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FG FINALLY CONFIRMS HADIZA BALA USMAN’S REMOVAL, AFFIRM MOHAMED BELLO-KOKO AS SUBSTANTIVE NPA MD

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3 years ago

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In a move believed to have put an end to the various underhand dealings at Nigeria Ports Authority, the Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority and by that token, removed Hadiza Bala Mohammed who had been on suspension. Recall that Bello Koko has been in acting capacity since May 2021 when Hadiza Bala Usman was suspended by the Federal Government. In a statement issued today, the Federal Ministry of Transport confirmed the appointment of Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority by President Buhari. Hadiza Bala Usman, it was gathered was queried over issues relating to favouritism, underhand dealings and outright disregard of court order while she held sway as the Nigeria Ports Authority Managing Director. According to the sources, she revoked the lease of LADOL and gave same to Dangote’s friend a serving Senator, disregarding a Presidential directive. This move angered the Presidency because Ladol had invested over 300million Dollars and for a Federal Government appointee to display such show of disdain was unheard of. She also shut down the ports and terminals of the BUA Group for close to one year despite a court order to the contrary. Obviously, her intentions and moves favoured Dangote with a view to keeping BUA Group and other competitors out of business while granting mouthwatering concessions to Dangote Group to create a monopoly. This issue generated a lot of questions from industry watchers. Apart from this, there were issues relating to the dredging of Calabar port which was believed to have been dare to the Government’s heart, more so that of Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. Sources claimed she claimed the project was not viable whereas findings by specialists disagreed with this. To cap it all, there were allegations that she was also indicted by the audit report set up to look at the accounts of the NPA. When she was confronted with the issues, especially the audit report as well as the move to create monopoly by Dangote, granting him so much concessions thereby denying the country revenue, our source revealed, she had nothing tangible to say in her defence, hence the decision to boot her out.

FG FINALLY CONFIRMS HADIZA BALA USMAN’S REMOVAL, AFFIRM MOHAMED BELLO-KOKO AS SUBSTANTIVE NPA MD

 

 

 

 

In a move believed to have put an end to the various underhand dealings at Nigeria Ports Authority, the Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority and by that token, removed Hadiza Bala Mohammed who had been on suspension.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recall that Bello Koko has been in acting capacity since May 2021 when Hadiza Bala Usman was suspended by the Federal Government.

 

 

In a move believed to have put an end to the various underhand dealings at Nigeria Ports Authority, the Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority and by that token, removed Hadiza Bala Mohammed who had been on suspension. Recall that Bello Koko has been in acting capacity since May 2021 when Hadiza Bala Usman was suspended by the Federal Government. In a statement issued today, the Federal Ministry of Transport confirmed the appointment of Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority by President Buhari. Hadiza Bala Usman, it was gathered was queried over issues relating to favouritism, underhand dealings and outright disregard of court order while she held sway as the Nigeria Ports Authority Managing Director. According to the sources, she revoked the lease of LADOL and gave same to Dangote’s friend a serving Senator, disregarding a Presidential directive. This move angered the Presidency because Ladol had invested over 300million Dollars and for a Federal Government appointee to display such show of disdain was unheard of. She also shut down the ports and terminals of the BUA Group for close to one year despite a court order to the contrary. Obviously, her intentions and moves favoured Dangote with a view to keeping BUA Group and other competitors out of business while granting mouthwatering concessions to Dangote Group to create a monopoly. This issue generated a lot of questions from industry watchers. Apart from this, there were issues relating to the dredging of Calabar port which was believed to have been dare to the Government’s heart, more so that of Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. Sources claimed she claimed the project was not viable whereas findings by specialists disagreed with this. To cap it all, there were allegations that she was also indicted by the audit report set up to look at the accounts of the NPA. When she was confronted with the issues, especially the audit report as well as the move to create monopoly by Dangote, granting him so much concessions thereby denying the country revenue, our source revealed, she had nothing tangible to say in her defence, hence the decision to boot her out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a statement issued today, the Federal Ministry of Transport confirmed the appointment of Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority by President Buhari.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hadiza Bala Usman, it was gathered was queried over issues relating to favouritism, underhand dealings and outright disregard of court order while she held sway as the Nigeria Ports Authority Managing Director.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the sources, she revoked the lease of LADOL and gave same to Dangote’s friend a serving Senator, disregarding a Presidential directive. This move angered the Presidency because Ladol had invested over 300million Dollars and for a Federal Government appointee to display such show of disdain was unheard of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She also shut down the ports and terminals of the BUA Group for close to one year despite a court order to the contrary. Obviously, her intentions and moves favoured Dangote with a view to keeping BUA Group and other competitors out of business while granting mouthwatering concessions to Dangote Group to create a monopoly. This issue generated a lot of questions from industry watchers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apart from this, there were issues relating to the dredging of Calabar port which was believed to have been dare to the Government’s heart, more so that of Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. Sources claimed she claimed the project was not viable whereas findings by specialists disagreed with this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To cap it all, there were allegations that she was also indicted by the audit report set up to look at the accounts of the NPA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a move believed to have put an end to the various underhand dealings at Nigeria Ports Authority, the Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority and by that token, removed Hadiza Bala Mohammed who had been on suspension. Recall that Bello Koko has been in acting capacity since May 2021 when Hadiza Bala Usman was suspended by the Federal Government. In a statement issued today, the Federal Ministry of Transport confirmed the appointment of Bello-Koko as the substantive head of the Authority by President Buhari. Hadiza Bala Usman, it was gathered was queried over issues relating to favouritism, underhand dealings and outright disregard of court order while she held sway as the Nigeria Ports Authority Managing Director. According to the sources, she revoked the lease of LADOL and gave same to Dangote’s friend a serving Senator, disregarding a Presidential directive. This move angered the Presidency because Ladol had invested over 300million Dollars and for a Federal Government appointee to display such show of disdain was unheard of. She also shut down the ports and terminals of the BUA Group for close to one year despite a court order to the contrary. Obviously, her intentions and moves favoured Dangote with a view to keeping BUA Group and other competitors out of business while granting mouthwatering concessions to Dangote Group to create a monopoly. This issue generated a lot of questions from industry watchers. Apart from this, there were issues relating to the dredging of Calabar port which was believed to have been dare to the Government’s heart, more so that of Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. Sources claimed she claimed the project was not viable whereas findings by specialists disagreed with this. To cap it all, there were allegations that she was also indicted by the audit report set up to look at the accounts of the NPA. When she was confronted with the issues, especially the audit report as well as the move to create monopoly by Dangote, granting him so much concessions thereby denying the country revenue, our source revealed, she had nothing tangible to say in her defence, hence the decision to boot her out.

 

When she was confronted with the issues, especially the audit report as well as the move to create monopoly by Dangote, granting him so much concessions thereby denying the country revenue, our source revealed, she had nothing tangible to say in her defence, hence the decision to boot her out.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

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7 hours ago

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December 20, 2024

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NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

 

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, the leading Presidential Aspirant for the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial increase in the education sector allocation in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Restoration Budget,” was presented to the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, and earmarked ₦3.5 trillion for education.

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Comrade Festus described the allocation as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, which he called a significant step toward securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja during his campaign tour on Friday, December 20, 2024, Festus urged the Federal Ministry of Education to channel a considerable portion of the allocation toward polytechnic education. He emphasized that polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technological development, highlighting their critical role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled manpower needed for economic growth.

“Nigeria’s polytechnics have long been the cornerstone of the nation’s technological progress. A strong investment in technical and vocational education will drive sustainable development and innovation,” Festus stated.

During the visit, Comrade Festus commended the Kogi State Government and the management of Kogi State Polytechnic for their strides in infrastructure development, prioritizing staff and student welfare, and ensuring campus security. He also extended his gratitude to Governor Ododo for reappointing Professor Usman Ogbo as the institution’s Rector for a second term.

 

As part of his address, Festus appealed for increased support for the Students Union Government (SUG) and the broader student community, emphasizing the need for effective representation that transcends campus boundaries.

The NAPS aspirant was warmly welcomed by the SUG President, Miss Oluwadamilola Enimokanyi, who acknowledged his advocacy and commitment to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

Published

12 hours ago

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December 20, 2024

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

Dr. Evangelist Rotimi Onimole, famously known as Oba Ara, is a prominent name in the Nigerian gospel music scene. With over two decades of impact, the Lagos-born singer has built a legacy that continues to inspire.
Oba Ara, who has received numerous awards, is celebrated for his unique musical style and his ability to spread the message of God through his songs. Some of his accolades include Best Gospel Musician by Crowd Puller Event Award, Best Newest Gospel Artiste of the Year by Exclusive Magazine, Best Gospel Artist of the Year by Expo Plus Magazine, and an honorary Doctor of Music by INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, among others.
In 2010, Oba Ara released his debut album titled Oba Ara, which not only sold over 30,000 copies but also earned him his stage name through what he describes as divine connection.
Building on this success, he released his second album, Beautiful Testimony (Eri To Rewa), in 2013, which gained international recognition. Both the audio and video versions of the album were widely embraced, with the video being shot in Nigeria and abroad.
His third album, Oba A Ju Lo, is a powerful collection of songs focused on God’s greatness and praises, further cementing his reputation as a leading gospel artist.
Oba Ara is also the pioneer of Jufujigospel music, a unique genre that blends contemporary sounds with traditional gospel.
Beyond his albums, Oba Ara is the brain behind the Power in Praise Concert, an annual event that has featured renowned gospel artists like Evangelist Tope Alabi, Dr. Lanre Teriba (Atorise), Evangelist Dare Melody, and many others.
With a career defined by creativity, divine inspiration, and a passion for spreading the gospel, Oba Ara remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel artists.
My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

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“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

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18 hours ago

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December 20, 2024

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"US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme"

“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

Mastermind Behind Multimillion-Dollar Drug Operation Jailed
A United States-based Nigerian, Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, have been sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation. The duo used the dark web to distribute over 300,000 oxycodone pills across multiple states, amassing $9 million in profits.


According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, Adegboruwa orchestrated the illegal enterprise, directing associates on procuring, packaging, and distributing the drugs to buyers who placed orders via dark web marketplaces. Payments were received in cryptocurrency, which was later converted into local currency.

The operation ran from October 2016 to May 2019 before law enforcement dismantled it. Adegboruwa was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in November 2024, while Isong received a 10-year sentence in October 2024.


In addition to his prison term, Adegboruwa was ordered to forfeit $20 million, one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed by the District of Utah. The court also mandated a lifetime of supervised release following his incarceration.


During the trial, evidence revealed that Adegboruwa was the operation’s mastermind, overseeing every aspect of the syndicate’s activities. He confessed to controlling the drug sales and managing cryptocurrency accounts used to conceal proceeds.

Prosecutors described the operation as a “continuing criminal enterprise,” with Adegboruwa employing a team to procure pharmacy-grade oxycodone pills, package them, and ship orders to customers across the U.S.


Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, praised the verdict, highlighting the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks, even those operating in the clandestine world of the dark web.
“Adegboruwa’s criminal enterprise was complex, sophisticated, and generated millions in profits concealed in cryptocurrency. This sentencing sends a clear message: drug traffickers have no safe haven, not even in the dark web’s hidden corners,” Pullen said.


The sentencing serves as a grim warning to those exploiting technology for illicit activities, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are vigilant in uncovering and prosecuting such crimes.

 

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