NCDMB lauds ESSO’s $23m logistics bet as Nigeria asserts global hub status - ITREALMS

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Against a backdrop of a fractured global energy landscape, Nigeria has forcefully advanced its capacity, with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) applauding ESSO Nigeria on the groundbreaking of its permanent shorebase facility at the LADOL Deep Offshore Logistics Base, reports ITREALMS.

This isn't just a $23 million construction project; it is a profound leadership event. The NCDMB described this groundbreaking as a major, unshakeable demonstration that Nigeria has successfully transitioned past its dependency era and has become a prime, capable hub for global oil and gas logistics.

CAS lauds GOCOP, tasks on fishing out fake news peddlers - ITREALMS

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The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has described online publishers as critical elements in the fight against all forms of criminality in Nigeria by virtue of their advantage of reach, penetration, speed and resilience.

He made this known while speaking at the 2023 7th conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Abuja.

Ohaneze lauds Lagos NUJ on commitment to Nigeria’s unity - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo, has lauded the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos state on its commitment to strengthen the social cultural relationship and mutual coexistence, peace and unity amongst various ethnic groups in Nigeria, using Lagos as a launching pad, reports ITREALMS.

The commendation was made at the recently held maiden NUJ Lagos cultural day event, as part of activities lined up for the 2023 Press week, with a call for sustenance of the laudable developmental and more unifying initiative.

NIN: Adamawa monarch lauds NIMC, pledges collaboration - ITREALMS

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The Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa, has commended the management of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) over its successes in the registration of Nigerians for the National Identity Number (NIN).

The monarch, who gave the commendation while receiving a delegation of the Commission at the Lamido’s Palace, Yola, recently, pledged his support to NIMC towards the implementation of its mandate.

Adeleke congratulates newly appointed CoAS, Customs CG, lauds Tinubu - ITREALMS

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The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has hailed the appointments of Major T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff and Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as recognition of capacity and outstanding track records.

The governor who welcomed the elevation of the two indigenes of Osun state as a great honour, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for trusting the duo with those important roles.

Fayemi felicitates with newly elected APC national officers, lauds Buni-led caretaker - ITREALMS

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The Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated the newly elected national executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the chairmanship of former Nassarawa State Governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu on their emergence at the party’s just concluded national Convention in Abuja.

He also lauded the APC National Caretaker Committee headed by Yobe State Governor, Mai Malla Buni for organising a successful national convention, aimed at further strengthening the party ahead of 2023 general election, in addition to holding the party together for almost two years.

ACCI lauds FG on economic planning, development efforts

ITRealms:

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has lauded the Federal Government over its economic planning, and development efforts, reports ITRealms.

ACCI, ITRealms gathered, particularly commended Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) who is lead proponent on economic matters of this administration, for the conclusions reached at the recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting saying they are critical first steps towards harmonising economic planning and development among the various levels of government.

The Media & Protocol Officer at ACCI, Mr. Lubem Gena, in a press statement made available to ITRealms, quoted President of the Chamber, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), as describing the new approach by the Vice President and his leadership as "a determined step to create synergy in national economic planning to provide  a common sense of development direction for the country”.

He observed that until now the National Economic Council (NEC) has not fully launched out to initiate and coordinate national economic direction for which it was established by the constitution.

"The ACCI commends the Presidency and particularly the Vice President for finally activating the constitutional authority of the NEC to initiate, integrate, and direct the focus of national economic development so that the various tiers of government will no longer be working at cross purposes, or in silos.

Prince Kayode who was cabinet minister in four capacities, explained that under the 1999 Constitution, the structure for effective political and economic  governance of Nigeria is broadly divided.

The legal luminary noted that, while the President as Chief Executive presides over the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Defence, Security and Police Councils and also chairs the National Council of States (NCS), on the other hand, the Constitution mandates the Vice President to chair the NEC with membership including all state governors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and others.

“It is thus clear that the constitution intended the Vice President to superintend the economy, of course, under the general direction of Mr. President.  So if the Vice President is enabled to fully implement the authority already given to his office by the constitution then as the focal authority for the management of the national economy along with the state governments, we can easily develop an integrated approach to economic planning and execution.

“The NEC is a potent and veritable platform to ensure a concerted approach towards national economic development, the surest way forward for economic growth and betterment.

“The next stage is now for the NEC to be fully institutionalized with a functioning secretariat through which inter - governmental economic planning can be coordinated with the National Planning Commission (also by law chaired by the Vice President),  the state governments and other government agencies under the leadership of the Vice President", the Organised Private Sector chief said.

“For the economic prosperity, growth, peace and progress of our country, the Vice President must work towards strengthening the National Economic Council so that joint efforts at planning can make a difference in Nigeria's quest for greatness", he concluded.

Doris Minimah/GEE

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Anambra Guber'17: Elders, youths lauds Ojiba, commence voters mobilisation for ACPN

ITRealms:

Elders and youths at Nsugbe at the weekend (on Friday) pledged support for the governorship ambition of the candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Comrade Akunwata Ejoh Ojiba, reports ITRealms.

The elders and youths who came out in their numbers to welcome his campaign team on a consultative visit to the area, chanted "O jebego, o jebego", meaning he has won.

Nsugbe is the home town of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Nwoye.

The elders and youths, some of whom are other political party leaders, shunned the flag off of the APC candidate to welcome Comrade Ojiba, who they described as their own.

Nsugbe is the home town of the ACPN candidate's grandmother.

Speaking on behalf of the other elders, Obi Nwoye Ogbuagu said, "Ojiba is our own and for remembering us, his mother's people, we are happy and we pledge all our undivided support him."

The elders in turn prayed for Akunwata Ejoh Ojiba and and his campaign team, asking God to see them through to the government house Awka this year.

On their part, the Chairman of Enugwu Youths Organization, Nsugbe, Mr. Francis Bosah and the Chief Task of the youths group, Mr. Onyebuchi Udeze, reiterated that Ejoh Ojiba is their own and has the support of the youths.

"We are giving him full support, he is the one that will go for us", Udeze added.

Earlier, the Director General of the Akunwata Ejoh Ojiba Campaign Train, Chief David Okagbue urged the people of Enugwu Nsugbe to support the party.

Leaders at the meeting were the South East Coordinator of the party, Engr. Ikechukwu Okagbue, the State Chairman of the party, Comrade Sam Anumba, the Onitsha North Woman leader of the party, Hon. Ndidi Olieh, among others.

Comrade Ojiba is a retired Customs Officer and says he has a divine transformation agenda for Anambra State. 

Ozo Nweke Ozo/GEE

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CSEAN applauds Nigerian banks over dual-level authentication

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The National President of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Mr. Remi Afon, has applauded the Nigerian banks for instituting dual-level authentication in the nation’s financial system, reports ITRealms.

Mr. Afon who was speaking at the 2016 National Cyber Security Awareness Month Event organised by the American Embassy in Lagos at the weekend on “Recognising and Combating Cyber Crime” described the dual authentication by banking institutions in the country, as one of the best guard against cyber fraud in the world today.

According to him, dual authentication by Nigerian banks enables customers to get alert prior to completing a transaction through electronic mail (email) and or by mobile phone one-time password.

He was excited on the effect this kind of authentication will have especially on domiciliary accounts and amounts to increasing cyber concerns and efforts at checkmating fraud by Nigerian cybersecurity professionals.

A standard, he said, is not being offered in developing economies as of today.

On cybercrime facts, Mr. Afon quoted Symantec as underscoring that cybercrime has now surpassed illegal drug trafficking as a criminal money-maker, just as anti-virus company pointed out that somebody’s identity is stolen every 3 seconds as a result of cybercrime.

CSEAN president also noted that Verizon reportedly said that 89 per cent of cybercrime breaches globally had a financial or espionage motive, while Forbes predicted that cybercrime costs have been projected to reach $2 Trillion by 2019.

As said by him, cybercrime damages are expected to cost the world $6 trillion by 2021, just as he outlined some notable Nigerian cybercrime figures.

Afon pointed out that as at November 2015, there is over 97 million Nigerian internet users in the country based on the records of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and quoted the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) as recently revealing that between 2012 and 2014, Nigeria lost some N64 billion to cybercrimes, even as the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) indicated that the N127 million is lost yearly to cybercrime in Nigeria, while Ultrascan says that $9.3 Billion cost of cybercrime originate from Nigeria, globally.

Afon underscored some of the progress made by Nigeria in the last few years including the signing of the Cybercrime Act on May 15, 2015.

Nigeria, he equally said, went on launch the National Cybersecurity Policy and as at February 05, 2015, established the National Cybersecurity Strategy, whereas the Cybercrime Advisory Board was inaugurated in April 20, 2016.

For him, the Cyber Crime prosecutions are picking up in the country which is a display of seriousness in combatting cybercrimes. Stressing that Nigeria has established Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERRT.ng) currently under the care of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and ngCert was created and under the guidance of the National Security Advisor (NSA).

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

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Oyo lauds Etisalat on youth sport development

ITRealms:

The Oyo State Government has lauded, Etisalat Nigeria, for its commitment and contributions to youth development in the country, reports ITRealms.

The State Commissioner for Education, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, gave this commendation when a team of Management staff from the company paid him a courtesy visit as part of activities to flag-off the regional play-off of the season three of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup football competition which started in Ibadan during the week.

According to the Commissioner who, while describing the network as a “lover of children and character developer”, noted that its social investment in youths will empower them to “overcome the many environmental challenges that lead to crime and other social vices.”

“I want to commend Etisalat for its efforts and determination to develop the minds and bodies of Nigerian youths especially the School children through sports with the U-15 School Cup Football Competition across the nation,” he said.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Abayomi Oke, while receiving the team to his office, assured of the Government’s commitment to working with partners to develop sports in the State. He called on other corporate organisations to emulate the example being set by Etisalat and commit to initiatives that could help in developing Nigerian football teams for the overall benefit of the nation.

The Etisalat team included the Head, Events and Sponsorship, Modupe Thani, Manager, Sponsorship, Orah Egwu and Head of Sales, South West, Razaq Oloko among others.

Meanwhile, the race for tickets to the Lagos national finals of the season three of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup football competition has got underway at the Ibadan Centre with several matches decided inside the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba and Wesley College Playing Ground, Elekuro.

Seven teams are featuring in the regional qualifiers at the Centre. They include host Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Osun States.

Twenty-Four state school teams will be featuring in the other regional qualifying matches to be hosted consecutively at the Ilorin Township Stadium, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu and Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna between October 18 and November 4, 2016.

The national champion of the 2016 edition will receive the Champions Trophy and a cash prize of N2 million educational award while its players will go home with N50,000 each. The second-placed team will go home with N1 million with the players pocketing extra N30,000 each while the third-place winner will have the sum of N750,000.00 for its efforts with its players receiving N20,000.00 each.

Chuks Egbune/GEE
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Intel lauds NPF on PC acquisition programme for officers

ITRealms:

Intel Corporation has lauded the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) over the launch of a Computer Acquisition Programme (CAP) for the men and women of the force, reports ITRealms.

Country Manager, Intel Corporation, Mr. Olunbunmi Ekundare gave this commendation Wednesday in Lagos, at the Zone 2 Police Command during the formal launch of the programme.

He described the programme as novel and first of its kind and urged other security agencies to take a cue from NPF in this regards.

“This is the first of its kind in this country to have computer acquisition programme with the support of the NPF Microfinance bank,” he said.

Ekundare also said that Intel is a chip-technology manufacturer, usually embedded in the computers and devices being used daily unknown to many.

He further said that the focus of Intel in the region is education through digital training and creation of jobs, stressing that when people well trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) they could create jobs and definitely employ other people.

The brand of computers on offer cuts across HP, Lenovo to name a few.

 

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Pix: IGP Rep speaking at the launch

MasterCard certifies UPSL for Nigerian market

MasterCard Worldwide has certified Unified Payments Services Limited as a third-party processor.

This was revealed by MasterCard Worldwide President, Mr Ajay Banga, who was recently in Nigeria on official visit.

He disclosed at an Abuja meeting that with the certification of UPS Limited in 2012 was to boost the MasterCard readiness to collaborate with stakeholders in bringing services closer to its card holders.

Mr. Banga also pointed out that this certification made MasterCard the first payment brand in Nigeria to have up to three third-party processors which aligns to the CBN’s drive towards liberalization in the card processing space and interoperability.

ITRealms recalls that the Unified Payment Services Limited otherwise known as Unified Payments, was the former SmartCard Nigeria Plc and later ValueCard, which proud itself as a card-neutral and option-neutral payments service provider owned by a consortium of leading Nigerian banks.

Unified Payments operates as a shared infrastructure for the banking community in Nigeria and Payments Service Provider within and outside Nigeria, with a mission to be the most preferred e-payment service provider in Africa.

Formerly known as ValuCard Nigeria Limited, the name of the Company was changed in 2012 to reflect its new business, following a successful transformation from a domestic card scheme to a provider of payment services supporting different payment options and schemes.

Unified Payments is a Principal and Plus Member of Visa and has contributed significantly to the growth of electronic payments in Nigeria.

DigitalSENSE News: MasterCard President lauds Nigeria cashlite policy...: Visit: Ajay Banga, MasterCard Worldwide President and CEO, right, with  Nigeria's Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, cent...

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