The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), has advised the contractor handling the State Assembly Complex project to speed up work and deliver it as mutually agreed.

Vice Admiral Ibas (retd) insisted that part of his mandate included restoring full and effective legislative activities in the State.

The sole administrator gave the charge when he visited to inspect the ongoing reconstruction work on the new Assembly Complex, located along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt Local Government Area on Saturday.

Awarded to Monier Construction Company (MCC), Limited, work has advanced commendably on the project that has about 34 en- suite offices on a two-storey building with elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall.

Vice Admiral Ibas accompanied by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, was conducted round the site by the General Manager of MCC, Omaka Oko.

The sole administrator explained that in the last two days of assumption of duties, he had noticed a missing pillar in the State governance structure, and he is determined to ensure that there is a place for effective legislative activities after six months.

Vice Admiral Ibas (retd) said: “I had been at the executive arm of the state governance structure and one of the pillars that is missing for now is the legislature and for them to function effectively, they also need a place to work from.

“And perhaps, I am yet to be sure that work is going on as expected, so that by the end of the six months, this place will be ready for those who need to use it. I think basically that is what it is.

“They (contractor) have a schedule and they have timelines that I believe they will like to adhere to. I think the State has done its own bit by providing the necessary funds, I was briefed. So, the onus is on them to make sure that they keep to the terms.”

Vice Admiral Ibas emphasised that he was appointed in the first place, to maintain law and order, which would enable the state to go back to what it is supposed to be.

Ends.

Operatives of the Lagos Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a suspect, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, who was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with $578,000.

The suspect was handed over to the EFCC by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for false currency declaration.

According to the NCS, Sunday had declared $279,000 upon arrival from Johannesburg, South Africa, but was found to have concealed an additional $299,000, totalling $578,000.

He also had 100 Euros and a counterfeit $250 bill.

According to Head of Media and Publicity, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the investigations commenced on Friday, March 21, 2025, shortly after the Area Comptroller in charge of the NCS at the airport, E J Harrison, handed over Sunday to the EFCC for false currency declaration.

“The suspect was arrested by the Customs upon arrival in the country from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

“On arrival, he had approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared the sum of $279,000.

“However, an additional sum of $299,000 was found to be neatly concealed in different packages, thereby totalling $578,000.

“During further examination, the suspect was found to have also concealed the sum of 100 Euros, as well as a counterfeit $250″, Oyewale said.

He further quoted Harrison who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as saying, “This is in contravention of the provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments, where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.

“The Command will be handing over a total sum of $578,000 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for false currency declaration”.

Receiving the suspect, the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Ahmed Ghali, was said to have commended the NCS for its cooperation with the commission.

“We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along. I want members of the public to be wary of this kind of act.

“It is incumbent on each and every person going out or coming into the country to declare any cash in excess of $10,000. It is mandatory by virtue of the provisions of our laws, especially the money laundering law”, Oyewale quoted Ghali.

… seeks collaboration

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is gearing up to the Maiden Edition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 that would attract experts from over 72 countries across Africa and other parts of the world to chat a new course for the future of Africa.

The Director General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, highlighted during an industrial visit to Chi Limited Company, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, to solicit for Collaboration .

Professor Ike-Munonso stressed that Africa is indeed blessed with abundant raw materials resources, but the challenge lies in its ability to harness these raw materials potentials for the benefit of the continent and its people.

According to the DG, “Africa is rich in natural resources; both minerals and agricultural resources, however, the continent has struggled to capitalize on these resources, with many countries exporting without adding value to them. This has resulted in limited economic benefits and a lack of industrial development, which should not be allowed to continue”.

Prof. Ike-Muonso noted that to address this challenges, the RMRDC is organizing the first of its kind; the Africa Raw Materials Summit scheduled to hold in May 20-22, 2025, which aims to bring together critical stakeholders across the globe, to interact and share ideas, to chart a new course for the development of Africa’s raw materials sector.

He further noted that for the RMRDC project, which will focus on themes such as; value addition, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth, to be a success, all hands must be on deck, he is therefore calling on key stakeholders to get involved and make the upcoming Summit worthwhile.

The summit, scheduled to take place from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, FCT, aims to address critical challenges facing the continent’s raw materials industries with special focus on raw materials value addition, economic diversification, industrial growth strategies, investment opportunities, and sustainable regional collaboration to enhance Africa’s position in the global raw materials market.

Earlier in his remarks, the Project Consultant and Chairman local organizing committee of the Summit Professor Bernard Odoh, during the visit enumerated that the historic event aims to bring together over 1,000 experts from 72 countries to discuss strategies for harnessing Africa’s raw materials for economic growth and development. He said it is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to share ideas, build partnerships, establish mutually beneficial working relationships, and develop actionable solutions for unlocking the full potential of Africa’s raw materials sector .

“By participating in the summit, stakeholders can contribute to shaping the future of Africa’s resource landscape and help drive economic transformation.
“The RMRDC is urging all relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, corporate entities, research institutions, and the media, to join forces and make this event a success”, he said.

The Director Public Affairs and Communication Zainab Balogun and Director Procurement, who jointly represented the Management of the Chivita Foods Limited, were visibly delighted at the visit and the invitation to be part of the laudable project to see Africa looking onward to harness its abundant resources.

She said this will surely impact Africa, Nigeria and mostly the industrial sector in Nigeria, adding that Chi company appreciates the invitation to partnership in the Summit.

The Project Consultant, Prof. Odoh concluded that it is great to have Chi company as partner in the summit. “With the participation of key stakeholders like Chi company, the summit is poised to make a significant impact on the industrial sector in Nigeria and beyond”.