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NAICOM in crisis as CEO moves to buy N4bn uncompleted office building
NAICOM in crisis as CEO moves to buy N4bn uncompleted office building
A fresh crisis is currently brewing in the the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, over the acquisition of an uncompleted new office complex in Abuja, The Whistler is reporting
It was gathered that the management of the commission led by Thomas Olorundare Sunday, the Commissioner For Insurance/CEO, may have deceived President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council into approving N4 billion for the purchase of a new office complex in Abuja for the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM.
The approval, according to reliable sources, was based on the presentation by the NAICOM management that they were buying a ready-to-use magnificent office complex better than what they were currently using in Garki 2 District of Abuja.
The property, according to findings, is an abandoned uncompleted hotel carcass located at the Gudu District of Abuja
The said building, which was initially valued at N2.5 billion, was surreptitiously raised to N4 billion by the time the presidential assent was obtained.
The cost of the building is expected to further rise by the time agency fees and taxes are added but the commission may also need to expend additional N5 billion or more to put the carcass into a functional office use.
The deal, it was learnt is currently being opposed by members of the top management team of NAICOM.
It was gathered that the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Finance and Administration Mr Oba Oluniyi and other members of the top management opposed the decision to buy the property.
The deal, according to further findings is being opposed because any attempt to withdraw N5 billion from the coffers of the Commission will impact negatively on the welfare of workers particularly in terms of payment of salaries.
A source said that the Deputy Commissioners, the Directors and the legal department did not subscribe to the proposal to acquire the property months with just few months to the end of the Buhari administration. For some reasons, they felt the decision to acquire the property was inimical to the interest of the commission.
Investigations revealed that the top management was not convinced on the issue of the property because the NAICOM has a beautiful office complex which meant that acquiring a new office at a time of paucity of of funds is not a priority.
It was further gathered that the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed whose ministry oversees the commission observed that NAICOM had a good office building/complex and wondered why the management should acquire a new building.
It was further stated that the Commissioner who is irrevocably committed to the acquisition of the property has started effecting changes in the management structure of the commission.
Mr. Oluniyi, the director in charge of Finance and Administration was said to have been transferred out of Abuja to Lagos to ensure that all perceived obstacles to the deals are cleared.
The Commissioner for Insurance was also said to have ordered a process to change the signatory to the account of commission at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to pave the way for the smooth execution of the deal.
It was gathered that moves are being made to get the money out of the Dollar Account of NAICOM with the CBN.
However, things came to a head on Monday when the Chairman of the Governing Board, led the members to inspect the building.
It was learnt that the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Abubakar Sani, advised against the acquisition of the building on the ground that it would require another N5bn to complete the carcass.
A source said, “The man (Commissioner for Insurance) is insisting on acquiring the building. Information reaching us is that the Commissioner boycotted the necessary protocols.
“He transferred the Director Finance and Administration and started mounting pressure on an Assistant Director in the Finance and Account’s Department to proceed to the Accountant General’s office to effect a change in the mandate to enable him to move out the money and this they have started doing. As I am talking to you, the process is ongoing.”
Attempts to get comments from the NAICOM was not successful as calls made to the Spokesman of the Commission, Mr Rasaq Salami did not go through.
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Obijackson Foundation drives sustainable waste management, donates waste evacuation tools to Okija community
The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, has donated 140 pieces of waste bins, 2 compactor disposable trucks, 2 operational Hilux, 1 staff bus, bundles of brooms, and other waste evacuating tools to Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The donation took place at the St. Mary’s School Field Okija, on Saturday, during the official launching of “Keep Okija Clean” Initiative to drive environmental and sustainable waste management for Okija community and environs.
The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative aims to address waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents of Okija.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. “I am honoured to stand before you as we reintroduce, in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, the ‘Keep Okija Clean’ initiative—a project that embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
He said over 100 people have been employed for the project, adding that the gesture is another way to create jobs for the teaming unemployed in the area.
According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, ‘’This effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the initiative includes cleaning streets, roads, and public spaces while introducing a sustainable waste management system.
“The highlight of this programme is the future development of a properly engineered landfill for Okija and its environs, which will provide a long-term solution to waste disposal challenges. This project is expected to create employment opportunities for local youths while fostering a healthier environment when completed.
He stated that over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded several transformative projects in Okija, including: Education: establishing Gonzaga Jesuit College and Gonzaga Jesuit Academy with 100% scholarship programs for Okija children.
Others are Healthcare: Improving access to medical services through the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital (OWCH); and Tourism Development: Developing Acropolis Gardens and Residence—a world-class resort with a 10,000 seater international convention center designed to position Okija as a hub for business and leisure.
Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged community members to take ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation: “These bins are vital resources for keeping our environment clean. By safeguarding them, we are ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.”
“The Foundation remains committed to creating lasting changes through innovative initiatives that empower communities while preserving their environment.
Sharing his vision for a cleaner and more sustainable community,, Obiejesi said, as we continue our environmental initiative, we are not just cleaning our streets; we are building a legacy for generations to come. This initiative demonstrates that collective action can lead to meaningful change.”
“The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative reflects the Obijackson Foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving lives while preserving natural resources for future generations.
The philanthropist urged the community members to take collective ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation to keep Okija clean and green.
In his remark on behalf of the Anambra Government, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said the donation of the waste tools was timely as it will help with the ongoing policy of sorting waste in the state.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Emeka Okezie among other top dignitaries within the state.
It was gathered that the Foundation was established in 2010 to tackle the challenges of poor literacy, empowerement, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas of Anambra state
Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande
Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the National Assembly, has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the prestigious Independent Newspaper. In a release personally signed by him, he described Chief Akande as a leader of leaders who has not only moved forward the progressive family in the southwest but in the entire country, Nigeria. He described the award as well deserved because of his uncommon display of integrity, dedication, and forthrightness.
Hon. Makinde who was the Director General of the Campaign for the successful election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, asked Chief Bisi Akande, not to relent on his efforts to continue to elevate the progressive family and to make Nigeria better.
Nigeria’s popular and multiple award-winning children’s animation series, Turtle Taido, produced in Hausa is now set to air on television channels across the Northern States. This groundbreaking Hausa production of Turtle Taido is a collaboration between Tayekeni Productions and Arewa24 Network, bringing world class animation and the compelling power of African storytelling to millions of families across the country.
Turtle Taido is the story of a lively magical turtle who travels across the country in search of knowledge. On his journeys, he makes friends, visits places of interest, encounters magical stories and learns about other animals. Above all, he learns that understanding other people’s cultures makes us treat them with respect while promoting a peaceful and happier world.
Muyiwa Kayode, Creator and Executive Producer of Turtle Taido.
The Turtle Taido series has won multiple international awards including Best Children’s Short at Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles, and Best TV Series at the Buddha International Film Festival, India.
Broadcast Sponsorship of Turtle Taido series in Hausa is powered by Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard brand.
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