[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has raised an alarm about an increase in activities of a syndicate popularly known as “canteen boys” who specialise in falsification of Customs documents and releasing vehicles without paying appropriate duties.
Speaking exclusively with our reporter on the heels of a protest at the command in Lagos by freight forwarders yesterday, spokesman of the PTML Customs command, Mr. Yakubu Muhammed raised an alarm that 90% of the valuation papers being presented by freight forwarders at the command are fake.
He said that the command has arrested few persons in this regard, even as he explained that freight forwarders are protesting against Customs officers for not allowing them to clear vehicles with fake documents.
He however said that most of the people perpetrating this act are touts, and they are not the real freight forwarders or clearing agents.
While explaining further on the antics of these criminal syndicate who forge Customs documents, he said “Some of the valuation papers they present to us has ridiculous values, for example, if you have a 2017 vehicle, maybe it is supposed to pay N1.3million, you will find out that some people are paying N500,000, definitely the cargo has to be alerted”
Angry freight forwarders had protested alleged high handedness of the customs officers, complaining of multiple alerts on already cleared cargoes. In a social media video sighted by our correspondent, the freight forwarders were seen chanting “Ole” (thief) on the PTML Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Festus Okun.
A freight forwarder, Mr Dele Iboma on a WhatsApp platform Thursday morning said the people in the video were protesting the highhandness of Comptroller Okun at PTML.
He said “After giving you valuation they (Customs) will still alert it.
Overzealousness on the part of some officers have beclouded their sense of judgement just in the name of meeting their targets without considering the economic implications of Coronavirus”
But speaking with our correspondent, the PTML Customs spokesman said some of the people making these allegations are not real agents, they are touts.
“As long as you try to do the right thing, they are always against the right thing and they don’t want to comply. All these protest is because we charged them to follow due procedure”
“We have a lot of fake valuation, instead of them to come to the Customs directly to get valuation on vehicles, they would go outside and forge the papers, so what do you expect? Of course the cargo has to be alerted “
“All what we are telling them is to come forward to Customs and get their valuation, this is reason for all the noise, I can testify to you that 90% if the valuation papers presented to us within this short period are fake valuation, we have done our analysis and checks on them”
“What we normally do is that, if we give you valuation, we have a valuation assessment manifest, there is a stamp we use on your papers to show it is original, we would document the chassis number of the valuation given to you, by the time you send it to the gate for verification, or to the releasing officer, they would detect the fake from original “
Mr Yakubu said the command have some freight forwarders that were already arrested in this regard.
“Once we find out it is fake, we place an alert and refer you back to the valuation unit for them to give you the appropriate value”
“Even if the cargo has exited, we would refer you to the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) unit, if you think you are smart, some people are smarter than you, the agents and freight forwarders are always proving smart”
“Sometimes, the headquarters also sent an alert, there is nothing in alert, it is just a guide that you should do the right thing and ensure that appropriate duties are paid”
“Why we are having all these noise is because these are vehicles, you would find out that up to five or six freight forwarders are following one vehicle to clear it”
“These guys are so dubious, there was a time we were changing the colours of the valuation papers, if we use green today, we use red the following week without them knowing, this actually minimized their activities at that time, but now it is getting rampant” he said
Comptroller Festus Okun assumed leadership at PTML Command early February 2020.
He replaced Comptroller Florence Dixon. On his assumption of office, the Comptroller had promised to sustain and improve on trade facilitation, compliance and revenue collection at Nigeria’s latest RoRo port for vehicular imports. He was formerly Serving at Tincan Command before his elevation to the rank of Comptroller and subsequent posting to PTML Terminal.
Hon. Owen Junior Dibie, S.S.A To The Governor of Delta State on Orientation
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]oodwill, being a helpful and friendly feeling that Spurs an innermost heart felt drive to be a solution to predominant negative situations and happenings around humanity and it’s existence cannot be underemphasized. As it is the driving force needed in the 21st century to fix a lot of societal mishaps that becons on each and every one well meaning individual.
Children are minors, younger than the age of majority, they are born gifts to a generation, their entrance gives institutions “the family, Church, Schools” and the society at large, depths of joy that cannot be equalled to quantitative analysis. Rather a qualitative value that over time yields fortunes untold.
They come through several stages of growth through to adult hood. But prominent and more important is the stage from birth to adolescence. There is a popular saying, “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” whatsoever is given into a system will be a resulting product of it’s output. Like wise the foundation of a Child is an undisputable factor that determines how children a being moulded, and what impact they’ll eventually become to the society.
Education has been set to be the best legacy any one can give to a child. It’s provision came to being because not all values needed to become an Icon can be gained at home. Even our forefather in their ancient states saw a need to provide slates upon which they wrote. Technological advancement brought in blackboards and in recent we have the white board upon which markers are used.
In this light it’s not a disputed fact that such advancements should necessarily be applied to the well being of children in schools. Many of our renowned figures today have stories tied to not being able to afford the essentials that makes gaining knowledge pleasurable. But it shouldn’t continue that way. The likes of Goodluck Jonathan a one time President of the Nation Nigeria who couldn’t afford a sandals. We read his story and the likes of many others.
The provision of this project today as an initiative of Revive Africa is to reach out and create awareness in the minds of well meaning Nigerians to give out of their excesses to the Children. Going to schools today, we see a lot of kids on torn uniforms, barefoot, without writing materials but to mention a few.
There’s therefore a passionate call for patriots to stand in. As the provision of the essentials for their growth in will go a long way in boosting their morals, give them a sence of belonging amongst their pairs, excumunicate low self esteem amongst them. And make them stand out wherever they find themselves in the world.
It’s on this note I officially flag off this event and pray that whatsoever is done here today will not be the end as others will embibe the Goodwill culture and duplicate in reaching out to the future generations by providing them the essentials for educational and moral Growth.
CP Hakeem O. Odumosu, psc, Lagos State Commissioner of Police
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]P Hakeem O. Odumosu, psc, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Recorded Successes by his Command in the last 119 days ,Briefing journalists on Thursday, March 12th, 2020 at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, Odumosu said; “He started by appreciating the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, NPM, mni and his management team for their continuous supports to the Command.
I am also grateful to the Government and people of Lagos State for partnering with us in the discharge of our statutory duties of maintaining law and order.”
“In my maiden press briefing, I clearly stated that my mission as Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command is to provide a safer and better secured State that will guarantee the socio-economic well-being of the people and enhance their quality of life. This is being achieved through mobilization of a more courageous, dedicated, humane and professional police officers in the State. I equally rolled out the Command’s 2020 Policing plans which includes: Full implementation of Community based policing policies of the present police authorities, evolving strategies that will close the gaps between the police and the people, foster cordial relationship and build strong and effective partnerships; Visibility policing and prompt response to distress calls; Intelligence led policing approach, professional and unbiased investigation of criminal cases and diligent prosecution; Respect for and protection of human rights and zero tolerance for corruption; Multi agencies collaboration; Capacity building for Officers and Men of the Command and enhanced welfare package.”
“I am bold to say that our policing strategies are yielding positive results. Within the last 119 days, the Command arrested 164 armed robbery suspects and successfully foiled 98 armed robbery attempts. 13 armed robbery suspects died during exchange of fire with the Police. 165 suspects were arrested for cultism. 4 suspects were arrested for kidnapping and 103 suspects were arrested for murder. The state recorded 10 cases of suicide and prevented 7 suicide attempts. 34 assorted firearms with lots of ammunition of different calibre were recovered. The Command also recovered 22 stolen vehicles.”
“On the enforcement of restriction of motorcycles and tricycles on 48 routes, bridges and express ways, I made bold to declare that a total of 3,512 motorcycles and 202 tricycles were impounded since the commencement of the enforcement and 40 suspects were arrested. Twenty five traffic offenders, mostly those driving against traffic (one way) were arrested and successfully prosecuted.”
“A number of intelligence driven raids were carried out on criminal hideouts, uncompleted and abandoned buildings in different parts of the State. A total of 981 suspects were arrested. Out of this number, 190 were screened out, 791 were charged to Court. 723 suspects were convicted, 25 suspects were discharged, 21 suspects had their cases struck out, and 22 suspects are awaiting trial.”
Below are summary of some of our modest achievements
Arrest of seven notorious armed robbery suspects and top cult members; with six pistols recovered.
On 27/02/2020 at about 1620hrs, acting on credible intelligence operatives from the Special Anti-Robbery stormed a criminal hideout at Iyana-Iba criminal where a notorious armed robbery kingpin popularly known as Shola Okoko danger and gangs are believed to be occupying. Four suspects were arrested. They are Idris Musa ‘m’ 19 years old; Oluwaseyi Oguntobi ‘m’ 23years old; Ramon Adebimpe ‘m’ 18 years old; and Saheed Kareem ‘m; 19 years old. Four locally made pistol with three live cartridges were recovered from them. In a follow up investigation, three suspects were arrested in some criminal hideouts at Ilupeju and Onipanu. They are Tosin Benjamin a.k.a Lube ‘m’ 37 years old; Segun Ogunmola a.k.a Segun Alapata ‘m’ 28years old; and Joseph Oyebowale a.k.a Jossy ‘m’ 33 years old. Two locally made double barrel pistols with three live cartridges were recovered. The suspects are also top members of Aiye confraternity and are linked to several cases of murder and armed robbery. Investigation is ongoing, the suspects will be charged to Court.
Nineteen suspects arrested for gang violence and murder at Ogudu
Following incidents of violent cults and gang clashes in Ogudu area by some notorious cultists in a battle for supremacy that left 2 persons dead and few others injured, the Command’s Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants and other tactical units were deployed to Ogudu to restore sanity to the area. Nineteen suspects were arrested on the 2nd February, 2020. They include: Alade Samuel ‘m’ 22yrs; Nurudeen Babatunde ‘m’ 24yrs; Olumadu Damilola ‘m’ 19yrs; Onibudo Rilwan ‘m’ 17yrs; Rafiu Olamilekan ‘m’ 22yrs; Bamidele Sulaiman ‘m’ 19yrs; Ahmed Saka ‘m’ 19yrs; Bolaji Ogunniyi ‘m’ 25yrs; Olamilekan Saheed Adebisi 29‘m’ yrs; Kolawole Ayotunde ‘m’ 21yrs; Ikenna Cosmos ‘m’ 24yrs; Olaide Ogungbele ‘m’ 18yrs; Korede Joyi ‘m’ 26yrs; Yekini Abiodun ‘m’ 34yrs; Aborinde John ‘m’ 25yrs; David Atanda ‘m’ 27yrs; Opeyemi Fasola ‘m’ 20yrs; Aladeniyi Aladegbami ‘m 36yrs; and Obuh Onyekachukwu ‘m’ 34yrs. The suspects will be charged to court.
Arrest of a deadly Aiye Confraternity Kingpin Sikiru Samuel a.k.a Samora and eight members of his gang
In a bid to sustain the ongoing onslaught on cultists and other social miscreants in Ikorodu, Imota, Agbowa, Owutu, Ijede, Ipakodo and Owode Onirin, I deployed our Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants to Ikorodu axis. The operation, which is intelligence driven, has recorded another remarkable achievement with the arrest of a deadly leader of Aiye confraternity, Sikiru Samuel a.k.a Samora 24 years old, at Imota. Other members of this gang arrested are: Adegboyega Ismaila ‘m’ 19 years old; Sunkanmi Shonubi ‘m’ a.k.a Napel 19 years old; Adigun Faruq ‘m’ 18 years old; Rilwan Akinwale ‘m’ 30 years old; Victor Uju ‘m’ a.k.a Zino 18years old; Juwon Idowu ‘m’ a.k.a lighter 18 years old; Rasak Adebola ‘m’ a.k.a ‘Bobo’ 20 years old and Kehinde Keshinro ‘m’ 18 years old. The gang is responsible for series of violent attacks and gang violence in Imota and environs. One of such violent attacks happened on 12/02/2020 at about 0830hours which led to the death of one David Nwanga ‘m’ 30 years old of Araro Adamo area. The suspects will be charged to Court.
Arrest of seven suspects for cultism and gang violence
On the 12/2/2020 at about 1020hrs, information was received from members of the public that some persons suspected to be robbers and cultists were sighted at Itupate and Daudu area of Ikorodu attacking and robbing unsuspecting victims of their valuables. On receipt of the information, Police operatives from Igbogbo Division and SARS were mobilized to the scene where they arrested the following suspects: Seun Opanusi ‘m’ 25 years old, Ahmed Tajudeen ‘m’ 21 years old, Emmanuel Olowu ‘m’ 18 years old, Jimoh Balikis ‘f’ 18 years old, Mariam Owolabi ‘f’ 18 years old, Ayomide Omotosho ‘m’ 18 years old and Rabiu Suleiman ‘m’ 18 years old. They confessed to be members of Aiye and Eiye cult groups. It was revealed that the suspects are among those criminal elements terrorizing Ikorodu and its environs. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of their groups at large.
Arrest of a notorious kidnapper
On 23/2/2020 at about 0620hrs, operatives of Anti-kidnapping squad arrested one Jerome Ukena ‘m’ 26 years old, a native of Egun Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The suspect was arrested at the water way, Ilaje community, Bariga Makoko. He is arrested in connection with a case of kidnapping reported by one Ola Makinde Abidemi “m” of Alogba Estate zone D Ikorodu Lagos, whose wife Oluwatoyin Makinde, and their 6-month-old daughter were kidnapped in his residence on the 16/2/2020 and released two days later. The suspect led detectives to their hide out at Ajegunle of Ikorodu where a three year old baby was found and rescued. The phone used by the suspect to demand for ransom was recovered. The suspect confessed to the commission of the crime. Concerted effort is being made to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
Police burst a syndicate that specialised in shop breakings in major markets in Lagos Island
On the 5th February, 2020 information was received from a reliable source, that there exists a syndicate of notorious burglars who break into phone shops, boutiques etc at Balogun market, Lagos Island, Ajah and its environs. On receipt of the information, operatives from RRS were drafted to closely monitor the area. The exercise paid off, in that on the 10/2/2020 at about 0200hrs, the syndicates comprising of one Isa Seidu ‘m’ 21 years old, Tairu Melaye ‘m’ 25 years old and Lucky Chukwudi ‘m’ 43 years old were arrested while breaking into a shop at Balogun market, Lagos Island. Items recovered from the suspects include: Ninety-seven pairs of shoes, seven fabrics, children wears and Lady’s bags. The suspects confessed to have burgled several shops in the past. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects at large.
Police burst armed robbery syndicate who disguise as police officers in Ikorodu and robbing people of their motorcycles
On the 3/3/2020 at about 2100 hours, one Musa Ibrahim ‘m’ and Umar Saliu ‘m’ reported at Shagamu road Division, Ikorodu that one Sunday Shaibu ‘m’ and Samson Akoh ‘m’ of Odogunyan in Ikorodu and two others members of their gang snatched their Bajaj Motorcycle with registration number 3 AA144 QP at Ileepo Oba, Ikorodu on 21/01/2020 at about 2030hours. The suspects operate in Volkswagen Golf Car with registration number TD448 KJA wearing black T-Shirts with the word ‘Police’ boldly written at the back. Their modus oparendi includes, stopping their victims at strategic locations and arresting them for traffic offences. They extort money from the victims, impound their motorcycles and tell the victims to meet them at the Police Station to collect the motorcycles with proof of ownership and other necessary documents. Noticing the victims must have left to get the documents, the suspects will quickly disappear with the Motorcycles to where they will contact their buyer. The same syndicate snatched a Bajaj Motorcycle on 16/2/2020 at about 2100hours, along Sabo round about Ikorodu. The two principal suspects, Sunday Shaibu ‘m’ and Samson Akoh ‘m’ were arrested on 3/3/2020 while the third suspect, Daniel Agala ‘m’ was arrested on 4/3/2020. Detectives are still on the trail of the fourth suspect. One walkie talkie, three stolen phones and Mobile Police Force insignia were recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to Court.
Arrest of a notorious car snatching suspect and recovery of two stolen vehicles
On 08/2/2020 at about 1500hrs, on the strength of information and credible intelligence, Police operatives from Oke Odo Police Station arrested a notorious car snatching suspect, Yusuf Akinradewo ‘m’ 33 years old. The suspect took one Mitsubishi Montero Jeep with registration number GGE 620 AQ to one Wasiu Ogunsola ‘m’ Omolojuwo Street, Dalemo, Sango-ota, Ogun state to buy. When the buyer demanded for the original particulars of the vehicle, the suspect absconded. Police detectives eventually arrested the suspect and recovered another stolen vehicle from him, a Toyota Camry saloon car with registration number AGL 480 EC belonging to one Alhaji Nurudeen Rasaki ‘m’ of Isiaka Adekoya street Igbogbo, Ikorodu Lagos State. The owners of the stolen vehicles were contacted and they confirmed that the vehicles were stolen from Ikorodu. The suspect will be charged to Court, while the two recovered vehicles were handed over to the owners on bond.
Arrest of two armed robbery suspects and recovery of Firearms
On the 11/2/2020 at about 2030hrs, information received from a reliable source revealed that some armed robbers were sighted along LASU/Isheri Road by Iyana School bus stop, robbing unsuspecting victims of their valuables such as phones, jewelries, cash etc. On receipt of the information, Police operatives from Iba and SARS were mobilized to the scene. On sighting the operatives, the robbers scampered to different directions to avoid arrest but were given a manhunt. In the process, one of the robbers was arrested and a double barrel gun with two live cartridges were recovered from him. During interrogation, he gave his name as Ahmed Aminu ‘m’ 24 years old and later led the operatives to apprehend one of his fleeing members named Ahmed Alimi ‘m’ 39 years old. Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehend other members of the gang.
Arrest of armed robbery suspect and recovery of firearms
On the 24/1/2020 at about 0800hrs, a renowned owner of a Bakery at Ajangbadi area of Lagos went to Agbara town and withdrew the sum of One million, five hundred thousand Naira (N1, 500,000.00) from three commercial banks. He was trailed home by some armed men operating on a motorcycle. The robbers fired him on his both legs, before dispossessing him of the entire money he withdrew from the bank. Police operatives from Ajangbadi and SARS were promptly mobilized to the scene. One Chinonso Ndioziri a.k.a. Smart 32 years old, who led the gang was arrested. One double barrel gun with four live cartridges and one expended cartridge were recovered. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
Arrest of two armed robbery suspects and recovery of firearms
On the 14/2/2020 at about 2020hrs, a group of armed robbers, operating in a motorcycle trailed a victim from his place of work at Abolarin Mushin to his house at Sadiku Street, Mushin. As the victim was opening his entrance gate, the robbers attacked him at gun point and dispossessed him of his bag containing cash sum of four hundred thousand Naira (N400, 000.00). The victim raised an alarm which attracted operatives from Olosan Division who were on crime prevention patrol around the area. One Dayo Adebayo ‘m’ 40 years old was arrested. One berretta pistol with two live ammunition was recovered from him. Investigation led operatives to the gang’s hide-out at Sadiku Junction, Mushin where another gang member, Omotoyosi Abdullahi ‘m’ 24 years old was arrested. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects at large.
Arrest of Berry Boys’ Supreme Cult Leader and 11 others in Itire and environs
On 04/02/2020 at about 1920hours, following a sustained monitoring, Operatives from Itire Police Station arrested one Maliki Bello ‘m’ 22 years old. Maliki is the supreme leader of the notorious Berry Boys Secret Cult with operational base at Itire. He is a native of Lalopun, Kwara State but resides at 23 Ayinla Street Idiaraba area of Lagos state. Maliki has been on the wanted list of the Police for violent crimes and gang clashes. The suspect confessed to be responsible for series of violent attacks, murders and armed robbery incidents recorded in Idiaraba, Lawanson, Dosunmu, Ashimowo Bakare, Omo-Bola Mushin and Itire. The suspect told detectives that, he was initiated into the cult at age 12 when he was in Junior Secondary School (JSS1). He later rose to the number one position. The gang has an official Facebook page (Bbl Baloteli) with 1,928 friends. According to Maliki, they use the Facebook page and other social media accounts to recruit new members, plan attacks and give updates to members. Investigation led to the arrest of 11 additional suspects who are his gang members. The case is under thorough investigation at the end of which, they may be charged for murder, cultism, and other sundry offences as the investigation may reveal.
Police burst a syndicate in Agbara that specialised in robbing market women
Information received from a reliable source revealed that there is a particular armed robbery gang that targets traders, especially women on Agbara market days. On the 16/1/2020 at about 1600hrs, the same gang of robbers who operates on a motorcycle were sighted by Police operatives deployed to the area on surveillance patrol from Morogbo Division and SARS along Badagry expressway, close to Agbara market robbing unsuspecting victims. One Godwin Michael ‘m’ 23 years old was arrested. One locally made gun with three live catridges was recovered from him while others escaped with their operational motorcycle. Investigation was extended to their criminal hideout at Okuofor where another member of the gang, Kazeem Abiodun ‘m’ a.k.a KC, 30 years old was arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
Arrest of a suspected ‘one chance’ robbery gang leader and recovery of sienna bus used for the robbery operations
On the 3/2/2020 at about 0500hrs, information received from members of the public revealed that some armed robbers were sighted along Agidingbi road, Ikeja, operating in a Toyota Sienna bus with Reg. No. APP 488 FH, attacking and robbing unsuspecting victims of their valuables. This is a Toyota Sienna described by quite a number of victims on several occasions, especially on the social media. On the receipt of the information, operatives from RRS, who have been on the lookout for the said vehicle and gang swung into action. The vehicle was intercepted and one Matthew Tokeme ‘m’ 50yrs, who is the leader of the robbery gang and also the owner of the vehicle, was arrested. He confessed to being the leader of the ‘one chance’ robbery gang. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other gang members at large.
Arrest of fake mobile Policeman
On the 10/2/2020, at about 0800hrs, Policemen on enforcement of the ban on motorcycles in restricted areas arrested one Monday Job ‘m’ 32 years old at Oshodi riding motorcycle and fully dressed in police mobile uniform. A closed look on his name tag and badge gave room for further probing. He could not give satisfactory account of himself and the squadron he is attached to. In the cause of investigation, he confessed to be an impersonator. It was revealed that he has been wearing the uniform to commit all kinds of criminal activities, ranging from illegal escort of contraband goods from Cotonuo to Lagos. Escorting vehicles from Lagos to other parts of the country, intimidating, harassing and extorting money from innocent members of the public, claiming to be a mobile police man. Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
Three suspects were arrested with human skull
On the 01/03/2020 at about 1330HRS a team of policemen from Area E Command, Festac while on routine stop and search duty at Alakija Bus Stop along Lagos-Ibadan, Badagry express way, intercepted one Dauda Tijani ‘m’ 42years old of No 23 Omomwunmi Street Orege Ajegunle with a black polythene bag containing a human skull. He confessed that he was sent by an herbalist one Olawale Shodolamu ‘m’ 70years old. The said herbalist was also arrested. He claimed that he bought the human skull from one Seun Falana ‘m’ 37years old, a staff of Trinity Cemetery Ajegunle at the sum of Ten thousand naira (10,000.00). The third suspect was equally arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he true worth of a man is in the way he treats people who are absolutely in need. If you care about people in need, you are actually making a contribution to the development of the nation. We need to give life back to the people.We need to see how we can use the available resources for everybody; create opportunities for all and care, especially for those who are truly in need. The gap between the rich and the poor should be bridged. Those of us blessed with material resources need to share with others. We must strike a balance with our resources.” This is the Philosophy of Dr Daniel N. Chukwudozie. As a human being, his humility and modesty is second to none.
It is certainly impossible to gloss over the attributes for greatness of Chief(Dr)Daniel N.Chukwudozie, the founding Chairman,Dozzy Group of Companies, the trail-blazing business mogul and industrialist par excellence from Okija, Anambra State. Chukwudozie’s rise to the top was not a one-step movement. It was a humble beginning for a humble man.
The inter play of factors that would establish him as one of Nigeria’s reputable captains of industry shaped Chukwudozie’s principle and philosophy of life and business- humility, honesty and hard work. His unassuming nature and infectious humility explain why he does not trumpet his numerous philanthropic gestures.
Having lost his father at a young age, vicissitude and obfuscation became the family’s companion as his poor mother toiled to raise him and his siblings.But the young Chukwudozie would not allow poverty to limit him.He thus forcefully brushed aside vagaries of life to embrace hard work, and then reaped subsequent strings of success in the business arena. Starting off as a trader in 1982, through the dint of hard work and resilience, Chukwudozie nurtured and expanded his trade, transforming it into a limited liability company under the name, Dozzy Nigeria Limited.
Oni of Ife joins Stakeholders in celebrating DOZZY OIL CEO Dr. Sir Dan Chukwudozie at University of Nigeria Nsukka
The Oil and Gas sector of the Group came on stream in 1994 with the incorporation of Dozzy Oil and Gas. The sector has grown to become the Group’s flagship. Dozzy Oil and Gas operation is anchored on four areas: Blending, distribution, industrial Gas and Liquefied petroleum Gas. Dozzy Oil and Gas depots are well entrenched in Nigeria’s three strategic, main port cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt and Calabar. Dozzy Oil and Gas is determined to meet Nigeria’s energy needs and this why the company’s combined capacity of oil storage will be 200,000 metric tons when fully installed.
At the last year Nigeria’s premier indigenous University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),had no problem spotting the gold fish in its hiding place, even Oni of Ife joins Stakeholders in celebrating DOZZY OIL CEO Dr. Sir Dan Chukwudozie at University of Nigeria Nsukka,Chukwudozie exudes patriotic fervor. Having tasted poverty and deprivation, the Dozzy Group boss goes about doing good- putting smiles on the faces of his fellow country men and women through philanthropic gestures and job creation. For example, he has over 300 skilled and unskilled combined workforces on his payroll in Dozzy Oil and Gas. The combined total workforce of the conglomerate stands at about 2,000.
However, many would be shocked to later learn that this unassuming youngman who mingles with the lowly and the downtrodden without discrimination is a workaholic, a business czar, corporate tiger and sits atop multi-billion dollars investments spanning several interests. Chukwudozie is a tested industrialist and an achiever-a job creator, an employer of labour and a philanthropist. And he makes no noise about these.Yes, Chukwudozie is a gold fish, and a big one for that matter.The decision of NNmadi Azikiwe University to honour Chukwudozie confirms that his recent honours and awards was well deserved.
Essentially,besides Nnamdi Azikwe University conferment on Chukwudozie on Thursday 12th March 2020,the Oil and Gas Magnate has the Industrialist of the year award from Grassroots Newspapers Newspaper Publishers Network(GNPN) 2016,the most respected Nigerian CEO award (2010) by This Day Newspaper among others, in his kitty.Last year the University of Calabar singled him out for honour in recognition of his strides in the corporate world and contribution to the economic growth of the country. The citadel of learning had conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate Degree too.
Those who are familiar with the exploits of Chukwudozie who went into business in 1982 as a trader would not be surprised that such respected institution have chosen to bestow on him with such honour just recently.But like they say, a goldfish has no hiding place. As a workaholic and a man who is always craving to explore new grounds in business, Chukwudozie established Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited and subsidiaries including: Speciality Oil Company Nigeria Limited, Dozzy Plastic Industries Limited, Dozzy Guttroff Gas Limited, Lubricant Manufacturing Oxygen/Industrial Gas Production, Industrial automotive household as well as high precision plastic products,manufacturing wigs/hair attachments, artificial human hair and oil and gas supply and distribution.
On the vision,“the Group aspires to be one of Nigeria’s best regarded conglomerates, measured by its performance and driven by a total commitment to its core values and philosophies. About a year ago, the eminent businessman completed and handed over a magnificent three-storey school building in honour of his late Mother, Lady Hannah Ugoyibo Chukwudozie, Mama Dozzy to the Anglican Church, Diocese on the Niger.
Chief Chukwudozie is married to Lady Ada Chukwudozie,a Chemical Engineer and a publisher, because Behind every successfully man is indeed a dutiful, intelligent, loyal, beautiful, loving and hardworking woman. Lady Ada Chukwudozie, the amiable wife of industrialist, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, Chairman of the Dozzy Group, fits the above bill. The Dozzy Group boss who hails from Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State,is one of illustrious sons of Okija that have put the community on world map by executing many high profile people-oriented infrastructural projects. Specifically, in the month of october,2018; as a way of giving back to the host communities, Dozzy Foundation organised free medical outreach for his community, Okija in Anambra State and recently he officially flag off Dozzy Foundation Health Insurance Scheme For one thousand five hundred Okija indigenes at Okija General Hospital.
Chukwudozie the gold fish stood before a sea of academics, family members,friends and well-wishers to receive honorary academic laurel again. Many agreed that such man with a large, kind and generous heart; a silent achiever and a blessing to humanity, his community, Okija and fatherland, Nigeria, deserves the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree
(Honouris Causa).It is indeed a fitting recognition.
Grassroots Newspaper Publishers eulogise their Grand Patron,Chief Chukwudozie for not being carried away by money and all that money could buy and remembered to continue to register his name in the annals of history to the glory of God.
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]on. Ndudi Elumelu, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, has commended Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for allowing democracy to flourish in the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), ward congresses in the State.
In a statement he personally endorsed, the Minority leader hailed Governor Okowa for his continued demonstration and passion to allow democratic principles and tenets thrive, by way of giving the party and its members the sole responsibility to choose who should represent them in all the offices of the party at the ward level, saying that the Governor’s gesture was a clear attestation of his love and believe in true democracy.
“I sincerely congratulate His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of our dear state and the leader of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State, for a peaceful and successful conduct of the just concluded congresses across the various wards in the state. He once again, demonstrated his great desire for party unity by not in any way interfering in the choice of those elected as officers to lead the party at the various wards,” Hon. Elumelu stated.
The Minority Leader who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also congratulated and commended the Chairman of the Party in the State, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso for his role in ensuring the success of the congresses, saying that the State Chairman demonstrated immense maturity in adhering to the laid down guidelines stipulated by the National Secretariat of the party in the manner the congresses were conducted in the State.
He also appreciated the Senatorial Chairman of the Party in Delta North Senatorial District, Deacon Moses Iduh and said that his coordination of the congresses with other leaders of the party in the senatorial district was worthwhile as well as a huge boost to the peace, progress and unity of the Party
“It is my hope that the same thing will play itself in the forthcoming Local Government Areas as well as the state congresses,” he said, even as he applauded members of the Party in the State in general for their peaceful conduct throughout the period of the exercise, affirming that their role was critical to the overall successes of the congress in Delta State.
L-R: Joseph Asikpor,a Deputy Director with NAFDAC; Deputy Comptroller Tanko Markarfi; Assistant Comptrller General Katherine EkekezieZonal Coordinator Zone A Lagos, representing the Comptroller General of Customs; Comptroller Victor Dimka, Chairman of the Joint Customs and NAFDAC Committee on destruction of drugs and Andrew Tamanuwa an Assistant Director with NAFDAC during the destruction of tramadol and prohibited drugs in Oke -Diya Dumpsite Sagamu, Ogun State
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria Customs Service and National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has restated their commitment to suppress the smuggling of drugs and other harmful pharmaceuticals
Speaking at the resumed destruction of tramadol and other prohibited/fake drugs worth N14.7b at Oke-diya dumpsite in Sagamu, OgunState, Chairman of the joint committee, Victor Dimka told journalists that smugglers will continue to suffer huge economic losses if they continue with such importations
Dimka, who is Comptroller Enforcement at Customs Headquarters, described the seizures made in different parts of the country as a proof of uncompromising commitment to enforcement by Customs and NAFDAC officials.
Dimka, reiterated the charge by Comptroller General of Customs , Col. Hameed Ali, to all officers of the service to shun compromise and strictly enforce the law on anti smuggling.
He also commended the level of cooperation customs is receiving from NAFDAC, Nigerian Army and other government organisations describing it as a good example of inter agency cooperation between sister government outfits
“This destruction is in continuation of the exercise we started 24th July 2019 involving 58 containers of illicit drugs seized by our men. After the Lagos exercise we shall be going to Porthartcourt and Kaduna to continue with the destruction” he said.!
Dimka added that the volumes of drugs seized so far are capable of causing health hazards and damages to addicts who consume them abusively.
Speaking earlier at the event, Comptroller General of Customs who was represented by ACG Zone A, Mrs Katharine Ekekezie blamed importers of the drugs for several drug induced sicknesses like cancer, renal failure and heart failure
She urged Nigerians to distant themselves from the drugs that are capable of destroying lives and endanger the country while advising importers to bring in things permitted by law.
Also speaking at the destruction site, Representative of the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Pharmacists Joseph Asikpo ,a Deputy Director, described some of the seized drugs as medicines produced in contravention of approved dosages .
He narrated their adverse effects on consumers to include contracted pupils, extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, weak muscles and loss of consciousness which could lead to death. Asikpor added that they could also cause neurological toxicity, respiratory failure and cardiac disturbances
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Victor Ochei as the executive director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services in the Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency(NIMASA).
The appointment which follows the tenure expiration of the Dr Dakuku Peterside led board that was inaugurated on March 10, 2016, also saw the appointment of a new Director-General and two other executive directors.
Ochei, a former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly is knowledgeable in engineering, financial management, corporate governance, education administration and legal practice. He is also a businessman and philanthropist.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network(GNPN)has passed the vote of confidence today shortly after its meeting amidst call by a women group for the sack of Dr Cairo Ojougboh’s,Executive Director of Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
According to Grassroots Publishers, Ojougboh remains a qualified Deltan from an oil producing area.This was contained in a statement signed by its National President, Chief Duke Okirika and made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State.
The Grassroots Publishers Group also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for reshuffling the Interim Management Committee of NDDC and leaving very competent hands like Dr. Cairo Ojougboh to hold the position of the Executive Director of Projects in order to achieve the needed goals.
The statement reads in parts; “We are Grassroots Publishers working to strengthening Democratic values, promotion of peaceful coexistence and good governance through performance awareness creation. We therefore after carefully following the performances of the Acting Executive Director Projects, NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and other members of the Interim
Board; we hereby pass a vote of confidence on him (Ojougboh) for exposing corrupt practices and correcting the wrongs in the Commission. So many leakages have been exposed in within a short period of the Interim Board”.
We all know that the NDDC was sinking and would have been killed and buried, but for the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari, who added saved the commission from the burden of over trading, bloated contracts and other sharp practices.
It is on record that in 2017, the NDDC awarded a total of 201 emergency contracts valued at N100,396,879,001.06; in 2018, a total 1,057 emergency contracts valued at N162,688,289,333.05 were awarded; and in just seven months of 2019, it awarded a total 1,921 emergency contracts valued at N1,070,249,631,757.70.
“We are talking about a total of over N1.3 trillion in less than three years. The yearly budget of the NDDC is hardly above 400 billion and a situation where contracts that do not qualify for emergencies were fraudulently awarded to over one trillion naira valued in less than one year amounts to not only stealing from the pulpit but stealing the entire pulpit,” some of the awards were not only spurious but criminal, as available records showed that most of the awards were not backed by budget, bills of engineering measurement and drawings.“They were just open cheques for contractors and their collaborators to fill in at the nearest banks.
Grassroots Publishers while noting that they have evidence that Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has a good background in Engineering and as a former member of House of Representative,GNPN warned detractors to desist from those cheap blackmail on Dr. Cairo Ojougboh with plans to slow down the speedy performances of the Interim Board of NDDC.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he World Health Organization has advised employers of labour on ways to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at workplaces.
This was contained in a memo issued today titled, ‘Getting your business ready in case COVID-19 arrives in your community’.i
The United Nations Specialised Agency for health coordination and management advised employers “to make sure workplaces are clean and hygienic, ensure desk surfaces and intercoms wiped with disinfectant regularly.
“Brief employees, contractors, and customers that if COVID-19 starts spreading in your community anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home. They should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medications, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection.
“Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors, and customers and put sanitizing hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the workplace.
“Make sure that staff, contractors and customers have access to places where they can wash their hands with soap and water because washing kills the virus on your hands and prevents the spread of COVID19.
“Ensure that face masks and/or paper tissues are available at your workplaces, for those who develop a runny nose or cough at work, along with closed bins for hygienically disposing of them as good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of COVID-19.
“Advise employees and contractors to consult national travel advice before going on business trips.”
It explained that employers should cultivate good hygiene because when someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales, they release droplets of infected fluid.
“Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects – such as desks, tables or telephones. People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
“If they are standing within 1 or 2 meters of a person with COVID-19 they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them. In other words, COVID-19 spreads in a similar way to flu.”
As of Thursday, the novel virus, which was first detected in China, has been reported in over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and lately Africa.
WHO stated that there was a high risk of the disease spreading to more countries around the world, hence all sections of the society – including businesses and employers – must play a role to stop the spread of the disease.
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]hock and criticism greeted the dethronement of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II on Monday. The announcement of his removal swept through the entire nation like wild fire. He was clearly a victim of politics, who got hooked in a running battle with the Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje.
The removal of Sanusi was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday. Usman Alhaji said Emir Sunusi’s dethronement was as a result of unanimous decision taken by Kano State Executive Council.
“The Kano state Executive Council under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (OFR) has unanimously approved the immediate removal/dethronement of the Emir of Kano Emirate, Muhammad Sunusi II. The Emir of Kano is in total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the state Governor and other lawful authorities, including his persistent refusal to attend official meetings and programmes organized by the Government without any lawful justification which amount to total insubordination.
“It is on record and in so many instances, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II has been found breaching part 3 Section 13 (a–e) of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and which if left unchecked will destroy the good and established image of the Kano Emirate. This removal is made after due consultations with the relevant stakeholders and in compliance with part 3 Section 13 of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and other reasons stated above.
“The removal was reached in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano Emirate built over a thousand years.”
Ganduje removes Sanusi at last
With those words, Sanusi’s reign in Kano became history. He was humiliated further with his banishment to Nasarawa State. He was forced out of the palace by armed security operatives and made to leave Kano the same day. Sanusi’s case was a tale of falling from grace to grass. He never learnt a lesson from what happened to his grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I in 1963. He fell into the same trap that entrapped his grandfather.
The fall Muhammadu Sanusi I
Muhammadu Sanusi I, was the Emir of Kano from 1954-1963. He was the eldest son of Emir Abdullahi Bayero. He was a powerful Emir that had substantial influence in the colonial Northern Nigeria. He hosted Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Kano in 1956.
According to Wikipedia, The power tussle between him and his distant cousin, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto was believed to have resulted in his dethronement and confinement in Azare 1963.
Muhammadu Sanusi I was asked to chose where to go on exile and he chose Azare, a city in Bauchi State. Like King Jaja of Opobo, Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi of Benin or Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru Olagbegi who were banished outside their domains by the powers that be (the first two by the British colonialists and the last, by Governor Adeyinka Adebayo of Western Region), that was the beginning of Patriarch Sanusi’s journey into exile in Azare where he spent 20 years and died, according to TheNEWS.
Just as Sanusi II was probed politically, Muhammed Sanusi 1, was dethroned as a result of power struggle (hidden under the cloak of a probe) between him and Ahmadu Bello. The old man also had problem with conservative northern Muslims. Muhammadu Sanusi 1 and Ahmadu Bello were great friends ab initio but their relationship became Topsy turvy later. In an article by Ajiroba Yemi Kotun, entitled “Road to Azare: How Emir Sanusi’s Grandfather Was Removed Due To ‘Jealousy,” published in The Nigerian Voice, originally on 23 May, 2013, many factors were responsible.
Late Sir Ahmadu Bello removed Muhammadu Sanusi I
First is the radical modern Islam, represented by the old Emir and the conservative, represented by the old guard. Despite the unserious religious differences between the two tariqa, and because the Sardauna considered himself the champion of Islam in the North, the leadership of a much more popular Islamic tariqa by the Emir of Kano was construed by him as a challenge.
Another factor was political ego between Sanusi and Sardauna. As Kotun pointed out, Sanusi was one of those responsible for the success of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) in the election of 1951, and was virtually a founding member of the party. Problem started when Sardauna felt humbled when, after he and other dignitaries were seated at a public function at Race Course in Kaduna, Emir Sanusi, as Kotun narrated, stole the spotlight “by arriving in full splendour… and the whole assemblage had to stand up for the Emir in traditional homage and honour. It was just too much for the Sardauna to bear.”
The above scenario and many others led to the dethronement of the old Sanusi by Ahmadu Bello. He was a victim of political intrigues, tussles, and power play. He paid the price for challenging the Sardauna.
Road to Sanusi II’s fall
Certainly, Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is well grounded economically. He could not keep talking in criticising the economic policies of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. With inept economic policy of Buhari’s government, Sanusi always run his mouth from the throne; thus, his actions may have offended the powers that be at the Federal level. He criticised the Buhari’s government’s foreign exchange climate in 2016 as unrealistic and came back again to bash the government for seeking $30 billion loan, among several others. So, at the centre, he was regarded as a fiend, which was why Buhari refused to get involve in the crisis between him and Ganduje.
Buhari had said when a delegation from Kano visited him in Abuja recently that, “I know my role as the President of Nigeria. By the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Governor of Kano State has his own roles. Once a matter is in the hands of the House of Assembly (like in Kano), the President has no constitutional right to interfere. I am here by the Constitution, I swore by it and I am going to stand by it.”
The straw that broke the camel’s back was in the build up to the 2019 governorship election. Sanusi ostensibly pitched tent with the opposing People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in a bid to wrest power out of Ganduje’s hand. Ganduje, the All Progressives Congress,’ APC, candidate, seeking a second term nearly lost the election. In fact, many political analysts believed that he lost the election. The PDP’s governorship candidate, Abba Yusuf was leading Ganduje with over 26,000 votes when it was declared inconclusive. The re-run election was controversially won by Ganduje. Sanusi was fingered in the near debacle of the governor.
With the election over, Ganduje decided to whittle the power of the emir by creating additional five emirates in Kano, With the House of Assembly behind him, a legislation was hurriedly passed splitting the emirates into five.
The next move by the governor was to institute a probe on Sanusi through the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, who ordered him to appear to defend himself. According to the Chairman of the Commission, Barr. Muhuyi Rimingado, the investigations are not related to any other probe of the Emir.
He said: “Preliminary findings suggest that a company, Country Wide House Ltd. served as a corporate vehicle to allegedly launder the sum of over N2bn being proceeds of several hectares of land in Darmanawa phase I and II and Bubbugaji, under the former right of occupancy CON-RESS 2016-503 illegally sold to Messer family home fund limited at the alleged instance of His Highness the Emir of Kano.”
Rimingado also claimed that “Investigation further revealed that some of the proceeds of the sales remitted to the Emirate Council’s bank account can be traced to the companies of interest to His Highness.” It was this probe that finally consumed Sanusi.
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In this light it’s not a disputed fact that such advancements should necessarily be applied to the well being of children in schools. Many of our renowned figures today have stories tied to not being able to afford the essentials that makes gaining knowledge pleasurable. But it shouldn’t continue that way. The likes of Goodluck Jonathan a one time President of the Nation Nigeria who couldn’t afford a sandals. We read his story and the likes of many others.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he true worth of a man is in the way he treats people who are absolutely in need. If you care about people in need, you are actually making a contribution to the development of the nation. We need to give life back to the people.We need to see how we can use the available resources for everybody; create opportunities for all and care, especially for those who are truly in need. The gap between the rich and the poor should be bridged. Those of us blessed with material resources need to share with others. We must strike a balance with our resources.” This is the Philosophy of Dr Daniel N. Chukwudozie. As a human being, his humility and modesty is second to none.
Those who are familiar with the exploits of Chukwudozie who went into business in 1982 as a trader would not be surprised that such respected institution have chosen to bestow on him with such honour just recently.But like they say, a goldfish has no hiding place. As a workaholic and a man who is always craving to explore new grounds in business, Chukwudozie established Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited and subsidiaries including: Speciality Oil Company Nigeria Limited, Dozzy Plastic Industries Limited, Dozzy Guttroff Gas Limited, Lubricant Manufacturing Oxygen/Industrial Gas Production, Industrial automotive household as well as high precision plastic products,manufacturing wigs/hair attachments, artificial human hair and oil and gas supply and distribution.
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Victor Ochei as the executive director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services in the Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency(NIMASA).
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he World Health Organization has advised employers of labour on ways to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at workplaces.
