The building housing Salvation Ministry, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, has collapsed, trapping unspecified number of worshippers with over
10 deaths recorded.
The building, which is being used for the first time, reportedly collapsed at about 5:55p.m. during Tuesday’s evening service.
Vanguard reports that about eight persons have been rescued unhurt, while four persons have been rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital.
At the time of filing this report, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah; the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ononye Mordi, team of Red Cross officers, and fire fighters were on ground on a rescue mission.
With rescue operations ongoing, worshippers, family members and sympathisers were seen crying.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has suffered a terrible business blow in the hands of the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This is as the President has terminated the contract won by Integrated Logistics Services (Intels) to carry out the restoration of the boat pilotage for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Naija News reports that Intels, which is partly owned by Abubakar and an Italian national, Gabriele Volpi, won the pilotage contract in January 2021.
According to ThisDay, President Buhari cancelled the contract following legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The newspaper added that the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and Acting Director-General, Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) also advised the president on the matter.
In a letter dated January 7, 2022, and signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, President Buhari directed the termination of Intels contract with the NPA.
Buhari’s letter addressed to Malami and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, directed that the procurement process initiated by NPA be forwarded immediately to the BPP for action within 60 days to avoid further loss of revenue.
The President added that the Ministry of Transportation should present a memorandum on the procurement process to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for consideration.
He, however, directed the NPA to ensure that the sanctity of the agreements with respect to Onne 4 (Berths 9, 10 & 11) be maintained, as there is no subsisting contract with Intels for their utilisation.
Electronics, Home Appliances Store, CASH ‘N’ CARRY Berths at Ikorodu
Following the difficulties residents around Ikorodu axis of Lagos may have been going through in accessing and purchasing electronics and home appliances of their choice, this kind of frustration may have become history as number one electronic and home appliances store, CASH ‘N’ CARRY, has just opened an outlet in Ikorodu to ease the difficulties being faced in that axis.
The new store, a place where one can get quality of all brands of electronics and home appliances at best prices and best after sale, is situated at 73, Ayangburen road, Ikorodu.
Below is a snippet of goods that can be found at the store.
The Federal Government has reacted to viral reports claiming the nation’s National Identity Management Commission, NIMC server was hacked.
Naija News reports that a cyber-tech who identified himself simply as Sam, on Monday claimed in an article that he hacked into the nation’s NIMC server and stole over three million National Identification Number, NIN of Nigerians.
Sam’s claim has stirred a barrage of reactions among Nigerians on social media, as many berated the nation’s cyber security system.
The hacker had boasted in his post on infosecwriteups.com, that he got access to ‘juice’ on the Nigerian Government agency’s server and that he could go ahead to do whatever he desired with the sensitive data at his disposal.
Reacting, however, in a statement on Tuesday, the NIMC authority said its servers were not hacked but are fully optimised at the highest international security levels.
According to the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu Aziz, the organization has built a robust and credible system for Nigeria’s identity database, therefore it couldn’t be possible for some hackers to have access to details of citizens.
Naija News understands that the official statement quoted Aziz as saying that the commission, as the custodian of the foundational identity database for Africa’s most populous nation, has gone to great lengths to ensure the nation’s database is adequately secured and protected especially given the spate of cyber-attacks on networks across the world.
The statement read partly: “Over the years, through painstaking efforts, NIMC has built a robust and credible system for Nigeria’s identity database. The Commission and its infrastructure are certified to the ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard which are revalidated annually”.
The statement signed by NIMC’s head of corporate communications, Kayode Adegoke, explained that the possession of an individual’s NIN slip does not amount to access to the National Identity Database.
According to Aziz, NIMC had ensured maximum security of its systems and database because of the critical nature of the identity data which the Commission collects, manages and maintains as critical assets for the country.
The Commission assured the public that it will continue to uphold the highest ethical standards in data security on behalf of the Federal Government and ensure compliance with data protection and privacy regulations.
The NIMC Director-General explained that the Commission does not use nor store information on the AWS cloud platform or any public cloud despite the usefulness of the NIMC Mobile App available to the public for accessing their NIN on the go.
It noted that the NIMC MobileID application has no database within the app, nor does it store information in flat files.
The Commission has made this app available to the public to reduce and eliminate any delay or challenge(s) in accessing one’s NIN.
The statement added: “The public should be aware that the possession of a NIN slip does not amount to access to the National Identity Database, but that the NIN slip is just a physical assertion of a person’s identity. Under the data protection regulations, no licensed partner/vendor is authorized to scan and store copies of individuals NIN slips but rather authenticate the NIN using the approved and authorized verification platforms/channels provided.
“As part of its policies to protect personally identifiable information stored in the National Identity Database, the public may recall that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through NIMC launched the Tokenization features of the NIN verification service. This solution is to safeguard the personal data of individuals and ensure continuous user rights and privacy.”
The commission commended the concerted efforts of several Federal Government agencies such as Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Services, Pension Commission (PenCom), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Nigeria Customs, and a host of others, who have streamlined their services in line with the use of National Identification Number (NIN) as the valid means of identification.
Society gazette reports that all is still not well with the synagogue church of all nations (SCOAN), the legacy of late Prophet TB Joshua even one month after the church was opened for service.
It was gathered that one of the top disciples of the late man of God, Prophet Racine who was pleaded with to return to the church on December 5, 2021 has been sent out again.
It would be recalled that most of the foreign disciples were reportedly sent out of the ministry for allegedly trying to sell the private jet of late Prophet TB Joshua after his death. Though the disciples denied being involved in such a deal but they were reportedly arrested, harassed by anti-graft agency, EFCC.
Months after their exit, sources revealed that the new leader of the church, Mrs Evelyn Joshua who is the widow of the late founder reached out to prophet Racine to return to the church which he obliged.
However, all has gone sour again as the prophet was nowhere to be found during the last service held while sources confirmed that he has been booted out of the ministry again.
UBA’s Leo Clocks 4, Set to Further Transform Digital Banking In Nigeria, Africa…Remains Africa’s Leading Ai Chatbot
Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has said that it has concluded plans to commemorate the 4th year anniversary of its flagship artificial intelligence Chabot, with new offerings set to further change the face of digital banking in Nigeria
“Birthed January 11, 2018, with a firm resolve to prioritise its customers as well as put the bank at the heart of disruptive technologies that will transform the experience of esteemed customers, UBA did the unthinkable by getting 3 million users hooked in less than three years of its inception.”
Leo, which the bank stressed, has proven to be the most formidable artificial intelligence chat bot till date; serving an ever-increasing customer base who now have less transaction hassles to worry about is currently available on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Apple Business Chat
To further extend its reach, UBA has concluded plans to commence Leo services on Instagram and Google Business, terrains none of its peers can lay claim to.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, affirmed that UBA customers indeed agree that Leo is one of the bank’s biggest investments in cutting-edge technology and has been steadily changing the face of banking in the continent.
“Three years later, and with over almost 4 million customers and counting, UBA’s Leo, has without a doubt, remained the smartest Banking Chatbot in Nigeria because of its speed and quick learning intelligence and has continued to evolve with plenty to offer its teeming customers”.
“While other financial institutions are still trying to find their feet as regards Artificial Intelligence, we can proudly say that our Leo has become a massive success as it continues to consolidate on its successes and accolades winning several awards in a short while of its existence, “he added.
Uzoka continued: “In just 4 years, Leo’s landmark achievements have been indeed overwhelming, covering 20 African countries as well as garnering over 10 prestigious awards globally, a feat that is exceptional by every standard, I must say we are proud of Leo’s intimidating achievements which is largely unbeatable”.
“With this in mind, we have ensured that, Leo continues to enjoy periodic and systematic upgrade with special emphasis on enhanced advancements and specialised unique features where necessary”.
“UBA’s vision has always been and will remain to be a dominating force in Africa’s digital banking space. Our resolve is to provide unparalleled experience across all channels. We are a technology-driven institution with vast knowledge in the business that we do and Leo, being a tested, dependable and intelligent personality, did well to replicate on WhatsApp the success it recorded on the Facebook Messenger platform where it started its journey and later on the IOS (iPhone Operating System) platform. It is a solution that is from the customer’s standpoint, easy to use by anyone regardless of demography. Leo is always ready and waiting to help with any form of banking service,” Uzoka said.
Uzoka further explained that Leo is already present in 20 African countries and in three languages and has a number of rich and robust features bound to mesmerise existing and potential customers with services that are extremely fast and secure as all transactions and enquiries are encrypted, end-to-end.
“Leo has the ability to do a wide range of things, including funds transfer, call card top-up, checking of account balance, retrieval of bank statements, instant account openings for new customers, statement to embassy/other banks/microfinance, purchase of airtime/ data, paying of bills (LCC, PHCN, Cable TV), effectively helping with savings and spend limit.
“The AI chatbot also boosts of remarkable innovative features that allows customers make banking Services – Request/stop/confirm Cheques, Block card, Log & track complaints, ATM/Branch Locator, Freeze accounts, and check weather etc. Other features include Customer Care complaint resolution, linking of new account, flight Payment, linking and Funding of Prepaid Card, Travel Notification, Wakanow services and Dubai Visa service, “he explained.
The GMD also pointed out that, customers who have engaged with Leo are more than delighted about their experience and credit it for automatically extracting account details without hassles, adding that “Testimonies abound about how it is generally easier to use Leo compared to its counterparts. For example, Leo automatically detects account numbers via a customer’s WhatsApp mobile number and goes ahead to seamlessly help customers check their account balance as well as top-up airtime”.
Gunmen suspected to be enforcing sit-at-home order, Monday, forced businesses to shut in Enugu metropolis.
The affected businesses include ShopRite on Abakaliki road, banks, shops and schools. Motorists, who had begun the day’s activities, were also forced to park.
A security man at ShopRite told our correspondent that, “We opened but around 9:30am, we began to hear that gunmen were shooting at Garki. So the management asked us to close.”
A customer, Rose, said “I was inside the premises of ShopRite shopping. Suddenly, we were asked to leave.”
A shop owner opposite Parklane, Nkechi Eze, told our correspondent that, “We have closed for the day. No gunshot took place here, but we were told that they were moving around, chasing people away.”
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed Garki early in the morning and started shooting sporadically.
A trader said, “We thought the sit-at-home has ended. It was terrible. I don’t know if anybody was injured, but we managed to escape.”
Police and military operatives were seen moving round the metropolis to ensure orderliness.
As at the time of filing this report, the city of Enugu was deserted.
The sit-at-home order on Mondays was initially pronounced by the Indigenous People of Biafra to press home the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He I facing trial on felony, jumping bail, among others.
However, IPOB has since cancelled the order.
A security expert, who did not want his name mentioned, said the enforcement of the order would likely be renewed following President Buhari’s reneging from using political solutions to settle Kanu’s matter.
A survey conducted by our correspondent shows that no police checkpoints were manned around the metropolis.
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reportedly told President Muhammadu Buhari about his 2023 presidential ambition.
Sources have disclosed to The Guardian that the former Lagos State governor has also informed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo about his intention to contest for the nation’s number one seat.
This is coming a week after the Director-General, Tinubu Support Groups and former House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin, disclosed that Tinubu will be contesting in the 2023 Presidential election
Sources revealed that President Buhari gave the former Lagos State governor his blessings ahead of the election.
Osinbajo, who served as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in Tinubu’s eight years administration as Lagos governor, is also rumoured to be planning to take over from Buhari.
It was gathered that Tinubu had in October 29, 2021, also informed Osinbajo about his presidential ambition when they met at his Asokoro residence after his return to the country from the United Kingdom where he underwent a knee surgery.
While it is not clear what Osinbajo’s response was, sources in the know have severally quoted the VP as saying he would not contest against Tinubu.
However, other sources noted that Osinbajo has always insisted that the APC leader has never told him he wanted to contest the 2023 election.
Asked if Tinubu and Osinbajo had spoken about the former’s ambition, Tunde Rahman, Media Adviser to the former Lagos governor refused to volunteer any comment.
He said he would reach out shortly, but he was yet to do so as at the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Special Adviser to the Vice President, said he was not aware of such discussions.
“I don’t think you should support the flying of such dubious kites. But to answer your question, no. I am not aware of any such discussions to even begin with,” he said.
Our Soldiers are not Involved in Gold Mining – Army
The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publication by Daily Nigeria.com of 9th January 2022, alleging that 2 soldiers and 7 illegal miners were killed during a gun duel, arising from a disagreement over gold nuggets in Magama village in Jibia LGA of Katsina State.
According to the publication, the incident occurred when the soldiers turned down an initially agreed offer of 500,000 naira per pit from the miners, but afterwards, turned around to demand more money on discovering the large quantum of gold nuggets found by the illegal miners in one of the pits.
The Nigerian Army wishes to unequivocally state that this story is baseless, unfounded, untrue and a mere figment of the writer’s imagination, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Nigerian Army, as no Nigerian soldier was killed, nor involved in any skirmish with illegal miners in Magama village on 5 January 2022.
Contrary to the insinuations peddled by the online medium, Nigerian Army troops deployed in the North West are committed and engrossed in the fight against banditry and other criminalities bedeviling that region. They are not permitted to participate in any form of mining, whether legitimate or illegitimate.
Aside orchestrating disrepute, Fake News as this, have the potential to dampen the morale of the fighting troops, erode their fighting will and undermine the entire operations. This is certainly not what the troops require at this critical time.
The general public are therefore urged to disregard the fake news as it is concocted to denigrate Nigerian Army troops, who are working tirelessly to ensure sanity and peace return to the North west region. We assure the general public of the unrelenting commitment of our troops to decisively tackle the banditry menace in the North West.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
