Nation
Customs Impounds N813.05m Contraband …Arrests 12 Suspects
It has been a season of terror for unrepentant smugglers as the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recorded 91 seizures in August alone, and arrested 12 suspects in connection with the seizures.
Briefing newsmen at Ikeja, the Acting Controller of the unit, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, said the 91 seizures, valued at N813,058,345, was carried out in August 2023, across different states in the South West .
According to the unit’s helmsman, the Command also recovered N81,449,373 as revenue for government.
The Comptroller further gave the breakdown of the seizures as: 6,911 x 50kg bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice over 11 truck-loads; 486 cartons of frozen poultry products; 368 pieces of used tyres; 13 used vehicles; 32 cartons of expired batteries; 1 X 40 ft container FTC; one used Toyota Corolla; 49 pieces of car rims; 552 pieces of used car tyres; 205 pieces of used truck tyres; and 32 pieces of motorcycle tyres.
Other seizures include; 292 bales of used clothes; 13,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirits; and Truckload of seized used tyres concealed with rims.
Ejibunu said the unit has continued to consolidate on its operational plans with a view to ensure that men of the unit are steps ahead of smugglers.
He said the have also institutionalized the concept of customs community relationship, which is meant to provide an enabling environment for smooth operations in some otherwise volatile areas.
“In demonstrating the commitment of the Service towards safeguarding the nation’s economy from recalcitrant saboteurs, officers and men of the Unit have remained resolute in enforcing the Customs extant laws.
“While enforcing these laws, dubious importers and traders were either made to pay the maximum duty payable, through the issuance of demand notices, or made to forfeit their goods to the Federal Government by way of seizing them.
“You may recall that foreign tomato paste, used clothing, foreign parboiled rice, importation of vehicles through land borders, used tyres, arms and ammunition without end-user certificates, among others, are items that fall under the import prohibition list. Their importation threatens our fragile economy.
“The attention of the public is hereby drawn to the dangers posed by the importation of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) because of its effect on criminally minded people and our youths.
“Similarly, the importation of foreign parboiled rice and poultry products is an adversary to the economy of the local farmers. Smuggling of prohibited items such as used shoes, illicit drugs, used clothes and used tyres are giving serious health concerns.
“On our part, we shall continue to partner with well-meaning citizens by soliciting for timely and useful information to curb smuggling, while we advise members of the public to be guided by the Import and Export Prohibition Lists for compliance.
“These seizures recorded within August 2023 have a cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of N813,058,345.
“It is sad to note that some Nigerians would pay all duties and levies payable to the Customs authorities of other countries they import from, while they make conscious efforts to evade such payments into the Federal Government coffers.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Nation
Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship
The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.
The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.
George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.
“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.
The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.
It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.
Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.
Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.
“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.
The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.
Tonye Orabere
Nation
WHD:HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment To Public Health In Ogoni
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering efficient and accessible public health services in Ogoni communities as the world marks the 2026 World Health Day.
In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey on Tuesday, April 7, to commemorate the day, HYPREP said its efforts align with its core mandate and recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasising that quality healthcare should be accessible to all without discrimination.
The Project noted that this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” highlights the need for collective action in addressing global health challenges and improving public health outcomes. It stressed that no individual should be left behind in the pursuit of affordable and accessible healthcare services.
Zabbey further reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to implementing UNEP’s recommendation for a comprehensive medical study to monitor the health of Ogoni residents over time. As part of this initiative, he said the Project has engaged the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organisation to conduct a globally recognised Human Biomonitoring Study in the region.
In addition to ongoing research, HYPREP highlighted its interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in Ogoni. These include the provision of modern medical equipment to selected hospitals, installation of solar-powered electricity systems, and donation of ambulances to enhance emergency response services.
HYPREP also pointed to the construction of key health facilities, including a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital and a 43-bed Cottage Hospital, as part of its broader strategy to improve healthcare infrastructure. According to the Project Coordinator, these projects reflect the adoption of a “One Health” approach that integrates human, environmental, and animal health considerations.
He, therefore, called on residents to take advantage of available healthcare services and adopt healthy lifestyles, while also stressing the importance of collaboration among health institutions to address prevailing health concerns.
He further underscored the need to rebuild public trust in scientific evidence, combat misinformation, and promote policies driven by data and research.
Zabbey commended traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Ogoni for their cooperation and active participation in HYPREP’s health initiatives, describing their support as vital to the success of ongoing projects.
The Project assured that it would continue to strengthen health systems, build local capacity, and provide data-driven solutions to improve long-term public health outcomes in the region.
Nation
An ICT Centre Set To Be Established In Omoku
An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.
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