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Bawumia’s New Tax Policy Is  Good! … says Association of Ghana Industries president

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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The President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke

Dr Humphrey Ayim-Darke, the President of the Association of Ghana Industries has welcomed measures announced by Vice President and Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, to modernise the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other taxes in the country.

Addressing a forum in Accra last week to announce his vision and plans for the development of the country, Dr Bawumia promised to introduce friendly tax regime to cushion businesses and also boost productivity.

“The current tax system in place, since independence, has proven ineffective. It is overly complex and burdensome for individuals and businesses, leading to widespread non-compliance and evasion.

“To improve government revenue, we need to modernise and reorient the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to broaden the tax base. We estimate that approximately 13% of GDP or $24 billion in revenue was not collected in 2023 due to non-compliance. Even collecting a fraction of this amount annually would have a significant impact on public finances.

Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia

“With the policy measures implemented thus far, we have outperformed the IMF fiscal deficit target of 5% of GDP by attaining a fiscal deficit of 4.2% in 2023. The new policies that I am proposing to implement in 2025 will give us the fiscal space to eliminate some taxes, such as the VAT on electricity (if still on the books), the emissions tax and the betting tax, without compromising our deficit target,” Bawumia said at the forum, which was attended by party gurus.

Doing an analysis of Dr Bawumia’s policy statement on JoyNews’ PM Express show, Dr. Ayim-Darke expressed optimism about the proposal and that it would be good for businesses and also geared towards expanding the tax net.

This proposal makes us happy because it deals with some fundamental challenges we have complained about over the years. With this decision, businesses can breathe a sigh of relief since the burdensome nature of our tax system is worrying. We welcome this proposal.

“We have, over the period, expressed concern over the VAT and we say in the case of the VAT, the imposition of the VAT structure has cascading effects, and it needs to be streamlined to make businesses competitive.

“Bawumia’s ideas and vision are laudable. We are only waiting for the measures he would adopt to implement them. They are feasible and we are happy about that,” Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke told his host.

Meawhile,the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has also welcomed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposal to make National Service optional if elected President.

The Vice President, while speaking at the same forum last week, pledged to make National Service optional for graduates who seek immediate employment after completing tertiary education.

Responding to the proposal on behalf of the students union, its President, Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh welcomed the proposal and added that if well implemented, will help Ghanaian students who miss out on jobs.

He indicated that, because National Service is compulsory graduates miss juicy job opportunities.

“We all know that because NSS is mandatory, some students lose job opportunities so we believe it is a good call and will help the students to get job offers right after school,” he said on Asempa FM.

The NUGS President added that making NSS optional would benefit experienced students who could enter the job market immediately after graduation.

Lands ministry constructs new office complex for DVLA

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One of the facilities at the new DVLA office complex

The Greater Accra Regional Office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) can now conduct its operations in a fully-furnished and magnificent office complex, after Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in Charge of Lands and Forestry, on behalf of the Sector Minister, officially handed over the newly-constructed office to DVLA.

The new DVLA office complex

A brief ceremony held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Kwabenya in Accra, saw Benito Owusu-Bio handing over the keys of the Complex to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations, of the DVLA, to signify the completion and the readiness of the facility for its operational functionality.

Detailing his excitement with the completion of the project, Benito-Owusu disclosed that the Ministry undertook the construction via a Public-Private Agreement (PPA) with a privately-owned firm, known as Unique Development.

Providing background context to the project, Benito Owusu-Bio explained that the Greater Accra Regional office of the DVLA happened to be one of the state agencies which was affected by the Ministry’s redevelopment of the Energy City enclave and that the Ministry found it prudent to provide them with a new and even more spacious office Complex, that will enhance smooth delivery of their duties.

Outlining some of the features of the edifice, the Deputy Minister revealed that the new Complex is an upgrade of the demolished one and that it has been built to ensure smooth and effective installation of modernised and digital equipment that will aid the work of the DVLA.

Mr Benito Bio prenting the keys to the facility to DVLA officials

He did not fall short of commending Unique Developers for the immense work done and praised the DVLA management for their effective collaborations in getting the place ready.

“This was done through a partnership between the Ministry and a private company, by name Unique Development.

“The company has successfully relocated the existing occupant of that area.  All the replacement facilities were done in consultation with the affected agencies”, he said.

The Deputy CEO of DVLA in charge of operations, Mr. Prince Edusei Poku, acknowledged the incredible work done by the Ministry in providing his outfit a befitting office and assured that the facility will be used for the purpose for which it was established.

He further stated that final works will be done expeditiously to ensure that facility is up and running within a year.

JM inaugurates Battor Phase II ‘Safe Alternative Housing’ for flood victims

By
INUSAH MUSAH
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John Mahama and some traditional heads of Mepe ready to cut the ribbon to open the houses

Former President John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday, inaugurated phase two of the ‘Safe Alternative Housing’ unit at Battor, where about 12,000 residents displaced by the September-November 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage were accomodated.

The construction of the disability-friendly houses, an initiative of the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and partners, started on December 13, 2023 and was completed on January 31, 2024.

Sammy Okudzeto and John Mahama by one of the plaques in honour of the latter

The phase two housing unit would provide shelter for three hundred victims – with priority to the aged and physically challenged persons.

According to former President John Mahama, who was the Special Guest of Honour, given the enormous number of displaced victims who are yet to be resettled, the government would have to intervene before the rains set in.

In addition to some three hundred victims who benefited from the first resettlement at Aveyime, John Mahama observed that the total is a fraction of the victims who urgently need resettlement, to avert health and psychological trauma.

He added: “The people have lost their source of livelihoods as well. Therefore, we call on the government to turn its attention to the victims of North Tongu, who are suffering as a result of the Akosombo Dam spillage.”

John Mahama said the facility would be converted into a Nursing Training center, should the government provide a resettlement place to the victims or provide them with resettlement financial compensation to enable them to rebuild their previous houses.

He sympathised with the condition of the victims and expressed the victims’ and the MP’s profound gratitude to all those who partnered with the MP to ameliorate the plight of the residents.

Earlier, The Chronicle visited the temporary homes of 321 victims at the Mepe Degorme Camp, ‘A’ USAID tent, where Donutsor Gloria, the NADMO officer-in-charge, said the people are fed through the benevolence of the MP, the Mepe Traditional Council, the Muslim communities and some individuals.

The front view of the new houses at Battor

She narrated the ordeal the people had to endure when they were moved to settle in the tents in December.

“The people killed wild serpents to clear the area for habitation. Rains came in to inconvenience their stay here. The people are doing their best to survive in these tents, which are not habitable when the weather is hot.

“I am excited that some of them here are beneficiaries of the phase two resettlement. It is our prayer that every displaced victim gets a permanent resident at the end of it all to enable them to go back to their work.”

Calvary Baptist Church, Accra gets new senior pastor

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Reverend Washington Komla Darke, the Inducted Senior Minister of the Calvary Baptist Church seated and standing behind him is the Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, Rev. Enock Nii Narh Thompson in red and other Senior Ministers of the Convention

The Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC) has inducted Reverend Washington Komla Darke as the new Senior Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Accra.Rev. Darke replaces Rev. Dr. Fred P. Deegbe, the immediate past Senior Pastor of the Mega Church.

Rev. Darke originally took office in 2023 as the Senior Pastor Elect of the Calvary Baptist Church, but underwent a year’s mentorship under the Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe.

During the mentorship period, Rev. Darke was assigned the responsibility of leading and supervising key assignments, including the Development of a long-term (2024–2033) Vision Statement for the Church, which provided a broad guide for the development of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework for the Church.

He also ensured the development of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework for the Church, covering the period 2024 to 2028 and also developed an enhanced Quarterly Progress Report Format for the monitoring and evaluation of activities outlined in the Strategic Framework.

In a short sermon at the Induction Service held at the Calvary Baptist Church Auditorium, Rev Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, former Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention reminded Rev. Washington Darke of his responsibility as the head shepherd of God’s sheep.

He also reminded him that the house of God (Calvary Baptist Church) is not only a place of worship, but also a place of refuge for all those who are looking for salvation or seeking the help of God. Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi passionately appealed to the leaders of the Church to operate a people friendly church and make it a place where souls are saved and protected.

“The church is supposed to be a refuge for unbelievers and all believers, a place where murderers can even run to and find salvation. There are many souls that are being lost and needed to be led to Christ Jesus”.

Rev Dr. Adu-Gyamfi called on the Church leaders to fully support the administration of Rev. Washington Darke and ensure he succeeds.He entreated the Church members, which he described as a “Mega Church” to raise more ministers and workers of God.

Rev. Washington Komla Darke was inducted into office by Rev. Dr. Fred P. Deegbe, the outgoing Senior Pastor of the Church who led him to take the oaths of office and secrecy.

He also handed over to him, the symbol of office, official bible, copy of GBC constitution and the official minister’s rope.

In a short remark, Rev. Dr. Deegbe expressed his profound appreciation to the Ghana Baptist Convention and the congregation of Calvary Baptist Church for working closely with him throughout his tenure.He urged the Church to extend the same cooperation and support they accorded him to his successor.

Rev. Dr. Deegbe expressed his readiness to play any role or give any assistance required of him by the church or the new Senior Pastor.

On his part, Rev. Washington Komla Darke, the new Senior Pastor of the Church applauded the good leadership of his predecessor who served the convention for over 30 years.

He said that even though he knew that the shoe size of his predecessor was very huge, he needed the help of Christ to grow in it and would graciously serve the church humbly and diligently to the glory of God.

According to him, he would continue to build on the good foundations of his predecessor, and also ensure that the vision and mission of the church remained supreme and would not be changed in his tenure.

Rev. Darke revealed that his administration would introduce some core principles – Alertness, Compassion, Thoroughness and Initiatives and Diligence to guide the church in the discharge of their duties.

This, he said, is where the Church would be very aware of its environment and provide the appropriate responses; invest in people and provide care to them; avoid practices that diminish effectiveness and efficiency; act proactively with due regard to church leadership; and to complete tasks assigned for the glory of God.

As its long-term goals in the next 10 years, the Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Washington Komla Darke would focus on four thematic areas including; Evangelism, Missions and Spiritual Growth; Christian Education; Mentorship and Empowerment; Governance and Infrastructural Development as well as Financial Sustainability for Growth.

The Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, who graced the occasion, encouraged Rev. Washington Komla Darke to remain focus, committed and loyal to the Church, the Convention and most importantly the Lord Jesus Christ.

He expressed confidence in his ability and anointing to lead such huge congregation.

By Amadu Kamil Sanah

GNA

About FINTECH: E-Levy and Digitalization

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admin
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Opinion

What Sayeth the NDC 2020 Peoples Manifesto?
8.7 FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS (FINTECH)
A higher level of financial inclusion will not only benefit the poor, create jobs and reduce inequality but will also grow the formal financial sector.
Currently, Ghana’s percentage of financial inclusion is estimated at 58 per cent (as at end-2017) and expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2023.
The next NDC Government will

a. promote digital finance to drive financial inclusion, and financial development
b. Work with the various stakeholders in the financial and technology sectors to collaborate and design a resilient financial system through partnerships
c. introduce a uniform transaction fee policy to guide the electronic payments industry
d. work with merchants to encourage their clients to pay for goods and services electronically

e. migrate and enforce all Person-to-Government (P2G) payments into the electronic payment ecosystem, and this will start with migrating all major revenue-generating ventures of Government into e-Payment platforms such as was envisaged under the e-Ghana Project and will be applicable in all sectors – financial and non-financial

f. allow each institution to develop its own portal system where Government services by that institution will be conducted and payment made online. For a start, notable Government institutions such as the Passport Office, DVLA, Metropolitan Assemblies, Police Departments, Birth and Death Registry will be migrated

g. enact a strict policy on cash-based bank transactions in order to regularise the volume of cash transactions that can be made at banks’ branches and via the ATMs.
h. ensure a strong protection regime by building strong safety measures for victims of fraud in the IT ecosystem.
The above is what the National Democratic Congress (NDC) swore it will do, if it had formed government in 2021.

The whole idea is about digitalization, and the highlighted sections, a, c, d and f, demands more questions on the NDC about why it is bastardising the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and most especially Vice President Bawumia on digitalisation.
The digitalisation drive led by the Vice-President, started in Nana Addo’s first term, between 2017 and 2020. Just as the National Health Insurance Scheme started by the NPP/Kufuor’s administration won over many Ghanaians but was hotly contested by the NDC; digitalisation, was gladly introducing Ghana into a system whereby physical interactions during registrations, applications, renewals etc, etc. are cut down drastically, much to the delight of spending less time and money during these transactions. Ghanaians gladly welcome it.

But, just as the NDC promised us One-Term-Premium in the NHIS in 2009, after it rejected it during Kufuor’s reign; it decided to win the hearts of Ghanaians by smuggling what NPP and Dr. Bawumia were doing by way of digitalisation, into its 2020 Peoples Manifesto.
If as section a), indicates, that is, to promote digital finance to drive financial inclusion, and financial development, is not the digitalization Bawumia introduced then digitalization has no definition.

In section c), the NDC will, introduce a uniform transaction fee policy to guide the electronic payments industry, and this clearly means, the largest party in opposition, intended to introduce their version of E-Levy whereby electronic financial transactions will be taxed, should it form government.

Because the NDC badly attacked the E-Levy policy and called it anti-poor, it is cleverly running away from this by saying its intention is to call together the telco service providers and make them adopt a uniform transaction fee.
This explanation is “Own Goal.” Firstly, these telcos are private companies and have adopted ways of offering services in their line of business. Some charge fees for transactions while others do not. Notwithstanding, these telcos are all in good financial standings.

What business has government got in telling them what to charge and what not to? Is the NDC going to re-introduce Price-Control? And this comes to the second point. If the NDC intends to interfere with private businesses and determine what they should charge their customers, then why not it spread this wide and make sure that costs of goods and services are uniform. For example, the cost of a sack of yam in Bono should be the same in Greater Accra.

Section d), states that the NDC will work with merchants to encourage their clients to pay for goods and services electronically. Dr. Bawumia’s vision, is to have transactions done electronically, giving an example of buying of cooked food. Example, one can go and buy waakye using his or her GhanaCard to pay electronically. Today, the NDC are casting aspersions, on the second gentleman of the land, meanwhile this party will want to implement electronic payment for goods and services.

Section f), states that an NDC government will allow each institution to develop its own portal system where Government services by that institution will be conducted and payment made online. For a start, notable Government institutions such as the Passport Office, DVLA, Metropolitan Assemblies, Police Departments, Birth and Death Registry will be migrated. Today, Ghanaians apply for such services online, thanks to the Vice President’s initiative. Yet in recent times, one could hear the NDC condemning such electronic transactions.

The NDC’s FINTECH is a plagiarised work, taken from the original works of NPP’s Dr Bawumia. One wonders what will be contained in the NDC Peoples Manifesto 2024. Will E-Levy be given a different name and will price-control policy be implemented again?

Hon. Daniel Dugan

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

Some Essienimpong residents accuse chief of encroachment on their farmlands

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Nana Kwaku Appiah Onwawani alias Agya Appiah

The indigenes of Essienimpong, in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti region, are up in arms with their Chief, Nana Kwaku Appiah Onwawani, for allegedly encroaching upon their farmlands, measuring more than 80 acres through sand winning.

A degraded farmland

The complainants, including Nana Ama Acheampomaah III, the Queen mother of Essienimpong, have accused the Agya Appiah Bitters CEO of selling out the said lands to sand winners.

They have petitioned the Tafohene, Nana Agyen Frimpong II, who is the head of Benkumhene Division of the Kumasi Traditional Council, to which the Essienimpong chief belongs, to call him to order.

The petitioners are Messrs John Atta Yeboah, Eric Nketiah, Eric Osei Kwadwo, Akwasi Acheampong, Prince Oppong Boakye, Samuel Akwasi, Isaac Sekyere, Armstrong Yaw Manu, Kwame Safo and Abena Adoma.

They said their farmlands used for the cultivation of cassava, plantain, cocoyam, maize, palm trees and cocoa among others, have been taken over by some strangers at the instance of the Chief for sand winning.

Two companies are said to have been engaged in sand winning on the said farmlands and thus destroying their food crops and plantations to the detriment of their livelihood.

The complainants said upon enquiries from the workers on the land, they were informed that the chief of Essienimpong, through his Agent, one Michael, had authorised the sand winning activities, which were collaborated by the Gyasehene.

According to them, all efforts to stop the sand winners from their activities have been abortive and that anytime they attempt to stop the sand winners the chief causes their arrest.

The Petitioners also indicated that the Queen mother has been frustrated by the chief and not on talking terms for the past three years, because the chief had taken over the Queen mother’s family lands.

Nana Ama Acheampomaah III, Queen mother of Essienimpong confirmed that about five acres of her family had been destroyed in sand winning spearheaded by the Chief.

She said the case travelled to the Manhyia Palace for settlement and they were directed to settle the matter among themselves. However, Nana Kwaku Appiah has refused to settle the case amicably, as directed.

The Queen mother also confirmed that for the past two years the Chief has not talked to her.

Aggrieved community members besiege the palace in protest

As a result, the youth are up in arms against the chief and traditional authority accused of stifling development in the Essienimpong community.

They are angered that no social amenities have been provided by the Chief eleven years after he was sworn in (as at August 26, 2013).

Mr. Prince Oppong, the youth activist who addressed the media, explained that Nana Kwaku Appiah Onwanwani and the Assembly Members of the Community have not helped the community with good Roads, Community Center, Market, potable drinking water and a place of convenience.

He complained that Essienimpong has always been left out whenever there is road construction within the area, in the Ejisu municipality, and pointed out that the Palace project the Chief initiated on his installation has been abandoned and turned into a dumping site.

Mr. Oppong mentioned that open defecation is commonplace all over the community due to lack of decent places of convenience.

Madam Adwoa Adomah, a resident, bemoaned the apathy of the Chief and his elders to fight for basic infrastructural needs of the community.

She disclosed that all the surrounding communities like Achina, Kwaso and Onwe enjoy good road network provided by the former Member of Parliament for the Ejisu constituency, Mr. Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, yet the Essienimpong community has been left out.

She appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to come to their aid, as they are at the mercy of the Chief and the traditional Authority who have not seen the need for a new palace for the community for the past 11 years.

The 61-year-old Industrialist succeeded Nana Kwaku Bio. In 2015, the Chief launched a five year development plan, under which the community was to raise GH¢100,000.00 for the construction of an ultra-modern facility to serve as a social centre.

Nana Kwaku Appiah Onwawani also promised to personally contribute towards development
projects in the community and promised to build a GHc400.000 modern palace for the community, but the aggrieved petitioners say the chief has not redeemed any of the promises and proposed initiatives.
Attempts by the paper to get the Chief to speak to the allegations failed. He has refused to answer calls put through to him on daily basis on his two known cell phones the past three weeks. He would not respond to text messages sent to him either.

Editorial: Kudos to Ghana Health Service in fight against HPV

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is making efforts to reduce the prevalence of the human papilloma virus among women in Ghana. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people with HPV don’t develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact.

According to a report by Citinewsroom yesterday, the GHS has announced that it would roll out a vaccination campaign by the end of the year, targeting pre-adolescents ages from 9 years to 14 years. This nationwide vaccination aims to immunise adolescents before entering into sexual activity, given the alarming rate of cervical cancer.

Programmes Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Kwame Amponsah-Achiano emphasised the necessity of the two-dose vaccine for each child.

“Because we have already done a pilot which was to learn lessons, we will roll out a nationwide vaccination and our focus is usually on young people, before they start their sexual debut. So by the end of the year, we should have started the vaccination.”

Dr. Kwame Amponsah-Achiano added that during the piloting stage, the GHS had to give three doses, then it came to two and now one dose, which is premised on the fact that there should be a well-established screening exercise.

According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer, Ghana has a population of 10.6 million women with ages 15 years and older, who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV and current estimates indicate that every year 2,797 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 1,699 die from the disease

These efforts are commendable and The Chronicle commends the GHS because this is a significant step forward in public health. Cervical cancer remains a grave concern in our country, with alarming rates of incidence and mortality. Therefore, such proactive measures are crucial in combating this preventable disease and safeguarding the health of the population.

The decision to focus on immunising adolescents before their sexual debut is strategic and well-founded. By vaccinating this age group, we can effectively prevent HPV infections before they occur, thus reducing the risk of cervical cancer later in life. This approach aligns with global best practices and reflects a commitment to preventive healthcare.

It is encouraging to note that the GHS has learned from previous pilots and is now prepared to scale up the vaccination campaign nationwide. The emphasis on providing two doses of the vaccine underscores the importance of ensuring comprehensive protection against HPV. While a single dose may be considered in the future, the priority now is to prioritise optimal immunisation protocols to maximise effectiveness.

However, it is essential to recognise that vaccination alone is not sufficient to address the burden of cervical cancer comprehensively. Alongside vaccination efforts, there must be a concerted focus on promoting cervical cancer screening and early detection initiatives. Screening programs can help identify precancerous lesions and facilitate timely intervention, ultimately saving lives.

Furthermore, public awareness and education campaigns are essential to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer. By empowering individuals with accurate information, we can enhance vaccine acceptance rates and encourage uptake among the target population.

We strongly believe that a sustained commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders are necessary to ensure the success and impact of these initiatives. Together, we can strive towards a future where cervical cancer is no longer a significant threat to the health and well-being of our nation.

Police Kill ‘Wanted Notorious Kidnappers’ In Abuja, Destroy Camps

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admin
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The fight against insecurity in the nation’s seat of power has again yielded results. This time, the nation’s police authorities say some wanted kidnappers have been neutralized and their camps destroyed in Abuja. 

These recent feats, according to Force Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, took place on Friday.

“In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40 am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja,” a Saturday evening statement from him read.

“The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.”

Police operatives engaged the criminals in a 30-minute gun battle, the statement added, with several of the kidnappers “fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds”.

He said the development comes just on the heels of the “neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout.

“Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom”.

While noting that the recent operation was carried out by the FIB-IRT “through a surprise assault,” items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs”.

“Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations,” the police added, reiterating its commitment to bringing perpetrators of “heinous crimes to justice, against all odds”.

Credit: channelstv.com

Fubara mourns Wigwe, 5 others

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has expressed shock over the death of the Access bank CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, son and three others in an helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, USA.

Fubara described the incident as a monumental loss not just to Rivers State but Nigeria and the world in general.

The Governor, on behalf of his family, the State Government and the people of Rivers State commiserate with the Wigwe family over this unfortunate incident, urging them to be comforted by God’s assurances of His love and outpouring of global sympathy on this deep pain and loss.

The Governor said “there are no words to convey how terrible these losses are, and the state and indeed Nigeria will miss an unassuming, iconic and accomplished illustrious son of Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Rivers State and the Nation are in tears because it would be extremely difficult to understand this sweeping loss of a family involving a strong pillar, accomplished banker and philanthropist with tentacles in the education sector”, the Governor said, noting that the prestigious Wigwe University which he pioneered must not be allowed to die.

Dr. Herbert Wigwe rose to become one of the most outstanding African financial sector leaders and global figure who superintended over the impressive growth of the Access Bank Group, and also established the Wigwe University in Isiokpo, the headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government Area with a 60% local and 40% expatriate faculty population.

Credit: vanguardngr.com

Equip graduates with skills, Oyebanji urges varsities

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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has stressed the need for universities in the country to produce graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle the pressing problems of the country head-on.

Oyebanji charged universities to prioritise research efforts aimed at tackling critical challenges confronting the nation as well as producing graduates who are solution providers to drive sustainable development.

The governor spoke on Saturday during the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, where a total of 6,563 students comprising 114 who bagged First Class, 2,762 (second class upper), 2,793 (second class lower), 688 (third class), 163 masters, 36 Ph.D. and seven post graduate diploma graduated.

The university also conferred honorary doctorates on the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Doctor of Public Law); Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola (Doctor of Accounting); and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi (Doctor of Political Science).

Oyebanji urged universities to revamp their curricula to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship that could provide solutions to the problems of this country.

The governor hailed FUOYE for its numerous achievements within a short time, saying, “I have watched with keen interest the phenomenal growth of this university from 5,041 students to 51,000 in less than eight years, as well as the quality of scholarship in the institution.

He congratulated the graduands and charged them to take advantage of the training and learning they have acquired to contribute their quota to society, adding, “As a government, we will continue to collaborate with this institution, but I plead with you, sir, the university must put a lot of emphasis on research, we must produce solution providers, people that will help to solve the problem of this country.”

Credit: punchng.com

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