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CRFFN Moves To Boast Nation’s IGR

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Determined to improve and boost the nation’s internally generated revenue (IGR), the Council for the Registration of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (CRFFN) has begun a nationwide sensitization of its members on the payment of the operational fee through the digitalised online portal.
The Director of CRFFN in charge of Regulation and Enforcement, Mr Basil Opara while speaking during a sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt, recently, with the theme: ‘Sensitization and Demonstration of CRFFN Portal Registration, Annual Subscription and Processing of Practitioners’ Operating Fee (POF) Payment” organised by the council on simplified ways of paying practitioners’ operating fee (POF), said the new online portal payment regime introduced by the council would check fraud in the system and boost the IGR of the Federal Government.
Opara stated that the programme was designed to educate members on how to queue into the modified online payment system as introduced by the council as well as enable the operators pay their fees online with ease.
He said that the importance of the online payment portal was a deliberate effort designed to boost the nation’s IGR, adding that 35per cent of the fee paid goes back to the freight operators’ coffers.
“We are here to sensitize our members in the freight forwarding business on how they can pay their registration fees and other bills through the online portal platform. We were here in January this year to introduce this new digital payment system”, he stated.
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML) in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Port Harcourt, Sunji Audu, said that the commission monitors, supervises and regulates activities of designated non-financial institutions which include clearing and forwarding agencies.
He urged them to obtain evidence of registration, ensure that they comply with all the laws in compliance with the Money Laundry Act, as well as the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment of Non-Financial Institutions Regulations 2013, and advised them to keep records of all transactions and ensure they carry out proper Customs identification when doing business to avoid EFCC’s sanctions during inspection.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Eastern Ports, Tamunoemi Peterside, explained that the introduction of the payment of the operators’ fee online would help ease their job in ensuring the maintenance of security and peace keeping in the ports.
Represented by DCP in charge of Operations, Monday Agbonika, Peterside, said that the online payment system would help hasten investigation of crimes in the ports, especially in the areas of tracing and tracking of payments and forgery of documents, and urged freight forwarding operators to seek legal remedies on any issue that has to do with their payment.
Earlier, the Chairman, Area 1, Seaport chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr Ngozi Uzohuo, commended the initiative of the council in introducing the online portal as well as the advocacy sensitization campaign in the state.

By: Akujobi Amadi

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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