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Angry Soldiers Shoot @ GOC in Maiduguri

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Ahmadu Mohammed, major general who is the general officer commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, narrowly escaped death on Wednesday when aggrieved soldiers opened fire on his official vehicle, as he arrived to address them at the Maimalari Military Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Sources close to the military barracks disclosed that some troops who went to Chibok Local Government area for an operation where over 234 schoolgirls were recently abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out the mutiny against their boss after returning to Maiduguri.

One of the sources spoke of how they were on their way back to Maiduguri when they realised that the Maiduguri-Damboa road was not safe, as darkness had set in, and then requested the GOC to allow them spend the night in one of the villages considered to be safe for them.

The GOC was said to have insisted that the soldiers must come back to Maiduguri the same night.

However, on their way back to Maiduguri, according to investigation, the soldiers were ambushed by suspected terrorists, and many of them (soldiers) were killed.

Military sources further said when the GOC tried to address troops on the ongoing operation against the insurgents, the soldiers on sighting the arrival of corpses of their deceased colleagues got angry and started shooting sporadically.

Some of them were said to have indeed intentionally opened fire on the GOC’s vehicle but that he narrowly escaped.

“What angered the soldiers most is the unnecessary deduction of their allowances and subjecting them to harsh working conditions without proper equipment to carry out their rules of engagement.

“As a result of this, many of them were being killed like rats by the insurgents,” a source noted.

A statement later last night from the Defence Headquarters said the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army is to institute a military board of inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the soldiers who fired some shots while the GOC was addressing the troops.

The statement issued by a Major General Chris Olukolade, director, Defence Information/Coordinator, said the incident occurred when the corpses of  four soldiers who died in an ambush while returning from patrol duties in Chibok was being conveyed to the morgue.

He said there is now calm in the cantonment and that all normal operations  activities are ongoing .

Another report said residents of Kalabalge village also in Borno State took their destiny in their hands on Tuesday when they fought off gun-wielding Boko Haram insurgents who invaded the village in an early morning attack.

The villagers succeeded in killing several of the invaders and arrested about 10 of them alive.

The insurgents had repeatedly attempted to attack Kalabalge, an agro-nomad community near the Cameroon borders, but failed to gain entry into the village on each attempt.

Eyewitnesses said the villagers had made security preparations around the village and this has made it impossible for the Boko Haram terrorist to launch successful attacks.

The village is the headquarters of Kalabalge Local Government area of Borno State.

“We have told them (Boko Haram) that they cannot take their attacks to our village because, we have taken measures both security wise and spiritually to prevent them,” said a vigilance member in the community who did not give his name when he spoke to a news agency on phone.

“They wanted to attack us just the way they did in Bama, Konduga and Damboa, but we got the wind of it and all of us laid ambush for them; when they neared the village, we opened fire using our dane guns, double barrel rifles and bows and arrows.

“Most of them who were shocked took to their heels, but many of them died, some that were injured have been caught alive and are with the security people as I am talking to you”, said the vigilance member.

An official of the State Security Service (SSS) who pleads anonymity confirmed the incident to reporters on phone.

“The insurgents tried to attack the village as at 5.00 a.m. (on Tuesday) but the vigilante and some members of the village who got the hint of the attack laid ambush and were able to kill as many of them as possible, while about ten of them were caught alive; they also recovered two trucks from the insurgents,” the security source said.

The Boko Haram has raided several villages in Borno State, killing thousands of people and destroying countless property.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up along some strategic roads and institutions in Akwa Ibom State following widespread suspicion that Boko Haram may launch attack.

In the last few weeks, there has been unusual heavy military presence within the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), some major roads, especially the IBB Way and some Hausa-Fulani locations, including Eka Street, Iba Oku village where the Nasarawa Livestock Market is located and other settlements.

The unusual military surveillance on Uyo was said to be informed by alleged seizure recently of large consignment of arms brought into the state in a truck loaded with cows and suspected to the sponsored by Boko Haram.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Etim Dickson, in a telephone interview said it was the practice for Northerners doing business in the state to be escorted by securities agents.

“Intelligence reports received at this Department indicate that the University has been earmarked as one of the major targets in the event of an attack in Akwa Ibom State.

“Consequently, every member of the University community is urged to please be security conscious, observant and report any suspicious movement or thing to the security officer nearest to him or her.

“As a pre-emptive measure to safeguard the University from attack, all small gates leading into both Annex and Town campuses would be closed to all between 12 noon and 3.00 p.m. every Friday.

“Members of the University community are pleased advised to use the main gates during the period as other measures deemed necessary for the safety of the community will be communicated to you from time to time.”

 
 

 


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Unity Bank Upgrades Corpreneurship Prize Money to N16M Per Stream as 30 New Winners Emerge

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In a bid to boost start-up capital and place more resources at the disposal of aspiring young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has increased the prize money for winners of its flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, known as Corpreneurship Challenge to 16 million Naira per stream.

Head, SME Banking, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina addresses the participants at Delta NYSC Orientation camp before the commencement of the pitch presentation

Consequently, participants who emerge winners in the business pitch will henceforth win N800,000, N500,000, and N300,000 Business grants for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively as against the previous editions in which the sum of N500,000; N300,000 and N200,000 were handed out to respective winners in the Corpreneurship Challenge.

Launched in 2019 with pilots in 4 states – Lagos, Edo, Ogun, and Abuja and scaled to 10 States in 2020, the Corpreneurship Challenge initiative is promoted in partnership with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED. The initiative features a business pitch presentation where participants have the opportunity to present their business plans and stand a chance to win business grants.

At the recently concluded edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge for 2024 NYSC Batch A, Stream 1 NYSC service, 30 winners emerged including upcoming entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in several business value chains such as Poultry farming, Fashion, and Pastries, among others, after participating in the business pitch that took place across the 10 NYSC Orientation Camps in Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Abia, Oyo, Ogun, Kebbi, Niger Sokoto and Zamfara States.

At the Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Folorunsho Kolade who pitched a Poultry farming business plan emerged as the overall winner to claim the N800,000 grand prize; Samuel Ayodotun. J. whose innovative footwear venture idea, Basky Footprint took the second spot to win the N500,000 cash prize; while another corps member, Udoji Chibuike Peter, whose venture plan on the footwear fashion value chain also emerged as the second runner-up to claim the N300,000 grant.

Also, at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Nonwa Gbam Tai, Rivers State, Dan Betobong Samuel’s business plan on food production claimed the top spot to clinch the N800,000 grand prize; while Linda Christopher’s Lily Pastries’ business plan emerged as the first runner-up to claim the N500,000 grant. Esther Jacob’s business pitch on the poultry value chain emerged as the second runner-up to win the N300,000 cash grant.

Speaking at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Rivers State, the Divisional Head, Retail and SME Banking, Mrs. Adenike Ambimbola commended the participating Corps Members for the quality of their business plans and pledged the Bank’s commitment to sustaining the Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.

While congratulating the winners, Mrs. Ambimbola said, “Unity Bank is proud to associate with the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) scheme of NYSC in providing interventions and support to budding entrepreneurs with promising ventures through the business grants to help turn these ideas into reality. We recognize the importance of investing in our youths and empowering them to drive positive change within our economy.”

Also speaking at the grand finale held in Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina, Head of SME Banking, Unity Bank expressed delight at the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge’s growing profile as a leading business incubation platform and catalyst for entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

He said, “Over the past five years, Unity Bank has steadfastly supported the Corpreneurship Challenge, witnessing its profound impact on youth empowerment and job creation nationwide.

“The programme has earned a reputation for its innovative approach, seamlessly integrating financial backing, mentorship, and skill development to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Ojesina further underscored the invaluable mentorship offered to participants, connecting them with seasoned professionals who provide crucial insights, guidance, and a roadmap for success.

He emphasized Unity Bank’s belief that true empowerment extends beyond financial aid to the cultivation of entrepreneurial acumen.

So far, Unity Bank has invested over N120 million in the initiative, which has now produced 369 winners since it was launched in 2019.

In 2021, the leadership of the NYSC bestowed on Unity Bank the “Icon of Youth Empowerment” award in recognition of the impact of the initiative.

The Corpreneurship Challenge continues to elicit growing interest among the corps members, attracting over 4,000 applicants and participation in every edition.


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Cloud Energy Launches Solar Energy As A Serrvice for Stable Electricity

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Cloud Energy Solar, recognized as Nigeria’s premier solar energy provider, has initiated the Solar Energy as a Service programme, which aims to empower “Solar entrepreneurs” to offer electricity solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by using Cloud Energy’s Solar Energy Storage System (ESS).

Cloud Energy Launches Solar Energy As A Serrvice for Stable Electricity

This is coming against the backdrop of societal challenges including inflation and high cost of living in the country.

Speaking to a group of Resellers during a virtual Zoom conference, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, managing director of Cloud Energy, emphasized that the launch of the Energy as a Service Programme underscores Cloud Energy’s unwavering dedication to expanding access to electricity across Nigeria…

Under the programme, the MD explained, that Cloud Energy would boost the entrepreneurial capacities of the Reseller by providing the equipment to produce power for embedded power clusters in markets, in high streets, and other commercial areas. Cloud Energy would also provide logistics, training, and technical support to ensure the sustainability of the Energy as a Service Programme.

The Reseller would find the clusters, mobilize them, distribute the power, and collect the tariff.  The original equipment is supplied on lease to the reseller who enjoys three days grace period

One significant concern among citizens today pertains to the necessity for critical Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to remain inactive while awaiting electricity supply from the Distribution Companies (DISCOs), particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies. Furthermore, the escalating cost of diesel has led to many standby generators remaining inactive permanently.

The managing director of Cloud Energy elaborated that Solar Energy as a Service represents a patriotic innovation, ensuring electricity access on a Pay as You Use basis. This program revitalizes idle MSMEs, enhances national productivity, and fosters widespread employment opportunities for Nigerians

Solar Energy as a Service, which will create new opportunities for prudence and accountability within the Energy sector is not limited to Cloud Energy Resellers.

All stakeholders who share the commitment to expanding the boundaries of access to power in Nigeria are free to partner with Cloud Energy to attain the national power aspirations.

During the question-and-answer session, the managing girector assured the Resellers of the immediate take-off of the program while urging them to seize the opportunity to increase their streams of income for the good of the sector.

Cloud Energy was, established in 2015 with the rare attributes of knowledge, youth, and integrity.

The company has developed sustainable solutions in large-scale energy storage, mini-grids and captive power, and solar rooftops for homes.

Backed by credible after-sales support, Cloud Energy has branded the Sunbox series, electrical appliances, fans, television sets, freezers, and fridges that have brought fulfillment to many homes, offices, and MSMEs.

Cloud Energy is a major partner of the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency to learn more about Cloud Energy, visit its website at www.cloudenergy.com.ng


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Reps Mull Tax Crimes Commission to Curb Revenue Leakages

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to tackle revenue leakages in the country.

Reps Mull Tax Crimes Commission to Curb Revenue Leakages

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to Address Revenue Leakages Emanating from Non-payment and Under Payment of Taxes, Irregularities in the Assessment, Reporting and Remittances of Taxes to Prevent and Combat Tax Related Crimes, to Ensure the Protection of Taxpayers Rights and for Related Matters,” the proposed legislation is sponsored by Benjamin Okezie Kalu, deputy speaker of the House,  and eight others.

Leading the debate on its general principles, Felix Uche Nweke, one of the co-sponsors, said the Commission, when established, will check irregularities in the assessment, reporting, and remittances of taxes, prevent and combat tax-related crimes, and plug all leakages in the tax administration system in the country.

The lawmaker noted that leakages occur where unscrupulous staff and agents of tax authorities collude with citizens to under-assess the tax-payer thereby resulting in underpayment.

He said leakages also occur in the form of tax evasion, especially such that is encouraged and condoned by the tax collector and more especially among multinational corporations operating within the country.

Nweke further said leakages also occur where there are non-remittances of collected taxes, that is to say where government does not get the total amount of taxes collected as a result of revenue diversion by fraudulent staff of tax authorities.

He said there is a need to establish an Independent Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission, which will have the capacity to investigate, audit, prevent and combat tax related crimes.

This, the lawmaker said, will effectively prevent international tax evasion and other transnational organised crimes and abuses of the nation’s public finance system.

He stressed that the bill seeks to  promote economic efficiency and effective tax administration system, detect and deter evasion, fraud and abuse in Nigeria’s tax administration system and to protect taxpayer’s rights.

 

Nweke said: “The amount of revenue available to any government determines the extent to which such a government may be able to provide public goods and services. It is a pointer to how far a nation can ensure her growth and development.

“While taxation is considered the most important means of generating public revenue, it is worthy of note that nations that strive to develop aim at putting in place a fair, just, efficient and simplified tax administration system which builds confidence amongst the citizens and as well motivates and encourages citizens to pay their taxes.

“While it is one thing to fix the amount of taxes to be paid, it is another for tax collection authorities and assessors to determine the right amount of taxes to be paid in accordance with the provisions of extant tax laws. This will definitely contribute to our national security through prevention of tax related crimes, prevention of illicit financial flow derived from tax evasion, international tax schemes, cybercrime, etc.

“The Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission will not function as a law court, it will not duplicate the functions of the Tax Appeal Tribunals established in accordance with section 59(1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007 and ti will not be saddled with any form of quasi-judicial functions.”


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