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Akpabio hails Navy’s stride in combating crude oil theft

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lauded the Nigerian Navy over improved security in the maritime environment and increased onslaught against crude oil theft in the country.

Akpabio gave the commendation on Friday at the Regimental Dinner organised by the Nigerian Navy in honour of its retired senior officers of Flag Rank in Abuja.

He commended the efforts of the officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy in curbing crude oil theft.

Akpabio said that the endeavour has reduced illegal bunkering, illegal refining sites, smuggling of goods and narcotics, adding that it has also increased oil production.

He said that the feat was achieved through the tireless efforts of the navy in combatting the nefarious activities undermining Nigeria’s economy.

He, however, challenge the Navy to persevere and redouble its efforts in safeguarding the Nigerian maritime environment.

“The nation looks up to you and expects nothing short of professionalism which you have exhibited thus far.

“Be assured that the National Assembly will support you with all processes needed to succeed,” he said.

The Senate president thanked the retired senior officers for devoting themselves to the defence of the nation, adding that it had been volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

He said their selfless services had left an indelible mark in the Nigerian navy, the armed forces as a whole, and the nation in general.

“Nonetheless, we are assured that you will continue to contribute towards the development of the Nigerian Navy and the country at large.

“My speech will, however, not be complete without remembering your colleagues who lost their lives in the line of maritime operations and the service of our dear country,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said that the retired officers had exhibited honour, courage and commitment during their careers.

He said their expertise and experience were also instrumental to shaping the Nigerian navy towards enhanced operational readiness in fulfilment of its mandate.

The CNS gave assurance that the Nigerian navy would remain professional and ethical in fulfilment of national security objectives, adding that the navy had recorded some modest achievements since he assumed command.

“I must add that the Nigerian navy has rejigged her operations particularly by launching Operation DELTA SANITY to curb crude oil theft.

“This has led to the dismantling of several illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta region.

“According to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, crude oil production rose from 1.08 million barrels per day in July 2023 to 1.427 million barrels per day in January 2024.

“This represents an increase of 319,000 barrels within the last six months.

“This is a testament to the positive outcome of the renewed drive by the Nigerian navy towards ensuring that oil contributes optimally to national development,” he said.

Ogalla thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the navy and the welfare of the veterans.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Regimental Dinner is part of military tradition aimed at promoting regimentation and honouring deserving officers and men on special occasions.

The event had in attendance the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, some members of the National Assembly, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and other top military officers.

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Mushin LG Chairman flags off construction of Yusuf Street road, promises solar lighting

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The Mushin Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye on Wednesday flagged off the construction of Yusuf Street road in Papa Ajao.

The project is expected to bring relief to residents and traders in the area and is set to be completed within six months.

According to Bamigboye, the project is a fulfillment of his campaign promise to the people of Mushin, and he expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to execute the project.

He urged residents to cooperate with the contractor and the local government to ensure the successful completion of the project.

The councillor representing the ward, Ayomide Abioye, expressed his joy and appreciation for the project, stating that it is the longest street in Papa Ajao and will bring immense benefit to the community.

Also, the Baba Oloja of Ladipo International Market, Eze Monday, also commended the Executive Chairman for the project, stating that it will make a significant impact on the development of the area.

The project includes the construction of the road and the installation of solar lighting, which is expected to enhance security and facilitate economic activities in the area.

Residents and traders in the area have been warned not to disturb the contractor or disrupt the project in any way.

Meanwhile, the traders applauded Hon. Bamigboye for demonstrating its commitment to infrastructural development and the welfare of its citizens.

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Giving back to community — Prof Oyedokun speaks on motives

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Lead Facilitator Professor of Accounting & Financial Development Founder OGE, Prof. Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun, has disclosed that giving back to society community is his motive for pursuing his career.

He made the disclosure in an article titled “My motive for running a free professional diploma course in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation is of several folds.”

He said, “Running a free professional diploma course in forensic accounting and fraud investigation is also motivated by my desire to give back to the community.

“By sharing my expertise and knowledge without any financial barriers, I am helping individuals from diverse backgrounds and financial situations to acquire valuable skills and advance their careers.”

The academic reiterated that the motive for running a free professional diploma course in forensic accounting and fraud investigation is centred around education, skill development, community service, and professional growth.

It is a way to contribute to the accounting profession, address a skill gap, and empower individuals in their pursuit of knowledge and career advancement.

According to him, “Promoting Education and Professional Development to contribute to the growth and development of the accounting profession by providing individuals with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in the specialised field of forensic accounting and fraud investigation.

“By offering this free course, i am enabling aspiring professionals to access valuable education that might otherwise be costly or inaccessible.”

The Don addressing the need for expertise in Forensic Accounting said, “In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for professionals skilled in forensic accounting and fraud investigation due to the rise in financial crimes and fraudulent activities. By offering this free course, I am helping to address this skill gap and aiding in the fight against financial fraud.”

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Airport tolls: Nigeria lost billions under old rules — Keyamo

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that the Federal Government lost 82 percent which is equivalent to N10 billion in revenue that ought to accrue from airport tollgates under old rules.

Keyamo revealed this to State House correspondents during the week at the end of a two-day meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

The minister lamented that the ministry accumulated 82 percent in the negative from the complimentary e-tags printed by the ministry, noting that 82 percent of the e-tags are given free of charge to VIPs.

He stated, “Let me give you the shocking statistics. The negative figure that we get at the end of the day from the complimentary e-tags is 82 percent, in the negative.

“In other words, where we are supposed to have a 100 per cent contract on the e-costs from these e-tags that we print, it is only 18 per cent that we now end up selling. That is how bad it is. 18 per cent and 82 per cent of these e-tags are given out free of charge to VIPs. So, imagine the loss in my sector, and I ask myself,Which other sector will I go to that they give me anything free?’

“Is it because I’m a VIP that you say that in FCT, I should not pay land charges that you waive it for me? I pay for that sector. I pay for power. Yes, I pay for everything. So, why would anybody now come to my own sector and want to get free passage? Not possible. That is how bad it is.”

He added that free e-tags to the VIPs had in the past led to the loss of billions of naira

“So this has led in the past to loss of billions of naira, not millions, annually. Yet, our airport infrastructure, you know, is decaying. I am helpless. I’m looking for concessionaires. I’m looking for help with decaying infrastructure.

“They will be the first to cry out, these same VIPs – ‘why are the toilets like this? Why are your toilets smelling? Why can’t you do this?’ They are the same people, but they don’t pay for the services. So, if we want improved infrastructure at the airport, we must pay for services,” he said.

The minister lamented that due to the policy of exemption, the ministry makes only about N100 million instead of making about N260 million from a particular airport gate every month.

“I’ll give you another example. In one of the access gates, based on the count of the barrier going up and down, we are supposed to be making N250m or 260 million from that gate every month. That gate, because of exemptions, the return to us is less than N100 million every month,” he added.

To end the loss, the FEC decided that the president, vice president, and other top government functionaries would start paying access fees or the e-tag at all 24 federal airports across the country.

Prior to this development, the president, vice president, and some government officials were exempted from paying access fees at the airports’ gates.

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