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PRESIDENT BUHARI ORDERS EFCC TO INVESTIGATE FORMER CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF, CHIEFS OF AIR STAFF, OTHERS OVER CORRUPTION IN MILITARY PROCUREMENTS (SEE LIST)

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On the recommendation of the committee established to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out further investigation into the misconduct established against the following retired and serving officers of the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army:

(1)Air Chief Marshal AS Badeh (Rtd)
(2)Air Marshal MD Umar (Rtd)
(3)Air Marshal AN Amosu (Rtd)
(4) Maj-Gen. ER Chioba (Rtd)
(5)AVM IA Balogun (Rtd)
(6)AVM AG Tsakr (Rtd)
(7)AVM AG Idowu (Rtd)
(8)AVM AM Mamu
(9)AVM OT Oguntoyinbo
(10)AVM T Omenyi
(11)AVM JB Adigun
(12)AVM RA Ojuawo
(13)AVM JA Kayode-Beckley
(12)Air Cdre SA Yushau (Rtd)
(13)Air Cdre AO Ogunjobi
(14)Air Cdre GMD Gwani
(15)Air Cdre SO Makinde
(16)Air Cdre AY Lassa
(16)Col N Ashinze
(17)Lt Col. MS Dasuki (Rtd)
Following the submission of the audit committee’s second interim report, President Buhari has directed the EFCC to investigate the roles of the officers and the following companies and their directors in fundamental breaches associated with the procurements by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
(1)Messrs Societe D’ Equipments Internationaux
(2) Himma Aboubakar
(3)Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited
(4)Messrs Syrius Technologies
(5) Dr Theresa A. Ittu
(6)Sky Experts Nig Ltd
(7)Omenyi Ifeanyi Tony
(8)Huzee Nig Ltd
(9)GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd
(10) Gbujie Peter Obie
(11) Onuri Samuel Ugochukwu
(12)Spacewebs Interservices Ltd
(13)Oguntoyinbo Tayo
(14) Oguntoyinbo Funmi.
(15) Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd
(16)Chief Jacobs Bola
(17)Mono Marine Corporation Nig Ltd
(18)Geonel Intergrated Services Ltd
(20)Sachi Felicia
(20) Mudaki Polycarp
(21)Wolfgang Reinl.
The breaches identified by the Audit Committee include non-specification of procurement costs, absence of contract agreements, award of contracts beyond authorised thresholds, transfer of public funds for unidentified purposes and general non-adherence to provisions of the Public Procurement Act.
Furthermore, the procurement processes were arbitrarily carried out and generally characterized by irregularities and fraud. In many cases, the procured items failed to meet the purposes they were procured for, especially the counter insurgency efforts in the North East.
A major procurement activity undertaken by ONSA for NAF was that concerning the contracts awarded to Societe D’ Equipment Internationaux (SEI) Nig Ltd.
Between January 2014 and February 2015, NAF awarded 10 contracts totalling Nine Hundred and Thirty Million, Five Hundred Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety US Dollars ($930,500,690.00) to SEI Nig Ltd.
Letters of award and End User Certificates for all the contracts issued by NAF and ONSA respectively did not reflect the contract sums. Rather, these were only found in the vendor’s invoices, all dated 19 March 2015. Additionally, some of the award letters contained misleading delivery dates suggesting fraudulent intent in the award process. The observed discrepancies are in clear contravention of extant procurement regulations.
The SEI contracts included procurement of two used Mi-24V Helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at the cost of One Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Nine Hundred and Forty Four Thousand US Dollars ($136,944,000.00).
However, it was confirmed that the helicopters were excessively priced and not operationally air worthy at the time of delivery. A brand new unit of such helicopters goes for about Thirty Million US Dollars ($30m). Furthermore, the helicopters were delivered without rotor blades and upgrade accessories.
Additionally, the helicopters were undergoing upgrade while being deployed for operation in the North East without proper documentation. It was further established that as at date, only one of the helicopters is in service while the other crashed and claimed the lives of two NAF personnel.
The Committee established that ONSA also funded the procurement of 4 used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at the cost of Seven Million, One Hundred and Eighty Thousand US Dollars ($7,180,000.00). However, it was confirmed that only 2 of the Alpha-Jet aircraft were ferried to Nigeria after cannibalization of engines from NAF fleet.
This is contrary to the written assertion of the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal AN Amosu to the former NSA that all the 4 procured Alpha-Jets aircraft were delivered to the NAF.
The non-militarisation of the Alpha-Jets made them unsuitable for deployment to the North East and they are currently deployed only for training at NAF Kainji.
Furthermore, the procurement of the Alpha-Jets was contrary to the recommendation of the assessment team. The Committee found that the conduct of Air Marshal Amosu was deliberately misleading and unpatriotic.
The contract for the procurement of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar for the NAF was awarded to GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd in April 2014 at the cost of Thirty Three Million US Dollars ($33m) and was funded by ONSA.
The Committee established that the radars were excessively priced as a complete set of such radars (comprising 6 radars including the Control Centre) goes for Six Million US Dollars ($6m) averagely. The Committee observed that the radars were delivered without the vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft, which has significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the NAF in the North East.
It was further observed that the sum of Three Million, Three Hundred Thousand US Dollars ($3.3m) was fraudulently included in the contract agreement as VAT and With Holding Tax and subsequently paid into the bank accounts of Spacewebs Interservices Ltd and Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd.
The Committee further established that Two Million US Dollars ($2m) from the proceeds was transferred to Mono Marine Corporation Nig Ltd, which is jointly owned by principal characters in this deal. The Committee opined that the infractions of extant regulations by these companies were clearly intended to defraud.
It was established that between September 2009 and May 2015, the NAF expended about Fifteen Billion Naira (N15bn) on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters. Out of this amount, Four Billion, Four Hundred and Two Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira, Forty One Kobo (N4,402,687,569.41) was paid out for contracts not executed.
It was also observed that in carrying out these maintenance activities, contracts worth over Two Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N2.5bn) were awarded to Syrius Technologies, a Ukrainian company that was not registered in Nigeria. Regrettably, in spite of these expenditures, the status of NAF fleet remained operationally appalling as only 3 Alpha-Jets, 2 C-130H and one each of Mi-24V and Mi-35P were serviceable as at 28 May 15.
In October 2013, NAF awarded contracts to DICON for the supply of weapons and ammunition at the cost of Five Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, One Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Naira (N599,118,000.00). However, only 2 of the 7 items contracted were delivered to NAF while the outstanding 5 items remained undelivered despite repeated requests to DICON.
The Committee also found that the delivered ammunition were about 40 years old, thereby casting doubts on their shelf life. The failure of DICON to fully execute the contract and the delivery of aged ammunition diminished the capacity of the NAF in North East operation.
The Committe uncovered insider dealings by military officers in procurement activities undertaken by ONSA and the NAF. The officers were found to have misused or abused their offices for personal gains by influencing award of contracts to private companies in which they have substantial interests.
For instance, an officer serving in the ONSA used his office to secure 2 contracts for his company, Geonel Integrated Services Ltd, for the protection of 20 Dams and Presidential Air Fleet security at the cost of Six Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N6,250,000,000.00) and Five Million US Dollars ($5m) respectively.
Furthermore, some NAF officers used their companies to collect VAT and With Holding Tax that were never remitted to FIRS while another officer was found to have cross transferred about Five Hundred Million Naira (N500m) between a NAF company, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, SkyExperts Nig Ltd and Huzee Nig Ltd, companies in which he had personal interests.
It would be recalled that in its First Interim Report, the Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment established that the sum of Six Hundred and Forty Three Billion Naira (N643bn) and Two Billion, One Hundred Million US Dollars ($2.1bn) interventions were received for defence procurements by DHQ and the Services between 2007 and 2015.
In continuation of its assignment, the Committee has so far established that the nation spent about Twenty Nine Billion Naira (N29bn) and Two Billion US Dollars ($2bn) on NAF procurement activities alone.

 

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The Big Break Moment Splashes Amazing  Rewards Worth Over 30 Million naira for Season 2 Reality Show

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*The Big Break Moment Splashes Amazing  Rewards Worth Over 30 Million naira for Season 2 Reality Show

 

 

 

 

The Big Break Moment, a leading talent search platform, has announced an extraordinary array of prizes for this year’s edition, valued at over 30 million naira, featuring a coveted New car-CS 35 Changan SUV along with a multitude of enticing rewards.

Scheduled to air from December 1st, 2023, to January 7th, 2024, the televised program will be broadcasted on DSTV channel 315 and GoTv channel 91, captivating audiences across the nation.

However, there will be 182 Participating Institutions, 30 Dream mates, 1 Winner. and the winner of the SUV will claim the prestigious first prize, while runners-up will be bestowed with a myriad of consolation prizes. This remarkable unveiling emphasizes the show’s journey and its dedication to acknowledging the exceptional talents and creativity of Nigerian youth.

Tayo Folorunsho, the visionary convener and founder, highlighted the platform’s primary goal of bridging the gap between conventional education and the dynamic entertainment industry. The Big Break Moment stands at the forefront of talent discovery by providing a global platform for students to showcase their extraordinary abilities.

The forthcoming season promises to be a sensational event, culminating in a grand finale held in Abuja, where the deserving winner will drive away in a brand-new car. Additionally, runners-up will receive enticing prizes and valuable endorsements from esteemed corporate partners.

This year’s edition aims to uncover and showcase the exceptional talents of university students, focusing specifically on singing, acting, and dancing.

Importantly, the Executive Producer, Barr Orbby Agwuncha aka Boss Lady Law has confirmed the readiness of students from all selected schools.
The Big Break Moment ensures that all participants are generously rewarded, emphasizing a commitment to acknowledging talent at every level and sharing the limelight.

The platform takes immense pride in collaborating with undergraduates nationwide, furthering its mission to expand knowledge and create opportunities for emerging talents.

The Big Break Moment is a dynamic talent search platform dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of stars. Committed to bridging the gap between education and entertainment, the platform offers a transformative space for students to showcase their skills and talents on a grand scale.

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Business Networking Event: Nigerians In UK Excited As Pelican Valley CEO Lands In London

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Business Networking Event: Nigerians In UK Excited As Pelican Valley CEO Lands In London

Business Networking Event: Nigerians In UK Excited As Pelican Valley CEO Lands In London

…Expected To Attract Over £2Million Investment To Ogun

 

 

 

Ground swells of enthusiasm and expectation have remained high among Nigerians living in the United Kingdom as the Pelican Valley CEO, Ambassador Babatunde Adeyemo landed in London – ahead of the Avenue Impact Winter Ball slated for December 3rd at the Crown Plaza Hotel, London.

 

 

Business Networking Event: Nigerians In UK Excited As Pelican Valley CEO Lands In London

 

 

The Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commissioner, Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa will grace the exclusive networking event as a Special guest of honour while Realtor Adeyemo will use the avenue to connect with other project professionals, Nigerians in the UK and enlighten them about investment opportunities, particularly in the real estate industry back home in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adeyemo who is the brain behind the Pelican Valley Estate , where unusual homes happen, Pelican Brief Estate, where he sets to ignite a smartcity, Pelican’s Ecostay Apartments, where nature meets luxury and Pelican Valley Greenish Acres Farm Estate, where investors farm to fortune at Kobape – Masa corridor of Ogun State – and few metres away from Professor Wole Soyinka Train Station Abeokuta, stormed London Avenue Impact Winter Ball with a range of Pelican Valley real estate products for the diasporas, who have all been eagre to meet the tested and trusted real estate brand and developer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking to The Daily Crucible about the event, Adeyemo, who vouched for the integrity of the organiser, assured of his readiness to help Nigerians living abroad to benefit from the Pelican Valley’s many products, which he said were designed to suit their taste and peculiar needs.

He explained that he would specifically guide them on the prospects in the real estate business and where to invest for assured ROI; drawing from his over a decade of practical experience in the Nigeria’s real estate industry.

Receiving the real Estate poster boy at the Heathrow Airport, London, the convener and Director of the Avenue Impact Limited ,Funso Akinwunmi, expressed delight over the arrival of the multiple award winning real developer and anti curruption ambassador.

He said all is set for the prospects to embrace the once in a lifetime investment opportunity.

Aside Adeyemo, Mr. Smart Kemiki will also give property portfolio insights at the event while live performance will be done by Paul Play Dairo.

In a related development, Ambassador Adeyemo will also embark on another business trip to Canada for the forthcoming Canada Trade Mission ’24 slated for early next year in the North American country.

Earlier in July 2023, The Daily Crucible reported that an estimated over half a billion dollar investment is expected to come to Ogun State, particularly Abeokuta, the state capital, next year to boost income, create jobs and further drive the socioeconomic fortune of the Egba people to the next level.

Cumulatively, the investments are expected to come from Nigerians living in Canada, United States, Europe and other parts of the world who are desirous of laying a solid foundation back home by way of investments preparatory to their ‘Japada.’

And the vehicle to drive the investments is the planned ‘Canada Trade Mission 2024,’ a trade show and exhibitions, which is an initiative of the Solteque Group to bring Nigerians in diaspora together for a sensitization fair on the opportunities available to explore back home in the real estate sector, Adire, Isanyan, Aso Oke and other local fabrics business that are synonymous with the Egbas of Ogun State.

Also, the Pre – conference session of it was held in October in Nigeria at the June 12 Cultural Centre Kuto – Abeokuta which witnessed former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Realtor Adeyemo, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Mrs Oluwatosin Oloko and Special Adviser to the Governor on Job & Employment Creation, Mr. Abiola Odetola galvanized the youths, artisans, local talents, and the economy in diverse sectors for exposure to the global market of consumers and investors in Canada as well as other parts of the world.

On the Canada Trade Exhibitions, the multi – award winning realtor assured that he would personally guide those eager to Japada on how to invest hard earned savings lest they fall into the wrong hands and lose their money.

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Ogun Set To Sign MoU With OPS On Olokola Deep Seaport

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Ogun Set To Sign MoU With OPS On Olokola Deep Seaport

The Ogun State Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have concluded plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the construction of the Olokola Deep Seaport located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made this known during a breakfast meeting with Chief Executive Officers of the OPS in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Wednesday.

Governor Abiodun noted that the construction of the Olokola seaport would provide another opportunity for companies in the state to move their goods and equipment in addition to the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, which is almost on completion stage, and the planned Dry port to be located at Kajola, an outskirt of the state capital.

Prince Abiodun said: “I want to share with you the fact that whilst we are talking about our road, rail and air transport, we will be signing very soon a Memorandum of Understanding with the private sector players for the construction of our seaport in Olokola.

“This is another giant step to ensure that we enable businesses to continue to thrive in our state.”

The governor said that his administration is working towards putting an end to the multiplicity of taxes in the state, adding that the reforms already put in place by the Ogun State Inland Revenue Service would definitely put pay to the issue.

He also urged businesses to patronize government whenever they are in need of land, saying that all land belonged to the government.

“On the harmonization of taxes, we have put in a lot of reforms on our Inland Revenue Service.

“Be rest assured, be patient with me, slowly and surely, we will remove all these multiplicities of taxes.

“We are also concerned about our physical planning as well. The lands department and physical planning are now working collaboratively to ensure that all the problems we have had in the past are resolved.

“All lands belong to the government. My advice to you is that if you want to buy land, come to the state. We have ensured that any land to be sold to you is properly enumerated and compensated.

“So, please, I want to discourage all of us to desist from buying land from land speculators,” he said.

Abiodun said that his administration would be distributing 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) this Friday.

According to him, the state is now at a vantage position to continue to issue out Certificate of Occupancy to subscribers with a newly acquired equipment that can sign 1000 CofOs daily.

Abiodun called on the OPS in the state to give back to their various host communities by either taking advantage of the state government adopt a school or primary health care center project.

The governor spoke on the importance of businesses imbibing the culture of technology transfer, which would further assist the country to move forward technologically.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure steady and uninterrupted power supply soon through the Ogun Light Up Project.

The governor noted that his administration deliberately laid a lot of emphasis on reconstructing roads that connect the Ogun with other states of the country, especially Lagos, the economic capital of the country.

While commending the OPS for joining hands with his administration at repositioning its security architecture through the rejigging of the Ogun State Security Trust Fund, Governor Abiodun added that his administration would continue to do all it can to make the state the safest place to live, work or play.

Earlier in his address, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adebola Sofela assured that the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He said the present administration would continue to partner with industries in the state with a view of propelling the common interest of both the government and industries to greater heights

Also speaking, Ogun State Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief George Onafowokan, acknowledged the position of the state as the best place for industries to thrive.

He, however, called on the state government to continue to work towards ensuring that the enablers for businesses to thrive are readily made available in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Agbara Cluster, the Director of African Industry Group, Chief Sohan Baghla disclosed that they have being able to provide over ten thousand jobs for the people of the state, adding that a greater percentage of their investments are in steel production and processing, aluminium production and processing, glass, chemicals, steel rolling mills, all situated in the Agbara business cluster.

 

Ogun Set To Sign MoU With OPS On Olokola Deep Seaport

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