NDLEA Intercepts Heroin From South-Africa

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July 4, 2022

Tug boat and helicopter teams have been deployed to rescue 21 crew members who are stranded on their cargo ship, off the coast of Australia.

The vessel got into trouble after it lost power and risked being swept ashore to the nearby cliffs of Sydney.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was dispatched and attempted to hoist the cargo ship’s crew to safety but they were unable to do so.

Two tug boats have been able to help and have steered the ship back out to sea, where the rescue effort continues.

Alleged Money Laundering: Absence Of Judge Stalls Fayose’s Trial

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July 4, 2022

The trial of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, was on Monday stalled before a Federal High Court Lagos.

This is because the court did not seat as the trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke was said to be attending a conference.

The court registrar hinted that a new date would now be agreed on by the parties in due course.

It was observed that most other courts did not sit and the same explanation was given that the judges were away for a conference.

Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering.

He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

The defendant, was, however, subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following a petition by the EFCC against the judge.

He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.

The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke and is still leading witnesses in evidence.

According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

He was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Independence Day: Biden Hosts July 4 Barbecue For Military Families In White House

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July 4, 2022

The United States President, Joe Biden will host a July 4 barbecue for military families by 5 p.m on Monday in celebration of the American Independence Day.

Reports disclosed that Biden will return from Camp David on Monday in time to host an Independence Day celebration at the White House for the second year running.

Camp David is the country retreat for the President of the United States of America. It is located in the wooded hills of Catoctin Mountain Park, near north-central Maryland.

The president and first lady will then take in the fireworks on the National Mall from the White House.

Biden and his wife, Jill Biden are to be present delivering remarks to celebrate the occasion, the White House announced Sunday.

Biden’s second July 4 in office comes as his popularity has taken a turn for the worse.

A recent AP-NORC Center Poll conducted June 23 to 27 found that Biden’s approval rating is at a historic low of 39 percent, compared to 55 percent in a poll taken at a similar time last year. The poll also saw respondents giving their lowest approval rating for the direction the country is heading in — 14 percent compared to 44 percent last July.

The White House has maintained it has a plan to confront the issues plaguing the American people.

Americans come together on July 4 to celebrate the nation’s birthday and Independence Day. On this day, most Americans enjoy grills in their backyards, at beaches, or in parks. Some partake in parades or marches and enjoy the fireworks that are often launched at dusk. They usually greet themselves about Independence Day, saying Happy Fourth!

The American glory of Red, White, and Blue, is celebrated on Independence Day on July 4.

The country celebrates its 246 independence as July 4, 1776 was the day it formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Ultimately, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence was a contentious process.

Nottinghamshire Rare Mineral Centre Seeks To Boost U.K. Economy

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July 4, 2022

cristaux de srandite, cristaux de natrolite, cristaux d'analcim — Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Valle-du-Richelieu RCM, Montrgie, Qubec, Canada

The supply of rare raw materials, used by defence and green technology industries, is being boosted by a new Nottinghamshire-based team.

The Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) will analyse the supply and use of substances like cobalt, lithium and graphite.

These are essential to making products such as electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines and fighter jets.

It is run by the British Geological Survey from its base in Keyworth.

Almost all the critical minerals – like this nickel – are imported to the UK.

According to the World Bank, the production of some critical minerals is expected to increase by nearly 500% by 2050.

A government spokesman said the CMIC would improve the resilience of the UK’s critical mineral supply chain by providing policymakers with up-to-date data and analysis on supply, demand, and market dynamics.

This data will then be used to develop evidence-based policies aimed at developing more robust critical mineral supply chains to the UK.

Officially launching the centre, Industry Minister Lee Rowley said: “Critical minerals are so important to every aspect of our daily lives, whether it’s the phones we use, the cars we drive, or the batteries in our laptops.

“As the world shifts towards new green technologies, supply chains will become more competitive.

“That’s why we’re harnessing the British Geological Survey’s vast experience in geoscience, to ensure better access to these crucial resources.”

CMIC director Paul Lusty said: “The UK’s current critical mineral needs are met almost entirely from overseas, through complex and dynamic international supply chains.

“The centre will help the government and industry understand future UK critical minerals demand, and potential chain supply vulnerabilities.”

Lagos, Academy Graduate Fresh Set Of 128 Young Filmmakers

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July 4, 2022

Lagos State government, in partnership with Creative Academy (ELCA), at the weekend, produced another set of 128 young filmmakers to fill the skill gap in the industry.

Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB), Bukola Agbaminoja, at the quarterly graduation of the fifth batch of trainees in film production, cinematography, directing and acting, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu had approved an endowment fund to support the entertainment industry.

“The interest-free loan is available to all filmmakers resident in Lagos,” she added.

Agbaminoja described the partnership as an act of equipping youths with creative skills in the industry and a means of providing employment to the unemployed.

She clarified that the fund is not a grant but an interest-free loan that must be repaid within two years, the maximum amount being N40 million.

Head of Lagos State Creative Industry, Toyin Ogunlana, advised the graduates to optimally make use of their certificates and develop themselves.

Head of School, ELCA, Theart Korsten, commended the state government for its support

“Only Lagos state is making a facility like this available free of charge. Thanks for your ongoing commitment and support to the school,” he said.

Some of the films written, produced and directed by trainees include Canvas, Father forgive me and Halimah, The Funeral.

One of the graduating students, Ademola Ajayi, who won best location sound award for Halimah, lauded the organisers for the training.

Customs Facilitates N204 Billion Transactions At Rivers Port

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July 4, 2022

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area II Command, Onne Port, Rivers State, yesterday, said it facilitated 876,775.60 metric tonnes of export cargoes with a free on board (FOB) value of N203.96 billion between January and June this year.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Auwal Mohammed, who made the disclosure while reviewing the command’s operations in the first six months of 2022, added that Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) worth N1. 075 billion was processed during the period.

In a statement, by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ifeoma Onuigbo Ojekwu, the CAC said in the corresponding period of last year, the command processed 331,356.40 metric tonnes with FOB charge of $141 million.

He explained that the free on board value in naira was N58.2 billion with a NESS rate of N260 million.

The comptroller said the 2022 export statistics showed an improvement of 150 per cent increase over the first half of 2021.

The CAC noted that the command also collected N115.26 billion in revenue during the period under review, a sharp increase over the N78 billion generated in the first six months of last year and the N46.6 billion received same period of 2020.

According to him, further comparison indicated a 147 per cent increase above the 2020 collection and 47 per cent rise over the 2021 figures. The posting shows differences of N37 billion and N68.5 billion for 2021 and 2020.

Mohammed said the command also made 28 seizures, comprising nine containers worth N531million, adding that machetes brought into the country without end-user certificates, military wears, vegetable oil, whisky, soap and used clothing were among the confiscated items.

Other confiscations include used tyres, foreign parboiled rice, tomato paste, used vehicle parts and other items either classified as prohibited or which duty payments were evaded.

The CAC hinted that the Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW) approved by the Federal Government at Onne, provided further opportunities for exporters to process and package their exports.

Mohammed described the facility as a one-stop-shop geared at promoting and encouraging export trade.

He said due diligence by regulatory and government agencies, including examination of goods, is to be conducted at the warehouse.

Newquay Cornwall Ready For First Ever Satellite Launch From UK Soil

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July 4, 2022

Sir Richard Branson’s US company Virgin Orbit successfully placed another seven spacecraft in orbit from California at the weekend and is now focused on moving operations to England.

“Everything now is about getting to Cornwall,” said Flt Lt Matthew “Stanny” Stannard, who piloted the latest mission and will be at the controls again when that first British launch occurs, probably in September.

Sir Richard’s firm has now flown four successful satellite missions, all from California’s Mojave spaceport.

But it has always been the Virgin Group entrepreneur’s intention to bring his rocket technology across the Atlantic.

Preparation work is proceeding apace at Newquay airport, with a control centre and satellite integration facility both in the process of being kitted out.

Already, the southwest of England is seeing something of an economic bounce from the expected Virgin Orbit operation at Newquay (a second launch is in the planning). Space start-ups are beginning to cluster in the region.

“This launch will be hugely important. The UK has a fantastic space sector, particularly in the small satellite market, but it’s missing a launch capability and we’re about to fill in that gap,” Flt Lt Stannard said.

“Space doesn’t always capture the imagination of school-aged children because it’s often intangible; you can’t see it.

“But they’ll be able to look over the fence, so to speak, to see a rocket and I think that will capture the imagination.”

NCDMB, NAICOM Present Insurance Services Guidelines To Oil, Gas Stakeholders

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July 4, 2022

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on Monday presented insurance services guidelines to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

The guidelines was presented by Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB and Commissioner for Insurance, NAICOM, Sunday Thomas, at the 2022 Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference (NOG) in Abuja.

According to reports, the guidelines will oblige the oil and gas industry to patronise the local insurance sector, thereby retain spend in the economy.

It will also address loopholes that have been identified while implementing the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

Wabote said the provisions of sections 49 and 50 of the NOGICD Act require all operators engaged in any form of activity in the sector to insure all insurable risks related to its business with an insurance company, through an insurance broker registered in Nigeria.

He said, “the insurance guidelines was developed by the two regulatory bodies to ensure that government’s intention of promoting insurance services within the country is achieved so as to capture significant financial spend under oil and gas insurance services in country.”

According to him, the act provides that where an operator seeks to place an insurable risk offshore, a written approval of NAICOM must first be sought and obtained.

He added that NAICOM before the issuance of the approval must ascertain that local capacity had been fully exhausted.

World’s Largest Water Lily Discovered After 177 Years

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July 4, 2022