news
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.
French Embassy Partners NIFS to Sponsor Nigeria Delegation to MIPCOM
Sahara Weekly Reports That The French Embassy as part of its commitment to support industry development, has partnered with the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) to sponsor a Nigerian delegation, comprising about 20 companies with dedicated stands, at the Nigerian Pavilion at Cannes.
The Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) is a leading platform dedicated to advancing the film and television industries in Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond. By providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation, NIFS plays a pivotal role in driving the growth and global recognition of African content.
MIPCOM is renowned as the Mother of all Entertainment Content Markets Globally, with over 11,000 delegates, 3500 buyers, and over 100 countries represented with more than 320 stands.
Located at the heart of the Palais des Festivals’ exhibition floor, this market combines a high-end conference setup with sessions on Connected TV Summit, Streamers Talk, MIP Global FAST & AVOD Summit as well as a networking lounge including a bar area, alongside a dedicated “Tech Demo zone”.
Over the days, participants will engage in networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts aimed at pushing Nigerian content to the global forefront.
Industry professionals and Trightsalogue rights holders will come together to explore new opportunities and address the challenges facing the industry.
By accepting to join the Nigerian delegation to MIPCOM, participants reaffirm their commitment to highlighting and selling African stories that resonate not only on the continent but around the world.
Mr Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos stated that “After supporting a stand for Nigerian Animation Studios at Animation Film International Market in Annecy for the past 3 years, the French Embassy in Nigeria will be providing Nigerian Industry professionals with an umbrella at Mthe IPCOM. Coordinated with NIFthe S platform, this stand will be hosting fourteen studios that sell tantheirvies, TV series, TV, and shows to international broadcasters, and platform support for the Nigerian Audiovisual Industry was made possible thanks to specific funds. This year again, the program called “Creation Africa” enables us to support entrepreneurship in the sector of cultural and Creative industries. This fund has bd to us for a period of 18 months by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.”
Mrs Ijeoma ONAH, founder of NIFS added: “Indeed we are excited with the level of support from the French Embassy in supporting film and TV professionals with a Nigerian Pavilion at the largest global content distribution market MIPCOM Cannes. Through this partnership, our resolve to continue to drive international business for local Nigerian companies has been reinforced, and with the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit, we remain committed to the huge ininternationalitieshrough lithe censing of local programs because this outcome will definitely elevate and transform the dynamics of international distribution for local companies in Nigeria.”
Mrs Onah will lead the Nigerian delegation to Cannes along with Mr Christophe Pecot, Audiovisual Attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria.
.
Breaking: Lagos Assembly Suspends Alimosho Council Chairman
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday handed down an indefinite suspension to the chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon. The suspension is with immediate effect.
Sitting at plenary, the lawmakers resolved that the vice chairman of the council, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, should take over the running of its affairs.
The House further instructed the management of the council, including the manager and treasurer, recognizes the authority of the vice chairman and accord him all the support to make him work effectively.
The chairman was suspended in a unanimous vote by the lawmakers over an alleged non-compliance, defiance and unyielding attitude to the legislative House.
Moving a motion for his suspension, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, recalled that in April 2024, pandemonium broke out in the Iyana-Ipaja axis of Alimosho Local Government leading to the death of one Mr. Micheal Ajayi.
Hon. Okanlawon, whose committee was saddled with the responsibility to investigate the cause of the pandemonium, said that it was discovered that Jelili masterminded the chaos.
According to Okanlawon, all stakeholders involved in the issue were invited, but Jelili had continued to show acts of misconduct to the committee of the House.
He highlighted the council chairman’s failure to adhere to the Assembly’s directives and his mismanagement of public funds. He, therefore, called for Jelili’s immediate suspension in line with relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“He should be suspended immediately while the vice chairman, Akin Johnson, takes over with immediate effect,” he prayed.
Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, while supporting the call for Jelili’s suspension, added that the action would make other local government chairmen sit well.
“The Alimosho council chairman does not follow procurement processes or the budget. There has been a lot of misconducts from him and I support that the chairman be suspended indefinitely,” he said.
In his contribution Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referred to the report submitted by the State Auditor-General concerning the activities of Jelili. The report underscored the council chairman’s consistent non-compliance with financial regulations, with significant irregularities in his records.
Akinsanya, emphasising these discrepancies, suported Okanlawon’s call for Jelili’s suspension.
Similarly, Hon. Ladi Ajomale expressed surprise that the council chairman had been recalcitrant despite previous reports detailing his alleged financial mismanagement.
Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, while echoing his concerns, also prayed the House to invite Mr. Kolade Alabi and Mr. Rasak Ajala, chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA respectively, as heads of the Conference 57, to explain the widespread disregard by council chairmen for governance protocols.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all relevant authorities
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Former Liberian Vice President, Howard-Taylor Appointed UNIPGC Matron
Sahara Weekly Reports That The first female Vice President of Liberia, JEWEL Howard-Taylor, has been appointed the Matron of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) for its African chapter.
She was officially sworn into office on Friday at the Jewel Starfish Headquarters in Monrovia, Liberia, a colorful event that recorded overwhelming success.
She was taken through an oath of allegiance by the Global President & Chairman of the Supreme Council of UNIPGC Africa, H.E. Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah.
The former Vice President swore to lead people manage resources, and create value no individual can create alone.
Amb. Ojadah, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations and holder of the US President’s Lifetime Achievement award congratulated Howard-Taylor for her official inauguration and expressed hope that she would bring massive value to the UNIPGC.
Howard-Taylor is considered one of the most influential African women.
Earlier, Amb. Ojadah was treated to a superb welcome from the executives of UNIPGC upon arrival in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia.
Those who came out to receive him upon arrival at the airport included notable members of the UNIPGC General Assembly and key executives.
They are Amb. Fanta Ceesay and Mrs. Joy Okikili from Liberia, Amb. Dipo Gbenro, the Country Chief for Sierra Leone, and Amb. Michael Adediran, the Country Chief for Tanzania.
Also present was Mr. Titus Charlie, representing H.E. Jewel Howard Taylor, among other distinguished officials.
This landmark occasion on Friday marks a new chapter for UNIPGC Africa under the esteemed leadership of Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor.
The event, which drew massive attention across the board, is also a demonstration of the commitment of UNIPGC Africa towards fostering peace and good governance across the continent.
-
news6 months agoPROFILE OF VICTORIA AKAI
-
society7 months ago$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)
-
Business6 months agoAfriq Arbitrage System Slams $10 million Lawsuit Against Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble Eteng, Hajj Ibrahim, Engineer Awajioma and Others (Video)
-
Business5 months agoMaxwell Opara Goofed Says AAS Investors As They Stand By Jesam Michael, Demand For Justice