Court orders warning against soft drinks with Vitamin C

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Vitamin C

Awards N2 million against agency
Justice Adedayo Oyebanji of Igbosere High Court has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to henceforth mandate the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Plc to include on all bottles of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks manufactured by the company a written warning that the content of the said soft drinks cannot be taken with Vitamin C as same becomes poisonous

Justice Oyebanji also declared that NAFDAC has failed the citizens of this great nation by its certification as satisfactory for human consumption, products in which in the United Kingdom failed sample test for human consumption and which become poisonous in the presence of Ascorbic Acid ordinarily known as Vitamin C, which can be freely taken by the unsuspecting public with the Fanta and Sprite.

The court also awarded a cost of N2 million against NAFDAC.

The judgment of the court was sequel to a suit filed by a Lagos businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo and his company, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited, against NBC and NAFDAC.

Adebo also urged the court to declare that the firm was negligent and breached the duty of care owed to their valued customers and consumers in the production of contaminated soft drinks with excessive “benzoic acid and sunset” addictive.

He also prayed the court to direct NAFDAC to conduct and carry out routine laboratory tests of all the soft drinks and allied products of the company to ensure and guarantee the safety of the consumable products produced from the factory.

In an amended statement of claim filed before the court by counsel to the claimant, Abiodun Onidare, it was alleged that sometimes in March 2007, Fijabi Adebo’s company purchased from the NBC large quantities of Coca-cola, Fanta orange, Sprite, Fanta Lemon, Fanta Pineapple and soda water for export to the United Kingdom for retail purposes and supply to their customers in United Kingdom (UK).

When the consignment of the soft drinks arrived in the UK, fundamental health related matters were raised on the contents and composition of the Fanta and Sprite products by the United Kingdom Health Authorities, specifically the Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Trading Standard Department of Environment and Economy Directorate.

The findings were also corroborated by the Coca-cola European Union and the products were found to have excessive levels of “Sunset Yellow and Benzoic Acid “which are unsafe for human consumption.

And due to the irregularities and harmful content of the soft drinks, which can cause cancer to the consumers, the claimants could not sell the products resulting in appreciable losses, as they were certified unsuitable for consumption and were seized and destroyed by the UK health authorities.

The claimants alleged further that NAFDAC failed to carry out necessary tests to determine if the soft drinks were safe for human consumption.

However, in its amended statement of defence filed before the court by Mr. T. O. Busari, the NBC admitted supplying the
products but contended that the products manufactured by the company were meant for local distribution and consumption.

It denied that it was negligent in the manufacturing of its products as alleged. It said that stringent quality control procedures were adopted in its production process to ensure that its products are safe for consumption of the final user.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC did not file any defence.

In her judgment, Justice Oyebanji said: “It is imperative to state that the knowledge of the NBC that the products were not to be exported is immaterial to its being fit for human consumption.

“The court is in absolute agreement with the learned counsel for the claimants that soft drinks manufactured by the NBC ought to be fit for human consumption irrespective of color or creed.

“In consideration of the fact that this case was filed in 2008 and that it has been in court for nine years, cost of N2 million is awarded against NAFDAC. Interest shall be paid at the rate of 10 per cent yearly until liquidation of the said sum.”

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Military, MDAs owe power companies N51 billion

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Babatunde Raji Fashola. PHOTO: Bellanaija

• Fashola, Okowa task DISCOs, GENCOs on regular electricity
• Operators need funds, says Elumelu, Transcorp Power boss

An audit report of debt by Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to power distribution companies (DISCos) has revealed an indebtedness of N59.3 billion by top 100 customers, like defence, military and security agencies owing N51 billion.

This was the communiqué at the 13th meeting of power sector stakeholders yesterday with the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, hosted by the Transcorp Power Limited, Ughelli, Delta State.

The report stated that all verified bills would be recommended for payment on a first-come first-serve basis as a demonstration of government’s determination to lead by example with regards to payment for electricity delivered.

Although the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported an improved compliance with submission of audited accounts by DISCos, the stakeholders said that NERC should more rigorously to perform regulatory duties.

In their comments, Fashola and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa charged power generating companies (GENCos) and the DISCos to do more to ensure regular power supply to Nigerians.

They maintained that regular electricity is critical to the nation’s industrial, technological and infrastructural development.

Fashola also chided the DISCos for failing to strengthen their transformers, thereby leading to epileptic power supplies as a result of frequent breakdowns.

Okowa slammed the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for the poor power supply in his state. He declared: “No matter what you generate, if it does not get to the common man, then it becomes a problem.”

Okowa charged all stakeholders to ensure peace in their communities to ensure peaceful operation of the power companies.

The Chairman of Transcorp Power, Mr. Tony Elumelu told the minister and governor: “We have two issues: one is liquidity. We want the minister to fast-track access to the Liquidation Assurance Programme funds. The second is gas. We want to do, but there is no gas. We can generate 620WM but due to poor access to gas supply we are handicapped.”

The power sector operators present included the NERC, managing directors and CEOs of GENCos, DISCos, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), as well as various government agencies such as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET), Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) and Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and other operators in the electricity industry.

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MOSOP, INC urge FG to compel oil firms to relocate to Niger Delta

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PHOTO: nta.ng

Delta wades into communities, oil firm’s rift over MoU
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and Ijaw National Congress (INC) have asked the Presidency to enforce the relocation of multinational oil companies to the Niger Delta.

They said that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s directives to oil firms to relocate their headquarters to the region without a time-frame creates a lacuna that might be explored by the multinationals to evade the directive.

The President of MOSOP, Legborsi Pyagbara, told The Guardian that the presidential directive was one of the key demands of the people of the Niger Delta as espoused by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum leaders when they met with President Muhammadu Buhari last November.

Pyagbara stressed that government needs to ensure full compliance to this directive within a given time-frame.

He also advocated that opportunities should be given to qualified persons with requisite skills from the Niger Delta to head some of these companies.

In another development, the Delta State Government through the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has waded into the rift between host communities in OML 34 and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) over alleged refusal to comply with terms of the project global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the domestic gas project by the oil company.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, who presided over the mediation meeting, said that he was acting on the instruction of the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

He said the move was aimed at protecting the rights of the people as well as to create the enabling environment for investors to do business in line with the objective of the state government.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mGMu6W

What the world can learn from Nigeria

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PHOTO: Jumia Travel

Last week, while visiting Accra for the first time, I was awestruck at just how amazing the city was; from its beautiful architecture, to the pristine streets, orderly traffic and the uninterrupted power supply. I immediately swung into comparison mode as most human beings – but dare I say especially Nigerians, do. As I made these admittedly baseless associations, I remembered a conversation I had with a fellow Guardian Contributor, Minna Salami, who challenged me to write a piece on what the west can learn from Nigeria as an alternative to the daily complaints about what is wrong with Nigeria.

In that moment, I realized the importance of perspective. In our rightful quest to compete on the global scale, we are quick to criticize ourselves, abandon what makes us unique and what makes us great while ignoring the mitigating circumstances. We instead adopt what we accept as universal standards, beliefs, practices and norms in order to gain acceptance into mainstream society. But I’m here to tell you that, although the country appears to be coming apart at the seams, by comparison, we’re not in as terrible shape as we appear to be and there’s still a whole lot the world can learn from Nigeria.

The first and perhaps most important indicator of a society is family. Pearl S. Buck famously said “Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.” While Nigeria like most western societies struggle with building and securing the safety net for the poor and most vulnerable, it scores high marks for how it reveres its elders.

Across our cultures, when citizens become old, sick or retire, they are surrounded by family and helpers, as opposed to being hauled to nursing homes where they are cared for by strangers. They are respected and thought highly of and their opinions (or wisdom as its often referred to) are given special deference. This doesn’t only apply to elderly folks and retirees, but even in corporate structures. While youth is celebrated in the west, driving people to act and appear younger in fear of being discarded; experience and steady hands are preferred. While the young should be heard and given a prominent seat at the policy and decision-making table (especially given that they make up a disproportionate size of the population), it shouldn’t be to the detriment of the older, more experienced people. I believe the west can learn to value judgement and competence as much as it does energy and effervescence.

As the legend of the “Nigerian Prince” grew to epic proportions, and internet fraud became more rampant, international banks and online merchants alike cowered with archaic fraud resolution systems that left customers without access to their funds for long periods of time, limiting banking services. And even when customers travel overseas, cheques are delayed and interbank online money transfers would sometimes take up 5-10 business days to clear. Nigerian banks however, took on the challenge, creating effective checks like bank tokens to verify online transfers, providing versatile accounts to fit different customer needs, and many banks providing specialized services for small business owners, as well as my personal favourite – instant online transfers between banks. While there are serious challenges in the banking sector, with the recent currency crisis, and the uncertainty around regulations, the banking sector in Nigeria has shown tremendous ingenuity around financial services that the world can certainly learn from.

In the visual art world, the works of artists like JD Ojeikhere and Victor Ehikhamenor have lined the halls of museums from The Metropolitan Museum in New York to Venice. Nigeria has always told its story through its own medium, in its own voice. In the visual and performing art world that has often followed established convention, Nigeria has continued to set its own standards and forced the world to pay attention to it.

This in no way attempts to gloss over the many challenges that Nigeria faces or the many things that we can and should learn from the world – and there are many, this is simply an attempt at reminding us of why we are exceptional to begin with. Our strength has never been in following international standards but in creating our own, it’s never been in copying and pasting, it’s our ingenuity in adapting convention to fit our culture and character.

The unique experiment that is Nigeria – a country with over 160million people from over 250 ethnic groups in a relatively small landmass, sharing ideas and resources, while negotiating diversity of thought, interests and beliefs in a free society is bound to be chaotic and progress likely slow to come. But our shared values of determination, leadership, eternal optimism, resourcefulness, sheer will, joie de vivre and our commitment to freedom and pursuit of happiness still makes us a model for the world to emulate. So next time you want to compare Nigeria to a foreign country, do that difficult task of exploring the social political make-up of the country and its history and you’ll find we aren’t so bad after all.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mlTljx

Rivers will submit report on rerun poll to IGP, says Wike

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Nyesom Wike

• State gets new police commissioner
• Assembly renames RSUST to RSU

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has promised to submit the report of the judicial commission of inquiry on the 2016 rerun election to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

He made the pledge when the Chairman of the panel, Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, submitted its report to the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The panel was raised to probe the killings and other acts of violence that characterised the December 10, 2016 rerun and supplementary elections in the state.

While expressing doubt at the inspector general of police acting on the report, he said he was optimistic that the police as an institution would perform their constitutional duties.

He disclosed that the state executive council would, after deliberating on the report, issue the white paper on it for necessary action by the police.

The governor commended the judicial commission of inquiry for a thorough report, which included videos, testimonies and relevant accounts of all that transpired during the elections.

Justice Nwogu explained that the commission received 13 Memoranda and several exhibits, including expended bullets and also visited different locations to gather its evidence.

He explained that the report, which is in four volumes, captured all aspects of the commission’s assignment.

Though he did not disclose the content of the report, he explained that the recommendations were in line with the commission’s terms of reference.

However, a new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaki Ahmed, has resumed in the state. This followed the death of the former police boss, Mr. Francis Odesanya.

Prior to this posting, Ahmed Magaji, had acted as the commissioner.

The new commissioner, who is from Kogi State, is the 38th commissioner of police in the state.

Meanwhile, the state House of Assembly has renamed the Rivers State University of Science and Technology to Rivers State University.

This followed the passing into law of a bill seeking to rename the earlier name of the Institution.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mGMAf2

Are advocates of further devaluation economic terrorists?

Nigeria not ready for investment of pension assets in infrastructure – CEO, AIICO Pension

TURKISH SCHOOL: 20-yr-old kidnappers’ nurse, informant nabbed

Lumen Christi Catholic TV now on DSTV platform

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By Chris Onuoha

Africa’s foremost Catholic Television Network, Lumen Christi TV that started operation in Nigeria about 2 years ago under MyTV cable platform has hit a milestone with an impressive appearance on DSTV cable network.

This breakthrough which was officially launched at the station’s Lagos base, Tuesday January 17, 2017, has given the broadcasting outfit edge over an initial challenge for wider coverage.

At the official commissioning performed by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, and other bishops representing the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, the Chairman, CEO, Lumen Christi Catholic Television, Prince Soji Olagunju glowed with joy having achieved a step ahead.

His words; “This is a milestone indeed, because having started operation here in Lekki, Lagos on May 13, 2014 on MyTV platform, we encountered limited viewership, being that DSTV platform then had limited space for new religious entrants on the platform. With the success of acquiring space on DSTV Channel 350 allocated to Lumen Christi Catholic TV, our programmes now reach wider audience with improved services.”

Prince Olagunju disclosed that Lumen Christi TV is the first African Catholic Television station established by an African for African Catholics, broadcasting the practice of Catholicism by Africans from the perspectives of their age-long rich socio-cultural heritage.

“We broadcast pure Catholic contents 24 hours. Although, the programmes are Catholic oriented, but other faiths have a lot to enjoy, gain and be educated from our rich faith based contents. Some of our programmes include Daily mass of the day, Angelus, Benediction, Holy Rosary recitation, Homilies, Reflections and teachings of the catholic faith, Catechism of the mother church, Programmes on holy matrimonies, baptism, holy Eucharist, confession and other church sacraments, ecumenism.

“Others are: Daily news segment, Children segment and cartoons, bible studies, Christian movies and documentaries, Pope and other apostolic fathers, coverage of church major events and activities such as Bishops’ conferences, conventions, concerts, carols, and parish harvests. We also have interview segment with church personalities and paid announcements.” Olagunju said.

Prince Olagunju however, urges Nigerians to hook up to the Channel 350, DSTV Network for quality African Christian programmes tailored with socio-cultural heritage. “We teach, propagate the faith, spread the gospel, evangelise and convert souls for Christ on a TV platform suitable for all ages” he said.

The post Lumen Christi Catholic TV now on DSTV platform appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Security agencies trade blames over Vampire’s escape

Apostle Suleman asks FG to ask El-Rufai to produce Fulani herdsmen he paid money to

Nigerian players born abroad: Rohr cries over frustration

Customers complain over blackout in branches, failure of mobile money services

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By Babajide Komolafe

THE last thing any bank customer expects in this age is a bank branch operating in darkness. That was the experience of a bank customer as reflected in one of the complaints below. Some of the complaints also show that some banks are yet to perfect the mobile money applications and money transfer services.

STERLING BANK

David Gabriel

Is that the current exchange rate or you guys are joking, because it will be showing  N308 here but when someone buys dollars  you guys will charge something else

At Sterling Bank Plc

Hi David, thank you for contacting us, please be informed that it is the exact rate you will be charged.

Surajo Maikudi

Sterling  Bank you have to look into your ‘Sterling Money’ mobile app. Because it is too slow when using it.

Sterling Bank Plc

Hi Surajo, thank you for contacting us. We sincerely apologize for your experience. Thank you for the feedback, it will be looked into.

Olumuyiwa Saheed

But you  guys don’t have the  dollar to sell

Sterling Bank Plc

Hi Olamuyiwa, thank you for contacting us. Please be informed that currently the issuance of dollar depends on the availability.

Nwachukwu Juliet

Pls how do I activate my dormant account,  I have been to Sterling  branch and  gave all necessary  documents required don’t yet it is still dormant.

Sterling Bank Plc

Hello Nwachukwu Juliet, kindly send us a private message stating your account number, the branch visited and date of visitation to enable us investigate. Thank you.

Adisa Olamide Mariam

Hello please  help me, I  opened a Kia Kia account in Abeokuta Ogun state and a certain amount was sent into my account but I  didn’t receive the  alert and the  money was not in my account. I was told the money was too much for the Kia Kia account and I had to upgrade it. I upgraded it and a mail was forwarded to the head office on my behalf, but I am yet to receive the money in my account. Please what is happening?

Sterling Bank Plc

Hello Adisa, thank you for contacting us. Kindly confirm from the sender if the funds have been reversed into his or her account.

STANDARD CHARTERED

Faith Igberase

Standard Chartered Nigeria please I have  sent messages to you severally. Maybe you should check your junk messages or you inbox me on how to get my price thanks.

Standard Chartered Nigeria

Hello Faith Igberase, please send your name and contact details in a private message as instructed in the winners announcement post. This is the only way you can be contacted. If you have already done so, kindly re-send so we can pick it up immediately and contact you. Thanks. – Jide

Faith Igberase

I have done that more than 10 times Standard Chartered Nigeria

Faith Igberase

Please check again Standard Chartered Nigeria

Nnamani Henry Emeka

I  have not gotten my own price oh let alone has  anybody contacted me to collect the  price I  won last year.

Standard Chartered Nigeria

Hello Nnamani Henry Emeka, please send your name and contact details in a private message as instructed in the winners’ announcement post. This is the only way you can be contacted. If you have already done so, kindly re-send so we can pick up immediately and contact you. Thanks. – Jide

UNITY BANK

Haruna Muhammad

I wrote an application to reset my moble app, but sadly my branch at Baga road Maiduguri refused to do so for me over four months ago.

Unity Bank Plc

Dear Haruna, kindly provide us with your phone number to enable us communicate with you. Thank you.

Prince Davido

Pls help me out ooo, I tried  to activate Unity mobile on my phone with this code *389*215# the respond was,  I have entered a wrong phone/account number that has not been registered with Unity Bank. I opened this account since 2009 and I have been operating it with my phone number in receiving alert. I need to make a transaction with my phone because my ATM debit card stopped  working and  I am in a location where there is no Unity Bank branch.

Unity Bank Plc

Dear Prince, we acknowledge receipt of your complaint, kindly forward the complaint to we_care@unitybankng.com to enable us resolve the challenge. Thank you.

Ogayeno Believe Othuke

I need my ATM card. I  applied  for it since last year 11th of November,  up till now no ATM card, and I  can’t withdraw money. Please you  people should do something to help me out.

Unity Bank Plc

No response

Maude Galdimari

I opened unity bank account recently but I was disappointed when I went   to deposit money in one of their branches and find it in darkness,  no light, nothing was  taking place. Please provide standby generators for your branches. Even the bank door was opened because there was no light.

Unity Bank Plc

Dear Maude, we appreciate your comment. Kindly be informed that the issue is being addressed. Thank you

WEMA BANK

Ademola Awwal Kolawole

I made a transfer from my Wema Bank account to this my GTbank account for past 1hour. I got no credit alert. What is wrong? I got Wema bank informed, but they said you guys were having issue with your platform. What is the problem, better return my money.

Wema Bank Plc

Hello. Please do check the account balance of the receiving account because you may not receive alerts on all transactions. Also, what platform was the transfer made? And we are not experiencing any hlitch with any of our platforms at the moment. Please do revert with your findings. Thank you.

Ademola Awwal Kolawole

Please spare me words. The two accounts are mine, but the sender is from Wema and receiver from Gtbank. I own the two accounts. I have checked the balance many times, but no reversal to that effect. I used your  mobile money app, you better do something because tomorrow is Monday, I won’t take this issue simple. This is the right time, you had been doing it to me many times before.

Wema Bank Plc

Hello. Kindly send your account details, phone number and email address as a private message to investigate further. Thank you

Alliyu Sikirullah Oladipupo

Wema Bank, do everything to get me my money from UBA.  Then, I will be sure you  are with me all the way.

Wema Bank Plc

Hello. Please do send a DM stating the transaction details. Thank you

Williams Ighofose

Please I need my reversal from UBA. I did an ATM withdrawal from a UBA ATM Machine since 30th of December 2016.

Wema Bank Plc

Hello. Please send a DM stating the transaction details, account number, phone number and email address. Thank you.

Hilory Wilson

What is happening to wemaonline and mobile app. I have been trying to assist someone to register for it online through the app but no response.

Wema Bank Plc

Please do try again. Thank you.

Olamide Jegede

My ATM card was blocked last month due to the input of wrong PIN three times. Will it unblock on its own or please  how do I unblock it?

Wema Bank Plc

Please you will need to visit any branch close to you for reactivation. Thank you

 

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