NIGERIAN NOTCH

Ian Taylor, the man who transformed Vitol into the world’s biggest oil trader, has died from pneumonia at the age of 64, after beating cancer and stroke just last year. His death was announced by the company on Tuesday. A risk-taker and revolutionary in the oil industry, Ian Taylor had built Vitol from the ground up into becoming the world’s biggest oil trader. During his active years before stepping down as Vitol CEO in 2018, he had gone from providing billions of dollars to Kazakhstan to flying to Libya during the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, and even trading Iranian fuel oil in 2012, despite U.S. sanctions. He became the CEO of Vitol in 1995 and supplied the opposition in Benghazi with vital fuel in exchange for crude oil cargoes. The Oxford University graduate was also a Conservative party donor who turned down the offer of a knighthood from former British Prime Minister David Cameron. Taylor became one of Britain’s richest businessmen and in 2007 and served as chairman o...

Anambra state government has shut down the popular Eke Awka Market in Awka Metropolis, over non compliance with directives of the state government on covid19 safety measures put in place by the state government. The Secretary to the government of Anambra state Prof Solo Chukwulobeu, in a public service announcement made available to this newspaper said " This is to inform the public that effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, Eke Awka Market, in Awka South Local Government will be shut down" He said "This is as a result of non-compliance by the market traders and customers with Covid-19 protocols including wearing of protective face masks, provision of running water and soap for washing of hands, keeping of physical distancing" He however states that also, effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, curfew in Awka South local government will be from 8pm to 6am daily, until further notice.  These actions by the government he said is as a result of increased cases of Covid-19 in A...

The European Commission has requested member-states to have their borders reopened, due to the improvement of COVID-19 situation. With the recent improvement seen in the COVID-19 situation, and in response to it, the European Commission announced on June 5, requesting member-states to have their borders reopened by July 1. As a result, some countries under the European Union have announced new steps to reopen their borders. Germany has announced that from Tuesday, June 16, the European Union (EU) citizens and Swiss nationals will have unhindered access to enter Germany, without controls or quarantine regulations. In addition, Germany will on Monday, June 15, ease its border controls and open up its land borders with Switzerland, France, Austria, and Denmark. According to the Interior Minister, Horst Seehofer, this decision may be reversed if the situation worsens. This new policy, however, exempts foreigners arriving by plane from Spain, who will not be allowed into the country until a...

As part of his support and in response to the appeal by the working governor of Anambra state Chief Willie Obiano for humanitarian assistance from philantropists so as to cushion the effect of the Covid 19 lockdown in the state, Nigerians fast rising teem star Oziomachukwu Favor Mojekwu with stagename OZZYBEE aka OZZYBOSCO will on June 12th Friday 2020 Storm the commercial city of Nnewi Anambra State to distribute palliatives to aged people, widows and widowers as his contribute on the present effort being made to checkmate the further spread of Covid 19. The event which is being back by his NGO OzzyBosco smile foundation will take place at the ancient palace of HRN igwe Dr K .O .N Orizu III. It is expected that dignitaries from all walks of life and top government officials grace the event and they include Hon Nnamsom Nwaforizu special adviser to the governor on youth entrepreneurship Hon Smart Nonso Okafor member representing Nnewi north in the state House of assembly and many others...

.........DESCRIBES HIM AS AN UNDISPUTED  CHAMPION OF INDUSTRIALIZATION AND A PRINCIPAL MEMBER OF THE ABA BUSINESS The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed deep grief and sadness at the news of the death of Chief Dr. Sir Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, the Chairman of TONIMAS NIGERIA LIMITED. The Governor described the Late Chief Enukeme as an outstanding and committed entrepreneur who made very solid contributions to the economic development of Aba and Abia State through his numerous business concerns scattered across the State. Governor Ikpeazu recalled with gratitude, the countless jobs created for the people of Abia State through the entrepreneurial versatility of the Late Chief Enukeme, and further described him as a most worthy partner of the Abia State Government in the quest for the development of the economy of the State. In the words of the Governor, "The Late Chief was not just an ordinary businessman who was content with buying and selling. He was more th...

- Reels-out measures to deal with emerging incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and more ​ The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has unveiled a new Operational Guidelines for the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies on COVID-19 prevention enforcement duties, today, 8th June, 2020 at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. This is part of measures to foster a more harmonious relationship between the Police and members of the public, deepen respect for the rights of citizens, provide a new set of policing tools for tackling emerging crimes such as domestic violence, rape, child molestation and other incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).    The IGP notes with concern, increase in reported cases of domestic violence, rape, defilement, cybercrimes etc linked with the COVID-19 restrictions. These unfortunate incidents have prompted the introduction of this Operational Guidelines which will help to adequately coordinate and reshape the conducts of personnel of ...

2020 World Environment Day, Targets Unsustainable Human Activities Reduction, Says Imo Commissioner for Environment  The Imo State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ikechukwu Njoku, has hinted that this year's world environment day, primarily targets the reduction of unsustainable human activities with negative effects on the environment.  Dr Njoku disclosed this recently, while speaking to newsmen on the factors that could guarantee a sustainable human environment. He pointed out that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is a leading voice on the environment, which provides and encourages partnership in caring for nature by inspiring  and enabling nations to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. He noted that the  theme of this year's world environment day is "Biodiversity ", adding that the day is being marked by over 143 countries of the world. The Commissioner further disclosed that the consumable food, the air ...

Valentine Ozigbo If a man's heart and (capabilities) were to be known by the construction of his face, then a lot of people would likely not reckon with Mr Valentine Ozigbo, immediate past President/Chief Executive Officer of the country's humongous Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp). But a closer look by the discerning would however reveal a deep thinker, an innovator and a man determined to change his environment. Ozigbo easily takes after Peter Obi in looks. Many misjudged Obi upon his arrival to the Anambra scene about 18 years ago, given his "innocent" looks. What followed is however history as Obi went on to set many records, all positive. Ozigbo has a rich history, transforming Nigeria’s foremost hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja into what it is today, and subsequently, moving on to Transcorp to completely transform Nigeria’s leading conglomerate. Before then, he had achieved a lot of incredible feats in his 17 years in banking. His accomplishment...

The Member representing Obowo State Constituency in Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kennedy Ibeh has indicated interest to partner Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter to curb fake news. Hon. Ibeh made this known to Members of the association in Owerri on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 when they called on him at his office.  He decried the high level of fake news making rounds in society especially through the cyberspace adding that something urgent need be done to checkmate the system for a better society with credible information.  The Hon. Member frowned at the activities of journalists who feed the public with false information, stressing that the motive of hunger,  selfish gains which seemed reasons behind the unprofessional practice need be jettisoned as it has done none any good. "People are crying out because of the damage cyberspace is causing But I don't think they are the intention of the people that created it because anything that h...

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife has once again reiterated her call for the involvement of more women in politics. The Senator through a statement on Wednesday, tasked political parties to take the advantage of party congresses to nominate at least 40% of women to the different offices in the party hierarchy, such as: the ward, LGA, State and National levels of the party. Ekwunife who is the Chairman Senate committee on Science and Technology and one of the eight female legislators in Nigeria's upper legislative chamber noted that a more active involvement of women in partisan politics will guarantee that the talent and uniqueness of both genders come to play in advancing Nigeria's political system, an outcome which will place the country on the path of achieving gender parity. While applauding the People's Democratic Party for guaranteeing 35% position for women in its different party hierarchies, from the national to the ...