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CAC Removes Dunlop, Mitsubishi, Other Dormant Companies From Its Register

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced the removal of the names of companies that have failed to file their annual returns for the past 10 years.

Among the companies delisted are Dunlop, Mitsubishi, and several others identified as dormant.

In a statement, the CAC emphasized that the companies in question had not updated their annual reports for a decade, prompting the commission to strike them off the register.

This action follows a warning issued by the CAC more than three months ago to these companies about the potential consequences of non-compliance.

The commission’s notice outlined that companies which did not file their annual returns within the stipulated 90-day period would be struck off.

Companies that complied with the directive were removed from the list, while those failing to update their records were officially delisted.

According to the CAC, the deletion of these companies was carried out under the authority of Section 692 (4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 3 of 2020.

The full list of delisted companies is available on the CAC website at www.cac.gov.ng.

The commission further clarified that companies removed from the register are considered dissolved from the date of the publication, and any business dealings with such companies are now illegal.

Reports indicate that out of the approximately 100,000 companies initially listed, 80,429 companies, including both inactive and non-compliant ones, have now been struck off the register.

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Disregard False Strike Notice, Yobe NLC Urges Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Yobe State Chapter, has dismissed a circulating social media notice calling for a statewide strike by Yobe State civil servants, labelling it as completely false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Muktar Tarbutu, the state chairman of the NLC, clarified that the joint committee composed of government representatives and NLC officials had successfully concluded negotiations concerning the new minimum wage.

The finalized report has already been submitted to Governor Mai Mala Buni for review and approval.

The statement emphasized that the NLC Yobe Chapter had no knowledge of the alleged strike notice and urged all civil servants to disregard the information.

The NLC further advised workers and the general public to be cautious about fake news and to verify such claims through credible sources before sharing.

Tarbutu reaffirmed that the NLC is fully committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Yobe State workers, adding that the union had instructed all civil servants to continue with their regular duties without disruption.

He reiterated the NLC’s ongoing dedication to advancing the interests of workers in the state.

The public was also reminded to remain vigilant and ensure that information being shared is authentic, emphasizing the importance of relying on trusted sources.

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Southeast Youths Urge Tinubu To Appoint Okorocha As SEDC Chairman

The Southeast Development Youth Stakeholders Forum (SEDYSF), a coalition of youth groups from Nigeria’s southeastern region, has called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint Senator Rochas Okorocha as Chairman of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC).

In a statement issued at a press conference in Abuja, SEDYSF leaders, including President Comrade John Uba and Secretary Ambassador Ugokwe Ugokwe, endorsed Okorocha as the ideal candidate to lead the commission tasked with driving development in the region.

They praised his extensive experience in public service, leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the growth of the Southeast.

“Senator Okorocha is the right leader to steer the SEDC towards transforming the region. With his vast political experience and dedication to progress, he can effectively address the challenges of the Southeast, including economic disparities, infrastructure gaps, and social injustice.”

The youth group highlighted the region’s potential, including its abundant resources, skilled workforce, and rich cultural heritage, but stressed that strategic leadership was necessary to unlock its full potential.

“The Southeast faces serious challenges, but with Okorocha’s leadership, we are confident that the region can overcome them,” Ugokwe added.

SEDYSF also praised the creation of the Southeast Development Commission, calling it a significant achievement that would foster regional growth.

“We commend President Tinubu and the National Assembly for establishing the commission, a landmark step in promoting national unity and regional progress,” said Ugokwe.

The youth group acknowledged Okorocha’s contributions as a former governor of Imo State and his role in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They credited him with effective leadership and transformative initiatives that benefited his state and the country as a whole.

“Okorocha’s tenure as governor was marked by remarkable infrastructure development, educational reforms, and youth empowerment. His leadership style demonstrated his ability to deliver results and drive change.”

SEDYSF expressed confidence that Okorocha would bring strategic vision and leadership to the SEDC, helping the region attract investment, address key challenges, and promote overall development.

“We believe he has the capacity to reposition the Southeast for prosperity,” the group said.

The forum also reiterated its support for President Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing its commitment to advancing national development.

“We are fully behind your leadership, Mr. President, and your policies that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

SEDYSF further commended Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, for his instrumental role in the creation of the Southeast Development Commission.

“Kalu has proven to be a true patriot with his tireless efforts for the Southeast,” Ugokwe said.

In closing, the youth group appealed to Okorocha to accept the responsibility of leading the SEDC if appointed by President Tinubu.

“We urge Senator Okorocha to heed this call to serve, as his leadership is essential to ensuring the SEDC achieves its mission of transforming the Southeast,” the group stated.

The Southeast Development Commission was recently signed into law to address the region’s socio-economic and infrastructural challenges.

The commission is tasked with coordinating and driving development initiatives across the southeastern states.

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Relocate Your Offices From LG Headquarters To Safer, Neutral Locations – Reps Panel Orders INEC

The House of Representatives Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recommended that the electoral body move its offices away from local government headquarters to more neutral and secure sites.

This recommendation followed a motion brought by Prof. Paul Nnamchi (LP – Enugu) which highlighted concerns over the risks posed by the current practice of housing INEC offices at local government headquarters.

The matter was subsequently referred to the House Committee on INEC for further consideration.

During a public hearing at the National Assembly, the committee chairman, Adebayo Balogun, emphasized the need for state governors to allocate land for INEC to build offices across the country.

Balogun stated: “There must be communication between INEC or the committee and the state governors to provide land. We must make this a priority. If we talk about it enough, it will happen.”

Balogun also acknowledged the need for public pressure to prompt action, thanking the motion’s sponsor for shedding light on the issue.

He noted that many lawmakers were unaware of the extent of the problem, even in urban areas such as Lagos.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, explained that over time, many INEC offices built in less developed areas had become surrounded by urbanization, creating security concerns.

He pointed to the example of the Abeokuta South office, which was relocated after security threats, including the risk of arson.

Yakubu further discussed the challenges of finding locations that balance accessibility and security.

He stressed that while offices must not be placed in densely built-up areas, they also cannot be too far from the public to ensure safety and smooth election operations.

He also mentioned that some offices, including the one in Abeokuta South, have already been moved to more secure locations.

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FG Denies Mass Sacking of Workers With Degrees From Benin, Togo, Labels Report ‘Fake’

Amid rising concerns over job security, some federal civil servants were left anxious after reports emerged suggesting that the government had started purging workers who obtained degrees from unaccredited universities in Benin Republic and Togo.

The anxiety was fueled by a post from former Senator Shehu Sani, who claimed that a large number of civil servants with degrees from these countries had been dismissed.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Sani said, “Thousands of Nigerians who graduated from universities in Benin Republic, secured jobs, married, and had children are now the hardest hit by this mass sacking. I appeal to the government to reconsider this decision and provide a pathway for them to upgrade their degrees through Nigeria’s open university system.”

However, the Federal Civil Service Commission quickly refuted the claims of widespread dismissals.

In a statement, Taiwo Hassan, the Head of Press and Media Relations, clarified that the Commission had not implemented any mass sackings and had not received formal recommendations for such actions.

“There has been no disengagement as of now. Any recommendation for action would have to come through official channels before we can consider it.”

The Commission also reiterated its constitutional role in handling personnel matters, asserting, “the Civil Service Commission has the authority to hire, transfer, discipline, and promote civil servants. But as of now, no one has been dismissed for the reasons being speculated.”

Earlier this year, a panel set up by the former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, investigated degree mills operating in neighboring countries, including Benin Republic and Togo.

The panel, led by Prof. Jubril Aminu, reported that over 22,000 fraudulent certificates were obtained by Nigerians from unaccredited institutions in these countries between 2019 and 2023.

Commenting on the findings, Prof. Mamman noted, “The actual number could be higher, as many individuals involved did not participate in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or other necessary procedures that could have flagged their actions. These people have used fake degrees to secure government and private sector jobs, presenting themselves as having studied abroad while others who worked hard and earned legitimate degrees are still jobless.”

He further criticized the legitimacy of these institutions, explaining that many were not accredited in Benin and Togo either, and some of the individuals never even attended classes at these universities.

Mamman added that a circular from the Office of the Head of Service had been prepared to facilitate the identification and prosecution of those involved in the fraudulent activities.

While the government has yet to take action against those implicated, the claims have added fuel to an ongoing debate about the legitimacy of foreign degrees and their impact on the Nigerian job market.

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PDP Crisis: Governors Demand NEC Meeting, Give Damagum, NWC Three-Month Deadline

Governors elected under the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have issued a stern directive to the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum, urging them to convene the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting no later than February 2025.

The governors, who met recently to address the party’s ongoing challenges, expressed concern over the continuous postponements of the NEC meeting, which has been delayed since August.

The NEC meeting, which is expected to address crucial issues affecting the party, including the appointment of a permanent National Chairman to replace the suspended Iyorchia Ayu, has seen several postponements.

Originally scheduled for August 15, the meeting was pushed to October 24, then rescheduled to November 28, before being indefinitely delayed.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, issued the statement after the meeting.

He emphasized the governors’ commitment to unity within the party, saying, “The Forum acknowledges the concerns of Nigerians, party founders, elders, and members about the apparent divisions within the PDP. However, we remain steadfast in our resolve to ensure unity and cohesion within the party.”

The governors also noted their empathy for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, whose wife’s passing led to the latest postponement of the NEC meeting.

Despite this, they advised the NWC to call for the NEC by February 2025, allowing time for consultations with key party stakeholders.

The period between November and February will be used to address critical issues, including leadership disputes and ongoing litigations.

The Forum also expressed concern about the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, which they attributed to the policies of the APC-led federal government.

The governors called on President Bola Tinubu to review his administration’s macroeconomic and fiscal policies to improve the welfare of the nation’s citizens.

Furthermore, the PDP governors vowed to continue pursuing policies aimed at alleviating the economic strain on Nigerians and ensuring progress and development within their states.

They also expressed disappointment over the outcomes of the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, which were won by the APC, urging the judiciary to take action to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

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NECO Expands Accreditation To More Centres In Niger, Equatorial Guinea For SSCE, BECE

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has expanded its international reach by accrediting additional foreign schools to administer the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

These newly accredited centres are located in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea, bringing NECO’s presence in these countries to a wider range of students.

The council’s accreditation team visited the schools to evaluate their readiness and ensure they meet the necessary standards for conducting the exams.

In a statement released by Azeez Sani, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, NECO outlined the extensive inspections carried out at the schools.

The assessment covered classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, sports facilities, and examination halls to ensure they were adequate for NECO’s high standards.

“After a thorough and rigorous evaluation, the schools were granted full accreditation to conduct both the SSCE and BECE,” Sani said, emphasizing NECO’s commitment to providing high-quality education and examination services beyond Nigeria’s borders.

This expansion of accredited centres reflects NECO’s ambition to become a leading examination body across Africa, offering students worldwide access to its expertise and contributing to the advancement of education in the region and beyond.

Currently, candidates in Niger Republic are taking part in the ongoing NECO SSCE External, with the UNHCR School in Diffa, Niger, becoming the first external centre for the SSCE outside Nigeria.

With this growth, NECO examinations are now accessible to candidates in several countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, CĂ´te d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Saudi Arabia.

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Tinubu Departs Brazil For Abuja After G20 Summit Participation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Nigeria after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit. He left from the Galeao Air Force Base (SBGL) Airport at 10:30 a.m. local time on Saturday.

The President traveled to Brazil last Sunday to participate in the summit, following a series of diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Nigeria for a State Visit.

The G20 summit took place from November 18 to 19, 2024, with Tinubu staying on in Brazil for additional official duties aimed at benefiting Nigeria. Notably, the President held bilateral discussions with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who praised Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and their positive effects on the country’s growth trajectory.

Additionally, President Tinubu oversaw the signing of a $2.5 billion Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and JBS S.A., a major Brazilian meat processing company. This agreement is part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Tinubu’s participation in the summit was at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is also the current President of the G20 group.

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Enugu’s Young Engineer, Eneh Bags PhD

Victor Ifeanyi Eneh, a young and accomplished engineer from Akpugo, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering by the prestigious Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey.

Eneh, who holds multiple qualifications, including a Masters Degree in Engineering, an MBA, and membership in various professional bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE), the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), the Society of Petroleum Engineers (MISOPN), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (MNIEEE), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPE), has proven to be a dedicated and multi-faceted individual.

The young engineer, known for his innovation and contributions to the engineering field, expressed immense gratitude for the support from his family, colleagues, and mentors who helped him throughout his rigorous academic journey.

His research, which focuses on advancements in engineering systems and sustainable energy solutions, has already caught the attention of key players in the industry.

Speaking on Saturday during ESUT’s 20th Convocation ceremony held at the university campus in Agbani, Dr. Eneh emphasized his commitment to further contributing to technological and engineering advancements in Nigeria.

His academic success adds to the growing reputation of Enugu as a hub for young, ambitious professionals making their mark in various fields.

The ceremony, which was attended by several dignitaries, family, and friends, celebrated not only Dr. Eneh’s academic success but also his contributions to the engineering sector.

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Mbah Woos German Investors, Says Enugu A Prime Business Hub

Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah has invited German and international investors to explore the abundant opportunities in Enugu, highlighting the state’s investment-friendly environment.

Speaking as the guest of honor and keynote speaker at a dinner in Lagos hosted by Germany’s Consul General, Weert Bomer, to celebrate the 34th anniversary of Germany’s reunification, Mbah emphasized that Enugu offers significant business potential for foreign investors.

Mbah began his speech by acknowledging Germany’s remarkable economic, political, and social achievements since reunification, describing them as a testament to the power of unity and reintegration.

He then drew a parallel to Enugu’s history, noting the state’s prominence following the discovery of coal 115 years ago.

However, he emphasized that progress must be forward-looking, and that his administration is focused on reinvigorating Enugu’s economy and ensuring it remains relevant in a rapidly evolving world.

“When we campaigned for the people’s mandate, we committed to revitalizing Enugu’s socio-economic landscape,” Mbah said.

“Our vision is national in scope, with ambitious targets to reduce poverty to zero and grow Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to at least $30 billion in the next four to eight years.”

To achieve these goals, Mbah explained, his administration has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of government policies, prioritizing open governance and accountability.

This approach, he believes, builds trust with both citizens and potential investors, fostering a climate of transparency that encourages investment.

The governor also discussed the state’s efforts to reduce bureaucratic obstacles that have traditionally hindered growth.

This includes the digitalization of government services, such as land administration and revenue collection, to make doing business in Enugu more efficient and transparent.

“Enugu State is open for business, and we have implemented several laws to minimize the risks for investors. Our focus on creating an enabling environment for private capital is reflected in the numerous public-private partnership (PPP) projects underway in the state.”

In addition to economic reforms, Mbah highlighted his administration’s commitment to security, noting significant investments in technology and surveillance systems that ensure quick responses to crime and contribute to a safer environment for businesses.

The governor also shared plans for wide-ranging improvements in education, healthcare, water, and road infrastructure, all aimed at creating a well-rounded environment for investment and business growth.

“With its rich resources and ongoing transformation, Enugu is an attractive destination for German businesses,” Mbah concluded, stressing that the growing bilateral ties between Nigeria and Germany would further strengthen opportunities for collaboration.

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