Headlines

Anambra State flags off construction of MTN-funded Nigeria’s pioneer smart road project

Charles Soludo, Anambra state governor

Funso Olojo

A conclave of security and safety agencies in Anambra State including the Police, Navy, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) took place at the Conference Room of Police Headquarters Awka Saturday, June 8th,2024, where they brainstormed on how to superintend the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway currently under reconstruction.

This initiative is geared towards fulfilling the dream of a smart road that would serve the people and economy of the area.

The high-profile meeting which was at the behest of Crown Crest Global Engineers (CCGE) Ltd, the

Consultants to MTN Communication Nigeria Plc. on Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Community Liaison, was attended by the top brass of the various security and traffic management agencies in Anambra State.

Welcoming participants, the Anambra State Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fidelis Ogarabe who represented the Anambra State Police Commissioner, Obono Nnaghe Itam, expressed immense gratitude to MTN Nigeria for funding the road project which he saw as a crucial factor, since not everybody could afford to travel by air.

He pledged the support of the Police in Anambra State towards the actualization of the objectives of the summit.

The Coordinator of the MTN/CCGE/Community Liaison Initiative (CLI), Dr. Reginald Facah, in his keynote address, enunciated the focus of the meeting which is bringing all stakeholders up to speed on the concept of a smart road and the expected roles of the various agencies in delivering a safe secure, standard and user-friendly road complete with all the modern technological accessories in keeping global standards.

According to him: ” the smart road concept is the current trend in road traffic management and the Enugu – Onitsha road project being funded by MTN Communications Plc. promises to be Nigeria’s premier smart road where technological innovations would drive road and traffic management on the highway

Speaking further he said that: “in line with global best practices, the safety and wellbeing of road-users, adjoining communities and the entire citizenry capture the main focus in the design, construction and operation of the new Enugu-Onitsha Highway.

“MTN Nigeria as the funder has continued to demonstrate absolute commitment to delivering a world-class project for the good of the people of Southeast and the Nigerian economy.

Key important elements that participants of this meeting must come to terms with include:‌user-friendly road, ‌absence of obstructions,‌smart thoroughfare imbued with a security system that is compliant with the road-users desires, ‌deployment of technology and eco-friendly systems to enhance security as well as the ‌relevance of mobile patrols as against fixed security checkpoints. ‌

The foregoing paved the way for the lead paper titled: titled “Concept of Smart Road and Smart Policing on a Modern Highway” delivered by a top brass from the FRSC, Deputy Corps Commander Regina Agbor Awasaam.

According to her, a smart road differs from every other highway in that it incorporates electronic technologies like autonomous vehicles, street lights, traffic lights, speed limit trackers, security camera systems, drones and ambulance services.

She noted that building and operating a truly smart road requires a lot of investment on the part of the government and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders.

The lead paper was followed by a robust discussion segment during which Navy Captain MD Jarma, Commander Navy Base Onitsha; Deputy Corps Commander Okora Awassan of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Chief Superintendent of Corps Aguoji Ifeanyi of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps; DC Okeke Obinna, Director of Training and Emergency Response of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA); CSP Odumu Williams, Operations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force, Anambra State Command and DCP Fidelis Ogarabe, Nigerian Police force, Anambra State Command.

Also in attendance was Dr. Reginald Facah MTN/CCGE/CLI Coordinator; Chinenye Okwuosa, MTN/CCGE/CLI Enugu State and Chimezie Ibedu, MTN/CCGE/CLI Anambra State.

Issues bordering on the type and frequency of security checkpoints, traffic management, prevailing security situation and the need to put the well-being of road users uppermost in operations were discussed during the parley.

The meeting arrived at the consensus for all the relevant agencies to work in tandem to make the road corridor safe, secure, efficient and convenient for usage by commuters and adjoining communities.

The security agencies were of the opinion that for now and due to the security concerns in the southeast, static road checkpoints would remain in place; but would be systematically replaced by the mobile patrol road security as the road project is completed in phases.

Customs

Tinubu celebrates Adeniyi on his 59th birthday

–lists his achievements

Funso OLOJO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined millions of well wishers across the globe to celebrate Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi as he turns 59 years on Sunday, January 19th, 2025.

In his birthday message made available through his Special Adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded the innovative and inspiring leadership of Adeniyi which he noted has impacted greatly on the image and performance of the service.

While listing the achievements of the customs in terms of revenue generation, trade facilitation, automation and digitization of the service, anti- smuggling activities as well as bolstered staff morale under the dexterious guidance of Adeniyi, President Tinubu wished him divine wisdom, robust health, and continued strength as he serves the nation.

“Under his guidance, the agency has witnessed significant progress through the steady digitalisation and automation of its operations, a renewed commitment to professionalism, and an uplift in officers’ morale, enhancing high performance.

“His leadership has enabled the NCS to surpass revenue targets substantially and bolstered trade facilitation, yielding widespread positive effects on the national economy.

“President Tinubu applauds the innovative anti-smuggling strategies initiated by the Customs Chief.

“These strategies encompass equipping the youth with new skills for alternative livelihood opportunities, fostering engagements with traditional institutions, and nurturing a culture of effective communication and mutual respect.

“The President recognises the Comptroller-General’s other notable achievements, including the remarkable seizures of arms and ammunition and the revitalisation of the Comptroller-General’s Annual Conference, which aims to assess and enhance the agency’s operations.

“President Tinubu affirms that Adeniyi’s extensive experience of over 30 years in service and adaptability to change has greatly enriched the Customs Service.

“The President offers prayers for divine wisdom, robust health, and continued strength for Comptroller-General Adeniyi as he serves the nation.

Headlines

EFCC discovers Yahoo training school in Benin city

-arrests 25 students undergoing training in cybercrimes

Funso OLOJO

The operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has on Thursday January 16th, 2025, uncovered a Yahoo academy in Benin city, Edo State, where young Nigerians are undergoing training in the act of internet fraud.

During the raid, the anti- graft agency arrested 25 suspected internet fraudsters in the cybercrimes training centre

The suspects’ arrest at their hideout was triggered by credible intelligence that indicated the apartment being used as a yahoo academy or training school for internet-related fraud and other fraudulent activities.

Items recovered from the suspects include six exotic cars, laptops and phones.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Customs

Onyeka, Tin Can CAC, set to pursue revenue generation aggressively

— vows to surpass 1 trillion naira revenue record

Funso OLOJO

The Area Controller of the Tin Can island command of the Nigeria customs service, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has set an ambitious goal of meeting and surpassing the one trillion naira revenue mark achieved last year by his predecessor, ACG Dera Nnadi.

It would be recalled that the command was given a revenue target of N1.4 trillion in 2024 while it realized a little about N1.226 trillion ,an unprecedented record that was never achieved in the history of the command.

Meanwhile, Comptroller Onyeka, has vowed to sustain the revenue momentum as he would aggressively pursue revenue collection.

Speaking while playing host to the Executive council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN) which paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Friday, January 17th, 2025, the Customs chief disclosed his strategy to carry out his assignment.

According to him, he would facilitate legitimate trade, ensure 100 percent examination of all imports while he would energise his men and officers to key into his vision.

“I’ll facilitate trade, but it has to be legitimate trade. That’s what I feel I should do in the strict sense.

“You know, I’m coming from the aspect of revenue. So, it is my prayer and my hope to meet my target and surpass it.

“But principally, what I am going to fight is the ability to do this job without examination.

“I have appealed to my officers, whatever it is they have to do, let them see the containers, once we’ve examined them, everything should be on cruise control because if you examine, you’ll now know if it’s supposed to go out or not.

“I’ve involved Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU, I’ve involved Valuation Unit, I’ve spoken to all relevant Units and it’s my prayer, by the grace of God, that all of us will be on the same page to make sure that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is brought to fruition” he noted.

He was full of gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi , for the confidence reposed in him and vowed never to disappoint him.

“I also appreciate the fact that our indefatigable Comptroller General Of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to whom I’m very grateful.

“He needs to be made to know that he didn’t make any mistake for him to have brought me here.

“I am very grateful to him and his management team, and I need to make him proud” he enthused.

Comptroller Onyeka also vowed to build on the foundation that has been laid by his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller General Dera Nnadi.

“In anti-smuggling, he did well. In revenue generation, he did superbly well, same goes for infrastructure development.

“His Public Relations was top-notch, which I’m going to leverage.

“He was fortunate to have what I consider a very fantastic rapport with the media because that’s his background. I intend to leverage that. I intend to do better in that aspect” he added.

Earlier, in his address, the President of MARAN, Mr Godfrey Bivbere expressed the willingness of the association to partner with the CAC and the Command to achieve the target ahead of the command.

He reiterated the firm resolution of the association to accord Comptroller Onyeka the same support accorded to his predecessor.