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ORTOM SIGNS 2020 REVISED BUDGET OF N108bn

ORTOM SIGNS 2020 REVISED BUDGET OF N108bn

Governor Samuel Ortom signed into law, the revised appropriation bill of N108.8 billion for the year 2020.

The revised budget has a total reduction of N80 billion from the earlier N190.8bn assented to by the Governor. This translates to 43 per cent reduction in the earlier reviewed budget signed by the Governor on 30th December, 2020.

Governor Ortom while performing the ceremony, said the action became necessary following the reduction in oil-related and non oil revenues to the state occasioned by Coronavirus.

The revised budget has reccurent expenditure of N68.6bn representing 40 per cent reduction from the former estimates and personnel cost of N37.3bn, representing a reduction of 26 per cent, while overhead cost and capital projects have estimates of N31.3bn and 40.3bn respectively, representing 51 and 46 percent reduction.

The Governor explained that despite the huge reduction in the current expenditure estimates, government had kept faith with its responsibility to the general workforce by protecting the personnel budget with very minimal reductions in some discretionary allowances.

He said the bulk of the reduction were made on non-critical overhead costs, stressing that overhead provisions that are critical to the COVID-19 response had been retained or increased in some cases.

The Governor reiterated his determination towards provision of infrastructure, security of lives and property of Benue people and the general welfare of the people despite reduction in the budget estimates.

By Jimin Geoffrey

REPORTED SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES IN ANAMBRA: A CLARIFICATION

REPORTED SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES IN ANAMBRA: A CLARIFICATION

Thanks for the inquiries about the reported dramatic increase in the number of Covid-19 infections in the state which some people, relying on the latest figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) consider very high. A lot of people have innocently assumed that as many as 20 persons were infected in Anambra state in one day, fearing that the situation in the state is worsening rapidly.

The true situation is far from the impressions some have as a result of the figure. There is no dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in the state. The 20 cases reported by the NCDC yesterday were based on samples taken in over three weeks across the state. Some of the samples were even taken outside Anambra State, but were ascribed to our state because the people tested chose, for different reasons, to identify with the state. Only seven out of about 100 samples tested at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, turned out positive. Therefore, the COVID-19 prognosis of our state is still good, one of the very best in the country.

It is important to bear in mind that many of the 20 reported cases came from Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, which most unfortunately lost one of its key officers to reported complications arising out of COVID-19. His contacts in the medical college, teaching hospital, his private hospital, family and community have been traced comprehensively.

The relatively low positive results which Anambra State has been getting, despite the fact that a large number of our people travel extensively to all parts of the world for business and other legitimate pursuits and the fact that we have some of the largest open-air markets in West Africa patronized daily by millions of people from West Africa and beyond, show that many of our people have embraced our relentless message on COVID-19.

It is reassuring that the state has the capacity to manage cases should there be a spike. Apart from having teams of accomplished doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, ward cleaners and ambulance who play vital roles in the COVID-19 case management value chain. There are 600 beds in different protective care units in our state, otherwise known as isolation centres. The facility at the Onitsha General Hospital, with 58 beds, is the first centre in Nigeria to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Still, we should not rest on our laurels. The disease, which is highly contagious, is far from over in our state. In fact, we expect a spike in infections soon. With the commissioning of the Mega Laboratory at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, capable of testing 470 samples for COVID-19 simultaneously, there is likely to be a rise in the number of infections. What is more, with the aggressive community search just initiated by the Governor Willie Obiano administration which saw the government set up a COVID-19 Task Force in each of the 326 wards in the state so as to reach the grassroots in a radical manner, there is likely to be an increase in positive cases.

We, therefore, have a responsibility to continue to guide our people to imbibe the habit of wearing face masks any time they come out in public, and wear them appropriately by covering their nostrils and mouths always, as opposed to the current practice where people wear the face coving on the chin and jaw. We also need to encourage our people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with running water and soaps and sanitizers. In addition, we have to observe social distancing by keeping away from people by at least six feet.

The Anambra State government has recently started a campaign on ways to boost our immunity as part of the strategy to fight COVID-19. Our system needs plenty of vegetables like bitter leaf (onugbu) and pumpkin (ugu) and fruits like lemons, oranges, avocados, etc, which are available in large quantities throughout the state and beyond in the rainy season and now sell at affordable prices. Our system needs things like Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc for fortification. They are affordable.

It is important to pass on this message to our people in different ways. Preventing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic is far better than managing the cases by experts who have, in spite of all odds, demonstrated inspiring confidence, dedication and competence. History will be kind to them.

Anambra State has in the last few years become exemplary in a lot of ways. The leadership has shown the light, and the people are finding the way. Each of us has to continue to make Anambra remain the safest state in Nigeria.

C. Don Adinuba
Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, & Member, Anambra State Task Force on COVID-19.

RIVERS STATE IS ATTRACTING MORE INVESTORS- Wike

RIVERS STATE IS ATTRACTING MORE INVESTORS- Wike

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says more companies are relocating to the state because of the attractive investment climate.

He told journalists after an inspection tour of on-going projects in the state that a deliberate implementation of strategic policies has brought the investments.

The governor stated that the improvement in the State’s security architecture with the help of security agencies and the provision of critical infrastructure are responsible for the turnaround.

He also reiterated the resolve of his administration to return Port Harcourt to its garden city status.

“I can tell you now that more companies are coming into the state. The security has also improved so much with the help of security agencies and people feel safer to invest in the state.

“I am also resolved to leave Port Harcourt far better than what I met on ground. Every body can see that it is not easy, considering the present economic situation in the country.

“To sustain the execution of infrastructural development projects and also fight COVID-19 when most of my colleagues are complaining of paucity of funds shows political will and strategic leadership.

“People are wondering how we are doing it. But we determined not to disappoint our people and they will be happy when I have served out my tenure that they had a governor that really came to serve,” he said.

The governor also announced that the contract for the expansion of Rumuola flyover project has been signed.

He said work would soon begin on that flyover and the dualisation of Ezimbu Link Road popularly called Mummy B Road and the Tombia Extension Road.

Governor Wike stated that the urban renewal programme of his administration is achieving its purpose particularly with the commitment shown by the contractors handling the three flyovers at Rebisi, Rumuogba and Okoro nu Odo.

” We are impressed at the pace of work the contractors have maintained. We are happy that we are fulfilling the promises made to the people. There are road projects in other areas like old GRA and new GRA and we cannot but say we are overwhelmed with the level of commitment they have shown.

“That is what we have promised that whether there is COVID-19 or not, we will continue to do the work they expect us to do. This is so, because at the end of the day the virus will go and the people will be here. It is necessary for infrastructure to be put in place.

“As long as we continue to fight and tackle the pandemic, we are also resolved not to abandon any project,” he added.

The projects inspected include, Olumeni Road in Old GRA, Rebisi flyover, Woji Road and Elelenwo Street both in the new GRA.

Paulinus Nsirim
Commissioner for Information and Communications

LASG Urges Residents to Observe Low-Key Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations

LASG Urges Residents to Observe Low-Key Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations

The Lagos State Government has appealed to Muslim faithful in the State to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir on a low-key in order to abide by the existing guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19 spread among residents.

The Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who disclosed this in his office on Monday, admonished Muslims to maintain moderation even as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, which comes up on Friday, July 31st, 2020, warning that the coronavirus pandemic is still very much in an aggressive stage, hence the need to be more cautious in order to consolidate the gains so far achieved by the State Government.

Prince Elegushi prayed that the celebration should be done within families as earlier observed during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations three months ago, while the Eid-el-Kabir prayers should be observed at home as Mosques and Churches are still on lockdown in the State.

While reiterating the State government’s determination to flattening the curve of the ravaging pandemic, he noted that the religious rites of slaughtering of animals will be carried out through a live broadcast by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla on Friday, July 31st, 2020 by 9:00 am on LTV while all other Imams in the State are to follow suit thereafter.

The Commissioner reassured all residents of the State that the siege will soon be over as government is leaving no stone unturned in containing the spread of the COVID-19, while anticipating the eventual reopening of businesses in the shortest time possible as will be advised by medical experts.

Elegushi, however, enjoined the general public to continue adherence to the culture of maintaining physical distance, wearing of facemasks, constant handwashing with soap and water as well as the regular use of hand sanitiser to further prevent the spread of the virus.

He wished all Muslim faithful a blissful celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir and enjoined them to remember Lagos State and Nigeria in their individual prayers to the Almighty Allah.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

Sanwo-Olu Approves N1Billion Seed Capital for Tourism Business

Sanwo-Olu Approves N1Billion Seed Capital for Tourism Business

•Grants Three-Year Waiver On Penalty For Land Use Charge Defaulters

•Lagos Governor Meets Business Leaders

With the approval of N1 billion seed capital for investment in tourism, Lagos State is set to drive a new growth in hospitality business. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the approval of the loan on Wednesday at the 6th Lagos Corporate Assembly held at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa.

The Governor said the investment was required to bolster the hospitality sector by providing key operators in tourism business with soft loans to boost their capacity in driving growth. The initiative, Sanwo-Olu observed, is necessary to position tourism business as a new frontier for job creation and economic prosperity in the post-Coronavirus era.

The seed capital will be domiciled in the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Governor said, adding that the funds will be made available specifically to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operators in the sector.

The Governor said the State would also be collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to further create access for fund to support the hospitality business.

The event with the theme: “BOS Meets Business, was attended by the captains of industry, manufacturers, and members of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Besides, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State had started the first phase of the 6,000km optical fibre being laid across Lagos, with the aim of providing technological infrastructure to support MSMEs.

He said the State had continued to strengthen its Ease of Doing Business policies to drive private investment and economic growth. This, he said, is being made possible by the digitisation of business registration and asset acquisition processes, which, he said, removed administrative bottlenecks.

He said: “We have just given approval for N1 billion support that will be given out through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to support hospitality business in the State. The beneficiaries of this fund will go through screening in line with the requirement of the agency. We are making this investment because of the huge potential for job creation and inclusive growth this sector can bring about.

“We will be working with the CBN for more funding to fully develop the potential of our tourism sector. This effort is being completed with the rolling out of 3,000 km optical fibre across the State to provide technological infrastructure for the MSMEs whose operations would depend on fast Internet networks to drive their businesses.”

With Lagos’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) valued at $130 billion and over three million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which make the State the fourth wealthiest city in Africa, Sanwo-Olu said it was time for the State to strengthen its economy with right policies for accelerated growth and prosperity.

The Governor said there will be a review of the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in the State by the Federal Government in response to requests by businesses across the State, noting that the ongoing rehabilitation of major bridges and roads had impacted business activities in the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the repeal of 2018 Laws on Land Use Charge was to further create incentives for more growth in the corporate sector, stressing that the new Land Use laws had addressed controversial provisions and remove ambiguity in the levies paid by companies in Lagos.

The Governor granted a three-year waiver on penalty for those that defaulted the payment of land use charge from 2017. He also offered a 25 per cent discount for those who make early payment of the Land Use.

He said: “We are granting a waiver of three years in late payment, which covers 2017, 2018 and 2019. We are also giving 25 per cent special discount on early payment. By this, we have achieved a 48 per cent reduction for businesses in chargeable rates by repealing the 2018 Land Use Laws.

“We are taking these steps to show that we are not being insensitive to the plight of businesses and residents, especially in this period of pandemic that have slowed down activities. We have been doing everything possible to make sure businesses are not choked by taxes.”

Sanwo-Olu told the business leaders and MSMEs operators to see his administration as a “real partner” in driving growth. He said the Government would continue to introduce more incentives to strengthen its partnership with the private sector to keep Lagos economy on the path of growth.

Representatives of corporate organisations praised the Governor for the reviews of the Land Use Laws. They, however, called for harmonisation of taxes and levies payable to the Government.

Deputy President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Olawale Cole, hailed the State Government for the three-month moratorium given to MSMEs, noting that the incentive would stimulate more commitment in the sector.

Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Corporative, Dr. Lola Akande, noted that Lagos Government had taken steps since the last meeting with the Organised Private Sector to sustain the momentum of growth.

She said: “We recognise that creating an enabling business environment is the key to job creation, poverty eradication and growth of the State economy. Lagos State is positioned to support businesses and industrial sector to maximise their potential for greater contribution to the State’s GDP.”

Sanwo-Olu Approves Appointment of New Members of Governing Councils for Tertiary Institutions

Sanwo-Olu Approves Appointment of New Members of Governing Councils for Tertiary Institutions

Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Chairmen and Governing Council members for four State-owned Tertiary Institutions: Lagos State University (LASU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Lagos State Polytechnic and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED).

In a statement signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri- Okunola, the Governor said the tenure of Office of the newly appointed Governing Council members would take effect from 1st August 2020, following the expiration of the tenures of the former Governing Councils. The tenure of Office of the Institutions’ Chief Executive Officers shall remain as provided in relevant Laws.

Importantly, the Head of Service noted that the tenure of the newly appointed Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN, would become effective from 16 September 2020 when the tenure of the incumbent Chancellor, His Excellency Honourable Justice George Oguntade would have expired.

Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked members of the outgoing Governing Councils for their commitment and meritorious service to the State.

While congratulating the newly appointed Governing Councils members, he expressed his appreciation and delight at the willingness of the new appointees to serve the State and help build on the achievements of the outgoing Councils.

He maintained that the newly appointed Governing Council Members had been carefully identified based on their individual track records in their respective professional fields, adding that he had no doubts about their capacity to move tertiary education in Lagos State to Greater Heights.

The newly appointed Governing Council Members are:

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (LASU)

  1. Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN – Chancellor
  2. Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo – Pro-Chancellor/ Chairman
  3. Professor Shafiudeen Amuwo – Member
  4. Mrs. Adenike Yomi-Faseun – Member
  5. Dr. Adetugbobo Hakeem – Member
  6. Mrs. Sule Tolani – Member
  7. Mrs. Folasade Adesoye – Member
  8. Mr. Karl Tokun Toriola – Member
  9. Mr. Kunle Soname – Member
  10. Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii – Member
  11. Mr. Adebayo Akinsanya – Member
  12. Mrs. Mojisola Tolagbe Taiwo – Member
  13. Mrs. Morenike Williams – Member
  14. Mr. Anuoluwapo Esho – Member
  15. Mrs. Foluke Abdul-razaq – Member

ADENIRAN OGUNSANYA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (AOCOED)

  1. Prof. Nuru Olasupo – Chairman
  2. Mrs. Riskat Akiode – Member
  3. Dr. Olaolu Mudashiru – Member
  4. Mr. Wole Ajifowoke – Member

The other tertiary Institutions include:

LAGOS STATE POLYTECHNIC

  1. Professor Rasheed Kola Ojikutu – Chairman
  2. Dr. (Mrs.) Awonuga, Abiola Olawunmi – Member
  3. Bldr. Saabi Olakunle Alaba – Member
  4. Mr. Habeeb Aileru – Member
  5. Prince Olusegun Ogunlewe – Member
  6. Mrs. Iyabo Kuteyi – Member

MICHAEL OTEDOLA COLLEGE OF PRIMARY EDUCATION (MOCPED)

  1. Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf – Chairman
  2. Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Perigrino – Member
  3. Mrs. Folashade Agbalajobi – Member
  4. Hon. Toun Adediran – Member
  5. Mr. Johnbull Adebanjo – Member
  6. Dr. Waliu A. Ipaye – Member

Gbenga Omotoso

Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

NIGERIAN LAWYERS, I ATTEST TO Barrister Olumide Akpata’s LEGAL and SOCIAL SOPHISTICATION and EASE OF DOING BUSINESS TO DELIVER the NBA PRESIDENCY.

NIGERIAN LAWYERS, I ATTEST TO Barrister Olumide Akpata’s LEGAL and SOCIAL SOPHISTICATION and EASE OF DOING BUSINESS TO DELIVER the NBA PRESIDENCY.

I Chike Ofili, writer and brand communications consultant attest to the sophistication that Barrister OLUMIDE APATA BRINGS TO HIS LEGAL AND SOCIAL PRACTICE and his ease of doing business in the course of doing business with Nigerian Lawyers based in Lagos under his Chairmanship of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Section on Business Law.

Together we made happen in a big way the possibility of bringing lawyers together to see a play, JUST AN ORDINARY LAWYER on lawyers written and performed by Nigerian born architect turn singer and actor, TAYO ALUKO practising in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

He very readily understood the concept, bought into it for what use it could serve lawyers, and the extra social touch he brought into it. He helped to rally round members of the Nigerian Bar Association at the prestigious MUSON CENTRE, Ikoyi, Lagos; using his NBA Business Section office to both make lawyers see the performance as theirs, and to smoothly make the platform a socialising ground for relaxing, recreating and re-energising lawyers with the play. Not to mention the bar he mounted for members of the bar at the MUSON lobby which became a parlour for soaking their patched throats, and made busy their masticating jaws on that Friday evening of Lagos lawyers in the theatre.

His sheer ease of doing business and his understanding of the application of branding and of seizing the moment, made him earn my respect and fascination of a Lawyer as public relations man. I therefore commend him for the lofty office of the PRESIDENT, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION.

Chike Ofili
Lead Consultant,
Reputations Consulting, Lagos;
Presidential Candidate, ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AUTHORS, ANA.

THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.

THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.

Recently I have heard a few of people who say some igbo speakers who also bear igbo native names are not igbos , some claim they came from either Benin or igala .Or some self acclaimed historians claim igbos are not of same ancestors.Some even went ahead to say igbo was imposed on them.There is a saying that a lie repeated too often will be assumed to be true.This article is to address some of the misconceptions and prove that igbos are one people, same ancestor wether your migration story is from Idu(Benin) or igala. .

1.Idah and igodomigodo/idu are part of the earliest sphere of igbo migration before 8th century AD. Migration is part of human evolution and humans are not static. Igbos have always moved from one location to the other in search of greener pastures and arable land for farming from prehistoric times and igbos are known for that even till today.

2.According to Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) ,the igbo area of southeastern Nigeria is one of the most populous region of sub-saharan Africa ,with a human density of 1,000 per square mile.In addition, in the book,cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,it stated that the population distribution of eastern Nigeria is a high density belt.So it’s not surprising that igbos from prehistoric times had migrated to Idah and Delta-Benin environs due to high population density in search for arable virgin land for farming which was there major occupation .This movement is estimated to have occurred before 8th century AD, long before the advent of kingdoms in idah and Benin which subsequently led to the recoil of these igbos back to the eastern region.

3.Igbos have formed part of the nucleus of the multiethnic population at Idah before the settling of igalas and advent of igala kingdom. Its on record, as documented by G,T BASDEN(among the igbos of Nigeria) and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) that the awka blacksmithers travel beyond the borders of ibo country ,north into igala, ibaji, idoma,warri and beyond, casting bronze,brass iron bells,hoes,according to specifications.Most times awka blacksmithers spend months and years away from igboland plying there trade and the possibility of establishing igbo settlements at these distant places can not be ruled out.This trade is estimated to have begun before 8th century AD (igbo ukwu bronzes) but however it became apparent in the 14th century AD following excavations made at awka (D.D HARTLE, 1966 page 26),GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD page 522.

4.Awka Smith always worked alongside Nri priest(patron and founder of the Ozo title) and they made and fabricated the ozor staff(ofor) ,iron bells and other ritual staves for the Nri priest. It’s on record that the Nri Influence extended beyond the igbo sphere into southern igala where igbos had earlier migrated and Idu/igodomigodo which later became Benin ,Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel).

5.Nri Influence (9AD) extended beyond the shores of igboland into south of igala and igodomigodo(igbanke igbos in present Edo state) all of which igbos had earlier migrated in prehistoric times,(according to a book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) .On the west of Niger River,Nri priests along side Awka blacksmithers Made Ofor wands(staffs) for igbos along that axis(from Anioma down to Benin(igbanke igbos).Ichi facial scarification were also Noted among igbos in Delta and eastern side.They maintained ties of loyalty with Nri priestly cult by cleansing grave social infractions and abominations and conferring of rights of leadership (interesting narratives of olaudah equano 1745AD and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) .So there was a prehistoric movement of igbos up north (idah) ,followed by migration and drift downward of igala from Wakuri in Taraba (Attah of igala HRH Dr Michael Idakwo-punch 2017) and migration of some igala into northern igboland to seek refuge due to raids in the extreme north of igala by sokoto jihadists in 1834 (igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).Igala later(late 1800) imperial Influence on northern igboland was kept in check by activities of the Aro.

In an interview granted to Obi agbogidi chukwunwike anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,he clearly stated that Nri priests performed rituals at the palace of Oba of Benin (genesis of migration of Ezechima to Benin from igboland) and this point was further supported by M.D W Jeffrey in his book Oreli mask Nigerian field, volume 10.He noted that Nri priests were performing certain ritual functions at the installation of a new oba of Benin.

6.As noted by Nancy Neaher,Nri Influence extended beyond northern igboland into idah where igbo settlements had earlier dispersed(ibaji,akpanya, olamaboro) from prehistoric times before the establishment of igala kingdom .Nri priests,along side Awka blacksmithers made iron bells, hoes,armlets,leg bands in igala and took over production (Boston 1964). R.N Henderson noted in the book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD ) that royal bells made by awka blacksmithers were included in the burial of igala kings.In exchange for the services rendered, the awka blacksmithers brought back dried fish,maize,yams,elephant hair necklaces and horses which they used for sacrifice to Alusi (Nancy Neaher ). The true igala/Benin migrants Into igboland are few and mostly located at the igbo-igala ,Benin-igbanke igbos borderlands and those migrants met existing igbo settlements on ground.

  1. Its important to note that the subsequent rise of igala kingdom in the north and Benin empire in south led to the decline of Nri Influence in the igbo country that span from the borders of Benin (igbanke igbos in present Edo state ) down south and akpotos(igala/idah) up north and ijaw being there closest neighbours in the Delta borders (G.T BASDEN “among the ibos of Nigeria) page 28.

8.With the rise of Benin kingdom in the south and hostilities in the kingdom, many of these igbos that had migrated there prior to this time (Ezechima, Akalaka etc) began to return home.There deliberate migration towards the east, crossing the Niger river back to Onitsha shows they knew where they came from.As already noted in the book, cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,page 273,the density of population in eastern region was already high before 1600AD when Ezechima and family is said to have left Idu/igodomigodo. So migrating in reverse, against an already densely populated area must be a deliberate move heading home and its unlikely they arrived onitsha a virgin land.

9.Thesame recoil event Also happened with igbos already spread up north to idah.The igala kingdom and subsequent hostilities,many of these igbos returned back to Nsuka,Enugu Ezike northern igbo borders. please note.non of the said igbos that returned from Benin or idah spoke any other language on arrival to igboland except igbo.They all had igbo names and spoke igbo on arrival to igboland. No history book documented they spoke any other language other than igbo.This further proves that they had already migrated there in prehistoric times and only returned back home.As igbos have always been decentralized societies,with the priestly cult of Nri widely known and fulfilling the needs of igbos at that time all over igboland, the system of government is not military. it’s not surprising if the history of early kings of agbor are from Benin. origin of kingship is not always origin of a people. The rise of igala or Benin kingdom may have Imposed some conventions among igbos within there sphere, but that doesn’t take away the fact they have always been there and retained there igbo identity.

10.So contrary to what some believe that some igbos are not of same ancestor, igbos have always been one and ancestral in there land.wether your migration story says your ancestors migrated from around Benin or igala, igbos have always been igbos and those that migrated to distant places only returned back home because archaeological findings have shown igbos are aboriginal occupants of southern Nigeria with settlements dating since 3000BC.(Thurstan Shaw-Radiocabon dating in Nigeria, 1968.

By professor Ofoegbu R.N with contributions from Dr Benson and Dr Opone.C

Dated 28/7/2020.
REFERENCES:
1.G.T BASDEN “among the ibos of Nigeria ,first published 1921.
2.Cambridge history of Africa from 1600AD to 1790,first edited by Rìchard Gray,by J.D Fage.
3.GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi)

  1. HRH,Obi agbogidi chukwunwike Anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,
    5.Interesting narratives of the life of Olaudah Equano 1745AD.
    6.Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel,Itinerant metalsmiths of southern Nigeria.
    7.Oral tradition of UmuEri clan on the founding of igala by Eri.
    8.(igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).

EFCC Docks Woman For Alleged N2.7m Oil Fraud

EFCC Docks Woman For Alleged N2.7m Oil Fraud

The Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 arraigned a suspected fraudster, Ikujemisi Modupe Naomi before Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos on two-count charges of obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N2, 790,000.00( Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira only).
The sum is the value of 18,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), she fraudulently obtained from her victim, Miss Faith Meribe.

One of the charge read, “That you, Ikujemisi Modupe Naomi, sometime in 2017 in Lagos, within the Ikeja judicial division, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Miss Faith Meribe of Merit Integrated Service to confer a benefit of 18,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) valued at N2,790. 000. 00 (Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira) on you by permitting the 18,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil to be delivered to you on the understanding that the Automotive Gas Oil would be paid for, which pretext you knew to be false and committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b)(2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.”

She pleaded not guilty to the charges upon which
prosecution counsel, Chikezie Edozie, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NSC.

The defence counsel, however, informed the court of her client’s pending bail application and sought a short adjournment date.

Justice Solebo ordered for her remand in the custody of the EFCC and adjourned the matter to August 4,2020 for hearing of bail application.

EFCC

Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) approved the appointment of Five (5) Assistant Comptrollers General

Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) approved the appointment of Five (5) Assistant Comptrollers General

Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) at its 52nd Regular meeting approved the appointment of Five (5) Assistant Comptrollers General of Customs, promotion of 2,634 Officers, dismissal of One (1) ACG and compulsory retirement of another ACG.Hon.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and Chairman, NCS Board, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed who presided over the meeting said decisions taken during the meeting were meant to ginger and move the Service forward in-terms of manpower and operations.

The new Assistant Comptrollers General of Customs are:ACG, Mohammed Boyi – Doctrine DevelopmentACG, Adewale Adeniyi – Commandant C&SC GwagwaladaACG, Jack Ajoku – Strategic Research and PolicyACG, Olakunle Oyeleke – Training and CoordinationACG, Elton Edorhe – Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’Breakdown of the 2,634 Officers whose promotion have 1st January 2019 as effective date is as follows:

Deputy Comptrollers to Comptrollers of Customs = 37

Assistant Comptrollers of Customs to Deputy Comptrollers = 110

Chief Superintendent of Customs to Assistant Comptrollers = 138

Superintendent of Customs to Chief Superintendent of Customs = 93

Deputy Superintendent of Customs to Superintendent of Customs = 93

Assistant Superintendent of Customs I to Deputy Superintendent of Customs = 1224

Assistant Superintendent of Customs II to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I = 475

Inspector of Customs to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II = 464205 out of the 2,634 are Support Staff who also enjoyed promotion to various ranks.In-line with the reform agenda, the Board took some disciplinary actions against two Senior Officers.

ACG Aminu Dahiru was dismissed for act of serious misconduct while ACG Bashir Abubakar was compulsorily retired for act of negligence.The Hon. Minister described the NCS as “Making Progress” and expressed the hope that the coming of the e-Customs will help improve NCS operations.

Signed:DC, Joseph Attah

Public Relations Officer

For: Comptroller-General of Customs