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32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 Helen Oritsejafor honoured by United Nations Global Awards THE United Nations Global Awards (UNGA), has recognised and honoured Rev Helen Oritsejafor with the prestigious Honorary Global Leadership Award for her lifetime commitment to creating and ensuring a strong and impactful international influence of service throughout the world. The event, which took place in Atlanta Georgia, USA, on March 17, saw Mrs. Oritsejafor being recognised globally for her indisputable years of touching lives. Mama Oritsejafor, is known for her philanthropic activities as well as her vast experience in business for many years. She is currently the MD/CEO, overseeing the following conglomerates: Eagle Heights International Schools, Eagle Flight Microfinance Bank, Eagle Bureau de Change Limited, :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 ANTI-TERRORISM WAR: A file photo of Nigerian soldiers on a mission to rout Boko Haram insurgents. 50 soldiers killed by Boko Haram in Yobe ....Buhari expresses grief over killing By Kingsley Omonobi & Johnbosco Agbakwuru NO fewer than 50 Nigerian soldiers were killed Monday in a deadly ambush by suspected Boko Haram gunmen near Goneri, a village in Yobe State. Meanwhile, a military source denied that the soldiers were killed in an ambush, saying that an explosion of one of the military trucks carrying bombs and other artillery weapons of the fighting troops meant for consolidation and protection of cleared strongholds captured from the terrorists, exploded unexpectedly, killing more than 47 Nigerian troops inside the forest. It said 15 soldiers, who sustained various degree of injuries as a result of the explosion, had been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical intervention. Another source, however, confirmed that the attack, noting that it wiped out an artillery unit of the army. A security source said the troops were on a special operation called Operation Ayiso Tamonuma, when they were attacked. Confirming the development, yesterday, Cordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche said: “As you know, we are in a fluid conflict situation and our gallant troops are out there at the frontlines. Between March 21 and 23, 2020, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, were on clearance and fighting patrol operation to Gorgi in Borno State which was successfully done. “However, during consolidation they were ambushed by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists, BHT. Sadly, we suffered some casualties in the unfortunate attack. “However, the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole scrambled African Broadcasting Network TV Station, Eagle Wings Secured Insurance Brokerage Limited, Eagle Nest Guest House, amongst others. She exudes the passion to indeed make the world a better place through her projects envisioned to eradicate poverty, unemployment, as well as provide education for the less privileged, for a better future and generation. These are projected through her annual scholarship scheme for thousands of children from the primary to tertiary levels; the annual Poverty Alleviation Scheme,where thousands of people win free cars, mini-buses, tricycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, etc. And also, free business and vocational skills training for hundreds of men, women and youths. immediately and provided close Air Support to the ground troops. “While the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, platform as well as the fighter jets engaged the Boko Haram terrorists, immobilising and killing some of the terrorists and immobilising a gun truck. “Some others, who attempted to withdraw, were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks. The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland. “We assure Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation.” Meanwhile, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed “profound grief and sorrow” over loss of soldiers who were ambushed by terrorists in Gorgi Village, Borno State. The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu last night said, “Sacrifices of our gallant patriots cannot be quantified, and their sacrifices cannot go in vain,” while commiserating with their families and those that sustained injuries. According to statement, “The death of every soldier causes deep pains because he knows what it means to be a soldier, and fully understands the extreme risks associated with the profession.” President Buhari said “despite the tragedies and incidents, we cannot allow anarchists and mass murderers to hold the country hostage.” He appealed to the military “not to allow the incident to affect their morale,” assuring that his administration will continue to motivate and equip them adequately in order to cope with the complex challenges of unconventional warfare. The statement said that the Nigerian Army has dispatched a team to assess the situation and report back to the government. He added that air strikes and land bombardments by Air and Land components of Operation Lafiya Dole on Buk, a Boko Haram and ISWAP Command Center inside Sambisa Forest between March 21 and 23, 2020, has led to the killing of over 200 terrorists and some of their commanders, with many of their logistics equipment and arms destroyed. COVID-19: IPAC urges political parties to close secretariats ....Seeks welfare packages for workers observing stay at home order By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA—THE Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC, has urged the 18 registered political parties to close their secretariats for two weeks as part of measures to control the spread of Coronavirus. IPAC in a statement by its National Chairman, Dr Leonard Nzenwa, appealed to the government at all levels to provide stay-at-home packages for Nigerians who are forced to stay away from their workplaces and camps including civil servants and youth corpers for the period they are directed to be at home. The group also urged the Federal Government to provide free face masks and sanitizers to Nigerians in this trying period. It advised government to focus on the Nigerian Correctional Centres to ensure that the virus does not find its way into the prisons due to their deplorable facilities that will further endanger the lives of the inmates. IPAC said: “We commend the African Action Congress, AAC, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressives Congress, APC and African Democratic Congress, ADC, for shutting their secretariats in support of the efforts to stop the COVID-19 spread and urges other parties to do likewise. “IPAC also applaud the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for suspending regular activities and bye-elections in response to fear of the coronavirus scourge. The council however, urges the commission to intensify preparations for the conduct of Edo and Ondo States governorship elections. “The elections will be a litmus test for the Commission’s preparedness for the 2023 general election. The people of Edo and Ondo States desire and deserve free, fair, credible, transparent and acceptable elections to choose their leaders. “IPAC calls on all senators and House of Representatives members and all public office holders to immediately proceed to designated hospitals for Coronavirus screening as they have been traveling abroad as part of their oversight function, international engagements and have been interacting with their colleagues who recently returned from overseas trips. “It is inconceivable that some national legislators refused to be screened at airports when they returned. IPAC condemns in strong terms this arrogant posturing in the midst of Coronavirus pandemic. “The council urges government at all levels to provide stay-at-home packages for Nigerians who are forced to stay away from their workplaces and camps including civil servants and youth corpers for the period they are directed to be at home. “The Federal Government should equally provide free face COVID 19: PSC suspends discuss on Police promotions, recruitment; puts off staff verification By Kingsley Omonobi ABUJA—THE Police Service Commission, PSC, has postponed till further notice its 8th Plenary Meeting scheduled for yesterday and today. The commission has also put off indefinitely, its staff verification exercise scheduled to commence on March 30, 2020. The suspension of the two official activities of the commission is in accordance with the containment/safety measures of the Federal Government in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The meeting is the highest decision making body of the commission and the scheduled 8th plenary would have considered recommendations from the different standing committees of the commission on Police Promotion, Discipline, Recruitment and other related matters. The staff verification is an inhouse staff audit and review in line with the extant rules of the public service. A statement by Ikechukwu Ani, spokesman of the commission said, “The commission notes that it will abide by all the necessary Federal Government measures to contain this ravaging pandemic and advised that staff must ensure they restrict themselves to the barest minimum contacts and also adhere to stipulated professional behaviour. “The commission has put in place, work-place safety measures in line with the strategies adapted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in consonance with World Health Organidation, WHO’s prescriptions. “All non-essential staff from level 12 and below have been directed to work from home until further notice.'' Honda, ENYO partner to reward customers for Easter HONDA Automobile Western Africa (HAWA) manufacturer of the all-new Honda HR-V SUV, in partnership with Enyo Retail & Supply Limited, a downstream oil and gas company has unveiled its Easter promo tagged: ‘’March into Easter with the Real Deal Promo’’ scheduled to run from March 16 to April 16. It was designed to reward its loyal customers The auto company said under the promo, individuals that purchased the all-new Honda HR-V SUV will be entitled to a two years free car services voucher plus free N50, 000 Enyo Velox card Speaking at a press conference, Lead Sales and Marketing, Honda Automobile Western Africa, HAWA, Remi Adams described the Honda HR-V SUV as a must-have for every Nigerian. He said the car was designed and assembled in Nigeria, making it most suitable for Nigerian roads and the peculiarities associated with the West African terrain, whilst also retaining its status as a luxury car. He added: ‘’Under the real deal promo, individuals get to purchase the Honda HR-V for a massively discounted price of 10.9m only. In addition to this, when you buy under the promo, you are entitled to two years free car services at any Honda service centre nationwide and importantly, you get a free 50k Enyo Velox card.'' In his word, Managing Director, Enyo Retail & Supply, Mr. Abayomi Awobokun expressed his excitement for the partnership, saying that Enyo’s commitment is to makes life of her teeming customers and the average Nigerians while appreciating the team from Honda for the initiative behind the Honda HR-V SUV.
Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 — 33 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 SEND FORTH PARTY: Mr. Francis Kperegbeyi (3rd left), his wife, Patricia (4th left) flanked by daughters, Bemigho and Oti, and some members of Ogidigben Grammar School Old Boys Association during a send forth party organised by friends on his retirement from Chevron Nigeria Limited at Warri, Delta State. PDP'll win Bayelsa Senatorial bye-elections — Diri By Samuel Oyadongha Y ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win the suspended Bayelsa Central and West senatorial bye-elections whenever they are conducted. Diri stated this Monday night while addressing PDP faithful shortly after the conduct of the party's state congress at the Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa. The governor said the peaceful conduct of the PDP ward, local government and state congresses underscored the party's maturity and dominance in the state. He said the successful congresses have reposi- Herdsmen attack: Uwheru would've been history without Okowa's intervention — Muoboghare tioned the party to continually enjoy the support of the people and win elections in the state. His words: "We can only make them to succeed when we give them our full support like we did to the outgoing chairman and other members of that executive. "They were committed, united and faithful to our party. So, I believe you will follow the example and footsteps that they have laid for you. "Let me also seize this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to the former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, and my boss and leader, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, for their support for this congress. "Let me assure us that with these two leaders by By Festus Ahon ASABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Patrick Muboghare, Monday, said without the timely intervention of the state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Uwheru Community would have been wiped out by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Muoboghare, stated this when the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, paid a condolence visit to the people on behalf of the State Government and Governor Okowa. He said the Uwheru Community would have gone the way of Odi in Bayelsa State, reiterating that the intervention of the governor saved the situation. He thanked the State Government and the governor for identifying with the people of the community in their moments of grief. Muoboghare lamented that nine out of the 10 persons killed by the herdsmen died in the bush, while one my side, the PDP will continue to win elections in our state. With what we have achieved today, even though the Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial bye-elections have been postponed, our party will win those seats squarely whenever INEC conducts the bye-elections." In his acceptance speech, the newly elected State PDP Chairman, Mr Solomon Agwanana, expressed appreciation to the delegates, Governor Diri and other leaders for giving him and his team the opportunity to serve the party. Mr. Agwanana, who hails from Ekeremor Local Government Area, pledged that the new executive would consolidate and improve on the gains already achieved by the party. He solicited the support of all stakeholders, and stressed the need for deliberate efforts to reconcile and re-integrate aggrieved members within and outside the party. Declaring the results of the elective congress, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the leader of PDP National Delegation, Senator James Manager, also commended the peaceful conduct of the delegates. According to Senator Manager, out of a total of 1,237 accredited delegates, Mr Agwanana polled 1,231. Other officers of the 39- member executive committee include the immediate past Commissioner for Water Resources, Nengi Talbot Tubonah as Deputy Chairman, Gesiye Isowo (Secretary) and Dame Christie Ebbeli as State PDP Women Leader. died at the hospital. He noted that the eleventh person, Kenneth Okerohwo, survived the attack and was recuperating in the hospital. He said the community decided to institute scholarship endowment fund for the training of the children of deceased victims totalling 26 from Primary to tertiary level and thanked the State Government for keying into it by donating N10 million towards it. Similarly, Chief Jabin Oyibokure who spoke on behalf of the king, appealed to the government to ensure the restoration of total peace to the kingdom. No inmate escaped from Warri Prisons — Prisons spokesman By Jimitota Onoyume WARRI—DELTA State Command of Nigerian Prisons, has said no inmate escaped from the Warri prisons, Okere road when a portion of the fence gave way on Monday night. Public Relations Officer of the command, Mgbakor Uche who spoke to Vanguard on phone, also confirmed that the heavy downpour blew off the roof of a building housing the inmates. She said officials of the prisons in conjunction with sister security agencies quickly mobilized to move the affected inmates to alternative place Some residents around Okere road where the prisons is, told Vanguard that after the heavy wind blew off the roof the inmates were heard shouting to be released, saying flood had taken over their cells Amnesty: We've not been trained since disarmament — ex-militants cry out By Chancel Bomadi BOMADI—Ex-militants under the umbrella of Niger Delta Defence Cops, NDDC, has issued a serious warning to the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, to without delay, effect their training or else they would return to the creeks. In a statement issued earlier in the week, by self-styled general Para Ekiye and made available to newsmen, the group urged the amnesty office to attend to salient issues of training beneficiaries, payment of house rents and monthly stipends. NDDC noted that all beneficiaries of the programme captured under Phase 3 were denied of the UN Code, which enables them training outside the country. "We have just concluded a meeting attended by over 300 ex-militants under Phase 3 in an undisclosed location in the Niger Delta mangroves and have taken a position. "We call on the amnesty office to attend to these issues. There are so many uncaptured ex-militant leaders in the 3rd Phase, and the captured ones are also denied the UN Code to school abroad since after disarmament. "But politicians easily procure this UN Code from the amnesty office and are sending their relatives and friends to schools abroad under the amnesty programme. Enough of this politics! "Our house allowances are not paid and we spend our monthly stipends to pay rents. We are tired and we give the amnesty office two weeks to correct these anomalies or else we have no other option than to return to the creeks, the statement read. OML30: We inherited huge debts, but paying verified local contractors — Heritage ASABA—THE man agement of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) has clarified that it has been paying its local contractors whose jobs had been verified, while some others were being investigated. In a press statement on Monday, the firm said the claim by Ijaw Youth Council IYC, of Heritage's incompetence and not paying local contractors does not reflect the true situation. The President of Ijaw Youth Council, Barrister Eric Omare, had called for the revocation of OML30 licence over alleged Heritage's incompetence and indebtedness to local contractors. '' When it took over operations of OML 30, in 2017, the firm inherited many invoices and ongoing contracts. The company noticed that while some of the invoices could be verified, there were some that could not. Despite this, the company went ahead and commenced with the payment of verified invoices while investigating others". “The volume of the debts necessitated the development in conjunction with contractors of payment plans for instalment payments. Since then, the company has been steadily reducing the debts according to the agreed payment plans" '' Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, manages the OML30 asset for the Joint Venture Partners, the Nigeria Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL), and has greatly increased production output from OML 30''. “The company has also been able to reduce to a large extent the level of oil theft along the Trans Forcados Pipeline thereby saving revenue for the Federal Government. Paid over N2.3 billion in taxes to government between 2017 and 2019". "The company signed a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with host communities in October 2018 to guide how the company and the community can work together to create understanding and cooperation towards consolidating a mutually beneficial relationship, and as part of our commitment to our host communities, the company has been providing scholarships worth over N181 million per annum to students from its host communities".
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