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NGO RAISES ALARM ON DEPLETION OF ACCOUNTS OF NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE

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NGO RAISES ALARM ON DEPLETION OF ACCOUNTS OF NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE

NGO RAISES ALARM ON DEPLETION OF ACCOUNTS OF NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE

 

 

 

 

 

The Forum of Non-Governmental Organisations in Nigeria, FONGON, has tasked President Muhammadu Buhari to come clean on the Nigeria Customs Modernisation Project, known as the E- Customs Project, worth $3.1 billion which was recently re-awarded by the Federal Government to a different company despite a subsisting court order.

 

 

NGO RAISES ALARM ON DEPLETION OF ACCOUNTS OF NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE

 

 

 

The organization asked President Buhari to stop the hasty attempt to access hundreds of billions of Naira from the Comprehensive Import Service Scheme/Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme, CISS/NESS, accounts of the Customs Service by Trade Modernisation Project Limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Coordinator, FONGON, Comrade Wole Badmus at a Press Conference in Abuja on Thursday said: “President Muhammadu Buhari must come clean on this by informing Nigerians if Hameed Ali has his consent to hijack a project in favour of Trade Modernisation Project Ltd, a company registered in April, 2022, and which never participated in the negotiations on E-Customs Modernisation Project which started as far back as 2015”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Badmus also alleged that the Nigeria Customs Service has already written to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning requesting, the new concessionaire, Trade Modernisation Project Limited to be included on the payment platform to commence draw down on the CISS/NESS accounts in clear violation of the Presidential directive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The clear implication is that the so-called new concessionaire will make no investment but depend on the CISS/NESS account”, the organization said.

 

 

 

 

 

The E- Customs Project is a Public-Private-Partnership concession aimed at easing the cost of doing business, boosting revenue, enhancing productivity and security as well as stopping arbitrariness in income assessment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FONGON recalled that the DG ICRC in a letter to the Chief of Staff to the President dated 22 May, 2019 provided a succinct framework and financial plan for the project, saying: “The Private partners to the project will raise the required financing for the project through contributions from the Promoters Equity, Loans and Vendor Financing from all Original Equipment Manufacturers including Huawei.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The proposed Financing Plan for the project shows that the project will be financed through $30million equity and $270m debt financing in Phase 1, while $180m will the Capital Structure for Phase 2, years 7 to 12.

 

“The third and final phase of the project will be financed through retained earnings and excess cash flows”.

 

Badmus said the organization is alarmed that this clause is not reflected on the concession agreement signed by Trade Modernization Project Ltd as document in court reveals.

 

“The HMOF and AGF simply looked the other way in order to allow TMPL access to the CISS/NESS accounts without showing evidence of commensurate investments done as envisaged by the financial plan drawn by ICRC. It was simply replaced with a clause to access the CISS/NESS account from date of commencement”, he said.

 

President Buhari had in 2019 approved the engagement of the consortium Bionica Technologies, West Africa, Limited, Lead Sponsor; Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Limited, Co-sponsor; Africa Finance Corporation, Lead Financier; and Huawei as Lead Technical Service Provider to establish a project SPV to enter a 20-year concession arrangement with Nigerian Customs Service and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC for Customs Modernisation Project.

 

However, Badmus alleged that the Minister of State for Finance, Clem Agba at the FEC briefing in April, 2023 said that Trade Modernisation Project Limited, registered in April 2022 and which never participated in the negotiations on E-Customs Modernisation Project which started as far back as 2015, is the new concessionaire.

 

 

The NGO also claimed that “investigations at CAC show that Trade Modernisation Project Limited and Buhari Support Organization, BSO, are Siamese twins. Hameed Ali is the Chairman while Hajia Zainab Jummai Ajijola is the Executive Secretary of BSO.”

 

Badmus said: “Excerpts from The Punch Newspaper of 22 May, 2018 reveal that Hameed Ali led members of the Buhari Support Organisation to the Presidential Villa to see the President. The newspaper reported as follows:

 

“While receiving them, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed concerns about what happened to the $16bn allegedly spent on power projects in the past in the country, considering the current poor state of the sector.

 

“Commending members of the support group, the President admitted that not many of them had benefited anything for supporting him over the years from his opposition days until now.”

 

“If we may ask, is the scam on E-customs Project the grand plan by Buhari to compensate the BSO? Or as alleged by Deep Throat, is Hammed Ali desperate to amass funds for the proposed grandiose Buhari Presidential Library?”

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Eminent Lawyer: Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe ‘Genesis’ Applauds Barr. Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi’s Outstanding Legal Prowess

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Eminent Lawyer: Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe ‘Genesis’ Applauds Barr. Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi’s Outstanding Legal Prowess
… Opens a Multimillion Naira Abuja Chamber

It is essential to illustrate, without resorting to sensationalism or witch-hunts, the intimate and cordial relationship between celebrated World Televangelist Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, fondly referred to as Genesis, and a proactive, renewed Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist, Oluwapelumi Jacob Olajengbesi

 

 

Evidently, this positions everyone to believe any assertion Prophet Oladele makes about Olajengbesi. As the well-known Lagos prophet briefed the media in Lagos, he spoke about what attracted him to the Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist.

 

 

He further expressed that his passion for championing the cause of the less privileged and the oppressed is what truly captivates and inspires his unwavering love.

 

According to Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi earns his enduring respect and admiration for prioritizing the plight of the oppressed, despite being born into affluent circumstances with humble beginnings.

 

 

Olajengbesi reportedly embarked on studying law at a prestigious university, driven by his desire to challenge oppressors and individuals who wield significant power in the country, believing themselves to be above challenge.

 

 

In addition, Prophet Genesis extols the virtues of the esteemed Barrister Olajengbesi, who views himself as an advocate for the voiceless populace and a crusader for the authentic liberation of the people.

 

In addition to his praise, Prophet Genesis values his love for God and humanity, and also extended congratulations to Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, co-founder of Law Corridor, a law firm based in Abuja, on the launch of his new multi-millionaira chambers

He concluded by saying a heartfelt prayer that Barrister Pelumi will continue to grow and have a greater impact in Jesus’ name.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos.

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration

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You are a precious gem to me; Prophet Genesis marks Kemi King’s birthday with inspiring tributes and admiration.

 

Prophet Israel Genesis, a prominent televangelist, honors Kemi King, a woman of exceptional beauty and substance, on her birthday

I would also like to extend my admiration for her as an active and illustrious daughter of mine, an exceptional individual whose influence will forever be treasured in my life, exceeding the worth of diamonds, gold, and oil wells. I am deeply indebted to her for her unwavering commitment to supporting countless people around the world and myself

Your birthday provides an outstanding opportunity to acknowledge God’s kindness in your life and honor the wonderful gift that you are to many of us

Kemi Kemo the King, whom I fondly address as such, you embody a unique blend of sisterly love and angelic compassion, making you a precious gift to humanity, and as we celebrate your birthday, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication to your family and community

On this wonderful day, at the same time, a dedicated black and shining pretty woman was born, she remains a trailblazer, an humble and spiritually nourished, a woman who can handle matters with wisdom, a woman who can let go even when provoked, a woman with quoted and unquoted vibes

As you mark another year of existence, I rejoice with you and express my heartfelt wishes for a bright and prosperous future. May the divine blessings of good health, happiness, and smooth realization of your aspirations be bestowed upon you, and may your labor yield rich dividends without obstacles

Please accept my heartfelt birthday greetings, my charming angel. I wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. And many happy returns of the day

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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