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NPC Adhoc Staff Training Update | NPC Training News Today: July 14th, 2023

Stay informed with the latest NPC Adhoc Staff Training Update and NPC Training News for today, July 14th, 2023. Read on to access important information regarding the NPC’s training program.

An Important Notice from the National Population Commission (NPC) Regarding Census Adhoc Staff Recruitment Email

Attention! The NPC Management wants to bring to your notice the existence of a fraudulent email falsely claiming that individuals have been accepted as Census Ad-hoc Staff. We want to clarify that the NPC is not currently conducting any recruitment exercise for the Census.

It is vital to note that prior to the postponement of the 2023 Census, the NPC had already completed the recruitment process for personnel. Presently, we are diligently preparing for the training of the recruited staff. If there is a need to update the list of selected candidates in the future, it will be officially announced through national media channels, our social media platforms, and the NPC’s official website.

We urge all Nigerians to disregard any fraudulent email messages and exercise caution to avoid falling victim to scammers and fraudsters. Your cooperation and understanding in this matter are highly appreciated as we strive to conduct a transparent and credible Census.

A Substantial Investment in Preparations for the Census

The NPC chairman has acknowledged that the preparations for the census have already consumed a significant investment of N100 billion. This represents a substantial commitment by the country. However, he assures that future census exercises will be more cost-effective, building upon the foundation established through current preparations while incorporating advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) to save money.

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Accountability

Responding to concerns raised by the NPC commissioner in Ekiti State regarding the potential waste of N100 billion out of the N200 billion released to the commission if the census does not occur soon, Kwarra confirms the possibility of additional expenses but reassures that the President is receptive to their requests and fully aware of the implications of further delays.

Regarding the expenditure of N200 billion, Kwarra clarifies that it has already been incurred. He emphasizes that conducting a digital census, especially as a foundational census, is a costly process. However, he highlights that the census will generate resources that will more than compensate for the implementation cost, resulting in surpluses in the government’s coffers upon completion.

Unlocking Revenue Potential Through Geospatial Data

When questioned about the investment aspect of the expenditure, considering that the commission is not a revenue-generating agency, Kwarra explains the significance of generating geospatial data as part of the census preparation process. He emphasizes that the collected geospatial data goes beyond mere scanned information and has the potential to generate income for the government. This invaluable data will contribute to government revenue and extend its benefits beyond the immediate census objectives.

🚨 ALERT: EFCC Raises Alarm as Investment and Forex Scams Skyrocket, Billions of Naira and Dollars at Stake

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is sounding the alarm as the number of petitions flooding in on investment and forex-related scams reaches an alarming high. A staggering sum of N317.9 billion, $3.205 million, and N1.686 billion is at risk, leaving victims devastated and scammers emboldened.

In a recent workshop on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for Journalists held in Lagos, the Acting Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, expressed deep concern over the prevalence of forex scams, business email compromises, investment scams, and land and property fraud in the vibrant Lagos environment.

“Forex scam, business email compromise, investment scams, and land and property fraud, among others, are some of the financial and economic crimes flourishing within the Lagos environment,” stated Mr. Chukkol. “The numbers are staggering. The Lagos Command alone has received a total of 512 petitions on investment scams and 876 petitions on forex-related scams. These cases involve mind-boggling amounts of Naira, dollars, and other currencies.”

While EFCC is diligently investigating these cases and making significant recoveries, the commission is alarmed by the ease with which individuals fall victim to these fraudulent schemes. Mr. Chukkol emphasized the need for public awareness and urged the media to play a vital role in educating citizens about the dangers lurking in seemingly lucrative investment opportunities.

“With the desperation to get rich quick, citizens often become vulnerable to scammers. We have intensified public sensitization efforts, but we need the support of the media to disseminate vital information,” pleaded Mr. Chukkol. “It is our collective duty to expose every criminal act and fight against financial and economic crimes.”

The EFCC implores the media and the general public to be vigilant and circumspect when encountering investment opportunities that promise unrealistically high returns. The battle against corruption and fraud should not rest solely on the shoulders of the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies; rather, it requires the active participation and support of every citizen.

The time to act is now! Stay informed, stay cautious, and let’s join forces to eradicate these pervasive investment and forex scams once and for all.

đź’°đź’” Don’t Be a Victim! EFCC Raises the Alarm as Billions Vanish in Investment and Forex Scams 💔💰

Paris Saint-Germain Overtakes Manchester United in Race for Joao Felix

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has taken the lead in the race to sign sensational forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, leaving Manchester United behind in the pursuit of the Portuguese superstar. Betfair, the renowned bookmakers, have adjusted their betting markets after reports that Felix is highly interested in a move to Ligue 1 this summer.

Joining Atletico Madrid for a whopping £113 million from Porto in 2019, Felix still has four years remaining on his contract, which extends until 2027. However, his future at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium has become increasingly uncertain due to his strained relationship with manager Diego Simeone, which originated before Felix’s move to Chelsea. Recent reports suggest that the 23-year-old was isolated from the first-team players during a training session and instead joined the academy players.

According to a report by Thesun.co.uk, a loan deal seems more probable considering the significant drop in Felix’s transfer value and Atletico Madrid’s astounding release clause. Initially, Manchester United was favored with odds of 13/8 earlier this week, following claims by Spanish publication ABC that negotiations were underway. However, their odds have slightly weakened to 5/2 after today’s revelation that Felix is firmly committed to a move to the French capital.

The allure of playing in the UEFA Champions League and competing for domestic titles is said to be the driving force behind Felix’s eagerness to join Paris Saint-Germain. However, there have been no direct contact from the French club towards the player, as per AS. Other clubs are also vying for Felix’s services, with Newcastle United (14/1) and Aston Villa (9/2) emerging as potential suitors. Newcastle United can offer Champions League football, while Aston Villa would provide Europa Conference action.

For those seeking assistance with gambling-related issues, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamstop.co.uk to exclude yourself from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Credit: thesun.co.uk

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Welcomes Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Vilnius Summit

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks prior to a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. NATO's summit began Tuesday with fresh momentum after Turkey withdrew its objections to Sweden joining the alliance, a step toward the unity that Western leaders have been eager to demonstrate in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his warm welcome to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he attended the Vilnius Summit on Tuesday. Stoltenberg praised Australia as a deeply valued NATO partner, emphasizing the close connection between security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

Stoltenberg specifically thanked Prime Minister Albanese for Australia’s significant military and economic support to Ukraine. This support includes training for Ukrainian forces and the provision of armoured vehicles, demonstrating Australia’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense.

Recognizing the evolving nature of security threats, Stoltenberg also applauded NATO and Australia’s efforts to deepen their partnership in various areas. Both parties are actively engaging in close cooperation in cyber defense, new technologies, and countering hybrid threats.

According to a report by NATO, this enhanced collaboration underscores the commitment of NATO and Australia to jointly address emerging security challenges in the modern era. The cyber arena, rapidly advancing technologies, and hybrid threats require cohesive global efforts, and NATO and Australia are at the forefront of this cooperation.

Prime Minister Albanese expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and acknowledged the significance of the NATO-Australia partnership. He stressed the importance of collective action in addressing shared security concerns, highlighting the ongoing commitment of Australia to global peace and stability.

The Vilnius Summit serves as a platform for NATO member states and partner countries to discuss and strengthen their collaboration on pressing security issues. The participation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirms the deepening ties between NATO and Australia and their shared commitment to promoting peace and security worldwide.

In summary, the Vilnius Summit marks an important milestone in the NATO-Australia partnership. The commendation of Australia’s support to Ukraine, along with the expansion of cooperation in cyber, new technologies, and countering hybrid threats, further solidifies the bond between NATO and Australia. Together, they are actively working towards addressing emerging security challenges and creating a safer world for all.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Rights Suit Against DSS Dismissed by Court

In a stunning development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has reached a verdict in the highly anticipated fundamental rights enforcement suit brought forth by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Department of State Services (DSS). Presided over by the esteemed Justice James Omotosho, the court has resolutely dismissed Kanu’s suit on the grounds of lacking merit.

The suit, officially identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/482/2022 and filed by Kanu’s legal counsel, named the Director General of DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation as the first to third respondents, respectively. In his contentions, Kanu made grave allegations regarding the treatment he endured at the hands of the DSS. He asserted that he was subjected to various forms of inhumane treatment, including the denial of his right to don the revered Igbo traditional attire called “Isi-Agu” while in DSS custody or during his court appearances.

Kanu further claimed that while other detainees enjoyed the liberty to select and wear their preferred garments, he was unjustly restricted to a solitary outfit. Additionally, he accused the DSS of subjecting him to torture and violating his dignity, among other grievances. As a result, Kanu sought a court order compelling the respondents to grant him the freedom to wear clothing of his choosing while within the confines of the DSS facility or in public.

However, the DSS and its Director General promptly responded with a resolute counter affidavit, beseeching the court to dismiss Kanu’s claims. They emphatically refuted any allegations of physical or mental torture inflicted upon Kanu during his time in their custody. According to the DSS, their treatment of Kanu adhered to the same standards applied to any other detainee held within their facility. They adamantly contested Kanu’s assertion that other detainees were permitted to attire themselves in ethnic garb, stressing that the DSS dress code strictly followed a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) that mandated plain clothing devoid of offensive symbols, writings, colors, or insignias.

Moreover, the DSS accused Kanu’s family of attempting to provide him with traditional garments adorned with Biafra insignias, as well as a pair of eye-catching red shoes embellished with dazzling beads. These items were deemed inappropriate as they bore the colors associated with the non-existent Biafra Republic, a subject matter directly relevant to Kanu’s ongoing criminal trial. The DSS argued that the attire known as Isi-Agu, typically reserved for chieftaincy ceremonies, was ill-suited for individuals in detention facilities and directly contravened their SOP.

Additionally, the DSS highlighted that Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over Kanu’s trial, had previously issued a directive allowing him to don plain clothing of his choice. Any deviation from this directive would constitute a breach of the court’s orders. Finally, the DSS vehemently denied any violations of Kanu’s right to human dignity, firmly asserting that the allegations levied by the IPOB leader lacked concrete evidence.

In delivering his comprehensive judgment, Justice Omotosho placed paramount importance on the right to human dignity enshrined in Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution. He clarified that this right primarily encompassed protection against torture and inhuman treatment. According to the judge, Kanu’s case did not involve elements of torture or forced labor, as the evidence presented fell short of substantiating such claims. Justice Omotosho emphatically stressed that the right to dignity did not encompass the right to alter one’s attire while in custody.

Furthermore, the judge noted with significance that Kanu failed to provide any photographic evidence or names of detainees who were permitted to wear different clothing during their confinement. It was incumbent upon Kanu to substantiate his claims with verifiable proof, yet he relied solely on unsubstantiated allegations without presenting any supporting evidence. Consequently, Justice Omotosho unequivocally dismissed the case on the basis of its lack of merit.

As the gavel fell, resounding echoes of the court’s decision reverberated throughout the legal landscape, leaving Nnamdi Kanu’s rights suit against the DSS in shambles. With this ruling, the court resolutely establishes the absence of any constitutional infringements committed by the DSS. As this chapter of Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing legal saga draws to a close, the dismissal resolutely concludes this particular episode, compelling all parties involved to reflect on the ramifications of the court’s resolute decision.

57.96 million BVN issued as CBN threatens accounts closure

The total number of issued Bank Verification Numbers rose to 57.96 million as of July 3, 2023, according to data obtained from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc.

This was as the Central Bank of Nigeria planned to the close bank accounts without BVNs. According to the NIBSS, the increasing incidents of compromise on conventional security systems (password and PIN), had increased the demand for greater security for access to sensitive or personal information in the banking system.

It stated that in recent times, biometric technologies havd been used to analyse human characteristics as an enhanced form of authentication for real-time security processes.

It stated that BVN gave a unique identity that could be verified across the Nigerian banking industry (not peculiar to one bank), and ensured that customers bank accounts were protected from unauthorised access.

It said, “It will address issues of identity theft, thus reducing exposure to fraud. The BVN will enhance the banking industry’s chances of being able to fish out blacklisted customers.”

It noted that the BVN is an acceptable means of identification across all Nigerian Banks. Since launching in 2014, 57.96 million Nigerians have now got BVNs. Data from NIBSS indicated that there were 133.5 million as of December 2021.

According to the apex bank, BVN is part of its overall strategy of ensuring the effectiveness of the Know Your Customer principles, and the promotion of a safe, reliable, and efficient payments system.

As of December 26, 2021, there were 51.7 million BVNs. Recently, the CBN, through its Director, Risk Management Department, and Chief Risk Officer, Blaise Ijebor, noted that the CBN was working to remove accounts not linked to BVNs from the financial system.

According to him, this was to clean up the sector and reduce the growing incidence of fraud.

A recent report by FITC revealed that bank customers in Nigeria lost N472m to fraud in the first quarter of 2023. It noted that there was a total of 12,553 cases of fraud recorded within the three months.

Recently, the CBN said that it had placed 6,047 BVNs of bank customers under a watch list for fraudulent transactions. It stated that the number of BVN-linked accounts was 130.57 million out of 148.46 million active accounts.

It disclosed this in the CBN Financial Stability June 2022 report published in December 2022. It said, “The number of accounts linked with BVNs was 130,569,656 out of 148,462,947 active customer accounts, while the number of watch-listed BVNs associated with fraud and deceased persons stood at 6,047 and 11,871, respectively.”

CBN announces Naira remittances payout option

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to commence remittances pay-out in Naira to beneficiaries, in addition to foreign exchange.

It has also directed that the Investors and Exporters’ Window foreign exchange rate should be used in determining the rate for such Naira pay-out.

These were contained in a CBN circular referenced: FED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/004 issued by the Director of Trade and Exchange. Dr. Ozoemena Nnaji.

The new circular, dated July 10, 2023, according to CBN, was in furtherance to an earlier circular dated November 30, 2022 with reference number: FED/FEM/FPC/01/011 which provided guidelines on the payout policy of Diaspora remittances to beneficiaries back home.

That November 30, 2022 circular introduced the payment of dollars to beneficiaries of diaspora remittances through the international money transfer operators (IMTO) through the designated bank of their choice and with unrestricted access to their funds

According to the new circular, the Naira payment was only an option, in addition to United States Dollars and E-Naira in receiving Diaspora remittances.

The Circular reads in full, “Further to the circular referenced FED/FEM/FPC/01/011 dated November 30, 2022 in respect of the above subject, the Central Bank of Nigeria hereby announces Naira as a payout option for receipts of proceeds of International Money Transfers.

“Accordingly, all recipients of Diaspora remittances through the CBN-approved International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) on the attached list shall henceforth have the option of receiving Naira payment in addition to USD and e-Naira as payout options.

“For the avoidance of doubt, IMTOs are required to pau out the proceeds using the Investors’ & Exporters’ window rate as the anchor rate on the date of the transaction.

Recall that CBN had, mid last month, announced the unification of all segments of the Nigerian forex market by collapsing all windows into the Investors & Exporters (I&E) window.

The move was considered part of the new administration’s efforts to improve liquidity and stability in the market by attracting foreign investors into the Nigerian economy.

Further the apex bank stopped the RT200 programme and the Naira4dollar remittance scheme, last month.

Under scheme introduced in 2021, the CBN, through commercial banks, paid to remittance recipients the incentive of N5 for every USD1 remitted by sender and collected by designated beneficiary.

The Naira4Dollar scheme was to incentivise remittances from Nigerians in the Diaspora and was indeed considered successful, as encouraged more remittances and a steady foreign exchange inflow into the country.

The RT200 which comprised a set of plans, policies, and programmes was designed to increase the nation’s earnings exclusively from non-oil exports to $200 billion in foreign exchange repatriation, within the next five years

Internship Opportunities At University Of Calabar Teaching Hospital

Are you a recent graduate in the medical field looking for practical experience to kick-start your career? The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is currently seeking qualified candidates for internship positions in various departments. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and enhance your skills in a renowned medical institution.

AVAILABLE INTERNSHIP POSITIONS:

  1. Medical Laboratory Science
  2. Physiotherapy
  3. Dental Technology
  4. Dental Therapy
  5. Radiography
  6. Pharmacy
  7. Nursing
  8. Optometry

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must possess relevant qualifications applicable to their respective areas of specialization, such as BMLS, B.Sc., B.Pharm, B.Sc., and HND. It is mandatory to have a provisional license to practice from the respective regulatory bodies.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Interested candidates should submit a written application along with relevant credentials and a comprehensive curriculum vitae to the office of the Director of Administration. The deadline for submission is Thursday, 21 August, 2023.

EXAMINATION AND SHORTLISTING:

Shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in a written examination scheduled for 9 September, 2023, at the University of Calabar International Conference Centre. Only shortlisted candidates will be eligible to participate in the examination.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

1. The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital has not appointed any individual or agency to act on its behalf. Please be cautious of scammers who may attempt to extort money from applicants. The only fees payable will be for medical examinations by successful candidates.

2. The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

DATED: 10 July, 2013

Ededet Eyoma
Director of Administration
For: Chief Medical Director

 

First Class Graduate of University of Ibadan Beaten to Death for Stealing Bread

A first class graduate of University Of Ibadan whose name is Opuofoni Freeborn Ebimotimi was killed at the early hours of today at Honeyhill Tombia Bayelsa State for stealing bread.

Opuofoni Freeborn Ebimotimi who is From Korokorosei community of Southern Ijaw Local Government area Studied Business Administration (B.Sc)

He was beaten to death by angry youths for stealing a bread this morning, Neighbors and friends who saw the incident rushed to the scene of the actions and pleaded with the angry youths to allow him leave, stating they will pay for the bread in double folds but the angry youths decline the plead of the people as they killed him.

Opuofoni Freeborn Idisemi, the younger sister to the deceased lament that life has been unfair to them since the demise of their father adding that she has no idea of what led him to steal bread this morning stating that they are used to the hardship of life.

She however points out that despite having uncles who are doing well in government and other places but could not help them.

 

Breaking News: Rodeo Finance Hacked, $1.5 Million Stolen

Arbitrum-based Rodeo Finance loses $888,000 in latest DeFi exploit: PeckShield

Rodeo Finance, a DeFi protocol on Arbitrum, seemingly fell victim to a oracle manipulation attack on Tuesday, with the perpetrator making off with about 472 ether ($888,000), the latest in a series of recent crypto exploits.

Blockchain security firm PeckShield, which initially detected the incident, conducted further analysis of on-chain data. Its analysis indicates that the attacker transferred the ill-gotten gains from Arbitrum to Ethereum. They then exchanged the stolen tokens for various other assets before converting them back to ether. The final stage of the exploit saw the ether being routed through Tornado Cash, a popular transaction mixer on the Ethereum network, effectively obfuscating the trail of funds.

The Rodeo Finance team has not yet issued a response or statement regarding the incident.

Igor Igamberdiev, the head of research at Wintermute, told The Block the attack was a “TWAP oracle manipulation.” In the DeFi realm, TWAP, or Time-Weighted Average Price, serves as an oracle to calculate the average price of an asset over a specific time frame. This method is typically employed to mitigate the effects of brief spikes in price volatility.

DeFi hackers manipulate TWAP oracles by artificially skewing the calculated average price of an asset to gain an undue advantage during a transaction. Such manipulation paves the way for several forms of attacks, flash loan exploits being one of them. In such an exploit, the attacker borrows a vast sum of a certain asset, devalues it via TWAP oracle manipulation, and then acquires more of the same at the artificially depreciated price. Upon repaying the loan, the attacker retains the surplus, thereby profiting from an elaborate manipulation scheme.

Complex maneuvers like these have over the last few years become tools for hackers who manipulate oracle price data feeds to execute exploits, as seen in the case of Rodeo Finance. The Rodeo exploit is not an isolated occurrence, rather it is part of a trend that has been plaguing the Arbitrum ecosystem over the past few months.

In April, Sentiment, another DeFi protocol running on Arbitrum, lost $1 million to a hacker. This was followed by an even larger security breach in May, where the Jimbos protocol was stripped of a staggering $7.5 million.

The ‘ForceInvestment’ incident

Speaking with The Block, PeckShield provided insights into the specifics of the attack. According to its analysis, the Rodeo Finance hack, is referred to as a “ForceInvestment” hack.

The firm said there was a critical flaw in Rodeo Finance’s “Investor.earn()” routine, designed to swap USDC for wrapped ether (WETH) and then for another liquid staking token called unshETH. The anticipated slippage control, meant to prevent excessive price deviation during a transaction, did not function correctly due to an erroneous unshETH price oracle.

The oracle in question, based on the Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP) methodology, calculated its price data using the reserve of the WETH/unshETH pair. Due to the low liquidity of these reserves, the price of unshETH experienced substantial fluctuations.

Further exacerbating the situation was the significant discrepancy between the oracle-reported unshETH price and its expected value. The oracle cited the price of unshETH at $4219, whereas its typical rate compared to WETH should have placed it around $1880. This discrepancy facilitated the hacker’s ability to manipulate trades, profiting from a system loophole while the protocol’s slippage controls failed to intervene.

The total lost sum from the hack was amended in the headline, along with the addition of further details throughout the article.

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