General
EFCC Docks FUTA VC, Bursar for N157m Fraud
By Dipo Olowookere
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 arraigned the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Professor Adebiyi G. Daramola and the Bursar, Emmanuel Oresegun before Justice S. A. Bola of the Ondo State High Court, Akure on a 9-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds and conspiracy to steal to the tune of N157 million.
Their journey to the dock followed a petition received by the EFCC sometime in 2016, alleging corruption, fraud, and mindless stealing of the funds of the university by the duo. It was alleged, among others, that the VC collected housing allowances whilst living in the government residential quarters, drew Furniture Allowance annually instead of once in 4 years as approved by the Income and Wages Commission.
He was also alleged to have used public funds to finance private expenses, while engaging in illegal payment of allowances to the university’s council members.
In addition, the VC collected bogus monthly imprest, transferred and placed N100,000,000.00 of the University funds in a fixed deposit account without authorization. They however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
One of the counts reads: “That you, Professor Adebiyi G. Daramola on or about the 2nd of September, 2016 at Akure within the Akure Judicial Division of this honourable court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Twenty Four Million Two Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand Four Hundred and Eighty Four Naira (N24,223,484.00) only from the Federal University of Technology Akure, when you falsely represented that the said sum of money was for your biennial family vacation overseas for the year 2015 and 2016, which representation you knew was false.”
Another count reads: “That you, Professor Adebiyi G. Daramola and Emmanuel A. Ayodeji Oresegun on or about the 21st January, 2015, at Akure within the Akure Judicial Division of this honourable court with intent to defraud, conspired to fix the sum of One Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000.00) only property of Federal University of Technology, Akure in a Wema Bank account No: 1300003035 without due process.”
In view of their plea, counsel to EFCC, Benedict Ubi, asked for a trial date.
But counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, Adebayo Olanipekun and O. Theophilus prayed the court to allow them move oral application for bail.
Ubi opposed the oral application, stating that counsel have to put facts before the court as to the reason why the defendants must be granted, which he would also need time to respond to.
Justice Bola, having considered the arguments of all the counsel, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N10 million bond, 2 sureties in like sum who must be professors in FUTA or public officers not less than grade level 17, and must depose to affidavit of means.
They are to also present title documents of landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court and must present evidence of tax payment for the past 3 years.
The case was adjourned to March 20, 21 and 22, 2017 for commencement of trial, while the defendants are remanded in State CID, Police headquarters, Akure pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
General
JMG Offers Solutions for Greener Environment
JMG Limited, a premier provider of electro-mechanical solutions in Nigeria, joins the world in celebrating this year’s International Day of Clean Energy, which promotes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Observed annually on 26th January, the global event was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.
Marking this year’s event, JMG Limited, a leading company that caters to a wide array of business and industrial requirements, reaffirms its commitment to meeting the needs of its customers through solutions that add value to their operations and the society.
The company’s Group General Manager, Rabi Jammal, stated that commemorating the global day is crucial as it inspires individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable energy solutions and their attendant economic and social benefits.
He said this helps to foster environment conservation and palliate the crisis with non-renewable fuels, such as gas and oil, which aligns with what JMG’s product offerings enable.
According to him, JMG’s specialised solutions are eco-friendly and can upgrade the places where people work and live. Its slogan, “from power to plug,” emphasises the transformation by highlighting its wide range of clean energy solutions for homes and businesses.
He averred that the company’s products can be used to power structures, cool environments, transport people in buildings, enhance industrial output, and expand its portfolio with products that offer more energy efficiency to help reduce their electricity bills and save on fuel expenses, thereby curbing the issue of emission.
In line with its clean energy initiative, the company prioritises sustainable power solutions, offering solar and cost-effective hybrid options, including Lithion inverters and batteries since 2018 and Livfast inverters & batteries in 2022.
In 2024, the company expanded its solar power offerings with LONGi solar panels, Deye lithium batteries, and Must solar inverters, providing a comprehensive range of alternative power solutions to customers.
JMG Limited has attained significant milestones in its commitment to excellence, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety by acquiring three key ISO Certifications, 9001:2015, 14001:2015, and 45001:2018, which attests to its dedication to maintaining high standards in its operations.
General
Olam Agri to Sustain Significant Investments in Workforce, Food Value Chain
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The managing director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, Mr Anil Nair, has assured us that more investments in the company’s workforce will be made for economic growth.
He gave this assurance while reacting to the recognition of the organisation as a Top Employer for the fifth consecutive time by the Top Employers Institute.
“As we celebrate this recognition, we also look to the future. Olam Agri is committed to scaling our HR practices to ensure alignment with global standards.
“We will continue to make significant investments in our people and the food value chain, enriching lives and driving economic growth.
“Our goal is to create an environment where our employees can excel and thrive, and we are dedicated to achieving this.
“Olam Agri’s continued success as a Top Employer reflects its unwavering dedication to fostering growth, well-being, and excellence in its operations,” he stated.
Also commenting, the firm’s Regional Head of Human Resources, Jaideep Biswas, said, “Our people-centric strategy aligns with the dynamic demands of the global talent landscape, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion at the core of our operations.
“This certification validates our approach, but we’re not stopping here. We remain committed to helping our workforce thrive in a rapidly evolving work environment.”
In the annual HR Best Practices Survey of the Top Employers Institute, Olam Agri in Nigeria was named the Top Employer because of its exceptional workplace culture, innovative HR strategies, and growing appeal to talent locally and globally.
“Consistency in a not-so-consistent world is remarkable. Amidst technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes, it’s inspiring to see organisations like Olam Agri rise to the challenge.
“This year’s certification celebrates those who continue to lead with people-first strategies, setting the standard for enriching the world of work,” the chief executive of Top Employers Institute, Mr David Plink, said.
The institute evaluates organisations based on a comprehensive survey covering six key HR domains and 20 topics: People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Wellbeing.
Since 2020, Olam Agri’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Africa region have consistently earned top rankings, solidifying its reputation as an employer of choice.
As a leading agribusiness in food, feed, and fibre, Olam Agri is deeply committed to making a positive impact on its workforce, customers, host communities, and stakeholders.
General
Proposed NLC Protest Over Tariff Hike Unnecessary—Subscribers
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) has distanced itself from the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the recently approved telecommunication tariff hike.
According to NATCOMS President, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, in a statement on Thursday, the proposed protest was unnecessary, warning that it could send negative signals to investors.
Earlier this week, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent tariff adjustment in response to rising operational costs following over 11 years of discussion.
The move has raised worries and one of the parties which have been vocal about is NATCOMS.
The subscribers’ group and the labour union criticized the move, describing it as excessive and burdensome for Nigerian consumers.
On the part of the union, Mr Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, called on the industry regulator and the National Assembly to halt the 50 per cent implementation, urging Nigerian workers and the public to reject the hike, suggesting a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services as a possible course of action.
“This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people. The NLC remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses.
“We will resist this injustice and demand that the government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,” Mr Ajaero said.
But NATCOMS has advocated legal action and not the proposed protest.
“We do not support the Nigerian Labour Congress’ call for industrial action. No, we don’t! NATCOMS is not in support,” Mr Ogunbanjo stated.
“To investors and businesses, it is a wrong signal. Negotiation is still ongoing, and the tariff hike is scheduled for February. We still have eight days,” he added.
Business Post had reported that NATCOMS is engaging with the NCC to find a resolution and is prepared to approach the courts if consultations fail.
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