Day: May 12, 2024

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani says the Nigerian constitution should be review to allow customary owners of natural resources have over-riding control with regard to those assets.

Ndarani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that one of the hindrances to the realisation of the full taxing potentials of the country, is the restrictive and usurping provisions of Section 44 (3) of the Constitution.

‘This section alienates the customary owners of the land and bestows on the Federal Government all rights to exploit, produce and dispose of all mineral deposits under the soil, land, waters and air in Nigeria.

‘This has led to numerous growing and unrestrained agitation by the oil-producing areas.

‘All legal and political restraints to the oil and sundry minerals host communities to exploit their minerals should be removed.

‘I urge the abrogation, repeal and nullification of Section 44 (3) of the Constitution, the Land Use Act, 1978 an
d the Petroleum Act, 1969, to make allowance for and give room for resource control.

‘This will give the owners of the natural resources within their enclave have over-riding control of these resources,he said.

According to him, it is absolutely an unfair deal to continue to deny and deprive the oil-bearing areas as well as those other areas that are endowed with commercial mineral deposits.

‘It is more so now that oil deposits have been found in other areas of Nigeria, in that it would be justified and preferable for the federal government to partner with the States and Regional Governments to exploit.

‘It will also allow them to produce, sell and share in the resources, like what obtains between the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

‘I think the present case where the federal government arrogates to itself, the exclusive right to own and manage the ‘entire property in, and control of minerals among others is offensive and disruptive,’he said.

‘This is why the modalities for oil exploration have been
a major source of conflict and militancy in the Niger Delta Area.

‘Making the owners of the crude oil and sundry natural resources and minerals shareholders, and partners will go a long way towards helping the federal government surmount most of the problems surrounding oil and minerals extraction and processing,’ he said.

He said that the owners should exploit the benefits of their natural resources and pay taxes to the federal government, as it was during the First Republic.

‘This is what is obtains in other political climes all over the world, hence I want this corrected during the amendment, or enactment, of the (new) constitution”.

‘The Supreme Court in the case of AG OF OGUN STATE v. ABERUAGBA (1985) 1 NWLR [Pt. 3] 395 @ 415, per BELLO, JSC, paras A – C did decide thus that the control of the economy is not within the exclusive power of the federation.

‘Each government (Federal, State and Local) has a share in the control,” he added.

Ndarani said that while the constitution requires the federal
government to control the national economy, it also empowers the state and local government in the development of the economy within its area of jurisdiction.

‘In adopting the above views of the apex court, we should broadly and massively do a total overhaul of the revenue generation machinery and re-order the taxing powers.

‘That was why we recommended Regional Governments so that the fiscal policy would devolve to the Regional and State Governments, who shall pay taxes and agreed percentages of the proceeds to the federal coffers.

‘Let the regions and state be given the power to generate, exploit and sell the minerals and through that, generate the needed revenue, superintended by the federal government, to ensure that the process is flawless and transparent”.

The senior lawyer suggested that in the alternative, the revenue allocation formula should be redesigned and altered in line with the Louis Chick Commission of 1954 which recommended as follows:

‘Mining Rents, Royalties and Derivation from crude
oil and minerals: i) Regions of origin = 50 per cent

ii) Federal Government = 20 per cent, and iii) Distributive Pool = 30 per cent.

He said that the distribution pool should be based on population, responsibilities placed on each regional government, the need for continuity in regional public services and the need for balanced development of the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Youth of Agona Nyakrom in the Central Region have staged a demonstration against government’s failure to address the numerous challenges of the town.

They said several petitions sent to the Government through the District Assembly for the reconstruction of a bridge, upgrading of the town’s health centre, completion of an astro turf project and rehabilitation of road networks in the town had not been responded to.

To register their displeasure, the youth took to the streets of Nyakrom, clad in red and black, carrying placards some of which read: ‘No bridge no vote, health centre with six beds, and Nyakrom also deserves better social amenities.’

Others were ‘Male and females sleep in the same ward; No astroturf no Akwambo festival, NPP government has disappointed us, fix the bridge, complete astro turf project, fix Nyakrom town roads.’

The demonstrators blocked the main Swedru/ Nyakrom road for over seven hours, which resulted in heavy traffic with passengers stranded.

Speaking to the media after the d
emonstration, Mr Bright Mensah, Public Relations Officer, Agona Nyakrom Youth Association, said the demonstration was delayed because they were restrained by the town’s chiefs.

The town lacked good healthcare facility and doctors, with the Nyakrom Health Centre having only six beds with males and females sleeping together in the same ward.

Mr Mensah said a native of the town (whose name he did not mention) started the construction of an Astroturf with his own resources in 2019 but was asked to hand over to the government to complete it, which had been abandoned after five years.

He questioned how the town would unearth its football and other sporting talents if the needed amenities were not provided.

‘It is sad that Nyakrom, being the paramount seat of Agonaman, cannot boast of one kilometre of asphalt overlaid road. Almost all the town roads have developed potholes,’ he said.

‘No political party would be allowed to campaign here if the basic amenities are not provided.’

He urged the authorities to ende
avour to undertake the aforementioned projects enhance standards of living in the town and ensure peace.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The world’s first patient with a transplanted pig kidney has died, almost two months after the operation.

In March, Massachusetts General Hospital transplanted the genetically-edited pig kidney into Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old man living with end-stage kidney disease.

The operation was a milestone in xenotransplantation – the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another – as a potential solution to the worldwide organ shortage, the hospital said at the time.

Slayman’s death was not linked to the transplant, the hospital reported.

‘Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many,’ his family said on Sunday.

Slayman’s family paid tribute to the medical team that cared for him.

‘Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts.’

The pig kidney came from a pig that was genetically-edited to r
emove harmful pig genes and add certain human genes to improve its compatibility with humans. Scientists also inactivated porcine endogenous retroviruses in the pig donor to eliminate any risk of infection in humans.

The hospital said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by Slayman’s death.

‘We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant,’

‘Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,’it said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Thousands of people from diverse cultures and traditions, have converged at Dwabirem at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi to take part in the Akwasidae-kese durbar to climax the 25th anniversary of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s enstoolment as the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool.

The large crowd included tourists from home and abroad, researchers of culture and traditions, as well as ordinary citizens.

It was a day of diverse culture, traditions and display of splendid array of traditional dances in the Manhyia Palace.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has advised Nigerians against allowing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace the human person in the society.

Kaigama gave the advice in his sermon on Sunday, in commemoration of the 2024 World Communication Day, held at St Joseph Pastoral Area, Dakibiyu, Jabi, Abuja.

The archbishop said that rather than reject AI, the technology should be embraced and used to retain Nigeria’s shared humanity.

‘We must not reject the new developments; but we must not embrace them in a manner that it will take away our humanity and reduce everything to machine and technology.

‘Let us be careful in the use of technology, let us not become proud that we have all the answers and replace God. It is foolish to do so.

‘We should be careful, even though everything God has created is good and God intends that those things he created should serve us.

‘Let us not become proud and arrogant and tend to replace God with these things He Himself has created; let us not
succumb to that temptation and that is the essence of the world communication Sunday,’ he said.

Kaigama particularly advised the youths to ensure proper use of the social media by communicating what is good, honourable and noble at all times.

He further called on Nigerians to use the social media to preach peace and enduring love in their respective communities and beyond.

‘In whatever we do, let us communicate love and peace in a manner that will bring progress and not to create confusion as we see during election.

‘Let all our actions be inspired by ethics and morality; enough of politics riddled with corruption, do not exclude morality from politics, governace and from everything we do.

‘Things must rotate around the principle of morality.

‘I pray that God will help us in our country, guide our leaders to conduct the affairs of the nation with the fear of God,’ the prelate prayed.

In his remarks, the Director of Communication of the archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, advised against the use of A
I as standard or tool to train children in the communities.

He said that though AI has many answers, it may not be able to give a human and emotional answer required to train the next generation.

The cleric said that AI should not be elevated to a point where it will replace human wisdom and reduce human beings to mere mathematical figures for algorithms.

‘Let us use our heart in our relationship with others, our hearts is more important in the use of this great innovation known as AI,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has launched the National Care Reform Roadmap (NCRR) 2024-2028.

The roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the social welfare workforce, document child protection cases, regulate residential homes for children and promote family-based care, and implement legislative reform to implement the care reform program.

It aims to enhance community gatekeeping by promoting the public’s awareness to encourage the return of children to their communities and empowering families to prevent unnecessary separation and harmful practices against children.

The NCRR represents a commitment by the Government of Ghana to prioritising family-based care as the cornerstone of its child protection agenda.

Mrs Darkoa Newman, Minister Designate, MoGCSP said the NCRR, which had been reviewed and validated, was developed to address the problems of children in residential care and issues of new homes springing up and, also to improve on reunification of th
ese children with families.

She indicated that as of December 2023, there were 117 Residential Homes for Children (RHC) with 3,450 children.

Mrs Newman added that residential care should be considered as a last resort and a temporary solution to provide a haven for vulnerable children.

‘Residential care, therefore, becomes an option only if family-based alternative care arrangements are immediately impossible and longer-term investigations and placements are needed. I want to emphasize that no matter how well-resourced RHC’s are with dedicated and caring staff, they cannot replace a family,’ she added.

She said providing a safe and nurturing environment for children in need should not be approached as a business venture but should solely depend on humanitarian grounds.

‘I entreat you to stop building facilities for RHC as a first resort. If you are passionate about helping needy children in your society, visit a Social Welfare office for advice on what will best serve the children in that community,’ she
said.

According to her the Roadmap was a commitment of the Government and people of Ghana to shape the future of children in residential homes and those at risk of institutional placement and family separation in Ghana.

Mrs Newman added that ‘the document is a bold and ambitious plan to improve the care and protection of vulnerable children in family settings and not in homes.’

Rev. Dr Comfort Asare, Director, Department of Social Welfare, said the Roadmap, among other things, aimed to strengthen the institutional capacity of social workers to oversee, regulate, coordinate, monitor and sustain the care reform at all level and make vulnerable children live in a more conducive environment for a brighter future.

She said the NCRR is intended to ensure that by 2028, at least 1,500 children in RHC would safely be reintegrated into their family-based care and receive good-quality case management and support.

This, Dr Asare, said if achieved would reduce the number of children living in RHC by 30 per cent. ‘No
new RHCs will be opened or authorised to operate,’ she added.

She noted that her outfit had closed down 10 illegal RHC over the last two years, and had trained 1,474 foster parents.

‘These foster parents are not relatives so we train them and issue them with certificates indicating that they have received training from social welfare,’ she added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s security initiatives to ensure a safe territory.

Its Director-General, Prof. Kailani Muhammed, gave the commendation at a news conference in Abuja,

Muhammed said the FCT had become a safe haven where residents could afford to sleep with their two eyes closed.

‘I am using this opportunity to commend the strong partnership between the FCT Minister and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe, for their efforts against insurgents and other related crimes in the Capital City.

‘We encourage them not to relent, but maintain and even improve on the template. We advise other state governments to emulate the FCT Minister’s leadership quality and result oriented mechanism.’

The director-general said that Wike, in less than one year in office, had transformed the FCT into a haven with a lot of ongoing road projects, and some security initiatives.

He said some of the achievements inc
luded the rehabilitation of 135 roads completed at almost 90 per cent.

‘The minister has exempted the territory from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This will allow for efficient use of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and stimulate the growth and development of the FCT.

‘The establishment of FCT Civil Service Commission as directed by President Tinubu within the short period, is also a laudable achievement,’ he said.

Muhammed commended the FCT minister for executing streetlight projects to light up every part of Abuja.

He said that the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, under the leadership of Wike, disbursed N10 million grants to 20 women farmers in the territory.

According to him, the grant is under the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI)’s Women Agricultural Empowerment programme.

He added that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had also inducted desk officers to improve service delivery across FCT public primary and secondary schools.

He added that t
he move was part of ongoing efforts to deliver quality services to residents of Abuja.

‘The FCT minister is planning to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities.

‘The overall goal of the initiative is to revamp interventions related to child protection and combating violence against children.

‘This includes efforts to align local laws with international standards, particularly those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),’ APC group boss said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government is working on a system that will provide tax relief to 95 per cent of the informal sector of the economy in the country.

Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, said this at the closing session of the committee on Sunday in Abuja.

He said this would be achieved through the exemption of businesses earning N25 million a year or less from the various taxes hindering their progress over time.

”So, we think that 95 per cent of the informal sector should be legally exempted from all taxes; withholding tax, company income tax, even payee on their staff.

”We’re using data to inform our decisions. Currently, if you earn N25 million a year or less, you don’t have to pay company income tax, you don’t have to worry about VAT.

”We think that the informal sector are people who are trying to earn legitimate living, we should allow them be and support them to grow to a point where they can then have the ability to pay taxes,’ he said.

Oyedele sai
d the new reforms being proposed would focus on the top 5 per cent of that sector, the middle class and the elite for taxes.

He said the committee was drafting the laws to effect the necessary changes in the fiscal policy and tax reform ecosystem of the country.

According to the chairman, the new laws will ensure that reviews become sustained by all governments coming in, adding that: ‘we don’t want this whole effort to go down the drain, after one or two years.’

On compliance, he urged all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the government in implementing a new fiscal and tax policy that would be used for the general good of the citizens.

”We think that the days of being above the law in paying taxes are over. The same thing we’re saying to our leaders, whether they are elected or appointed.

”We think they have to lead by example by showing that they have paid the taxes, not only on time, but correctly to the lawful authorities as contained in the various laws,’ he said.

He said explained that some
of the taxes complained about by Nigerians were those already in the constitution, which the committee had looked at and called for their review.

Oyedele said the committee report would be made to pass through the normal process of legislation in order to give it the full legal backing.

”So, our expectation is, as we progress now from ideation, proposal to implementation, you’ll see less and less of those issues and then you’ll see harmony in the direction of the fiscal system.

”Not only in the number of taxes we collect, you will also see an improvement in how those monies are being spent.

”In terms of priority of spending, in terms of the efficiency of spending and in terms of focusing on what impacts on the lives of majority of our population that live in multi-dimensional poverty,’ he said.

Oyedele added that the committee had been working with the sub-nationals and the local government councils in its task of harmonising the taxes into a single digit in the country.

”So, we’re convinced, and th
at’s what the data tells us, that the right path we need to follow, is the path where we repeal many of these taxes, harmonise whatever is left.

”We think we can keep that within single digit across local government, state and federal government combined, and then improve the efficiency of collecting those taxes.

”We are also very convinced that we need to increase the threshold of exemption for small businesses, for low income earners because if you can’t make ends meet, the last thing you want is someone asking you to pay tax.

”We think in fact, when our nation gets to the level we need to be, we should be able to even add money to those who have very little or nothing,’ said Oyedele.

At the ceremony, Vice-President Kashim Shettima restated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalise revenue generation in the country.

‘Our aim remains the revitalisation of revenue generation in Nigeria, while sustaining an investment-friendly and globally competitive business environment.

‘Contrary to speculat
ions in some quarters, we are not here to frustrate any sector of our economy but to create an administrative system that ensures the benefits of a thriving tax system for all our citizens,’ he said.

He said the dynamics of the nation’s fiscal landscape prompted the Tinubu administration to pause and reconsider the direction it was going.

‘I am confident that both the Federal and State Governments stand ready to ensure the effective implementation of your reform proposals.

‘We shall provide the institutional framework to guarantee the adoption of the consensus of this committee, aligning them with our economic agenda,’said Shettima.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Egungbohun, has filed a N5 billion suit against a journalist, Fisayo Soyombo; Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and Arise Media Group, over allegations bordering on defamation.

Egungbohun, in a suit field by his lawyer, Bola Aidi, SAN, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, also sought a N10 million cost of instituting the matter.

In the writ of summons marked: FCT/CV/2286/2024 and filed on May 3, the claimant sued Soyombo, FIJ and Arise Media Group as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

Egungbohun, a Nigerian Customs licensed agent, is the Chief Executive Officer of IBD Impex Ltd, a company which is into clearing and forwarding of goods, construction, agriculture, real estate and oil and gas.

In the suit, he sought ‘a declaration that the claimant has been defamed by the 1st and 2nd defendants through the various libelous posts and innuendos made by the 1st and 2nd defendants on their X handles @fisayosoyombo and @fijnigeria.

‘A declaration that
the claimant has been defamed by the 1st and 2nd defendants through the libelous publications made by the 1st and 2nd defendants on the 2nd defendant’s blog fij.ng in the article titled ‘Undercover as a Smuggler’ published on 21st February 2024.

‘A declaration that the claimant has been defamed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants through the libelous publication/broadcasting made by the defendants on the 3rd defendant’s television programme ‘THE MORNING SHOW’ broadcasted on 24th February, 2024.

‘An order of this court for retraction of the libelous statements and tendering of public apology by each of the defendants to the claimant, to be published by the 1st and 2nd defendants on their X handles; @fisayosoyombo and @fijnigeria and on the 2nd defendant’s blog fij.ng, and to be published/broadcasted by all the defendants in the 3rd defendant’s television programme ‘THE MORNING SHOW.’

‘An order of this court restraining the defendants from any further defamatory publications (including the use of innuendos) a
gainst the claimant on their X handles, website, TV programmes or any other means of publication.

‘The sum of N5,000,000,000.00 (Five Billion Naira) as general damages. The sum of N10,000,000, 000.00 (Ten Million Naira) being the cost of instituting this Suit.’

In his statement of claim attached to the suit, Egungbohun, who hails from Ogun, said he is a socialite and also the owner of IBD International Hotel in Ogun.

According to him, his hard work, integrity, dedication and tenacity has given him business goodwill among well-meaning Nigerians and has enabled him to establish business and personal relationships with top Nigerian businessmen and politicians.

He averred that sometime in February 2024, Soyombo began a calumny of defamation against him through his X handle page; @fisayosoyombo.

He alleged that on Feb 21, Soyombo posted and shared on his X handle page a defamatory article titled: ‘Undercover as a Smuggler’ and published on the FIJ’s blog wherein he was tagged a smuggler.

The claimant further
alleged that the said article had a subcaption: ‘Popular Socialite Arrested For Gun Running, Ibrahim IBD Dende Regains Freedom.’

He said in the article, they alleged that, ‘The status of the founder of the hotel, Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, more commonly known as IBD Dende’, as ILARO’S BIGGEST SMUGGLER, has been helped by his proximity to power, coupled with the influence he has amassed with his wealth.

‘,..Beyond the LAUNDERED IMAGE of him in the media, however, the real Dende HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING MULTIPLE TIMES; but on each occasion, he emerged unscathed. He is that connected.

‘,..Dende used to import Turkey, but he subsequently SMUGGLED GUNS and his cover was blown… Dende also SMUGGLED CARS, his patronage transcending the political class.

‘As he entrenched his interests in the SHADY TRADE through the years, he started to build a legion of foot soldiers to perfect the DIRTY WORK on his behalf.

‘Some of those boys whom Jide knew personally were bringing in high-value automobiles STASHED WITH AR
MS AND AMMUNITION ON DENDE’S BEHALF when they were apprehended in 2018.’

Egungbohun averred that the defamatory and character assassinating posts made against him by the defendants are permanent in nature.

According to him, permanence of the publication means that the claimant’s good name and reputation has been smeared for life by the libelous posts of the defendants.

He said he would rely on all electronic generated evidence mentioned in his statement of claim and would rely on and tender a Certificate of Compliance in line with the provision of the Evidence Act during trial.

The matter is yet to be assigned to a judge as at the time of filing the report.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Engr. Gbenga Komolafe Education Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has launched its ‘No-Code Web Development’ Scholarship Programme.

This initiative aims to empower individuals with essential digital skills, preparing them for success in today’s economy and fostering job creation opportunities.

The Convener of the foundation, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the ‘No-Code Web Development’ programme is an integral part of the foundation’s extensive Digital Economy Strategy.

‘In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, the demand for digital proficiency has never been more critical.

‘Recognising the diminishing significance of traditional barriers such as coding expertise, the foundation is committed to creating accessible pathways for individuals to enter and thrive in the technology industry.

‘The No-Code Web Development’ programme will furnish participants with the tools and knowledge required to design and launch high-caliber websites without the nece
ssity of coding.

‘Through the utilisation of user-friendly platforms and drag-and-drop interfaces, participants will cultivate the skills to materialise their creative visions, whether in the form of personal portfolios, e-commerce platforms, or online blogs.

‘With the No-Code Web Development initiative, our aim is to democratise access to digital skills, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to capitalise on the opportunities in the digital era to create jobs’ Komolafe said.

He further explained that technology has the potential to revolutionise lives and propel economic advancement, stressing that in addition to the ‘No-Code Web Development programme’, the digital economy strategy encompasses an array of initiatives intended to foster digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

He emphasised that ranging from coding bootcamps to mentorship programmes, the Foundation remained steadfast in its dedication to supporting individuals at all stages of their technology career journey.

‘The ‘
No-Code Web Development programme’ is set to commence on June 1 and welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

‘Prospective participants are encouraged to visit http://egkefoundation.org.ng/ for additional information and to register for the upcoming sessions’, he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria