenses or face sanctions.

“When we deployed our officials to the field, we sensitised the public on the need to have a licence before they can set up a filling station.

“As part of our activities, we hope that in a short while, all filing stations operating in the state would come forth and register for their operating license,” he added.

On distribution of the product from the Calabar depot, Awolu said that there was availability of the product that would serve the state pointing out that there was no need for panic buying.

“The only challenge we have is in the Northern part of the state because of the distance, that is why some of them are still selling above the pump price.

“We keep advising them not to sell above the pump price. We know their challenges; the distance from Calabar and the bad road.

“They are supposed to be part of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund sponsored by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of transportation fare of the petroleum product. As it stands, they are not part of that regime.

“From the side of government, we are thinking of making a report to the government to help them enjoy some subsidy in the transportation of the product to Northern Cross River,” he said.

Update On New Minimum Wage: NLC President, Wabba Speaks On Agreement With Buhari Govt
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/10/20/update-on-new-minimum-wage-nlc-president-wabba-speaks-on-agreement-with-buhari-govt/

The President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has described the agreement reached between labour unions and the Federal Government on the new minimum wage as a victory for Nigerian workers.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The federal government and the labour unions finally sorted out the issues of consequential adjustment for other categories of workers after three days of meeting which ended early today.
Under the agreement reached, the core civil servants on grade level 7 are to get (23.2 per cent) adjustment; grade level 8 (20 per cent); grade level 9 (19 per cent); grade levels 10 to14 (16 per cent); and grade levels 15 to 17, (14 per cent).
However, Wabba said the new salary structure would be beneficial to wokers in the public sector.
In a statement he personally signed, the NLC President also commended all workers and affiliate unions for their support, solidarity and unity of purpose all through the negotiations.
He said: “We want to thank all Nigerian workers and our affiliate unions for their support, solidarity and unity of purpose throughout the difficult negotiations. It is heartwarming that the process was eventually rewarding.
”We must say that, as always, we were disappointed by the antics of those whose interest lies elsewhere than the common goal of protecting and advancing the interest of ordinary Nigerian workers.
“We wish to emphasize that the hard-won salary adjustment will benefit all categories of workers including those in the military and para-military services. Apart from workers, the recent salary increase will also benefit ordinary citizens, especially those in the informal sector as the increase in the available disposable income of workers will translate into a stronger purchasing power for our people.
“This will however only be sustainable if traders and providers of essential services refrain from artificial inflation of the prices of goods and services. It makes more sense to sell more at a stable price than sell little or nothing at inflated prices. Certainly, we have learnt from our past mistakes that inflation of prices with adjustment in salaries is a roulette game in which the downtrodden masses are the victims.
“We also call on government to refrain from introducing counter-productive economic policies and decisions that would erode the recent wage gain achieved by workers. Any further increase in the prices of petroleum products, electricity tariff and personal income taxes would amount to collecting with the left hand what is given to workers with the right hand. The leadership of organized labour will resist such move.
”Arising from our successful negotiation with the Federal Government, it is expected that all employers of labour in the public sector must ensure that all the necessary formalities for a smooth implementation of the negotiated salaries based on the new national minimum wage are carried out with immediate effect.
”While commending state governments that have already commenced implementation of the new national minimum wage, we urge that the implementation should be a product of collective bargaining process in line with ILO Convention 98 on Organizing and Collective Bargaining.
”Furthermore, all employers of labour in the thirty-six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as the Organized Private Sector (OPS) are expected to complete the implementation process of the new national minimum wage and consequential wage adjustment forthwith.
”State Councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress are hereby directed to offer leadership and work harmoniously with the TUC and JNPSNC and all unions to ensure effective implementation of the new national minimum wage and the consequential salary adjustment that must be reached through a process of collective bargaining.”

The Nigeria Senate Passes Deep Offshore, Inland Basin PSC Bill
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/10/16/the-nigeria-senate-passes-deep-offshore-inland-basin-psc-bill/

As at yesterday , the Senate passed the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Oil Bill in addition to projected yearly revenue of $1.5billion.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Senate also raised the penalty for defaulters of this law from N20million fine or one year imprisonment to N500million fine or an option of five years imprisonment.

This is just as the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had transmitted a letter requesting the senate to consider and pass the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts amendment bill 2019 for him to add assent urgently.

The President’s letter coincided with the Senate consideration of the report of Senator Albert Akpan Bassey’s joint on upstream Petroleum Gas Finance and Judiciary, Human Rights and Justice Committee on the Bill for final passage.

According to Lawan, Buhari’s letter reads :”Pursuant to section 58 of constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby present the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts amendment bill 2019 for consideration and passage into law by the senate.

“This bill seems to reflect the current realities in the oil and gas sector as well as to secure increased revenue for the federal government to fund projected expenditure in the 2020 budget and subsequent budgets. While I hope that this bill will be expeditiously and favourable considered by the National Assembly.”

In his remark on Buhari’s request, Lawan said, “The bill that is conveyed in this letter of communication from the President has already received very expeditious consideration.

“We finish with the second reading, our committee; the joint committee on petroleum resources upstream, finance, judiciary and Gas have worked tirelessly and assiduously with the NNPC, Federal ministry of petroleum resources, with the DPR and of course that reflected the position of Government and we had an engagement yesterday which lasted from morning until about 8pm and we are taking the report of this committee this morning.

Recall that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah had on October 2 brought to the awareness of his colleagues at plenary through a motion on the loss of a whooping N7trillion to the nation’s economy through the multinational oil companies on the non-review of Production Sharing Contracts by the Joint Ventures Companies ( JVC).

Senator Ubah announced that the bill was co-sponsored by 27 other Senators, just as he informed the Senate that salient provisions of the contractual agreements between Nigeria and the affected oil firms, have not been adhered to by parties concerned which according to him, had bled the nation’s economy to the tune of $21billion, equivalent of N7trillion.

He said the N7trillion loss were revenues that supposed to have accrued into the federation account from shares Nigeria supposed to have gotten from the oil firms anytime oil price rises above $20 per barrel as provided for in section 16 of the Production Sharing Contract Oil .

Passing the bill titled : “ Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract ( Amendment) Bill 2019 “ for second reading Tuesday, the Senate introduced sections 17 and 18 into it for appropriate penalties against violation of section 16 of the Act

Kanu Foundation to set up heart centre in Abia
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/09/04/kanu-foundation-to-set-up-heart-centre-in-abia/

Nigerian ex-international footballer and former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo, has disclosed that his foundation, Kanu Heart Foundation, has entered into agreement with Indian doctors to set up a heart surgery centre in Abia State.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Nwankwo disclosed this when he was received by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at Government House, Umuahia, the state capital.

The football legend further disclosed that his foundation had successfully carried out 561 open heart surgeries since inception.

Responding, Ikpeazu lauded Nwankwo for sharing in his dream of making Abia a tourist centre through the instrumentality of his foundation.

Ikpeazu, who described Nwankwo as a man with raw talent, applauded him for being a good ambassador of the state who made Abia proud at the world level.

The governor urged Nwankwo to come up with a template for his grassroots sports development as to enable government partner his foundation in the project and announced the intentions of his administration to celebrate him next year.

Ikpeazu also noted that his administration had set up a kidney centre at the General Hospital, Amachara, promising to give the needed logistics support for the proposed heart surgery centre.

APCOM Tasks Newly Appointed Lagos State Commissioners, SAs On Grassroots Development
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/09/04/apcom-tasks-newly-appointed-lagos-state-commissioners-sas-on-grassroots-development/

The umbrella body of community journalists in Nigeria, the Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM), has tasked the newly appointed executive committee of the Lagos State Government with undertaking initiatives tailored towards grassroots development.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The association also charged the newly appointed officials with delivering high quality performance in the discharge of their duties to achieve meaningful impact in the lives of all Lagosians.

APCOM congratulated the officials, stating that their appointments were in recognition of their stellar contributions to community development and growth over the years.

In a statement released by the Association, the President and Publisher of Today Community Newspapers, Mr. Dayo Akintobi said: “We congratulate all the newly-appointed members of the Lagos State Cabinet, with particular emphasis on the Ministries of Information & Strategy as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, both of which APCOM collaborates with in serving the interests of information dissemination and community development in Lagos State.

“We are proud of the appointments as they are well-deserved considering the exemplary backgrounds of the appointees to these two ministries in information dissemination and community advocacy.

Akintobi added that the officials must show commitment to serving the people diligently, professionally, ethically, and truthfully.

Furthermore, the association stressed its own commitment to supporting the government in achieving its target of elevating Lagos State into Africa’s third-largest economy by 2020.

“We consider it critical that in alignment with APCOM’s objectives of promoting community growth and development, the association will continue to propagate the ideals of government as well as publicize its activities, strategies, and initiatives to the citizens of the great State of Lagos,” the statement concluded.

U.S. Allocates Fresh $75 Million To Fight HIV/AIDS In Nigeria
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/21/u-s-allocates-fresh-75-million-to-fight-hiv-aids-in-nigeria/

The United State government has allocated an additional $75 million for HIV control activities in Nigeria, with about $25 million allocated for the Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) surge activities.

Ambassador Stuart Symington who disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the U.S delegation to Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike at Government House, Port-Harcourt, said People Living with HIV (PLHIV) globally require appropriate medical treatment in order to live a normal and healthy life.

To that effect, Symington said the U.S. delegation was in Rivers state to advocate for elimination of user-fees for all people living with HIV, antenatal care charges for pregnant women living with the virus, and other barriers hindering PLHIV from accessing health services.

The Ambassador noted that disbursement of the additional PEPFAR HIV funds are contingent upon Nigerian federal and state governments reducing or eliminating financial barriers to PLHIV access to services, in particular fees charged by healthcare facilities for non-essential services or those already provided by PEPFAR.

“The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) administered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is implementing an ART surge program in Rivers state to identify and provide treatment to approximately 180,000 PLHIV who have not previously received such,” he added.

Eyes Of Lagos reports gathered that, He assured that the United States remains committed to supporting Nigeria as it works to reduce and ultimately eliminate the scourge of HIV/AIDS among its people, adding that the increased funding to make anti-retrovirals available would enable more people living with HIV to lead healthy, productive lives until the day a cure for the virus is found.

The Ambassador while commending Governor Wike’s pronouncement to eliminate user fees, said such pronouncement should serve as an example to other states and the federal government.

INEC Commences Plan, Pledges To Improve Electoral System In 2023
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/20/inec-commences-plan-pledges-to-improve-electoral-system-in-2023/

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the commission has commenced plan for the 2023 general elections with the ongoing series of review of 2019 general elections.

Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday at the 2019 Post Election Review Meeting With Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Ikeja, Lagos, said the commission was determined to improving the electoral process.

“You would recall that we promised to undertake a comprehensive review of the 2019 general elections internally by way of self-appraisal and externally through wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders.

“In the last one and half months, we had 11 meetings in Abuja and Lagos, on the 2019 general elections. Today’s interaction with the Residents Electoral Commissioners is the 12th meeting so far.

“At the end of these series of meetings and consultations, we are convinced that the commission will learn vital lessons on the conduct of general elections – successes, challenges and the way forward.

“We consider these necessary because as a commission, we are committed to the improvement of the nation’s electoral process.

“We are convinced that immediately after the conclusion of one election, planning for the next election should quickly be in earnest. This is precisely what we are doing in this series of engagement,” Yakubu said.

He said that the commission was confident and had high hope that the RECs just like the other stakeholders would also rise to the occasion.

According to him, the first meeting in the series was held in Abuja with RECs, commission’s officials, all electoral officers in the 774 LGAs, leaders of political parties, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies among others.

The INEC chairman added that since July 8 in Lagos, the commission had met with the media, exclusively the line editors, editors and producers as well as collation and returning officers in its bid to improving electoral process.

“We have met the Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities who served as state collation officers for the Presidential Election and returning officers in the governorship elections as well as some senior academic who served as returning officers in some constituencies.

“We have met with all our administrative secretaries from all the state of the federations and FCT and the last meeting yesterday, we heard from the 20 departments and directorates in the commission’s headquarters in Abuja,” he said.

In his welcome address, Mr Sam Olumekun, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, said that the conduct of 2019 elections would not be complete until the review of the exercise to chat the way forward.

“The 2019 general elections, in my opinion, have been successful and the efforts and the determination of the commission must be commended even though there may be critical issues which call for consideration and review for better performances in the future,” Olumekun said.

According to him, the political class have not helped matters in elections through their desperation and do-or-die attitude.

He added that holding collation or returning officers hostage to declare results under duress remained a repugnant and a discredit to the integrity of elections.

In his address, Dr Mustapha Lecky, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Planning, Monitoring and Strategy Committee (PMSC), said that the review of the policies and programmes of the last elections would serve as road map for Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections and 2023 general elections.

Lecky said: “This process is essentially a SWOT-analysis; involving identification of our strengths, performances, weaknesses or lapses, opportunities missed or taken.

“Also to analyse impediments, bottlenecks or threats uncovered across all the processes before, during and fallout since the conduct of the 2019 general elections.”

In her goodwill message, Ms Monica Frassoni, President, European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) said the centre considered it a privilege to be part of the review as well as giving assistance to INEC and electoral system in Nigeria.

Frassoni said: “2023 seems far way but it is not. During the discussions we have had over these days, we see that the task you have is difficult but achievable and is absolutely exciting and we are so glad to support you in these endeavours.”

The ECES president urged INEC to consider inclusion as the commission prepares for future elections, saying such would improve electoral process.

“This starts from taking time to listen and to interact,” she said.

Eyes Of Lagos report that the review meetings had in attendance RECs, National Commissioners, and Administrative Secretaries of the commission among others.

UNILAG, LASU Grounded As Varsity Workers Commence Strike
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/19/unilag-lasu-grounded-as-varsity-workers-commence-strike/

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) have commenced a five-day industrial action.

Eyes Of Lagos reports that members in the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, among others complied on Monday.

The directive by the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU was issued to all branch chairmen of the unions across the country on Friday.

It explained that the action was as a result of the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government.

The workers accused the government of failing to show firm commitment towards resolving the issues raised by the unions, including the payment of earned allowances to members.

Others are the status of the university staff schools’ matter and the renegotiation of 2009 Agreements

Gov Akeredolu’s Wife Trains 1,000 Girls In ICT, Solar Energy
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/13/gov-akeredolus-wife-trains-1000-girls-in-ict-solar-energy/

Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, says she has trained over one thousand girls in ICT, solar renewal energy and other skill acquisitions since inception of the Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration.

Akeredolu made this known on Monday at the opening of a training programme tagged: “Bemore Summer Bootcamp for Girls in Naija” held in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government area of the state.

Eyes Of Lagos reports that the programme, which will end on Aug. 24, is the initiative of the governor’s wife.

It is aimed at training girls in various skills during the holiday.

The skills include: solar energy, ICT, Taekwondo, soap making and make-up, among others.

She said that the programme had changed the narrative of the girl-child to facilitate a world that would unleash the potential of the girls rather than regimenting them.

“We are here today to train another set of girls who will join their compatriots already on the battle field fighting for the cause of women, showing to the world that women can be more than what the society says they are.

“I am sure that after this training, my girls will stand for themselves; they will never put their dependence on any man.

“They will walk shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand with the male folk to achieve a prosperous society for us all.

“The duty is for persons of both genders to create a society that is free of violence, free from atrocities and from all forms of intimidation and harassment.

“A society that must grow and be sustained is a society that does not discriminate by any means, especially gender,” Akeredolu said.

The governor’s wife said that the training would also afford the girls the opportunity to be trained on taekwondo so as to enable them to provide self-defence when there was any issue of rape, by any means.

She expressed her displeasure over the rising cases of rape in the state in recent time, and urged victims to fight for their rights and never keep quiet anytime it occurred.

In his remarks, Mr Gbenga Edema, Chairman, Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), described the governor’s wife as a nation builder.

Edema said that she had helped many girls to build their careers by catching them young in technology.

He said that the programme had afforded thousands of girls in the state the opportunity to develop solar for both commercial and domestic use.

Also, the Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede, commended the governor’s wife for introducing the girls to technology that would help them develop the nation.

Agbede said that the state was fortunate enough to have Akeredolu, assuring her that traditional rulers were solidly behind the present administration in state.

Nigerians Spend N730bn On Sports Betting Annually
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/13/nigerians-spend-n730bn-on-sports-betting-annually/

Nigerians spend over 730 billion Naira annually on sports betting and at least two billion naira is generated daily, recent research data shows.

Data also revealed that over 60 million Nigerian punters spend over 3, 000 naira daily placing bet stakes. At least there are 50 betting sites in Nigeria with the number growing annually.

Respondents, who spoke with the Eyes Of Lagos , said they placed bets to generate quick and easy income, and turn their passion for football into cash.

28-year-old Fashion designer, Segun Mukoro who bets at least once weekly said that it was the fastest way to double his income and although he might lose sometimes, the wins come big.

He said, “Yes I bet and I do so weekly, especially when there is a league playing. When you have been betting for long, it’s easier to know what odds to play and what teams to bet on.

“It is a guessing game and you get better with time. I know that it is addictive but I see it as an investment, a way to double my income,” Mukoro said.

Similarly, 23-year-old Eronini Kolapo explained that he used betting to augment his allowance as a student. He narrated that he started for fun, at first but soon built a network from it.

Kolapo’s almost-perfect predictions made him a leader of his sport betting ring where his peers pay him extra to place ‘sure’ bets for them.

His model is not strange as website and online channels where predictions are sold to help punters maximise betting stakes, populate social media.

However, there are tons of fraudulent platforms.

30-year-old Noble Obioria sold his agro-business and combined the proceeds with his savings to purchase predictions from a fraudulent channel that swindled him.

He spent almost one million naira trying to place a ‘sure’ stake with hope of making over ten million naira in return.

He told Eyes Of Lagos that losing all his money helped him realise how addicted he was to betting and how much he had given to the greed and dissatisfaction that came with regular betting.

Obioria also agreed with respondents who said that the presence of betting sites and platforms online made it too easy and fuelled the desire to place stakes.

Research statistics show that over 14 million bet stakes and payments are made over the internet every day. This, however, does not affect the rate of teeming punters at offline, physical shops.

A betting shop attendant, Niyi Adejujagbe said that he gets at least 500 stakes placed in his shop daily, adding that he has a crowd of punters as early as 9 am.

He said, “People place bets here every day. They still use shops very well because some don’t know how to use the websites and other people like to see their paper bet slips.”

Eyes Of Lagos reports that in five betting shops visited, there were only two women placing bets each a part of two male-dominated groups.

Jennifer Olisa said she enjoyed the process as she loved football and wanted to make money from it.

On the low participation of women in betting, she said women try to be more careful, especially with money.

She added that she took the risks to bet as her prediction most times, worked. However, she gets help from her male friends who had been betting for longer.

A psychologist, Dr Aimua Cole said that betting and gambling had high tendency to lead to depression in addicts, adding that it takes a toll on victim’s mental health.

She said, “Gambling addiction could lead to other serious effects, including loss of jobs, failed relationships, and severe debt.

“Problem gambling is often associated with mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.”

She also decried the high advertising rates of betting sites glamourized the habit, leading more young people to indulge in the addictive act.

Eyes Of Lagos also reports that leading betting platform Bet9ja took its advertising a notch higher by sponsoring the ongoing Big Brother Naija reality show.

This fourth season tagged ‘Pepper Dem’ designs games where housemates win Bet9ja coins with which they can purchase favours.

Meanwhile, outside the house, fans are encouraged to place bets using the links of the 25 housemates that were introduced into the show to support their favourite housemates.

Elise Claire Cosmetics Is Finally In Nigeria: How To Get Yours
https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/09/elise-claire-cosmetics-is-finally-in-nigeria-how-to-get-yours/


What people don’t realize is that there are lots of international brands available in Nigeria.Either the brand themselves have come to setup in Nigeria as Franchise, or they have partnered with Official Distributors. Elise Claire Cosmetics are amongst the best in Nigeria today. The company equally has strong international presence.It’s widely regarded as one of the world’s leading professional makeup and skincare authority because of their undoubtedly real and original expertise in makeup BEAUTY INDUSTRY. It’s a company established to honor everyone, irrespective of your skin, shade or color. They use their expertise to accentuate ladies’ beauties and make them even more adorable than ever before. They have their creed as “All Peers, All Colors, All Humanities”, and this can be true of how much they appreciate people and their individuality.Elise Claire Cosmetics sell a number of cosmetics and skincare products such as eyeshadow, illuminator, highlighter, setting spray, matte liquid lipstick, lipgloss, lipshine, bronzer, brush sanitizer, moisturizer, eyelashes, professional brush set, shower gel, body wash, skin milk, face toner, glow oil, scrub, makeup remover, enhance black soap and lots more. Do you need to buy Elise Claire Cosmetics in Nigeria? This write up will open your eyes on how to buy yours without any delay whatsoever.
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You do not need to travel out of the country in order to buy yours; you can now visit their store in Nigeria or order online on their website eliseclairecosmetics.com/ng/ and you will be surprised at the huge number of Elise Claire Cosmetics and Skincare available on sale. I have heard a lot of people who visited the Elise Claire Cosmetics store to purchase products say “oh finally Elise Claire is finally here in Nigeria, Thank God“ or “oh finally Elise Claire is here, God bless you guys” and my heart just warms, because I remember how hard it was getting the real Elise Claire Cosmetics products here.

Osun Offers Free Train Ride For Eid-El-Kabir
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/07/osun-offers-free-train-ride-for-eid-el-kabir/

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved free train ride for its citizens living in Lagos and environs to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-kabir celebration.

The government said the gesture is in continuation of its practice during festive periods.

The government said those travelling from towns on the route between Lagos State and Osun State would also benefit from the free trip.

A statement from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Adeniyi Adesina said the free train transportation will convey holiday makers from Iddo Terminus of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Lagos to Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

The schedule of movement indicates that the train will depart the Iddo Terminus in Lagos by 10am on Friday, August 9 and will be expected to arrive at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Train Station in Osogbo by 6pm of the same day.

According to him, for the return journey, the train will depart the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Train Station in Osogbo at 10am on Tuesday, August 13, and arrive at the Iddo Terminus in Lagos by 6pm, of the same day.

Since assumption of office about eight months ago, the administration of Governor Oyetola has been providing free train services during festive periods to meet the needs of the people of the state who might not be able to afford the cost of transportation during festive periods.

The scheme is part of the social intervention programmes of the administration, aimed at providing succour for its citizens, with a view to saving them from untold hardship and stress they normally undergo during festive periods.

The government had extended similar gestures during the 2018 Christmas and New Year celebration; also during 2019 Eid-el-fitr as well as during the 2019 Easter celebration.

Thousands of Osun citizens have benefitted from the free train movement since it was initiated by Osun State government in 2011

Federal Government Fishes Out 24,000 Ghost Penioners
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/07/federal-government-fishes-out-24000-ghost-penioners/

The Pension Transitional Directorate (PTAD) yesterday said the federal government spent over N5 billion on payment of monthly pension to about 300,000 retirees of 270 parastatals and government privatised agencies.

The directorate also dropped 24,000 ghost pensioners from the pension pay roll at the end of its verification exercise conducted in 2017.

Eyes Of Lagos learnt that, PTAD’s executive secretary, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the ongoing fourth phase of Pensioner Verification exercise in Maiduguri.

Ikeazor disclosed that the amount was spent on payment of pension monthly to retirees in the 270 agencies under its supervision.

She said the directorate also uncovered fraudulent activities by families of some deceased retirees, who continued to withdraw monies from their accounts without notifying the agency over their demise.

Ikeazor noted that prelude to the verification exercise, the agency received several notifications over the death of retirees, who died since 2012 and their pensions were still running.

The secretary lamented that the trend caused great loss to government and pledged to check the problem through the verification exercise.

“The verification gives us greater accountability to know we are paying the right pensioners. At the end of the exercise, pensioners could verify themselves from the comfort of their homes that they are still alive so that we stop payment to the deceased without denying rightful pensioners their monies because of the unscrupulous ones.

“Let the Next of Kin (NoK) of the deceased put in their death claims and we will pay them instead of defrauding government of monthly pension,” she said.

Ikeazor explained that the verification exercise was designed to address anomalies and complaints, to ensure accurate, reliable and transparency in pension administration.

She added that the agency was collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), security agencies and pension unions, to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise.

According to her, the verification exercise is designed to capture retirees in 270 agencies including universities; tertiary education and health institutions as well as Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Other agencies included Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Nigeria Postal Service (NPS), Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Nigerian National Shipping Line and Assurance Bank, among others.

Policeman Seriously Disgraced For Refusing To Pay Sex Worker
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/06/policeman-seriously-disgraced-for-refusing-to-pay-sex-worker/

There was mild drama around the Dangote Refinery, Idasho, Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos as a sex worker attempted to disgrace a Mobile Police officer for refusing to pay for her service.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that the Mobile Police officer, believed to have been attached to provide security for workers at the Refinery site, reportedly sought the services of the sex worker and they agreed on N7,000 for an all-night romp.

Trouble started on Sunday morning, August 4, 2019, when the middle-aged sex worker demanded for her money. The Mobile Police officer reportedly was only able to offer her N1,000, which the lady used to pay for her cabin room. Irked by the response of the officer, the sex worker held him until she drew the attention of passers-by.

When asked what transpired between them, the sex worker explained what they had agreed on before the romp. At that point, the people that had gathered insisted that he should pay the lady the agreed fee. He remained adamant until they seized his torchlight and cap while asking him to respect his age and the uniform he had on him.

After haggling for a while, he eventually brought out N4,000 and handed over to the lady when he noticed that people were taking shots with their mobile phones. He then left the scene amidst boos and jeers from the people that had gathered to know what happened.

2023 Date For Change Of Baton – VON DG
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/06/2023-date-for-change-of-baton-von-dg/

Director general of Voice of Nigeria (DG), Osita Okechukwu has declared that 2023 is the date Nigerians are waiting to produce President of Igbo extraction.

He spoke while reacting to the call for nationwide protest by Global Coalition for Security and Democracy (GCSD) led by Omoyele Sowore, and the poor response to the call for protest in Enugu.

Okechukwu, who is also a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke after holding a meeting with WAWA Farmers Association.

“Methinks our people are aware that 2023 is the date we are waiting to elect Nigerian president of Igbo extraction. That’s why they didn’t participate in the protest. All one hears from the people one discussed with in the meeting with WAWA Farmers Association was their anger over incessant killings like that of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu. Instead of protest, they are urging Mr President to overhaul the security architecture and upgrade the security infrastructure. They cried that insecurity is hampering their farming activities,” Mr Okechukwu stated.

Asked why he thinks his people consider 2023 more important than the dire insecurity in the land, he said, “They know that in democracy, street protest will neither alter the crisis on the ground nor provide solution in the short run; for gains made in democracy throughout the world history were evolutionary and incremental not revolution now.”

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Okechukwu added that “Nigerian president of Igbo extraction is our goal, which street protest will not enhance. We are in constitutional democracy, no matter the challenges, it is better to adhere to the cycle of elections provided in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”

On Sowore’s detention, Mr Okechukwu said,

“I appeal for his release, on compassionate ground, for with time Sowore will come to terms that the huge gains democracy made in United States of America and in particular New York, where he resides were made incrementally over the years via periodic and cyclic elections not via revolution.”

Nigerian Taxify driver shot dead in South Africa
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/05/nigerian-taxify-driver-shot-dead-in-south-africa/


The Nigerian union in South Africa (NUSA) on Sunday confirmed the untimely death of Benjamin Okoronkwo, a 43-year-old Taxify driver, in Johannesburg.
Okoronkwo hails from Okposi, Ohaozara local government area in Ebonyi state.
According to a statement issued by Ikele Odefa, the union’s assistant national publicity secretary, the deceased was shot dead by unknown assailants at about 3am on August 3, in his car.
Eyes Of Lagos reports that NUSA has visited the scene of the ugly incident and subsequently opened a case of murder at Mofartview police station in Johannesburg south cluster.
Odefa said the deceased is survived by two children and a wife.
He said the union was calling yet again on law enforcement to investigate his murder and whoever was involved should be prosecuted.
The death toll of Nigerians killed in South Africa has continued to rise, with more than 120 lives lost since 2016.

ADSN Decries Gang Rape Of Female Student
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/05/adsn-decries-gang-rape-of-female-student/

Amid condemnation over the gang raping of a 300 level female student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba (AAUA), Ondo State, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) has described the act as animalistic, crude and un-godly.

Members of the society made their stand on the development at a meeting held at Arigidi Akoko Area of the state.

It would be recalled that some military personnel at a check point along Akungba-Ikare few days ago, gang raped the female student.

The society Akoko divisional council condemned the act and described it as very animalistic, crude and very ungodly.

The duo of Alhaji Saliu Owolabi and Alban Alimi Maliki both state and divisional chairmen of the society called on the military to use its disciplinary machinery to deal with culprits.

They said this would serve as a deterrent to others who have no respect for female minors and womanhood at large.

Also, An Anglican cleric, Rev. Cannon Isaac Awowole noted that government was doing much to sensitise people against rape.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, He particularly identified the recent state-wide sensitization by the wife of Ondo State governor, Mrs. Betty Anyawu Akeredolu where she condemned in strong terms the act of raping.

Awowole expressed his sympathy to the victim and urged government to make sure thorough investigation was conducted while culprits should not go unpunished.

Senator Omo-Agege urges oil firms to relocate headquarters to Niger Delta
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/04/senator-omo-agege-urges-oil-firms-to-relocate-headquarters-to-niger-delta/

Deputy President of the Senate Ovie Omo-Agege has urged oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to relocate their headquarters to the region.

Mr Yomi Odunuga, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said that Omo-Agege made the call in his hometown, Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta.

Omo-Agege said that there was need for oil companies that left the region to return, given the prevailing peace and accelerating development in the region.

He reiterated his concern about the alleged plot to move the headquarters of the Nigerian Gas Company Ltd. in Ekpan-Warri to Abuja.

He said that the relocation of the headquarters of oil multinational companies to the Niger Delta would speed up the development of the area, create job opportunities for youths and reinforce the atmosphere of peace in the region.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, He said, “I’m sure the message has been sent that they cannot move, they must remain.”

Speaking on the cleared ministerial nominees, Omo-Agege, said that the 43 nominees had passed through security screening before their names were sent to the Senate.

He expressed support for ongoing moves towards total reconciliation within All Progressives Congress.

Customs Seizes N458m Fake Drug, Foreign Rice In Ogun, Lagos
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/04/customs-seizes-n458m-fake-drug-foreign-rice-in-ogun-lagos/

The federal operations unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, yesterday paraded 1200 pieces of compressed Indian hemp worth N12million intercepted from suspected smugglers.


Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The unit also said it intercepted 1,239 cartons of fake viagra, sexual enhancements drugs with N409million and smuggled foreign parboiled rice worth N36.4million along the border.

FOU, is an anti-smuggling unit of the service in the South-Western part of the country and is saddled with the responsibility of serving as the last layer for smuggled or under-declared cargoes at the seaports or land borders.

However, taking journalists round the seizures yesterday, the Customs Area Controller of the unit, Compt. Mohammed Aliyu said the cargoes were intercepted on the highway. Speaking further, he said 2751 bags of rice worth N36.4million and 147 pieces of used tyres worth N1.02million were also intercepted by the unit.

He said, “the duty paid value of interceptions were N458million and we will not relent our effort until smuggling is suppressed to the barest minimum in the south west”.

“You can see, I told you the last time we came for the conference that smuggling will be suppressed because my officers are on their trail, anywhere they hide we shall get to them.”

It would be recalled that last week, the unit intercepted contrabands such as vehicles, pharmaceuticals and foreign parboiled rice worth N1.2billion from smugglers. The seizures include six vehicles namely, Toyota Tacoma, 2 Lexus ES350, 2 Toyota Highlander and Toyota Hilux with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N242million were intercepted.

Others are 541 cartons of Original chest and lung tablets; 211 cartons of Analgin Injection; 238 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac; 158 cartons of Double actions Labimol Diclogenac potassium capsules.

Also intercepted are 1698 cartons of Powermantlets, 671 kg of pangolin scales and 5, 226 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice all with Duty Paid Value of N1.01billion. He said, “Within a week, because of the motivations we just got which made some impact, we have intercepted six cars worth over N242million at various border points and various car mart.”

“The vehicles are Toyota Tacoma worth N47.8million, Lexus ES 350 at N16.5million, Toyota Highlander worth N47.5million and another Lexus ES RX 350L at N34million. Other vehicles are Toyota Hilux with Duty Paid value of N41.6million and Toyota Highlander at N54.5million.”

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18 Lekki toll collectors handed over to police


The Lekki Concession Company Limited has handed over 18 toll collectors, suspected to have defrauded it of huge sums of money, to the police for investigation.

The Managing Director, LCC, Mr Mubashiru Hassan, who made this known in a statement on Wednesday, said the affected employees took advantage of the operational hitches, which occurred in January, to perpetrate some sharp practices at the Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza in Lekki, Lagos.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to him, following the resolution of the hitches in June, the operations department carried out an audit and discovered some anomalies in transactions, such as the abuse of the transaction unblock key and non-adherence to vehicle processing procedures, including the receipt of money from customers without processing the vehicles and non-issuance of toll receipts to customers after receiving payment.

“Other offences were sabotage of toll equipment; non-adherence to the controls and operating procedures, including the use of personal phones in the booths; processing of vehicles on another person’s profile; and recording and accounting for low traffic numbers during peak periods,” the statement said.

Hassan was quoted as saying that consequent upon the discovery, the affected workers were queried and a disciplinary committee was set up to look into the matter.

He stated, “Out of the 56 suspected staff members, six were exonerated and 18 were indicted in the first batch and handed over to the police on July 11, 2019, for further investigation, while the remaining 32 are still undergoing internal questioning before decisive action will be taken against them in line with the disciplinary policies of the company.

“The LCC management will never tolerate any fraudulent act and will handle such behaviour decisively.”

He described the affected workers as unrepentant as “they have not seen what they have done as a criminal offence.”

“Instead, they have gone on the social media to malign the competence and character of the management staff, especially the managing director and managers in the operations department, who investigated and unravelled the fraudulent act,” Hassan stated.

source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/01/18-lekki-toll-collectors-handed-over-to-police/

MTN board: Stakeholders commend Ernest Ndukwe’s appointment as chairman
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/01/mtn-board-stakeholders-commend-ernest-ndukwes-appointment-as-chairman/

Stakeholders in the telecom industry have commended the emergence of seasoned telecommunications technocrat Mr. Ernest Ndukwe has the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MTN Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its President, Patrick Ajudua, the New Dimension Shareholders Association stated, “The appointment is a welcome development because Ndukwe is tested and well experienced in the industry.” The Association expressed optimism that the new MTN Board headed by Ndukwe will ensure transparency, compliance with corporate governance, and value addition to the shareholders.”

In a similar vein, the President Proactive Shareholders Association, Taiwo Oderinde, urged the new board to shun any corporate governance lapses capable of dragging the image of the firm through the mud.

Eyes Of Lagos report that, He noted, “The new Chairman, Dr. Ndukwe, is a man with a wealth of experience and connections in the telecommunications sector. As a one-time head of NCC, I believe with the support of other members of the board, he will bring this to bear in his new responsibility. I congratulate him and he should not let the shareholders and other stakeholders down.”

Ndukwe, a former Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is fondly called Mr. Telecoms for his vast experience and rich contributions to the growth of telecommunications industry over the years. A highly respected telecommunications professional, Dr Ndukwe’s career has gone full circle, starting from the private sector as the Managing Director of a notable telecommunications company, he moved into government service at the helm of the industry regulatory agency as EVC of NCC and back to the private sector and now Chairman of Nigeria’s largest operating company MTN.

Cerebral and a hands on manager, Ndukwe was an adjunct faculty at the Pan Atlantic University/Lagos Business School and also a Director of the School’s Infrastructure Center. His passion for human capacity development in the industry led to the birth of the Digital Bridge Institute, an international centre for telecommunications and information technology studies, during his tour of duty as EVC of NCC.

Man Bites Woman’s Breast During Fight In Asaba


A 22-year-old man, Precious Michael, who allegedly bit a woman on her breast, on Wednesday appeared in a Magistrates’ Court in Asaba, Delta.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The police charged Michael with assault and causing grievous hurt.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mrs Blessing Okafor , told the court that Michael assaulted Miss Ella Ibeawzie, near the Royal park Hotel, Asaba.

Okafor alleged that the defendant bit Ibeawzie on her breast and also knocked out her tooth during an altercation.

She alleged that the defendant also tore Ibeawzie’s dress, valued at N4,000.

The offence, she said, is punishable under sections 355 and 451 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol 1 laws of Delta state of Nigeria 2006.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Edith Anumodu admitted the defendant to bail i the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

Anumodu ordered that the surety must provide an affidavit of mean.

She adjourned the case until Aug. 20 for definite hearing.

Source ; https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/01/man-bites-womans-breast-during-fight-in-asaba/

Photo is for illustration

Senator Abbo After Beating Up Nursing Mother, Receives Award Of Excellence
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/07/28/senator-abbo-after-beating-up-nursing-mother-receives-award-of-excellence/

The Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial Zone, Sen. Elisha Abbo has received an award of excellence from members of inter-community awareness for change and development initiative in his office in Abuja.

The lawmaker, who made headlines recently for assaulting a nursing mother in a intimacy gadget shop in Abuja, assured that he is committed to serving humanity, using his office as a distinguished senator of the federal republic of Nigeria.

The Senator thanked the group for finding him worthy of such a prestigious “ICON of Democracy” Awards.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to the lawmaker, his pending case of assault won’t deter him from providing dividends of democracy to his constituents and Nigerians in general.

New Music : Yhemmie ransome X Chinko Ekun X Danny S – Mafhor
download source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/07/09/new-music-yhemmie-ransome-x-chinko-ekun-x-danny-s-mafhor/

Another banger from Yhemmie Ransome as he comes through with another new smashing single titled “mafhor featuring Chinko Ekun , the able God crooner and Danny S aka Mr waka jeje
Yhemmie Ransome popularly known as Ransome was born 2nd of May in Ekiti State. So he decided to drop this single titled mafhor. this is a sure hit banger for the street as the slang has gone viral. Mafhor is produced by Tony Y mixed and mastered by Aje . It serves as a follow up to “Las Las “
Listen and Enjoy!

Naira Marley still in ikoyi prison and he will be out today - management
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/ByHnO4LFPVA/?igshid=1dezdnveiykta

The inauguration ceremony of Lagos state governor Mr Olusola Babajide Sanwoolu and his deputy Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos

Source : spotlight Africa mag

Source : https://www.instagram.com/p/ByFdtUXlOLD/?igshid=xgcskdzll3qe

For more pics Visit : www.instagram.com/spotlightafricamag1

Federal Government Targets 20m Jobs As PMB Signs 2019 Budget
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/05/29/federal-government-targets-20m-jobs-as-pmb-signs-2019-budget/


The federal government has unveiled strategies to create 20 million jobs from agriculture, construction, transport and the services sectors in the next four years. The minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enalemah, presented them yesterday in Abuja at a programme organised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to interface with stakeholders on strategies for Job creation by the federal government. Enalemeh spoke as President Muhhammadu Buhari signed into law the 2019 Appropriation Bill which was passed by the National Assembly (NASS) last month. Represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr. Edet Akpan, the minister said that his ministry had charged ITF to come up with revolutionary multi-faceted job wealth creation strategies that would provide a lasting solution to unemployment in the country. Eyes Of Lagos report that, The minister, who said that the ITF has delivered on the assignment, added that the ITF report has provided an opportunity for the government to chart a roadmap for the engagement of Nigerians in the identified sectors. He said: “I need not remind you that as you brainstorm and articulate ideas using your various professional experiences, technical capacity and ingenuity, you are also expected to proffer innovative and pragmatic solutions that will pave the way for job creation leading to growth and development of the nation’s economy through entrepreneurship and increase Growth Domestic Product (GDP).” In his presentation, the director-general of ITF, Mr Joseph Ari, said that despite the government’s social investment programmes to get Nigerians engaged such as the N-Power Initiative, TraderMoni, Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSF) among other numerous skills acquisition programmes being implemented by agencies like the ITF, unemployment still remains a teething challenge. Citing the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report of the fourth quarter of 2017 to the third quarter of 2018, Ari lamented that the total number of Nigerians that were unemployed increased from 17.6 million in fourth quarter of 2017 to 20.9million in third quarter of 2018. He said that this was despite the fact that the number of people in employment increased from 68.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 to 68.72 million in the third quarter of 2016. The figure rose to 69.09 million in the third quarter of 2017, and 69.53 million in the third quarter of 2018. “What the report indicated is that, although government efforts to create jobs may be having an impact, the number of unemployed is still rising,” he explained Ari said that Nigerian tertiary institutions of learning produce up to 500,000 graduates every year with only a fraction able to secure employment. “These are statistics that should bother any Nigerian,” he added. According to him, ITF has equipped over 450,000 Nigerians with skills and empowered all the beneficiaries with start-up packs within the last two years, and over 80 per cent of them were doing well. “The question that comes to mind is this: why the continued rise in the number of the unemployment figures despite these efforts. The answer to this is simple: Government, as seen in societies that have reduced unemployment to single digit figures, cannot do it alone. Indeed, in all societies that unemployment is single digit, they relied on sectors other than the government,” he explained. Ari, therefore, urged the stakeholders to contribute ideas on how the ITF report can be improved upon and also look at areas they would assist the government either through funding or by technical assistance. While assenting to the budget bill, President Buhari expressed reservations on its implementation due to what he described as some adjustments by NASS. He said that regardless of his signing of the document into law, he would take up the issue with the 9th National Assembly when it is inaugurated. The President had submitted a budget of N8.83trillion but the lawmakers jerked it up to N8.92trillion. Buhari recalled that some weeks ago, the National Assembly passed the 2019 Appropriation Bill which he signed into law yesterday, adding that “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of the National Assembly and indeed all the distinguished senators and honourable members for all the hard work they put in to get us here. “You will all recall that in December 2018 I presented our 2019 budget proposal with the theme: ‘Budget of Continuity’. Our goal was to use this budget to move the economy further on the path of inclusive, diversified and sustainable growth. “Back then, I proposed a total expenditure of N8.83 trillion to the National Assembly for appropriation targeting strategic and impactful projects and initiatives. However, the 2019 budget I will be signing into law today provides for aggregate expenditures of N8.92 trillion. This is an increase of N90.33 billion over our submission. “This increase reflects changes introduced by the National Assembly. In some areas, expenses we proposed were reduced while in other areas they were increased. There were also certain areas where new additions were introduced into the budget. More details of the approved budget will be provided by the minister of Budget and National Planning. “Of course, some of these changes will adversely impact our programmes making it difficult for us to achieve the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). “Although I will be signing this bill, it is my intention to continue to engage the National Assembly to ensure we deliver on our promises. I will, therefore, be engaging with the leadership of the 9th National Assembly, as soon as they emerge, to address some of our concerns with this budget. “We will also look at how to improve the budget process so that, amongst other things, we can speed up budget consideration processes and return the country to the January to December fiscal year timetable,” he said. The brief ceremony which was held in the president’s office at the presidential villa was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu The Senate President Bukola Saraki showed up after the ceremony had ended. Dogara told State House correspondents that it was the duty of the legislature to tinker with the budget estimates sent by the executive. He averred that for the budget to return to the January-December cycle it must start with the early and timely submission of the budget to the National Assembly from the executive. On Buhari’s complaint about the increase in budget, Dogara said that the issues Buhari raised on certain reductions in the budget and some subheads increased were ongoing processes. “Above all, what I heard him say is the issue of aligning the appropriation from January to December just like the case in the private sector. I think that can really be achieved but it must start with the early and timely submission of the budget to the National Assembly from the executive. On the constant bickering between the executive and legislature on the increase of the budget, he said: “I have told you that the job of the National Assembly is not to agree with the executive, I don’t think any congress in the world does that. “By the constitution and design, the executive informs us what they intend to do and the representatives of the people in the National Assembly decide what the priorities are since they represent the people,” he said. Experts React Among the experts, who reacted to the president’s signing of the budget were the director-general of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCC), Mr. Muda Yusuf and the chief operating officer of InvestDate Consultig Limited, Mr. Ambrose Omordion. Yusuf said that the signing of the budget by the president was a welcome development, stressing that the country did not witness any undue delay in the signing of the document this time around. Yusuf said that implementation can commence even though the budget was increased. The issues around the increase can be sorted out. On that late passage of the budget, he said it was not good for the economy because it affects the speed at which the government can deliver capital project, especially infrastructure project. He added that the earlier the country was able to correct the abnormality, the better for the economy. To Omordion, the signing of the budget was in order as he remarked that the month of May was the earliest time the budget had been passed under the President Buhari administration. Omordion said that “our greatest disappointment is that while the 2019 budget could have heralded new beginnings, which should be reform-driven and growth-supportive, nothing seems to have changed. This further supports our expectations of continued economic underperformance over the medium-term.”