Author: tdpel

Russian owner of the popular British club Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich has finally put up Chelsea FC for a distress sale.

He released a statement on Chelsea official website saying:

I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.

In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.

The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid.

This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club. Moreover, I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.

This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.

Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.

I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart.

Thank you,

Roman

Putins invasion of Ukraine has cost his country and people lives and property. But the war keeps raging as an agreement has not been reached between the 2 nations.

The banning of plastic pollution by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is welcomed as it will  help protect the environment,  South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy  says.

“South Africa welcomes the adoption of the resolution of ‘End Plastic Pollution: Toward an internationally legally binding instrument’.

“This represents an important landmark and significant decision to protect the environment and particularly our oceans that are important for food security.

“Addressing climate change, improving health and promoting sustainable development and poverty eradication,’’ said Creecy.

She said on Thursday that  the member states recognised the urgent need to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

The UNEA agreed to establish an intergovernmental negotiating committee and start its work during the second half of 2022.

They intended to complete their work by the end of 2024.

Crecy said that “South Africa will actively engage in the future multilateral negotiations on plastics pollution with the view to ensuring that we not only have an ambitious and robust instrument.

“But that the needs of developing countries and in particular the special needs and circumstances of Africa are firmly anchored within.’’

The UNEA intended to establish a science policy panel that would contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste. (Xinhua/NAN)

By Edith Nwapi

An Independent Investigation panel has ordered Insp. Paul Odey of Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Tactical Squad, Abuja, to appear before it to defend himself on allegations against him.

The order was in connection to an allegation of unlawful arrest, detention and forced disappearance of Ebuka Aniegu in May 2019 in a petition marked 2020/IIP-SARS/ABJ/202.

Other respondents in the matter are: Officer Commanding (OC), IRT, Tactical Squad, Abuja, OC Defunct SARS, Abuja, Commissioner of Police FCT and Inspector-General of police.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) panel is investigating alleged human rights abuses by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.

Mr Garba Tetengi, SAN, who represented the chairman, retired Justice Suleiman Galadima, gave the order following the failure of the police to produce the respondent who is the principal respondent.

“Insp. Paul Odey is hereby ordered to appear before the panel not only to defend himself but to answer some questions relating to the whereabouts of the victim,” he ordered.

He then adjourned until March 8, for further hearing in the matter.

Earlier, the petitioner, Mrs Nnenna Aniegu, told the court that the victim was his younger brother staying with her at Kaduna.

She told the panel that in May 2019 her brother was preparing to travel abroad and was in Abuja where he was picked by the police.

Aniegu added that it was then she received a call from the first respondent, Odey, informing her to come to Abattoir police station where the victim was taken to.

She alleged that when she got there Odey demanded for N1 million for him to release her brother.

According to her, I told him I don’t have such money and as I demanded for my brother’s offence he, Odey, said he stole.

“That’s not true, I know my brother; he is very intelligent and promising and wouldn’t do such thing.

She said she went back to Kaduna and the family started looking for money, and eventually got the money and she came back to Abuja.

On getting to Abuja, according to her, Odey told her that his brother has been taken to another place and unless he was given the money he would not tell her where it was.

She told the panel that she asked Odey to allow her get a Lawyer who would be there to witness when the money was given.

“I brought a lawyer and it was recorded, the money was not given because Odey failed to produce my brother.

“I want the panel to help me ask the Inspector to produce my brother and pay compensation of N500 million.

“I prefer he produces him alive to the compensation.

“Insp. Odey must be produced and be prosecuted,” she pleaded.

Her counsel, Mr Ifeanyi Agu, then told the panel that he had closed his case.

The police counsel, Mr Kenneth Ogbuchuwa, told the panel that they would send signal to the respondents before the next adjourned date.(NAN)

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has issued a statement on the extradition of disgraced police officer, Abba Kyari.

Kyari, who is currently being detained by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, is set to be extradited to the United States of America after being indicted for his role in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme spear headed by fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas alias Hushpuppi.

In a statement made available to the public on Thursday morning signed by media aide, Umar Gwandu, the AGF highlighted on the processes involved in Kyari’s extradition;

“As you are aware extradition is a process that involves multifaceted components.

The components are usually multi-territorial; international, local and judicial.”

“Submission of request from the concern party to the relevant authorities constitutes one of such components.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice received the extradition request in respect of the officer in question.”

“After thorough studies and reviews of issues regarding the application and components thereof, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice processed the application and forward same to the relevant authorities for further necessary action.”

by Sani Idris

Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has urged the Federal Government to harness agriculture and solid mineral for the economic growth of the nation

Jamoh, made the call at the NIMASA Special  Day at the ongoing 43rd Kaduna International trade fair.

The DG, represented by Mr Francis Odukuye, Deputy Director Shipping Promotion of the agency, said that there was optimism that these sectors could become major players in the economy.

“There is palpable optimism that the agricultural and solid minerals sector can become a major player in the economy in the coming decades, with value added as much as or even greater than oil and gas.

“More importantly, they will serve as key drivers in the quest for sustainable economic growth and more inclusive development,” he stated.

”The provision of infrastructure, skills development, availability of funds, cooperation from host community and provision of adequate infrastructure is needed.

”The Federal Government must ensure that its policies focused on mainstreaming inclusive growth and development in the strategic development of value addition in the mineral and agricultural sector.

“The government must also put more emphasis on the process of developing the sector along its value chain to strengthen economic diversification through effective backward and forward linkages with the rest of the economy,” he said.

Jamoh also called for support that will induce greater effectiveness and efficient entrepreneurs and investors in converting the numerous opportunities in harnessing agriculture and minerals resources and related economic activities.

“The government should also explore ways for effective funding of critical assets to the development of the sectors .

“It should in addition, collaborate with other stakeholders in the industries which would help to minimise the diverse and significant political, economic, financial, technological and environmental risks and uncertainties exits in the sector,” he said.

The DG said the agency was focusing on trade facilitation which it believed would ultimately drive economic growth, incomes and wealth creation.

He added that trade facilitation through shipping would also build capacity, generate employment opportunities and improve standard of living of Nigerians.

In his remarks, the President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu said NIMASA plays a key role in facilitating trade activities between Nigeria and other counties in the world.

Aliyu, represented by Mr Ishaya Idi,  a Council Member of KADCCIMA, commended the agency for its continuous participation at the trade fair. NAN)

By Ginika Okoye

Stakeholders on Wednesday appealed to businesses to explore the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to grow their business and ensure economic growth.

They said during a webinar monitored in Abuja that the agreement had potential to help businesses to grow and bring about foreign direct investments.

Mr Francis Anatogu, the Executive Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA, said the objective of the agreement was to enhance competitiveness and promote industrial development.

Speaking at the fourth Symposium of Issuers and Investors Alternative Dispute Resolution Initiative (IIADRI), Anatogu said the agreement was also to facilitate movement of capital and investment.

He said that the agreement would help in policies harmonisation to make things easier for exporters.

Anatogu said that although the opportunities in AfCFTA were huge, Africa’s trade was only two to three per cent of global trade.

”At the National Action Committee, we identified seven goals that we must do to make us ready to trade in AfCFTA.

“We must produce what we export, we need the right business environment, regulation and laws to be business and export friendly.

“Businesses are already taking advantage of this, we will navigate the challenges to be able to trade.

“We cannot say that we are 100 per cent ready but we need to get started.

”The time to get in is now,” he said.

Mr Olufemi Babem, Partner, Tax Regulatory and Peoples Services, KPMG in Nigeria, said that AfCFTA would help to guarantee access to an expanded market.

He said that AfCFTA had the potential to reduce cost of production and attract new investments.

Babem noted that the key initiatives in businesses were implementation of cost optimisation and sustainable operations strategies.

“Myth around the AfCFTA is that membership is a silver bullet for economic growth; non-existence of borders suggests removal of regulatory checks.

“All local companies would benefit from AfCFTA,’’ he said.

The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Chinyere Almona, said that businesses needed to be ready to take advantage of the benefits embedded in the agreement.

Almona, represented by Mr Sunny Micheal, said, ”we can’t ignore the trade”.

Mr Moses Igbrude, IIADRI Chairman, said that the symposium was to address the numerous complaints raised by corporate organisations on the AfCFTA.

”Our desire is to find out how we can via the platform of the symposium enable  private companies in the export value chain, SMEs, governments to be on the same page as regards what needs to be done.

He said the symposium would give opportunity to all stakeholders to dialogue and articulate ways to foster mutual and better understanding.

Igbrude said that part of the group’s core objective was to promote and encourage stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market and the general economy to tap into the opportunities offered by AfCFTA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Olanrewaju Akojede

A Mental Health Advocate and Coach, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, has dispelled the myth that mental illness has spiritual undertone, adding that the sickness belongs to the category of non-communicable diseases.

Kadiri, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, made the assertion on Wednesday at a sensitisation programme of 9mobile, a Telecom giant, held online and streamed on the @healthertainer Instagram.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, sponsored by 9mobile, is in continuation of the company’s sustained efforts toward creating awareness and sensitising the public on health-related issues.

The health talk, the fifth edition of its series, had the theme of discussion focused on “Mental Health; The Myth, The Challenge and Recovery’’.

The psychiatrist highlighted the myths around mental health challenges and importantly, what the recovery process entailed.

She described mental health as the ability to be productive, fruitful and able to give back to the society.

While dispelling some of the myths, she remarked that mental illness did not have any spiritual undertone as people were made to believe, particularly in our clime.

“Mental health belongs to the category of non-communicable diseases,’’ she said.

According to her, one in every five persons in Nigeria has mental illness, with data showing that mental illness starts before the age of 14 in some instances.

“Everybody has mental health but not everybody has mental illness which is a medical condition as it were.

“ It will therefore, be correct to conclude that nobody has immunity against mental health disorder,” Kadiri said.

Enumerating some of the stress factors that could trigger mental illness, the mental health advocate said there were other probable factors responsible for the disorder associated with social economic factors.

“Some of the risk vulnerability factors include; death of one’s parent or loved ones, divorce in families, domestic violence and positive history of mental illness.

“Others are societal pressure, which can be attributed to the harsh socio-economic realities in the country.

“It is important to appreciate the fact that mental illness is real and therefore, seek for ways to address the challenges than living in self-denial.

“There is good news and there is bad news about mental illness: The good news is that it is beatable, treatable and manageable with help readily available for quick recovery.

While the bad news is that the longer it takes to seek medical help, the more complicated it can become,’’ Kadiri said.

Mr Abdulrahman Ado, the Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, represented by 9mobile’s Public Relations Lead, Ms Chineze Amanfo, reiterated that more attention should be paid to mental health challenges, particularly among the productive population.

“Mental Health is a critical issue that needs attention. 9mobile will continue to bring the issue to the fore to promote a healthier and safer society for all.

“Therefore, we are excited that the health talk series for 2022 has kick-started on a very impactful note, with emphasis on mental well-being which is paramount for optimal productivity.

“This is one of the reasons we focus on health as one of our strategic corporate social responsibility,’’ he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

By Mercy Omoike

As Nigerians prepare for the 2023 general elections, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Tuesday organised a two-day workshop in Lagos toward promoting objective political reportage.

In a speech at the workshop that had the theme “Broadcast Ecology and Politics in Nigeria”,  Alhaji Balarabe Shehu, the Director-General of NBC, emphasised the need for the media to handle reports before, during and after the elections “professionally and responsibly.”

He further tasked journalists to avoid the dissemination of fake news and hate speech as that was inimical to the polity.

“We are here because it is known to each and everyone of us that 2023 is fast approaching and the media has a very important role to play in the election and its coverage.

“The purpose of the workshop is to intimate and remind the media of what is already known to them as professionals.

“The media should be steadfast and careful in their reportage and should avoid hate speech and fake news.

“News managers must avoid the temptation to be the first to break the news when they are not very sure of its veracity,” he said.

According to Shehu, the nation cannot afford the crisis partisan journalism could lead to, hence the need to report only verified information.

He said that the commission was not only out to penalise erring media houses, but to liaise with them for the good of the country.

“The country at this time cannot afford to have any crisis and we have a role to play as broadcasters to make sure only the right thing is aired.

“There are penalties for defaulting broadcasters. For instance, you are not allowed to air election results except when announced by INEC.

“We should give fair airtime to all political parties and contestants irrespective of if they are the opposition or the ruling party.

“We do not want to just jump into penalising media houses, but we want to carry them along as regards what is good for the nation.

“We have been persuasive and have been working with almost all the media houses and we are not just out to punish media houses.

“What we want is to work with them and carry them along with our activities.

“If there are any problems, we liase with them and advise them before we take any action.

“Our responsibility is our responsibility; we are going to do it, and we are going to do it to the best of our ability.

“We are going to sit down again with owners of media houses and managers and see how best we can put our heads together and implement what we were set up to do.

“Our message to the media community is that we should put Nigeria first in whatever we do; we do not have any other nation aside Nigeria.

“We cannot afford to have any crisis in Nigeria; we must place national interest above any other consideration in our reportage,” he said

In his speech, Prof. Tony Iredia, the former Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), urged journalists to be fair to all and never allow their biases to reflect in their reportage.

He emphasised the need for the media to give adequate attention to all political parties so as to help the electorate to decide on who to vote for.

NAN reports that the first day of the event was well attended by top politicians, media managers, INEC officials, the academia and other stakeholders. (NAN)

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Wednesday sealed a deal with partners on gas aggregation to increase local production of fertiliser in the country.

The Gas Aggregation Agreement was signed in Abuja on the sideline of the ongoing fifth Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2022) with the theme “Revitalising the Industry: Future Fuels and Energy Transition.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partners for the phase two fertiliser plant include Dangote Fertiliser Ltd., Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), ENI, Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), Nigeria Agip Oil Company and TotalEnergies.

Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director, NNPC, during the signing said the deal was part of its drive to ensure greater utilisation of gas in the country, by way of conversion or monetisation in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas.

Kyari said NNPC had progressed its engagement with Dangote Group for the SPDC joint venture, which comprised of NNPC, Shell, ENI and TotalEnergies to deliver 70 million cubic of gas to phase two Dangote plant.

This, he said, would no doubt increase gas in the domestic market.

“But more importantly, it is a platform that will increase local production of fertiliser in our country.

“As you may be aware, it is government’s drive to ensure that we become self sufficient in the production of fertiliser in the country, and specifically for this year’s zero import of fertilisation in the country.

“Currently, Dangote group provides about 65 per cent of all domestic production of fertiliser. And we are happy to sign the Gas Supply Agreement with them,” Kyari said.

In his remark, Mr Osagie Okunbor, Chairman, Shell Company, thanked the joint team that have worked extremely hard to sign the gas sale aggregation agreement.

“It is huge important to this country because already Dangote produces the bulk of fertiliser and we know how important the subject of agriculture is and for not just energy security, but also food security.

“This is why all of us on the SPDC JV led by the NNPC but also with my colleagues in TotalEnergies really pleased to be able to execute this agreement,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group Ltd., thanked the NNPC GMD for his effort in actualising the signing of the agreement.

Dangote said the additional gas would bring in more foreign exchange into the country in view of the energy crisis.

He said apart from Egypt, no other African country had the capacity, adding that it would meet with domestic market and export at least 1.8 billion dollars in terms of foreign exchange coming into the country. (NAN)

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has commenced loading of trucks at all depots to clear current scarcity experienced across the country.

It added that there was availability of 1.7 billion litres of petrol currently in stock.

The NNPC, Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, made this known to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday shortly after a meeting with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD).

Others present at the meeting were the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN).

Kyari said that the additional fuel would relieve the situation in view of persistent queues which continued at the nation’s capital and other parts of the country with fewer stations dispensing the product.

“Currently, we have over 1.7 billion litres of PMS in our hands both in marine and on land.

“This means that we now have the capacity to load out excessively from all depots. We have put in place measures to ensure 24 hours loading in all depots.

“This will ensure that scarcity created by panic buying will now be freed so that normalcy will return to filling stations.

“Typically in situations like this, people go to the fuel stations and buy in excess of what they need and this is what additional supply will resolve. I am very sure that very soon, we will see relief on this,” he said.

Kyari said that neither the Federal Government nor the NNPC had any plan to raise the pump price of petrol.

He urged marketers to ensure that they sell petrol at the price approved by the government.

He noted that following the meeting, the stakeholders had agreed that NNPC should carry out necessary sanctions on any found selling petrol above approved price including the refusal to sell PMS to stations or depots.

He equally noted that it would carry out necessary sanctions allowed by law on any defaulting depot owner to ensure that Nigerians would continue to buy the product at the approved price.

He, however, apologised for the pains Nigerians were experiencing at fuel stations and appealed to consumers to avoid panic buying and to buy only the quantity they needed at fuel outlets. (NAN)