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Visionscape: 150 anti-corruption crusaders petition EFCC to unravel real owners

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 Now worth trillion naira in value

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), which is a coalition of over 150 anti-corruption organizations has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate the ownership and terms of contract of a sanitation cleaning company,

Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, with the Lagos State government.

In a petition forwarded to the acting chairman of the anti-graft commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, and signed by CSNAC’s chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, the Network said its demand has become crucial in view of several allegations of economic fraud, incompetence and dubious dealings attributable to the said company in its contract with the Lagos state government on integrated waste management.

The petition reads: “The Lagos state government on the 23rd day of February, 2017 executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) authorizing the creation of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)- the Municipality Waste Management Contractors Limited, for a major multi-year new integrated waste management services contract, with a 10-year initial duration and giving the company the mandate to implement the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) through the provision of vital infrastructure by designing, building and managing the first engineered sanitary landfill in Nigeria, in addition to the provision of waste collection, processing and disposal services for residential properties, roads and highways.

“However, recently there have been allegations from several quarters with respect to the several pertinent issues relating to the contract between the Lagos state government and VisionScape, the said issues are highlighted as follows:

“There are questions and allegations as to the real people behind the company, while a facet of Lagosians believe that the company is a special purpose vehicle by the “Feudal Lords” of Lagos to divert public resources into private holdings. Another allegation bothers on the fact that the said company exists only in Lagos State and does not have any record of waste management work/contract executed before the Ambode led government brought it into Lagos State.

“The allegations further go on to highlight the fact that until 2017, Visionscape as a company never existed and that its only existence in Dubai is as posted on the internet and quoted as “[email protected] Tel: +97143501000 50th Floor, Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE. The said Conrad House where Visionscape is purportedly located on her 50th floor, is right in front of World Trade Centre Metro Station. So, apart from the high-brow location of Visionscape, nothing in its record shows any evidence of real work/contract executed in any country.”

CSNAC noted further that, “Also, the correspondence address of VisionScape is inconsistent as same is quoted as “Suite E2 2nd Floor, The Octagon, Middlesborough, Colcheste, Essex, United Kingdom, C01 1TG” and obviously Middlesborough, Colcheste, and Essex are all different towns and areas in the United Kingdom.

“On the whole, it is alleged that, using the state’s power, a completely inexperienced, incompetent, untested and dubiously formed company and monopoly was foisted on Lagosians to oversee the onerous tasks of waste collections and processing in a city that is the 5th largest economy in Africa and Nigeria’s commercial hub.

“With the contract given at almost 20 times the amount the Lagos state was spending on waste management and 3 times the grants given to Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) was approved for Visionscape with trillions of Lagos State physical assets ceded to Visionscape under very shady and dubious arrangements. This action has made several thousand entrepreneurs and employees lose their businesses and jobs respectively with some living under the threat of job loss.

“According to the financial records of the company, Visionscape, a shell company, formable with less than $20,000 (N7Million) became a multi trillionnaire behemoth in the current Lagos government’s dispensation.”

The anti-graft network stressed further that, “It is also apposite to state that inspite of the presence of VisionScape and all the financial and physical resources available to the said Visionscape, Lagos state has more filth and grime overflowing into her open sewers and bigger water channels, resulting in blocked drains which causes massive flooding in the long run during rainy seasons and thus the company can be said to be currently running at less than 30% efficiency.

“The coming on board of Visionscape has coincided with a return of trash heaps and dirt across most roads and streets in Lagos, meanwhile, the Lagos state government is paying N1.5 Billion per month to Visionscape.

“It is also worth noting that several bodies and agencies including civil society organizations have called severally for the termination of the agreement entered into with Visionscape based on its terrible performance in waste management in the city of Lagos and the current crisis it has thrown the waste management sector into.

“This was the opinion of the Environment Rights Action/Friends of the earth Nigeria Initiative. Also, the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAM) popularly known as PSP has denied the purported partnership deal with Visionscape to rid Lagos of solid waste.

“It is in view of the above allegations of fraud, corruption and sharp practices in contracting sensitive projects meant for the benefit of a large population of Nigerians living in the country’s economic hub that we are demanding a thorough investigation into the above issues to avoid the situation wherein an entire agency or project is pocketed by a few to the detriment of the entire state,” the petition reads

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Emulate Christ’s virtues, Glo urges Christians at Easter

Reporter: Sandra Ani

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Glo and Globacom
Globacom

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.  

The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ. 

“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added. 

The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all. 

Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.

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NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union

Reporter: Ikenna Oluka

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NUJ at 70
NUJ

The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers  has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.

Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.

The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.

While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.

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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

By Ikenna Oluka

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Mrs. Bose Ojougboh
Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, wife of the Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (Centre) flanked by other members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

Honouring his passion for education

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.

Mrs. Bose Ojougboh -
members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.

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