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Bloody Ritualists takes over Delta

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Bloody Ritualists takes over Delta
Miss Elozino Joshuana Ogege ,Delsu Student that was murdered last week by ritualist

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] swarm of deadly ritualists are currently on the prowl in several part of oil rich Delta State. Grassroots Publishers  gathered that the new ritualists popularly known as “Yahoo Boys” in local parlance go on posh cars looking for victims mainly young girls to devour. Sources revealed that the set of perpetrators who were hitherto into advanced internet fraud popularly known as “yahoo yahoo” email scamming have now veered from defrauding their unsuspecting foreign partners into carrying out ritual killings as a mean of quick illegal wealth.

From Asaba, the Delta State capital to Warri,  the commercial nerve centre of the state to Agbor, the governor’s hometown to Sapele and Ughelli, the group of suspected ritual killers hold sway without hindrance. Their recent ungodly exploit in the state, is the brutal killing and dismembering of a 300 level student of Mass Communication, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Miss Elozino Joshuana Ogege.

Before her death which is currently generating widespread condemnation in the state, many young undergraduates have been killed and their body parts removed by this group of suspected ritual syndicates.

Grassroots Publishers check however revealed that besides the Otokoto hotel money ritual killings case that happened on 19th September 1996, during the regime of late General Sani Abacha in city of Owerri – Imo, where an innocent 11-year-old boy named Anthony Ikechukwu Okoronkwo was murdered for ritual, Delta State have recorded its share of several tales of worrisome ritual killings that the recent Elozino’s case is just one among the lot.

Report says before the horrible Otokoto incident, the people of Owerri were already very mad at the bizarre actions of some loud, extremely powerful and obscenely wealthy individuals in the state. These people were highly-connected and oppressed everyone where they went. They were known ritualists who were only exposed by the teenage boy’s death.

After the killing of the innocent boy who was a groundnut seller, there arose a mass action in Owerri in which houses, including Otokoto hotel and other properties belonging to this evil men were burnt and destroyed by mobs. That mob action,  reports say later faded out many incidents of ritual killings in the city.

Finding revealed that some years back, Otokutu bridge in Warri axis of Delta state became a notorious den of the ritual killers, some of whom disguised as mentally deranged persons to lure their unsuspecting victim. So many innocent young girls and women were victims of that ungodly episode which instilled huge fear and panic across the state then.

However, today many a case of ritual killings in the state are traced to this set of people called yahoo boys, or G-boy as they are fondly known. These are daredevil ritualists who no longer hide in Otokutu bridge as the case maybe. They are the new murderers in town that the society and government have consistently overlooked.

So disturbing a situation, as the once dreaded ritual killings is no longer dreaded. This set now leave and reside among the people masquerading with one job or the other. They rent big apartments, from where they carry out fetish activities, drive posh cars, and are even given security cover, and celebrated as the latest “big boys” in town.

Just a months ago, the Police in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State had arrested a middle aged man who allegedly attempted to sleep with his neighbour’s wife for money ritual. The man whose identity couldn’t be immediately ascertained was exposed after the victim raised alarm of the incident which took placed around Igbiki Layout, back of Ovwain Grammar School, Udu. The matter which was later charged to court has remained shronded in secrecy while the suspect walk the streets freely awaiting next victim.

Similarly, few week ago, suspected ritualists sniffed out life of a 43-year-old farmer, identified as Ejiro Kelvin at Oghara community in Ethiope West local government area of Delta State, thus causing tension and fear of the unknown among the residents. A woman was also beheaded for ritual purpose in the town same month.

The twin incident threw many of the residents off balance as they panic over the ritualists’ activities that have spread like wild fire in the community in recent times. It was not clear how police investigation ended in that case, but the police at the Oghara Police Division, who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, said the vital parts of the body of the victim were removed with the remains dumped in the bush, adding that it was obvious that the victim was killed by suspected ritualists.

Early this year around February, Grassroots Publishers had reported of how a female student at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, simply identified as Happiness, was reportedly found dead with her private and other vital body parts removed by suspected ritualists.

The student, who was said to be a fresher, was declared missing on January 25th. Reports say she reportedly left her hostel to celebrate her birthday with some male friends at a popular bar in Ozoro, the administrative headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. From there she reportedly have followed some male friends alleged to be ‘Yahoo Boys’ to Oleh where she was found killed. It was not clear how the case ended.

In the case of Elozino who was murdered in her prime, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad Mustafa, said they have been able to track down Elozino’s killers, with reports that at least four suspects, including two Yahoo Yahoo boys, a native doctor and security guard, have been arrested.

Reacting to the case which is gaining a statewide condemnation, a seasoned journalist and broadcaster, Ijeoma Uba who gave a graphic details of the activities of this set of ritualists in her article, following the murder of Elozino, however blamed the society for supporting the renewed menace of ritual killings.

She blamed politicians who steal public funds, church ministers who sermonise only about seed sowing, and parent, who often compare their hardworking children with those flashing their ill-gotten wealth, even the media for emboldening the new ritual phenomenon.

A resident of Warri who preferred anonymity however said that soon jungle justice would be the order of the day for any suspected yahoo boy believed to have acquired wealth through ritual killings.

The two main political parties in the state, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Congress,  APC have lend their voices to condemned ritual killings in the state, particularly in regards to the recent developments.

“Elozino death seem to have opened our eyes to certain realities”, said Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former governor of Delta State in reaction, urging security agencies to double up their efforts by enforcing the law to stop the menace of Yahoo Yahoo boys, ritualists, cultists and other rising criminal activities in the society.

Grassroots Publishers reports that just last night, the Delta State Government ordered a major crack down on the criminal elements veneering as “Yahoo Boys” (internet fraudsters) following the Elozino’s case.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa expressed serious concern over the increasing and disturbing activities of suspected ritual killers and criminally minded individuals, whose obtrusive and flamboyant escapades are becoming more conspicuous.

He however appreciated the solidarity exhibited by Deltans and Nigerians in condemning the bizarre act and urged security agencies in the state and country to commence a massive crackdown on them.

“As a government whose primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property as well as the welfare of her citizens, I urge Deltans and Nigerians to partner with the government and report to security agencies the activities of these gangs with a view to asistting the society get rid of such dangerous groups. Never again as a people shall we condone the activities of these known criminals as we all seem to agree that “enough is enough”.

Angry customers call for revocation of BEDC licence

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Angry customers call for revocation of BEDC licence

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ggrieved customers of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) have called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licence of the firm. The customers who lamented the epileptic power supply in the four states under BEDC, also criticised what they described as the inhuman face of the management of BEDC.

The customers drawn from Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states vented their frustrations during a town hall meeting with the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy in Benin. The committee is headed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Abaribe who led four other senators including Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Suleiman Hunkuyi, James Manager and Ahmed Ogembe on an oversight visit, promised to look into concerns raised by aggrieved customers.

On the issue of whether or not the Senate Committee will recommend a revocation of BEDC operating licence, Abaribe said the relevant agencies were already looking into that.

He, however, vowed that the Senate will not allow Discos, including BEDC, to short change Nigerians. He insisted that there must be value for money and also called on the management to ensure that the concerns of customers are immediately addressed.

“We decided to hold a forum here because of the volume of petitions we have received. If we want a better Nigeria, let us make those who should be held responsible to do that. We can’t blame one side.

We have generation, transmission and distribution. Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said it doesn’t have money to carry out repairs of faulty transmission lines. TCN is owned by the Federal Government. If the Federal Government doesn’t give them money, who do we blame?

“We are getting to a point that anybody who has the money to bring in metres, should come in and we can do business. What I have seen is the issue of poor services. The Nigerian electricity market breeds difficulty for everybody. What we are looking for is solution.”

An aggrieved customer who spoke on behalf of others in his earlier remarks said: “What we pay for in Benin and in other states is darkness.

BEDC has short-changed us. We don’t want them to operate again.”

Let the Federal Government revoke their licence and give it to a company that has the capacity.

“When the power sector was privatised, all the Distribution Companies boasted that they had the money to run these companies. But I want to tell senators that BEDC for instance has not invested anything. They are not doing enough. They have refused to provide prepaid metres and it’s deliberate.”

At an earlier town hall meeting in Issele Uku, Delta State, the same concerns were raised by the traditional ruler and community leaders. They lamented how they have taken over the responsibilities of BEDC in fixing faulty lines.

They also decried the high estimated billing system and called on the Managing Director of BEDC, Mrs Funke Osibodu to immediately step in and provide prepaid metres to the community.

Reacting to their concerns, Abaribe insisted that in line with the law, every electricity consumer must be metred.

He also told the community leaders that any financial cost incurred on behalf of BEDC or other Distribution Companies, must be refunded through other means.

He said: “Nigeria is made up different cultures and inclinations. We believe that Nigeria should be for everybody.

We also believe that we must look at where we are and ensure that we are making progress. We have had many complaints about BEDC. We are here today about one key problem and that is the fact that those who consume electricity find it hard to pay.

“If you buy a transformer or anything, the DISCO is supposed to pay you back in a way. You are not supposed to give anything to DISCO for free. There is a regulation. The regulation is that everybody must be metred. The regulation is that each consumer must be metred.”

In her brief reaction, Managing Director of BEDC, Mrs Osibodu, explained the challenges her management team is facing in meeting the growing demands of customers. While acknowledging the various concerns, she promised to immediately address the issues.

President Buhari approves salary increment for Police

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President Buhari approves salary increment for Police

[dropcap] P[/dropcap]resident, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved an enhanced salary structure for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and gave assurance that his administration will continue paying attention to the welfare and operational needs of the force. He assured that his administration would continue to give attention to the welfare and operational needs of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with a view to restoring its lost primacy in the internal security framework of the country.

Speaking during an audience in State House, Abuja with members of the Nigeria Police Service Commission and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force on a “Thank You” visit following his approval of Rank Salary Structure Adjustment, by which salary, allowances and pension of policemen will be increased, President Buhari regretted that the inability of the police in their constitutional role as the frontline force in the prevention of crime, had led to military involvement in the maintenance of law and order throughout the country.

According to the President, “From Taraba to Sokoto, to the South-South, people don’t feel secure until they see the military. I am pleased to make the increase in salary and allowances in the hope that it will increase the performance index of the police and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security system.”

Buhari, in a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, observed that the more efficient the police was, the more confident the government and citizens will be.

According to him, “The military should be reserved for higher tasks. The police should be able to cope well with the challenges of armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom and such crimes. In every town and village, there is the presence of the police. From all these places, they should be able to forward first class intelligence to you on which to act.”

“There is a need to amplify the question of more men of the police, especially given the condition we are in – emergency in the North-East, pervasive insecurity and abduction for ransom and banditry in many parts of the country. I congratulate you on the success you recorded against criminals taxing people and stopping them from their farms. We are expecting more from you,” the President told the police.

Full-time Commissioner in the Nigeria Police Service Commission, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi (rtd), who represented the chairman, Musiliu Smith, had informed the President that the Rank Salary Structure Adjustment would enhance police welfare and morale.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, also assured that the police would redouble efforts to ensure free, fair and credible elections throughout the country next year.

Ibusa Community Celebrates High Chief Elvis Okonji

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Ibusa Community Celebrates High Chief Elvis Okonji

High Chief Elvis Okonji
Chairman/CEO, GPC Energy and Logistics

[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 High Chief Elvis Chukwudi Okonji.

High Chief Elvis Okonji is a good leader, with the character of humility, passion for service, respect, fairness, accountability and a model others can follow.High Chief Elvis Okonji is a quintessential leader and gentleman. He is the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, and a perfect gentleman.

Indeed, some leaders are born, some achieve leadership, and some have leadership thrust upon them, while only very few have all three embedded in them.High Chief Elvis Okonji is one of those very few good men; a true philanthropist, an accomplished Business man, a man of valour, the bringer of rain. In the gallery of great leaders and great men, he is without doubt, a rare masterpiece.High Chief Elvis Okonji is elegant and unblemished in the magisterial lithe and athleticism of folkloric Kings and heroes, with unfettered, excellent diction and oratory; his brilliant smile like sparkling sun radiating from crystal clear eyes and he cuts the dapper, debonair figure and personality of the complete man he has truly metamorphosed into in the last twenty years.

Obi (Prof) Louis Cheluno Nwaoboshi ,Obuzor of Ibusa ,conferring ” Ikeji Ani Ibuzor” title on High Chief Elvis Okonji

High Chief Elvis Okonji holds a B.Sc in Banking and Finance from University of Calabar and an MBA from the University of Uyo. He is an astute Entrepreneur with varied working experience in different business sectors.He started his 15 year career with Midas Bank PLC, moved to Gulf Bank and later First Atlantic and Bank PHB.He rose to Senior Management Position in Bank PHB leaving to pioneer GPC Energy and Logistics Ltd. An Alumnus of the Prestigious Lagos Business School(LBS), he also undertook leadership programme at Cranfield Institute of Management in the United Kingdom. He brings a wealth of experience to the management team. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer of GPC Energy and Logistics since inception and under his leadership the company has grown in leaps and bounds. He is a man of integrity with a great passion for logistics that has seen him travel all over the world, studying and conducting research on strategies and techniques to improve the business.He has several training courses both locally and international to his credit and is a true visionary leader. He is also the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Chief Elvis Okonji, the founding Chairman,GPC Energy & Logistics that specializes in haulages.
Recently, the traditional ruler of Ibusa,the Obuzor Ibusa, Obi (Prof) Louis Cheluno Nwaoboshi ,conferring Ikeji Ani title to High Chief Elvis Okonji and the entire Ibusa community in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State added another feather to this great son of Ibusa kingdom,as they say that charity begins at home because Chief Elvis Okonji has received alot of honours and Traditional title before from out side his own town .
High Chief Okonji, because of his passion and love for mankind and service to humanity, had for so long instituted a charity organization called Okonji Chukwudi Elvis Foundation, which has granted innumerable scholarships to indigent students and the less privileged; a character trait which is truly of his personality and similar ground breaking stunts, that have now reputably earned him recognition from his own town Ibusa where he was conferred with the title;”The Ikeji Ani of Ibuzor”. This feat, however, places him rightly as one of the recognised chief in Ibuzor land.
High Chief Elvis Okonji has over the years exhibited exemplary character worthy of emulation, especially in his contributions to the socio-economic development of the area and members of the community which include provision of various gifts and philanthropic gestures and excellent human relations for which he has been known over the years. This honour done to High Chief Okonji had again underlined the need for all to be conscious of their conducts as well as do their best to promote humanitarian causes.

The Grassroots Publishers therefore congratulate this perfect gentleman of valour, and our brother for this honour and pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless him for the good works he is rendering to humanity and for touching the lives of the grassroots.We salute High Chief Okonji and join his family, towns people and numerous admirers in celebrating his extra-ordinary life,as he is now an institution in Ibusa and arguably one of the most influential Ibusa men that have ever lived. Grassroots Publishers believe Okonji’s foray into haulage business in spite of his background as a banker was divinely ordained to serve the country with his strength in business,deep thinking and philosophical outlook on life.We say thanks to a man who has done so much for his people.

 

By: Abiagom Ike & Ifeoam Maduike

How Customs Discovers 1570 Pump Action Rifles Illegally Imported–Witness

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How Customs Discovers 1570 Pump Action Rifles Illegally Imported–Witness

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Nwaiwu Chibuzor Ginikanwa, today, told Justice  Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, how the Nigerian  Customs Service(NCS) discovered the 1570 pump action rifles illegally imported into the country by some business men through the Tincan Island Port, Lagos.

Ginikanwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Customs with the Intelligence unit, Tincan Island Command, Lagos appeared as a prosecution witness in the trial of Ayogu Great James, Ifeuwa Moses Christ and a company, Great James Oil and Gas Limited, facing trial for alleged importion of 1570 pump action rifles into the country.

While being led in evidence by the Prosecutor, Mr. Julius Ajakaiye, a Deputy Director with the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ginikanwa said she was on normal routine surveillance on September 6, 2017 at the Tincan Island Container Port, Lagos with  the list of containers to be positioned for examination on that day in which a 1by 20 feet container was also among.

The witness added that on her way to inspect some containers, an agent by name, Ndubuisi approached her and gave her a photocopy of a Bill of Laden.

The Customs officer said that after inspecting the first container belonging to another person, she proceeded to carry out inspection on the container which Ndubuisi has given her the Bill of Laden.

Ginikanwa said on approaching the container, she saw two agents standing by the container with the container already opened. “I noticed some cartons rapped in sacks with one of the cartons turned open.”

The witness said on a closer look, she saw guns and that immediately the two agents, Ikechukwu Okafor and Ndubuisi realised that she has seen the guns in the sacks, they quickly locked the container and ran away.

Ginikanwa said she quickly alerted her boss, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Bomoi Sulaimon, who in turn, quickly drafted other operatives to join her at the terminal to secure the container while her boss also contacted Deputy Comptroller Enforcement, Nnandi Vera.

The witness said she and the reinforcement from her unit were at the terminal until the arrival of the Enforcement Unit who took the container away for 100 per cent physical examination.

“When I get back to the office on that day, I received a call from a telephone number 08026797600 and the person who called was begging me in Ibo language to help secure the release of the container.”

The witness added that further investigation of the call line revealed the caller to be one Emeka Festus

During today’s trial, the prosecutor, Ajakaiye tendered the certified true copy of the Bill of Laden given to Ginikanwa by Ndubuisi and it  was admitted in evidence as the defendants lawyers did not opposed to its admissibility.

Meanwhile, Justice Saidu has adjourned further hearing in the matter till January,. 16th and 24th of next year.

Recalled that the court yesterday (Wednesday), refused the bail applications filed by the alleged gun runners, Ayogu Great James and one Ifeuwa Moses Christ.

The duo alongside a company, Great James Oil and Gas Limited, located at Number 1, Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos   were first arraigned before Justice Saliu Saidu on October 11 this year by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The defendants were arrested by men of Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) with the said pump action rifles concealed in two 1×20 feet containers, under the pretence of bringing in wash hand basins and Water Closets (WC) from China.

In a charge marked FHC/L/339c/18, the defendants were alleged to have uttered forged  Bill of Laden and Customs Form M, which they used in smuggling the pump action  rifles into the country.

During their arraignment, they were slammed with the eight counts charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal importation of firearms and forgery and uttering of Customs’ import documents

The offences according to the prosecutor, Mr. Julius Ajakaiye are contrary to and punishable under Section 3(6), 1(14)(a), 1(14)(a)(i), 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which their lawyers who include: Mahmud Mogaji and Wale Adesokan, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), filed their bail applications and urged the court to grant same.

However, the Prosecutor, Mr. Ajakaiye, in his preliminary objection and counter-affidavits to the applications, opposed the defendants’ bail applications on the ground that the charges against them bothered on national security.

Ruling on the bail applications of the defendants yesterday, (Wednesday), Justice Saidu said, “individual liberty cannot be placed above national security.

“The charges against the defendants is considered as a serious charge with the level of insecurity in the country such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and the rest.

“Considering the nature of the charge, I can’t exercise my discretion in favour of the defendants. I hereby refused the bail applications”.

After refusing the defendants’ bail applications, the prosecutor, Mr. Ajakaiye, informed the court of an amended charge against the defendants.

He also told the court that amendment was sequel to the inclusion of one Emeka Umeh Festus, also known as Amankwa, who is said to be at large when others were arraigned before the court on October 11.

Upon taken the not guilty plea of all defendants on the amended charge, the matter was adjourned till today for commencement of trial of all the defendants.

Ayogu, a resident of Plot 291, Dawaki extention, opposite Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, was arraigned alongside his company, Great James Oil and Gas Limited, locates at 1, Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos and one Emeka Umeh Festus, also known as Amankwa, who is said to be at large.

The prosecutor that  in a bid to illegally and  unlawfully bring in the weapons, the defendants ulterred and forged Bill of lading, issued in July 28, 2017, to read Guandong, China, instead of Istanbul, Turkey, which was written on the conveying container.

They were also alleged to have uttered Form M (application for Import) and Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), issued in August 28, 2017, with number MF 20170080364 and CN 20170768490/001, respectively, to read Guandong, China instead of Istanbul, Turkey, as country of origin.

The defendants were also alleged to have altered a forged bill of lading numbered ISB0281398, issued in July 28, 2017, to read 230 packages of wash hand basin and W/C, as the content in the container used in shipping in the illegal firearms.

Ikoyi Passport Office Records Production Of 72,000 Passport In Six Months

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Ikoyi Passport Office Records Production Of 72,000 Passport In Six Months
Comptroller General , NIS, Babanbdede

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Ikoyi Passport Office of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has recorded production on the average 72,000 passports in six months with an average collection rate of close to 68,000 passports also within that period.

Grassroots Publishers learnt that the 72,000 passports produced is very significant compared to the first half of the year when there were a barrage of complaints of inadequate passport booklets for huge number of applicants that trooped to the office to get new international passports

It was also gathered by the online news medium, that the successes so far recorded was due to the determination and drive by the Controller General of Immigration, Mahammad Babandede to ensure that international passports are secured with ease by applicant at the Ikoyi passport office.

Also, the zeal the processes and procedures apart from making of acquisition of passports less tedious, also remove any form of cash transaction that may lead to offering officers of NIS gratification.

A reliable source familiar with the workings NIS Ikoyi office told Grassroots Publishers on the condition of anonymity that said that the challenge of lack of passport booklets was overcome by some of the processes and procedures introduced by the new management team at the Ikoyi office.

“The new management team came in around May and met a lot of files some down to March this year. Then Ikoyi passport office had three months hanging and as we had this three months hanging, we continued to develop more files because the processes of passport issuance had not stopped. As we were having March we were developing another data bank of June and July and if we start clearing March, we are keeping June , July and so that was a challenge we needed to address.”

“We went straight to service headquarters, told them our findings which we met on ground and requested they supplied us with booklets that would be able to cater this backlog. Fortunately, our CG instructed and the booklets were provided and that addressed an aspect of the problem,” he added.

On how the team was able to produce passports and clear the backlog of applicants as well as those currently seeking application to renew or acquire the passport, the source explained the management introduced the process of producing booklets at night to avoid distractions.

According to him, “We decided for production section to work in the night so that we can meet up, and so we were doing night operations, most specially the area of production. Because during daytime they were hitches here and there that would be dragging the process and make it slow but in the evening and throughout the night there will be no pressure from anywhere.” He continued, “Our production department work through the night and each night we could produce about 2000 booklets and that was able to cater the backlog.”

To avoid chaos, the source hinted that the Ikoyi Passport Office team had to issue the produced passports seamlessly to several applicants in view of the huge backlogs of applicants

“Since now, we are producing enmasse, so how do you now cater for collection. Imagine, where over the night we produced 2000 passports. All these passports have been expected for two to three months and the passport then were not ready, they will now be anxious and eager to collect and so the collection will now become overcrowded and if there is no management control for the crowd, it means that in itself will boomerang and make the whole process chaotic.”

Continuing, the source said, “So, we needed to strategize, how do we do this? We linked up with the service headquarters to increase the point for the collection. Before then we only had a collection point, we developed an open one here, a VIP, near my the Passport Controllers office so we can bring applicants there to decongest having them in one place and make the place crowded.”“Subsequently, another was opened at the back, so we took the elder and children to the back, the VIP and the youth can go to the general collection area. So the decentralization reduced the crowd to a manageable number.”

“Some people may not have the opportunity of coming during work days, I called the management and explained the problem and a situation of this nature we must be ready to sacrifice and so we work on Saturdays just for collection, so many people who do not have the opportunity to be here working days. Even if they have the opportunity, they may not like to wait longer than necessary,” he added.

Customs MMI Airport Command nets N5.2B in October

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Customs MMI Airport Command nets N5.2B in October
Comptroller Shoboiki Jayne .T (Mrs.) PhD

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Ikeja,Lagos of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has continued to strengthened its enforcement capacity to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the rage against smuggling in the command. The Comptroller Shoboiki Jayne .T (Mrs.) PhD led proactive team has continued to clampdown on unrepentant smugglers who are working for their personal gains, to the detriment of our economy. Compt. Shoboiki Jayne has been building on the performance of Murtala Mohammed Airport Command in the areas of core Customs functions, with a view to stimulating economic growth and development.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Compt. Shoboiki Jayne recently gave a score card of the command’s activities for the month of October 2018, where the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command generated over N5,200,000,000.00 (Five Billion, Two Hundred Million Naira ).

Compt. Shoboiki Jayne has always strategized and re-strategized to ensure that areas of revenue leakages is identified and blocked, and any attempt by an importer/and or his agent to circumvent the process is viewed seriously. She has always assured all honest declarants of the Command’s readiness to facilitate trade in line with global best practices.The Command is determined and poised to forge a better synergy and collaboration with the critical stakeholders and other Sister agencies for the implementation of the fiscal policies of the Federal Government to ensure zero tolerance for false declaration or other deliberate infractions.
She attributed this feat to the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and the entire management team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts in recognizing hard work and putting square pegs in square holes. The management of NCS has ben so supportive in terms of motivation and provision of necessary logistic which has made this command to perform tremendously well.

Additionally, Comptroller Shoboiki while speaking with the Grassroots Publishers commended the commitment and diligence of the officers and men of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command for thwarting the antics of some dare devil mporters/smugglers who used different methods to deceive the service, and further charged the officers to be professional and diligent in performing their statutory responsibilities in the year 2018 and She attributed the high revenue profile generated in the month of October to the officers at the command, as according to her they have keyed into the strategies put in place to block all possible revenue leakages.

Finally, the CAC enjoined all hands to be on deck in the fight against these economic saboteurs who mean no good for the economy. She added that smuggling is a global phenomenon, which cannot be curbed entirely but can be brought to barest minimum. She appreciated all security and sister agencies that rendered logistic support and cooperation towards winning the war against smuggling within the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command. She further warned all smugglers and their accomplices to desist from such illegality and invest their money in legitimate business, as the Command has devised other operational modalities that give them a run for their money and count their losses, if not jailed.

Comptroller Shoboiki Jayne while thanking members of the fourth estate of the realm for their Support/reportage in the Command activities, called for their continuous partnership with Nigeria Customs Service in the advocacy campaign against the evil of smuggling and false declaration to the nation’s economy and urged them to provide necessary intelligence that could also assist the NCS do their job better in 2019 and beyond.

The CGC, Col. Ali Hameed (Rtd) administration has always focused on repositioning the Service and appreciating the effort of officers in bursting the antics of economic saboteurs with different methods of concealment. This has in no small way contributed to an increase in revenue generation recorded in various customs commands across the nation in recent times.

By: Grassroots Publishers

Seme, Togo border posts to get EU’s cargo scanners

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Seme, Togo border posts to get EU’s cargo scanners
Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba
CAC, Seme Customs Command

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he inauguration and handover ceremony which was attended by Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, ECOWAS Commission President, Commissioners Pathé Gueye (Infrastructure) and Francis Béhanzin (Political Affairs, Peace and Security), Ketil Karlsen, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, alongside several political and administrative authorities from Benin and Nigeria will make life a little easier for our citizens and other travellers shuttling between the two countries. Our police administrations will cooperate closely to ensure our safety. Our customs administrations will be more effective in carrying out their duties. Bringing our border agencies together and interconnecting them will improve their performance and facilitate the movement of persons and goods,”according to Controller, Seme Command of the NCS, Mohammed Garba.

Mohammed Garba confided to the Grassroots Publishers that Seme, Togo border posts will soon get EU’s cargo scanners Following the commitments made by technical and trade partners, the European Union (EU), at the commissioning of the Seme and Togo border posts last month, the borders are expected to take delivery of two cargo scanners hopefully before the end of the year.

According to Compt. Mohammed Garba the soon-to-be-deployed scanners are expected to aid trade facilitation along the West African corridors.

Grassroots Publishers in a group picture with Compt. Mohammed Garba , Seme Border Custom Area Controller and his Benin Republic counterpart Mrs Ahariat

Controller, Seme Command of the NCS, Mohammed Garba confirmed to Grassroots Publishers that the “facilities are already imported and currently lying at Cotonou port”.Garba reiterated that the modern border post would boost international trade across boarders strengthen trade relationship between Nigeria and its neighbouring countries.

He said: “It (the new border post) will improve on our revenue generation by way of exchange of information, sensitization and we will be working together with the Benin counterpart. I can assure you the illegal trade will be minimised to the barest minimum,”

Garba, who was highly optimistic that the facility would enhance their operations said: “Everything here is provided by the EU,including the chairs. The scanners and other electronics will also be provided by them. Already, Two scanners have arrived. They are in Cotonou port.” He said the NCS still operates its existing scanner at the border, but noted that any good can be subjected to 100 per cent examination at any point in time, as the Customs deemed fit, especially as regards the nature of such goods.

He said the officers are yet to fully move to the new facility, as some facilities, such as the Information Communication Technology (ICT) among others are yet to be fixed. The customs building will be occupied by Nigeria and Benin officers.

Movement of goods and persons are now allowed through the new facility.

President Buhari had said the border post, which sits on 17 hectares of land, would enhance trade facilitation by combining border clearance activities in a single location, increase cooperation and coordination of controls, in addition to fostering data and intelligence sharing between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

”The Border Post is strategically important and lies on the Lagos-Cotonou-Lome-Accra-Abidjan corridor, which accounts for about 70% of the entire transit traffic in the sub-region.”

He enjoined the joint committee with membership from Nigeria and Benin to ensure that border officials are sensitized on the mode of operation of the joint border post concept, which is a big departure from the traditional mode of operation.

Compt. Shoboiki’s re-invigorated eagle-eyed officers blocking revenue leakages

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Compt. Shoboiki’s re-invigorated eagle-eyed officers blocking revenue leakages

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]omptroller Shoboiki Jayne .T (Mrs.) PhD, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Ikeja , Lagos fits into the mold where scholars conclude that great men and women achieve success through hard work and resilience. She remains the luckiest in terms of favourable circumstances. She is one of the few officers that have served round trip the most successful commands in Nigeria. Comptroller Shoboiki is not disposed to unnecessary talks and frivolities; a no nonsense woman who had all through her leadership role in the service proved herself to be a leader that matches words with actions.
Since she was redeployed as the Customs Area Controller of Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Ikeja, she has magically turned around the operations of the Command revenue-wise with unprecedented revenue generated since she took over. She has hitherto raised the performance bar of the unit to an exampled level in the history of the command. This is due to the fact that the refined officer is adjudged according to industry watchers to be a revenue oriented officer as well as her encomiums emanated from commands with performance based on revenue. Many senior Customs officers hailed the Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) led management’s decision of redeploying Compt. Shoboiki to the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Ikeja to pilot the affairs of the unit knowing fully well she is a great performer and a goal getter; bearing in mind that the command is one of the nerve centre of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Ikeja , Lagos has continued to strengthen its enforcement capacity to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the rage against smuggling and revenue leakage in the Command . Comptroller Shoboiki Jayne .T (Mrs.) PhD., led proactive team has continued to clampdown on unrepentant smugglers who are working for personal gains, to the detriment of our economy. Infact hard times await recalcitrant smugglers in the Murtala Mohammed Airport,Ikeja as the Nigeria Customs Service, Area Controller has pledged her determination to leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with them with a view to safeguarding the national economy for the wellbeing of the people.
CAC, can you Briefly tell us about profile?
I am Comptroller Shoboiki Jayne .T (Mrs.) PhD, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Ikeja , Lagos. I was born in Calabar, the State capital of Cross River. I attended the Lutheran High School, Obot Idim and had my final study at Efa High School, Etuan. I possess the following degrees: LLB (Hons), from the Nigeria Law School, Diploma in Public Administration (DPA), Post Graduate Diploma in Public Admin (PGDPA), Certificate in Leadership, Policy and Strategic Studies From National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru, Jos, Certificate in non violnece, Masters in International Studies, Doctorate degree in International Relations (PhD). I joined the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in April 1989 as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) and had my basic training at Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos. I have served in several NCS formations like Striking Officer at Tincan Island Port command. I have also worked at T and T Headquarters Abuja, and as Valuation Officer at MMA and Lilypond Commands, Customs Training College Ikeja (as a Teacher), Staff Officer in Cross Marine and Jacob Car Parks at Tincan Island Port, O/C Legal at Lagos Industrial command for three years, first female officer to Head Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) Premier Port Apapa and Tincan Port for five years which I achieved on merit, Deputy Controller(DC)Terminal Ports and Cargo and DC Terminal B2, Deputy Commandant of the Customs Training College, Ikeja.
Then in 2016, I was promoted to the rank of full Comptroller and was posted to Strategic Research and Policy Headquaters, Abuja where I became the Comptroller International Customs; dealing with WCO, WTO and other international organisations. Additionally, I am a member of Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, a Fellow Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators, Fellow Chartered Institute of Public Management, Fellow Institute of Corporate Administrators of Nigeria and an Alumni of Universities of Jos, Calabar, Abuja and Reading United Kingdom. I am married to  retired General in the Nigerian Army, Major General Joseph Shoboiki for three decade now and we are blessed with wonderful children.

CAC, Can you highlight some of your achievements since you assumed office as the Area Controller of this Command?
Well, I give credit to almighty God for the success so far. Our achievements so far were made through God’s intervention and utmost assistance from our proactive Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd). Before now, there are situations where consignments leave without duty paid. But since I came on board, every consignment must pay duty. I had meetings with terminal operators to discuss on ways to stop revenue leakages; which they are in support and I tell you we are progressing on our revenue records.
I commenced aggressive approach to work when I came on board. The proactiveness of the officers and the remarkable seizures of Military hard wares, elephant tusks, wild life parts (pangolin scales) and other contraband items intercepted by this Command and trade facilitation with much efforts and emphasis on blockage of revenue leakages through 100 percent examination of cargoes have all resulted to increase in revenue generation of the command. Since I assumed office, Murtala Muhammed Customs Command has handed over 99 sacks of unprocessed Donkey skin to Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, 180 sacks of Pangolin scales and elephant tusks to the appropriate agencies. Just recently, we uncovered over N1billion items at the International Airport, Lagos, concealed with other goods by the importers, ranging from cartons of very expensive shoes, estimated at the Duty Paid Value, DPV, of N500.000 each, camera flash equipments loaded in different cartons, assorted textile materials. Other items discovered during the examination process were second-hand mobile phones, sophisticated oil-well equipment with iron accessories, eye-glasses, computer accessories, blenders in many cartons and slippers, among other items in a bid to evade payment of Customs duty. There is also seizure of 180 cartons of pharmaceutical products (Tramadol Capsules), estimated at a monetary value of $181.000 through the intelligence driven approach used by officers on duty to uncover the real contents of the item packed in cartons. I have met with the critical stakeholders and representatives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), airline operators and charged them to be compliant and avoid false declarations/concealments; and warned that I will not take kindly to infractions in any form.
I tasked my officers to always remain disciplined and professional including all head of units/sheds. I have charged them to rise up to their responsibilities as I will not accept excuses. I told them to always be co-operate and work together as one family in order to achieve the expectations of government and ensure that Nigeria prospers economically. They already know I have no patience with lateness and absenteeism. So they have keyed in.
CAC,what is your working relationship with other federal security agencies stationed at the airport?
When I assumed office, I engaged in familiarisation tour to the security outfits operating at the airport; Nigeria Immigration Service, Airport Command, the Nigeria Air Force, the Lagos Airport Police Command, Department of State Security and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. I let them know the need to collaborate with Customs to meet the federal government’s common goal of security and revenue generation. So we are working together as a team. We also synergize with other agencies like NAFDAC, NESREA, NDLEA. The visit became necessary because there are potential threats and loopholes in the operational system here at the airport and so the need for collaboration. Through synergy, they can be prevented and plugged for the overall interest of the nation. So we have cordial relationship with other sister agencies operating at the airport.

Comptroller Shoboiki Jayne receiving award of Excellence from Comrade Ike Abiagom , the National PRO of Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network

CAC, what can you say about your revenue drive and target?
Revenue is the key, so I don’t joke with my revenue target. My good morning is my revenue target being on my table every morning. Whenever I see it, it makes me work harder. We are striving to meet our target. We are working very hard towards that. For instance, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) command generated N11.6bn in the first quarter of 2018 which represented 74.34 per cent of the revenue target. Also, when I resumed as CAC here in March, the command generated over 4.12bn. I have vigorously pursued an aggressive approach through resilience and discipline towards 100 percent examination of cargoes to sustain continuous increase in revenue generation at the command. So we will get there by the grace of God.
CAC ,What can you say about your CGC’s reformation of the Nigeria Customs Service?
When you look at the structure of the Service currently, you would realise that CGC Ali Hameed (rtd) is reforming Nigeria Customs to world class standard. This has shown in all aspects of our activities, on revenue generation, trade facilitation in line with global best practice and anti-smuggling. CGC Ali Hameed (rtd) has really reformed the present Nigeria Customs Service. His integrity, transparency and accountability are clearly demonstrated in his leadership approach. His “Three Rs”, representing Reform, Restructuring and Revenue generation are seen in all areas of Customs operations across the country. Another thing, which stands CGC Ali Hameed (rtd) out is the fact that he believes so much in merit. To him, things must be done the right way, and with proper approach. He has inculcated the culture of discipline in the Service. Under CGC Ali Hameed , prohibited items smuggled into the country by highly placed individuals are seized, in order to ensure sanity in the economic ambience. In terms of officer’s welfare, the CGC is doing everything possible to take care of officers. The present Customs management Board is so much focused and concerned about officer’s welfare and by the time ongoing efforts are consolidated and approved, I believe all issues of welfare would have been resolved. When you are opportuned to meet the CGC, you will know very well that he has the interest of the officers at heart. Infact, I also use this opportunity to thank CGC, Col. Hameed Ali(rtd) and the entire management team of the Service for providing necessary logistics that brought about our successes so far in the command. Their courage has continued to spur us to double our efforts in carrying out our statutory functions, without any fear of intimidation by economic saboteurs.
CAC,what is your management style like?

I carry everybody along. It is a train of which everybody is a passenger. Small, or big, junior or senior officers. Every officer contributes in one way or another to ensure that anti-smuggling activities within the command are effectively handled and efficiently dealt with. We also work as a team towards the growth and development of not only this Command, Nigeria Customs Service, but also Nigeria at large. I am here to reform the system and block all government revenue leakage in this Command. I am already aware of the Federal Government Policy and objective to provide community service to the masses and that is what we are doing here. What is paramount for government is security, both health wise, economy wise, and so on. What is important is for people to understand that the reason for the reformation is for the well being of all.

By : Grassroots Publishers

UNN honours Chairman of Dozzy Group with doctorate degree

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UNN honours Chairman of Dozzy Group with doctorate degree
Chief (Dr) Daniel N. Chukwudozie
CEO, DOZZY Group of Companies

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, an indigenous conglomerate which started as a vision of a very hardworking, resilience and dynamic business mogul (Sir Daniel N. Chukwudozie) who went into business in 1982 as a trader. The trade that  metamorphosed today into a conglomerate under the name of Dozzy Group of Companies.The Group Chairman and CEO, Chief Daniel N. Chukwudozie the founding Chairman, Dozzy Group of Companies, the trail-blazing business mogul and industrialist par excellence from Okija  will on December 1, 2018 confer an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration on Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, founding Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies.

Chief Chukwudozie, a renowned businessman, philanthropist and community leader, has impacted the society positively through various platforms, especially his business empire, Dozzy Group, which has provided employment and wealth for the teeming Nigerian populace. The highly respected and unassuming Anambra State born-businessman is a role model not only to his contemporaries but the younger generation.
In a letter addressed to the awardee and signed by the Registrar of UNN, Dr. Chris Igbokwe, the university said it recognizes and appreciates the good works of the renowned business guru.
Chukwudozie, who was recently honoured as “the businessman of the year” by New Telegraph newspaper, has also won numerous humanitarian awards across the globe.
Dozzy Group is an indigenous company with vast interests in oil and gas, trading, manufacturing, real estate and agriculture with a workforce of over 2,200 Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.
By: Grassroots Publishers
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