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UNILORIN Professor Turns Eggshells into Biodiesel

In a breakthrough at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Elizabeth Odetoye, a leading mind in Chemical Engineering, has successfully produced biodiesel from chicken eggshells, offering a promising stride in homegrown technology for Nigeria.

Odetoye, in a discussion with reporters in Ilorin, revealed the pioneering method termed “transesterification experiment,” showcasing eggshells as a cost-effective catalyst for biodiesel production.

She shared on the potential of eggshells to not only enhance biodiesel production but also reduce waste in the poultry industry, aligning with sustainable practices.

Biodiesel, positioned as a sustainable fuel alternative, faces a challenge in the cost of production as compared to fossil fuels, a challenge Odetoye acknowledged.

Expanding on biofuel’s scope, the professor explained its various forms, which includes biocrude, bio-oil, and bioethanol, indicating Nigeria’s vast reserves of biomass waiting to be harnessed for environmentally friendly energy solutions.

Odetoye warned against the environmental hazards of biomass residue burning, advocating for pyrolysis as a means to convert these waste into valuable resources. This she said will create employment opportunities and foster a cleaner, healthier environment for the nation.

With this innovation, UNILORIN contributes to Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable energy and economic prosperity, paving the way for a greener future.

EFCC to Arraign Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Money Laundering Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.

Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development, following a siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja by the commission.

Bello will face charges alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, totaling 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80 billion.

The arraignment follows a court-issued warrant of arrest and enrollment order granted to the EFCC on Wednesday.

Among the charges, Bello is accused of conspiring to convert N80 billion, part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

Count 17 of the charges alleges Bello’s involvement in aiding E-Traders International Limited to conceal over N3 billion in an Access Bank account, while count 18 accuses him of indirectly procuring the transfer of over $570,000 to a U.S. bank account.

The EFCC noted that its attempt to execute the warrant of arrest was met with resistance, as the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, facilitated Bello’s removal from his residence.

Drama Unfolds as EFCC Officers Surrounds Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello’s Home

Officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have laid seige to the home of ex-Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in Wuse Zone 4 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Witnesses report that a tight blockade by EFCC personnel commenced early Wednesday morning, raising speculation and curiosity among onlookers.

The purpose behind this operation remains undisclosed at present, with attempts to glean information from the EFCC officials proving futile.

Yahaya Bello’s legal troubles have been escalating, particularly after the EFCC indicted him in an alleged misappropriation of approximately N100 billion, supposedly committed prior to his assumption of office in September 2015.

This recent development comes hot on the heels of a legal battle between Bello and the EFCC, where the agency amended its suit to include the former governor.

The charges revolve around accusations of financial mismanagement and money laundering, drawing attention to Bello’s tenure as Kogi State governor.Responding to the EFCC’s presence, Bello’s media office released a statement, accusing the agency of flouting a court injunction barring his arrest or harassment pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.

The statement called upon influential figures, including President Bola Tinubu, to intervene and restrain the EFCC’s actions.

Consumers Value Awards : ‘Vote Top Performing Brands’, BrandXchange Boss Urges Nigerians

In an effort to elevate consumer standards and promote exceptional service across the Nigerian economy, Mr. Akonte Ekine, the innovative mind behind Absolute PR Limited and brandXchange, has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the Consumer Value Awards to rank top performing brands.

As an online award program the consumer awards empowers consumers to vote for brands, products and services that demonstrate excellence and reliability in their respective fields.

According to Ekine, Categories for awards covers 46 different categories over a variety of sectors, from technology and education to government policy and entrepreneurship where available consumer have the opportunity to vote their preferred brands, while helping to shape quality standards in the market

“We have initiated the voting process by reaching out to all nominated brands, encouraging them to motivate their customers to participate in the voting at www.consumersvalueawards.com, the voting process is meticulously crafted to maintain the highest integrity and accuracy. Mr. Ekine said

While he shared that this initiative also serves as a platform for consumers to steer clear of inferior or counterfeit products by identifying and endorsing brands that are reputable and trustworthy, the brandXchange boss urged participation from consumers to contribute by helping promotes quality aming brands.

“On visiting our website, voters are required to select a brand within any of the categories, after which they are prompted to enter their email address. This action will require a One-Time Password (OTP) which will be sent to the voter, this is to ensure a secure and verified voting process.

“By entering the OTP received, voters confirm their identity, allowing them to cast their vote. We use this system to prevents multiple votes by the same individuals or even the brands themselves.

We want to ensure a fair and transparent outcome where the true voice of the consumer is heard,” Mr. Ekine sharedHe stated further that the consumer value awards is of importance for consumers given the current economic challenges, marked by hyperinflation, as consumers’ recommendations of quality products and services become more invaluable.

“In times like these your neighbor is your best adviser, they are the ones who can tell you where to find the best products and services.

So, by voting, consumers are not only identifying top brands but are also helping guide others in the community”, he stated.To Participate in the Consumer Value Awards

Log on to www.consumervalueawards.com

Select a brand Category to vote

Select a preferred brand

Upon request, input your email address

Get your One time Password (OTP)

Input it in the space designated to vote

Repeat the same process for each voting category

BREAKING: Tinubu praises Jim Obazee as he completes special investigation on CBN

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Jim Obazee Jim Obazee, appointed after concluding his investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which resulted in the indictment of its former governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Obazee’s investigation, initiated under the directive of President Tinubu, aimed to scrutinize the operations of the CBN and related entities.

The conclusion of the investigation comes after a thorough examination and analysis of pertinent financial data and operational procedures within the central bank.

According to sources close to the investigation, Obazee’s findings include allegations of financial irregularities and misconduct implicating Emefiele in his capacity as the governor of the CBN.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has thanked Obazee on Friday, and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman, said in a statement: ” The President commends Mr Obazee for the dedication and professionalism he exercised in handling the complexities of this critical national assignment.

”Subsequent to the conclusion of the assignment and the submission of a final comprehensive report, and with the winding up of all apparatuses used during the scope of the task, which terminated on March 31, 2024, the investigation is formally closed, with all appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies already conducting follow-up action.

”The President thanks Mr. Obazee for answering the call of duty while wishing him success in his future endeavours.”Obazee is a former Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

Born Jim Osayande Obazee, on March 28, 1965, he is a native of Edo State. The 58-year-old holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Benin.He proceeded to the University of Lagos for a Master’s in the same discipline.

He served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, from November 2010 to January 2017.

The ex-FRC boss is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, as well as the American Accounting Association.

Obazee is certified in Strategic Financial Analysis for Business Evaluation from Harvard University, United States of America.

Obazee was on secondment to the Financial Accounting Standard Board, USA, and the Atlantic Schools of Business, Canada.

He served as the Chairman of the 29th Session of the International Standards of Accounting and Reporting and also chaired the Committee of the Roadmap to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards in Nigeria.

‘Invasion of Oyo State Secretariat by Yoruba Nation Agitators, an act of terrorism’ – Commissioner

Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, has denounced the armed incursion at the State Secretariat by self-proclaimed Yoruba Nation agitators, labeling it as terrorism.

Speaking on Monday, Oyelade condemned the violent act, stating that there are more constructive ways to advocate for causes without resorting to violence.

He pointed to the example of Prof. Banji Akintoye, a prominent Yoruba Nation advocate, as embodying the essence of wisdom and civilization within the Yoruba community.

He condemned the attempt to forcibly enter the legislative chambers with an arsenal of seven pump-action submachine guns and over 700 live cartridges as an act of terrorism.

The commissioner revealed that the sponsors behind the invasion of the governor’s office and the State House of Assembly on Saturday have put the arrested suspects in serious legal jeopardy.

He reiterated that despite the incident, Oyo State maintains its status as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, with the events of Saturday not altering the tranquility and peaceful coexistence among residents.

Oyelade assured that normalcy has been restored in Ibadan, the state capital, with residents resuming their daily activities without disruption.

The attempted takeover of the Oyo State Government Secretariat by a group claiming to be Yoruba Nation agitators was thwarted by security forces on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of 20 individuals dressed in military attire.

Tinubu Gov’t Still Paying Fuel Subsidy, Says El-Rufai

Immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, has alleged that the Federal Government is still secretly expending lots of funds on subsidy of the premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

The former governor who was nominated as a Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but wasn’t cleared by the Senate said the subsidy regime is back in a bigger measure without the awareness of Nigerians.

El-Rufai made this known while speaking with journalists in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.El-Rufai said although he supported the subsidy removal policy, he, however, criticized its implementation.

“Fuel subsidy is another policy that has been implemented by the president, it’s the right policy. I always supported withdrawing fuel subsidy,” he said.

He added that measures put in place by the Federal Government as packages to reduce the impact of fuel subsidy removal were ineffective, hence the reversal to the subsidy regime.

“But, in the course of implementation as you can see, the government has now realized that the subsidy has to be back because right now, we are paying a lot of money for a subsidy even more than before,” the former governor said.

It would be recalled that Tinubu had on May 29, 2023, during his inaugural speech removed the fuel subsidy in his first major economic policy pronouncement that has been blamed for the current economic situation in the country.

However, despite the announcement, some analysts have continued to express concern over the current price stagnation despite the fluctuation of the naira-dollar exchange rate and international crude price crossing $95 a barrel suggesting a return of subsidy.

NSCDC Ondo State Command on High Alert to Thwart Oodua Nation Agitators

The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified efforts to prevent any infiltration by Oodua Nation agitators.

Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye issued a directive during the weekly muster parade, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness among divisional officers and tactical teams.

In a statement disclosed by the command’s spokesperson, Aidamenbor Daniel, Ibiloye said the readiness of key units such as the Intelligence Department, Armed Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Rapid Response Squad is key.

These units are placed on red alert to avert any security breaches similar to those witnessed in neighboring Oyo State.

The heightened security measures come amidst ongoing political rallies in Ondo State, attracting diverse crowds. Ibiloye stressed the significance of proactive measures to maintain peace and security during these gatherings.

Ibiloye said the security outfit cannot afford to overlook the potential threats posed by agitators amidst the current political climate.

He harped that the priority is to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens and prevent any disruption of public order

UN Chief Guterres Urges Restraint Amidst Israel-Iran Tensions

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has responded to the recent hostilities between Iran and Israel, stating the critical need for all parties involved to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation in the region.

In a released statement and a video shared on the UN X account, Guterres stated that the world cannot afford another war and urged for immediate measures to de-escalate the current situation.

The reported barrage of drones and missiles launched by Iran towards Israel has already resulted in significant intercepts over the weekend, raising concerns of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence, particularly citing the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Guterres shared on the severe impact on civilian populations.

He cautioned against actions that could trigger broader military confrontations across multiple fronts, stressing the urgent need to protect civilians.

Citing the Friendly Relations Declaration of 1970, Guterres calls for the prohibition of acts of reprisal involving the use of force under international law.

Emphasizing the shared responsibility of all parties to prevent further escalations, he called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid.

Guterres also calls for a stop to violence in the occupied West Bank, calm tensions along the Blue Line, and ensure safe passage in the Red Sea region.

He reiterated that regional and global peace and security are under mounting threat, and collective responsibility is needed to avert further conflicts for the betterment of all involved parties.

Lagos Coroner Lays Blame for Sylvester Oromoni’s Death on Parent, Doctor

The Lagos State Coroner on Monday delivered its verdict in the case of deceased student of Dowen College, Sylvester Oromoni, saying he died of negligence from his parents and the doctor attending to him.

Magistrate Mikail Kadiri in his verdict on Monday said Oromoni, 12, died of natural cause, but said his death was avoidable.

He said the death of the boy could have been avoidable if not for the negligence of the parents and the medical team who attended to him.

According to him, Oromoni died from sepsis caused by an ankle injury, leading to an infection of the lungs and kidney.

Kadiri added that evidence and the reports of the two experts who performed an autopsy on late Oromoni said he died of severe septicemia (sepsis) as a result of an infection.

The magistrate said he did not believe the version of the family doctor Henry Aghogho’s evidence, saying that based on the preceding, it was clear that the deceased’s health deteriorated in (doctor) PW 3’s care.

“PW 3 did not take proper care of the deceased; PW 3 completely abandoned the deceased for more than 32 hours.

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