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N-Power Batch “C” Beneficiaries Appeal to President Tinubu for Urgent Stipend Intervention

Published

4 weeks ago

August 28, 2023

In a heartfelt letter composed by their National Publicity Secretary, Gbadebo Adesiyan, the N-Power Batch “C” beneficiaries have reached out to President Bola Tinubu, seeking immediate assistance due to the distressing situation of not receiving their stipends for the past eight months.

The letter, signed by Adesiyan, highlights the immense distress, inconveniences, and hardships faced by millions of unemployed Nigerian graduates enrolled in the N-Power scheme.

Adesiyan underscores the fact that no beneficiary under Batch “C” has received any stipend from January to July of this year, with August, the eighth month, now coming to an end. This unfortunate situation has left beneficiaries grappling with financial uncertainty and despair.

According to Adesiyan, the delay in stipend payments is attributed to the non-approval and disbursement of funds for the unpaid months into the National Social Investment Management System (NASIMS) account by the presidency.

In his appeal, Adesiyan writes, “I wish to address this matter of national concern with a sense of urgency and a heavy heart, hoping to shed light on the suffering of millions of our unemployed graduates who rely on the NPOWER program. The non-payment of stipends has caused immense distress, inconveniences, and hardship.”

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He implores Mr. President to take prompt action to resolve this issue and restore the faith of the Nigerian people in their government’s commitment to their well-being and welfare.

Adesiyan further elaborates on the stipend issue, stating, “For the past eight months, NPOWER has failed to disburse stipends to its beneficiaries. Some received payments for October, November, and December of 2022, but the majority are still waiting. Shockingly, no beneficiary has received any stipend in 2023, including January, February, March, April, May, June, and July. This has left beneficiaries in financial turmoil.”

He questions the credibility of the reasons behind the delay, expressing, “The reason given for this delay is the claim that funds for the said months have not been approved or disbursed into the NASIMS account by the presidency – a situation that many find incredulous.”

Adesiyan also highlights the additional challenges faced by beneficiaries due to a problematic validation process introduced by authorities.

He emphasizes the technical glitches and inconsistencies that have plagued this process, hindering beneficiaries’ access to the vital stipends they rely on for their livelihoods. Even those who managed to complete the validation process have not received any payments.

“This situation has created a dire state of affairs, as beneficiaries struggle to meet their basic needs and support their families. The unpaid stipends were meant to alleviate financial burdens and enable individuals to contribute to the economy. Instead, the prolonged delay has exacerbated the already difficult circumstances faced by these individuals, pushing them further into poverty and despair,” concludes Adesiyan.

The N-Power Batch “C” beneficiaries’ appeal to President Tinubu underscores the urgent need for resolution in order to alleviate the suffering of those who depend on these stipends for their well-being.

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FBI Analysis Reveals Shocking Details in Mompha’s Trial

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2023

Samed Olukoya

A Lagos High Court recently admitted into evidence a comprehensive report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during the trial of Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha.

This report sheds new light on the alleged fraudulent activities of the accused, including the use of his iPhone in a series of financial transactions.

The FBI report, presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as evidence, has revealed a string of suspicious activities carried out through Mompha’s iPhone.

According to the report, Mompha’s phone was used to send account details to a United Arab Emirates telephone number, searched for Swift Codes of a bank, and, shockingly, had a compromised Microsoft 365 account.

The charges against Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, include conspiracy to launder funds, retention of proceeds from criminal conduct, money laundering, failure to disclose assets, possession of documents containing false pretense, and the use of property derived from an unlawful act.

The prosecution alleges that they conducted financial transactions amounting to over N5.9 billion with the intent of promoting unlawful activities.

During cross-examination, the witness from the FBI revealed that Mompha’s iPhone was employed in changing payment delivery methods from cheque to wire transfer after two failed attempts, ultimately succeeding on the third attempt.

The defense counsel, Kolawole Salami, initially objected to the admissibility of the FBI report, arguing that it needed certification by the United States Consulate.

However, the objection was overruled by Justice Mojisola Dada, who deemed the documents to be in their original state and not requiring certification.

As the trial progresses, these shocking revelations from the FBI analysis have cast a new light on the case against Mompha.

The courtroom drama continues, with the case adjourned until Wednesday, November 1, leaving both the prosecution and the defense with much to consider in the days ahead.

Travel

Nigeria Holds $783 Million in Blocked Funds, IATA Engages with Government for Resolution

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2023

Investors King

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that as of August Nigeria holds approximately $783 million in blocked funds belonging to various airlines.

This significant financial concern was communicated via an official statement released by the trade association.

Kamil Al Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, has been actively engaged in discussions with the Federal Government in an effort to find a resolution to this pressing issue.

Foreign airlines operating within Nigeria have faced ongoing challenges in repatriating their commercial revenues due to a prolonged shortage of foreign exchange in the country.

The official statement from IATA stated, “Mr. Al Awadhi also held discussions with Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Honorable Minister Festus Keyamo. During these discussions, he urged the new government to maintain and strengthen consultations with the industry while developing both short-term and long-term solutions to address foreign exchange access issues for both domestic and foreign carriers.”

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the statement said, “As of August 2023, Nigeria accounts for $783 million of airlines’ blocked funds.”

According to the statement, IATA commends the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its commitment to enhancing infrastructure and service standards at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammad International Airport within a twelve-month timeframe.

In related news, IATA had previously raised concerns about safety, security, and passenger service levels at Lagos Airport in the past year.

A recent high-level meeting between IATA and FAAN, represented by Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Kabir Mohammed, concluded with FAAN committing to expedite improvements in these areas as part of a corrective action plan.

Kamil Al Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, said, “We welcome FAAN’s commitment to upgrade Lagos Airport, which serves as a vital domestic and international hub connecting Nigeria to the rest of Africa and beyond. This strategic focus not only strengthens the aviation sector but also acts as a catalyst for Nigeria’s broader economic and social progress. IATA is ready to provide support and expertise to FAAN to ensure that international standards are met through the corrective action plan. Safety, security, and efficient infrastructure are crucial for a well-functioning air transport system, as is the ability of airlines to access the revenues they generate in Africa.”

Travel

Federal Government Reopens D Wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Published

3 days ago

September 19, 2023

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In a bid to address the escalating flight disruptions and enhance the efficiency of air travel, the Federal Government has officially reopened the D Wing of the old international terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The move is part of a broader effort to tackle the challenges faced by both travelers and airlines operating in Nigeria.

This challenge emerged following the sudden relocation of foreign airlines from the international terminal of the Lagos airport to an adjoining new terminal that opened in March.

The announcement of the reopening of the old international terminal, which had temporarily closed for renovation, was made by the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, on Monday.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria), Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Minister Keyamo emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the aviation sector and ensuring passengers enjoy a seamless travel experience.

The statement reads in part, “We are pleased to inform the traveling public that Hon. Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has graciously permitted the use of the D Wing of the Old Murtala Muhammed International Terminal to complement the New International Terminal, aimed at facilitating the smooth movement of passengers through the airport.”

Minister Keyamo had originally ordered airlines to relocate to the new terminal starting on October 1, 2023. However, FAAN took the initiative to forcibly relocate the international carriers to the new facility on Wednesday.

The sudden relocation by FAAN coincided with a fire incident that occurred in part of the baggage hall of MMIA on the same day. This incident compelled the agency to evacuate passengers and personnel from the facility.

In response to the situation, Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, the Director of Media at FAAN, stated that the airport fire and other developments affecting power supply had necessitated the abrupt relocation of foreign carriers. He assured the public that FAAN is actively addressing the situation.

The utilization of the D Wing for passenger processing has already commenced, promising improved travel experiences for all passengers.