The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • Ozara Union USA writes Enugu Governor over proposed site for Smart School, cites environmental, traditional concerns

    Ozara Union USA writes Enugu Governor over proposed site for Smart School, cites environmental, traditional concerns

    The umbrella body of all Ozara people in the United States of America, Ozara Union USA (OUUSA), have petitioned the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah over plans to site the proposed Smart Green School on the parcel of land known as Ofia Nneche in Ozalla, a town in the Nkanu West local government area of Enugu State, citing concerns spanning from environmental degradation to wildlife conservation and the preservation of traditional religious antiques.

    In the letter made available to PACESETTER, dated July 1, 2024, signed by the President and Legal Adviser of OUUSA, Emeka Nwanze Nnaji Sr. and Obi Agada Kamanu, respectively, and copied to the President General, Ozalla Development Union (ODU) and the Chairman, Ndijinze, Anu Ozalla, the diaspora group noted that although “some Ozalla leaders in good faith suggested Ofia Nneche”, going ahead with the “decision will result in gaining one thing – Smart School, but losing much more”.

    Lauding the Smart Green Schools initiative by the Mbah-led administration, the group, consisting of all Ozallans regardless of their present autonomous community, political or religious preferences, argued that alternative sites should be considered, stressing their acceptance of “any premises of any of our existing primary schools deemed most centrally located to fulfil one of the requirements of the Smart School”. 

    Recall that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State had proposed the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools in the 260 political wards of the Southeastern state, with the pioneer school already up and fully running in Owo ward, Nkanu East local government area of the state. 

    The letter titled “Re: Petition against the choice of proposed site for Smart School in Ozalla Ward” reads in full:

    We are members of Ozara Union USA (OUUSA), an umbrella body of all Ozara people in the United States of America (USA) regardless of their present autonomous community, political or religious, etc. preferences.

    OUUSA is a staunch supporter and promoter of quality education for all children in Ozalla, whether indigenes or residents. For many years, we have raised funds among ourselves and received support from our friends and associates to achieve these goals. OUUSA is well-known within Ozalla for distributing educational materials to Ozalla students and for our work in constructing and or rehabilitating buildings, including an examination hall, and a science laboratory, as well as award of scholarships.

    We were excited when we heard of Your Excellency’s Smart School initiative (one of its kind in Nigeria). OUUSA supports this excellent idea, because we believe that good education is a strong foundation upon which better citizens and societies are built.

    It is based on our shared goals of providing quality education that we are now writing this petition to bring to your attention the irreparable damage that Ozalla will suffer if the Smart School is built on the currently proposed site (Ofia Nneche). This decision will result in gaining one thing – Smart School, but losing much more. Below, we detail what Ozalla stands to lose if this location is not changed.

    Given the size of a centralized virgin parcel of land required by the Enugu State government for the Smart School program, some Ozalla leaders in good faith suggested Ofia Nneche. The site Ofia Nsuh, where ancient trees that have existed for several centuries are being cut down and carted (deforestation), is part of the greater Ofia Nneche. In this petition we will refer to both Ofia Nsuh and Ofia Nneche as Ofia Nneche

    As temperatures rise worldwide due to global warming and climate change, communities are experiencing rapid rates of barren and arid lands, contributing to the persistent farmers and herders crisis in our dear nation, Nigeria. We will attach a Google Satellite view of Ozalla showing how dry and lacking in green vegetation Ozalla is, which is causing very hot conditions.

    We strongly oppose siting of the Smart School at Ofia Nneche for the following reasons, among others: 

    1. Ofia Nneche has been a major vegetation trove preserved from time immemorial by the founding fathers of our dear town. 
    1. It produces oxygen that we need to breathe and stay alive, while absorbing carbon dioxide we exhale.
    1. Cutting down these trees will release Carbon dioxide (CO₂) that they have stored, contributing to our already rising temperatures.
    1. Ozalla is undergoing massive urbanization, resulting in more greenhouse gas production, and the trees that could have absorbed these gases would be cut down.
    1. Uprooting age-old trees with deep roots increases the risk of erosion and other environmental degradations.
    1. Clearing Nneche forest will destroy the natural habitat of our wildlife, adversely affecting agricultural outputs. Displaced animals will be forced closer to our people’s living quarters, spreading infectious diseases,
    1. For centuries, Ofia Nneche has served our community as a windbreaker against hurricane-like conditions, preventing damages such as blown off roofs. 
    1. Cutting down Nneche forest will pollute our Ufam stream causing long term damage to the only stream our beloved town relies on for domestic and commercial activities. 
    1. The disruption and displacement of the most sacred shrine of our traditional worshippers, and other countless and intangible losses.

    In conclusion, while it is possible to relocate Ozalla Smart School, it is almost impossible to recreate Ofia Nneche.

    OUUSA is non-partisan, non-religious, non-affiliated with any autonomous community, comprising of all Ozallans from all the pre-autonomous communities. Like the majority of Ozalla people, we strongly oppose the proposed Smart School location in Ofia Nneche for the reasons stated above. We are open to any other site approved by Ozalla people, whether at any premises of any of our existing primary schools deemed most centrally located to fulfil one of the requirements of the Smart School.

    We support using one of our existing primary schools, churches or open grounds outside of Ofia Nneche.

    Please feel free, Your Excellency, to contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification.

  • After return from Equatorial Guinea, President Tinubu to travel to France today

    After return from Equatorial Guinea, President Tinubu to travel to France today

    President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today, the presidency has said.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    He said Tinubu would return to the country after his stay in the European nation.

    “President Bola Tinubu will embark on a trip to France on Monday, August 19, departing from Abuja, the nation’s capital. The President will return to the country after his brief work stay in France,” the terse statement read.

    However, he did not state the reason for the visit.

    This is coming two days after the Nigerian leader returned to Abuja from the Equatorial Guinea.

    Last Wednesday, Tinubu visited the Central African nation for a three-day official visit to honour the invitation of President Teodoro Mbasogo.

    The Gulfstream aircraft conveying Tinubu and his key aides touched down at the Saint Isabel Airport, Malabo, at 02:07 pm local time, where he was received by the Equatorial Guinean Prime Minister, Mrs. Manuela Roka Botey.

    During his visit, Tinubu and his Equatorial Guinean counterpart held talks and witnessed the signing of agreements, particularly on oil and gas and security.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and other members of his cabinet were involved in the signing of agreements and review of opportunities to improve bilateral relations.

    Channels TV

  • Sunday Tragedy: Gunmen reportedly kill policemen, set patrol van ablaze in Enugu

    Sunday Tragedy: Gunmen reportedly kill policemen, set patrol van ablaze in Enugu

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    Unidentified gunmen have reportedly killed some policemen and set their patrol van ablaze at a police checkpoint at Ozalla, in Enugu.

    The unfortunate incident which occurred in the afternoon of Sunday, August 18, 2024 at the popular Four corners junction of Ozalla on the Enugu-Portharcourt expressway, was captured by passersby in different viral videos on social media.

    In the video, although no gunshots were heard, the vans were seen burning, with an unidentified body of a dead policeman lying on the ground.

    While some of the onlookers claimed other policemen were killed and their bodies thrown into the van before being set ablaze by the gunmen who escaped after the hideous attack, other onlookers stated that the burning van was empty.

    As at the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command is yet to confirm or deny the incident.

    PACESETTER also sent a text message to the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Dan Ndukwe but he’s yet to respond as at press time.

    More details later…

  • Young Artists Win Big as Enugu Marks End to Sit-at-home with Art Competition

    Young Artists Win Big as Enugu Marks End to Sit-at-home with Art Competition

    Young people of Enugu State have smiled home with various cash prizes and commendation letters, as winners in the art competition to depict the transition from Monday sit-at-home to productive Monday emerged.

    The joint winners are Mstr. Nwachukwu Sunday and Ms. Ukeje Olubebe Victory, while Ms. Nkiruka Ogbonna is the runner-up.

    The competition, according to the Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Visual Communications, Mr. Great Okeke, was put together to allow the youth of the state to tell their stories during and after the sit-at-home.

    “The governor came in and made that declaration that there was no longer sit-at-home in Enugu State. So, after one year, we tried to put the art competition together for the youth of Enugu State to tell us their own stories about the sit-at-home.

    “For instance, you know the students were among the most hit because they did not go to school on Monday before now. They lost 52 days out of the 365 days in each year that it lasted. And, at the end of the day, those in secondary school would still compete with others in Lagos or other states in the same examinations such as JAMB UTME and WAEC,” Okeke stated.

    Presenting the prizes, the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed happiness over the restoration of the entrepreneurship, productivity, and studies in all parts of the state on Monday, saying the sit-at-home was a sad and shameful part of the state’s history it wants to put behind it.

    “One of the key things the governor said at the very beginning was that the sit-at-home syndrome that had lasted and changed what we are as a people, who are entrepreneurial and fearless, was over in Enugu.

    “Before that, activities in Enugu State dwindled and you can see the first drawing here shows the very basic things that happened: people going out to sell, but they could not anymore because they were scared of the confusion, the chaos, the running around, and of course the syndrome that when you moved around and you saw the Sienna and it was tinted, that something bad was going to happen.

    “So, I am happy that I can see the transition you depicted and that joy and order have come back. You were selected because you really reflected the thinking of this administration. In your storyline, you expressed the desires of the governor for Ndi Enugu to feel that level of safety, for commerce to come, for our people to live in joy and peace, and for our state to be great again,” Prof. Onyia stated.

    Speaking, the winners, Nwachukwu Ozoemena and Ukeje Oluebube, said they were motivated by the theme of the competition, especially given the frustrations they suffered as students and youth while the sit-at-home lasted.

    “The theme says “The echoes of sit-at-home”. So, immediately I saw the theme, I was very thrilled and it encouraged me to say yes, I need to do that which I have been keeping in mind. I said let me express myself.

    “The message here is that anybody should move around and do his or her businesses because Enugu State today is free on Monday as other days of the week. Normalcy has returned because this current administration has actually helped us by keeping up with the promise to protect lives and property,” Ozoemena said.

    On her part, Ms. Ukeje said, “My first painting depicts the dark part of the sit-at-home where I used the tomato seller as a topic. From the picture you see Sienna and whenever people see Sienna they will scamper for safety because of fear of the unknown gunmen.

    “From the second painting, you could see her sitting at home and peeping through the window, seeing the unknown gunmen with their Sienna and no one is moving because of fear.

    “But the third picture depicts the return of normalcy on Monday after the emergence of Dr. Peter Mbah as the governor of Enugu State. The woman can now take her perishables to the market and sell since there are security personnel everywhere. She is now happy.”

  • Tinubu Orders Cut of UNGA Delegation, Bars Non-Essential Officials to Reduce Cost – Gbajabiamila

    Tinubu Orders Cut of UNGA Delegation, Bars Non-Essential Officials to Reduce Cost – Gbajabiamila

    President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to significantly reduce the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.

    This directive was announced by the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision. The retreat took place on Saturday in Abuja.

    According to a press release by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the Chief of Staff emphasised that this decision is part of the administration’s broader commitment to prudent resource management and reducing the cost of governance. Honourable Gbajabiamila highlighted that only officials with a clear and necessary role at the 79th session of UNGA in September would be permitted to attend.

    Gbajabiamila noted that this policy is in direct response to public concerns over the cost of governance, particularly during international events where large delegations are often seen. He stressed that the President is determined to avoid situations where individuals use such international platforms for personal business rather than official duties.

    Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila

    “I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York,” Gbajabiamila said. He further warned that any officials without specific UNGA-related duties should not travel to the United States, stating, “If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President.”

    The Chief of Staff also urged heads of agencies at the retreat to adhere strictly to this directive, reinforcing the President’s commitment to listening to and addressing the concerns of Nigerians.

    On the broader context of the retreat, Honourable Gbajabiamila explained that it aims to enhance collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those directly overseen by the State House. The retreat, themed “Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery,” is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that government functions align with statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives.

    Gbajabiamila emphasised the importance of compliance with various laws and regulations, including the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and civil service rules. He called on the State House management and agency leaders to lead by example in upholding these standards to ensure effective governance.

    The retreat, he noted, will be a continuous exercise, reflecting the evolving nature of governance and the need for regular adjustments to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people.

    Newscentral

  • Kano: Mother, 5 children die after consuming local delicacy prepared with expired flour 

    Kano: Mother, 5 children die after consuming local delicacy prepared with expired flour 

    Six residents of Karkari village, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, have lost their lives  after eating Danwake, a local Hausa delicacy.

    The incident occurred at late Malam Abdulkarin house, on Thursday.

    A neighbour to the family Garba Muhammad told Daily Trust that due to economic hardship and hunger, the widow who was the one catering for her five children used an expired cassava flour to prepare the food.

    “Eating the food led to the death of the six members of the family, including the mother.”

    Those who lost their lives include Alhakatu Abdulkarim and her five children; Bashir, Firdausi, Hafsat, Usman and Jamilu.

    Confirming the incident, Police Public Relation Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said six members of the family who ate the food were rushed to Gwarzo General Hospital where they were confirmed dead by doctors.

    Kiyawa added that investigation had commenced to ascertain the cause of their death.

  • NAFDAC raises fresh alarm over bread sold in markets failing laboratory tests

    NAFDAC raises fresh alarm over bread sold in markets failing laboratory tests

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has revealed that bread sold in the markets is failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine due to the high cost of sugar.

    NAFDAC warned water producers, patent medicine dealers and other manufacturers of regulated products against selling fake and substandard products.

    Mrs Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC Southwest Coordinator, gave the warning during a stakeholders engagement meeting organised by the agency, on Friday, in Ibadan.

    Ajayi said that the report gathered by the agency during its recent operation revealed that some patent medicine dealers were selling restricted drugs and unregistered products.

    She said some manufacturers also failed to comply with the required packaging and storage standards.

    “Recently, we observed that bread sold in the markets is failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine due to the high cost of sugar.

    “They are introducing ingredients that are not good for the health of the consumers.

    “We are not unmindful of the prevailing economic challenges, but the agency will not compromise its standards.

    “It is pertinent to note that the quality and safety of regulated products cannot be compromised,” she said.

    Ajayi, however, said that the engagement meeting was to solicit more collaboration and support from the relevant stakeholders for the agency to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding the health of the citizens.

    “Within the last year, several regulatory decisions have been made.

    “Some have been gazetted; these are meant to strengthen and sanitise the practices in the regulatory environment.

    “All stakeholders must embrace the culture and requirements for good practices related to each sector to guarantee quality, safety and wholesomeness of regulated products available to the citizens,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Moses Adewole, the Oyo State Director of Pharmaceutical Services, urged medicine sellers to restrict themselves to the scope of their expertise.

    Adewole also warned the participants to avoid selling expired drugs, adding that selling such was equivalent to giving out poison to the citizens.

    Commenting, Mr Oladimeji Shittu, Oyo State Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPMED), urged NAFDAC to make the stakeholder’s engagement a routine programme for a prompt update of development.

    Participants were drawn from master bakers, chemical dealers, agro-input dealers, importers, supermarket operators, manufacturers and distributors of regulated products, among others.

    Vanguard

  • IG Egbetokun Orders Rescue of 20 Medical Students Abducted in Benue

    IG Egbetokun Orders Rescue of 20 Medical Students Abducted in Benue

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the rescue of the 20 medical students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State.

    A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi on Saturday in Abuja, said the IGP condemned the kidnapping of students.

    Egbetokun described their abduction as “truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable”.

    He said, “In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command, and ensure swift rescue of our beloved students. This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.

    “The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.

    “The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the zeal of the force to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators and others alike, as the Nigeria Police Force is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, most especially kidnapping of Nigerians.

    “The IGP equally appeals to the general public to provide useful information and actionable intelligence that may aid the ongoing investigation and the rescue operation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the nearest police station the state’s command control number or the FHQ via Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and other helplines.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law throughout the country.”

    Recall that PACESETTER reported the abduction of about 20 medical students in Otukpo, Benue State en route to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.

    The abductors are demanding a ransom of fifty million naira for the release of the students.

    Pacesetter/Channels TV

  • NNPCL denies allegation of selling employment slots to job seekers

    NNPCL denies allegation of selling employment slots to job seekers

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Limited has firmly denied any allegations of involvement in the sale of employment slots to job seekers in the country.

    The spokesperson of NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, made this disclosure in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    The national oil company has categorically stated that there is no truth to the insinuations that it offers employment slots for sale to anyone willing to purchase them.

    NNPC emphasized that such claims are entirely baseless and have no connection to the organization’s recruitment processes.

    Describing these claims as the work of fraudsters, the company warned that these individuals are attempting to exploit unsuspecting applicants.

    “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has called on members of the public, especially jobseekers, to discountenance rumours of employment slots for sale.

    “The company states that there is no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy, describing such as antics of fraudsters who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants,” Soneye said.

    NNPC urged the public to be vigilant and not fall victim to these deceitful schemes.

    The company, in addition, warned that anyone who pays money to secure a job in the company does so at their own risk.

    “It cautions that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve the sale of slots or inducement of any kind.

    “It warns that anyone who pays money to anyone for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk,” the oil company added.

    Speaking on the recruitment process, the spokesperson of the company, Olufemi Soneye, said the recruitment would be for various positions across various departments within the energy company.

    He directed interested applicants to visit the NNPC careers page for application instructions.

    “NNPC Ltd is pleased to announce that we are currently hiring for multiple positions across various departments. We are seeking talented and dedicated individuals to join our team. Visit our careers page for application instructions,” Soneye stated.

    This is the first time in five years the oil company has publicly announced the need for staff, making people question whether the process will be free and fair and simply based on candidate merits.

    According to NNPC, the application process will end by August 20, 2024.

    Nairametrics

  • NJC sets up four committees to investigate allegations of misconduct against 27 judges

    NJC sets up four committees to investigate allegations of misconduct against 27 judges

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has resolved to investigate allegations of misconduct against 27 judges across the country.

    The council has accordingly set up four committees to conduct the investigation.

    This is one of the highlights of the decisions taken by the NJC at its meeting held in Abuja between August 14 and 15.

    The council, according to its spokesman, Soji Oye, also elected to discard petitions written against the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho and other judicial officers both of the Court of Appeal and High Courts.

    But it issued a letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of Oyo State High Court “to be circumspect as a judicial officer before acting, even in the most challenging situation.”

    The NJC, in the statement, said the letter of advice to Justice Olagunju Oye came about after the council “considered the report of the committee it set up, and mandated it to invite the Hon. Judge to appear before it to defend his uncouth language in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, challenging council’s decision viz-a-viz its Policy Direction on Appointment of President Court of the Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State.”

    It added: “Council, at the meeting, considered the report of its preliminary complaints Assessment Committee on 22 petitions written against 27 judicial officers of the Federal and State High Courts and decided to empanel four committees to investigate allegations in the petitions that were found meritorious.

    “The remaining 18 petitions were discountenanced for lacking of merit, abandoned, or being sub-judice.

    “The discountenanced petitions are against Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, CFR, President Court of Appeal, Hon. Justices E. O. Williams Dawodu, B. A. Georgewill, Yargata Timpar, S. D. Samchi, Aisha B. Aliyu, A. A. Aderibigbe M. L. Shuaibu, H. A. O. Abiru and Abdulazeez Waziri (all of the Court of Appeal).

    “Others are Hon. Justice J. T. Tsoho, OFR, Chief Judge Federal High Court, Hon. Justices Z. B. Abubakar, J. K. Omotosho, Sunday B. Onu all of the Federal High Court and Justice Okon E. Abang when he was serving at the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court, Hon. Justice Babagana Karumi of the High Court Borno State, Hon. Justice Maimuna A. Abubakar of the High Court of Niger State, Hon. Justice A. A. Aderibigbe of Osun State High Court and Hon. Justice Aisha B. Aliyu of Nasarawa State High Court.

    “Petitions written against Justices Ayodele Oyeyemi Oyebisi, Amaobi L. Agara, Amina Garba, Bello M. Tukur, Omeka Elekwa and O. A. Adetujoye, who served at Asaba and Plateau National and State Assembly Election Tribunal Panels, were also discountenanced.

    “Council also considered the report of its Performance Evaluation of Judicial Officers of Superior Courts of record and resolved to issue letters ranging from commendation, appreciation, no submission and non-performance to 215 judges all over the Federation.

    “It also placed five judges on its pre-sanction watch list register for poor performance. They would be recommended to the council for appropriate sanction if they do not improve on their performance.

    “Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, in the meeting being the last one before his retirement, appreciated the cooperation he received from members of the council and the council’s secretariat and implored them to extend same to his successor.

    “Members of the Council also eulogized the outgoing CJN and Chairman one after the other and wished him good health in retirement.”

    Nation

  • FG, states, LGs share N1.35trn FAAC July 2024 revenue

    FG, states, LGs share N1.35trn FAAC July 2024 revenue

    A total sum of N1,358.075 trillion July 2024 Federation Accounts Revenue has been shared with the Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils in the country.

    The revenue distribution was announced at the August 2024 meeting of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), in Abuja.

    In a statement on Friday, Bawa Mokwa, Director (Press and Public Relations) in the Office of the Account General of the Federation said the N1,358.075 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N161.593 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N582.307 billion and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N18.818 billion.

    The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $473,754.57.

    Also included in the total distributable revenue was Exchange Difference revenue of N581.710 billion and Solid Mineral revenue of N13.647 billion.

    A communique issued by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that a total revenue of N2,613.791 trillion was available in the month of July 2024.

    Total deduction for the cost of collection was N99.756 billion while total transfers, interventions and refunds was N1,155.960 billion.

    According to the communique, gross statutory revenue of N1,387.150 trillion was received for the month of July 2024.

    This was lower than the sum of N1,432.667 trillion received in the month of June 2024 by N45.517 billion.

    Gross revenue of N625.329 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in July 2024.

    This was higher than the N562.685 billion available in the month of June 2024 by N62.644 billion.

    The communiqué stated that from the N1,358.075 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received the total sum of N431.079 billion and the State Government received the total sum of N473.477 billion.

    The Local Government Councils received the total sum of N343.703 billion and a total sum of N109.816 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

    On the N161.593 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N58.545 billion and the State Governments received N29.695 billion.

    The Local Government Councils received N22.894 billion and the sum of N50.459 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

    From the N582.307 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N87.346 billion, the State Governments received N291.154 billion and the Local Government Councils received N203.807 billion.

    A total sum of N2.823 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N18.818 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N9.409 billion and the Local Government Councils received N6.586 billion.

    Concerning the N581.710 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the communique stated that the Federal Government received N276.110 billion and the State Governments received N140.047 billion.

    The Local Government Councils received N107.970 billion, while the sum of N57.583 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

    From the N13.647 billion Solid Mineral revenue, the Federal Government received N6.255 billion and the State Governments received N3.172 billion.

    The Local Government Councils received N2.446 billion while the sum of N1.774 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

    As presented in the communiqué, in July 2024, Oil and Gas Royalty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Import Duty, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and CET Levies increased significantly.

    Furthermore, Companies Income Tax (CIT) recorded a decrease while Excise Duties increased only marginally.

    Tribune

  • [DEVELOPING STORY] Gunmen reportedly abduct about 20 medical students around Otukpo, demand N50m via X post

    [DEVELOPING STORY] Gunmen reportedly abduct about 20 medical students around Otukpo, demand N50m via X post

    Isa Umar, Abuja

    About 20 medical and dental students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos have been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in Benue State.

    The incident was said to have happened when the students were travelling to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu and were ambushed around 5.30pm in the Otukpo area of Benue state.

    The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the abduction and stated that an investigation is underway.

    The names of the 20 medical and dental students as released by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students are: Boniface Tizhe, Thomas Yahaya, Gabriel Jita Iwev, Boniface Okon, Dondo Fabian, John Bitrus Naga, Fortune Chima Umeh, Godwin Gregory Tumba and Monica Ejembi.

    Others are Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka, Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu, a House Officer.

    PACESETTER reports that in a post on X (formerly Twitter) using the handle of one of the abducted students, Kingsley Aondona, the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of fifty million naira.

    The X post which was made on Friday, August 16, 2024 by 6:31pm reads:

    “We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention  @Nigerian_Doctor there are requesting for 50 million for 20 of us medical students please help us and we haven’t eaten for two days.

    “0816342057- pius that is who we are gathering the money with.

    “They said they would start killing us tomorrow [today]”.

    After the post yesterday, no new post has been made on the handle since today.