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NPA MD: Eze Describes Koko’s Appointment As A Necessary Catholicon For A Focused NPA Management
Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwumeka Eze, has lauded President Mohammadu Buhari over the appointment of Mohammed Bello Koko, as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The appointment conveyed in a circular issued on Tuesday, 15th February, 2022 by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eric Ojiekwe, said Koko’s appointment takes immediate effect.
In a statement made available to media houses, Chief Eze said Koko’s prudence in finance management speaks of his mastery of the mechanics and workings of the finance sector and his professionalism inspired a massive fillip in the quarterly performance of the NPA in income generation and remittances to the national coffers within the short period he held sway as MD of the FG agency in acting capacity.
Describing Koko as a round peg in a hole, the APC chieftain commended the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, for always placing high premium on competence in the matter of who gets what especially in agencies and parastatals under the Ministry of Transportation.
“I commend the Transportation Minister, Chibuike Amaechi for always working to place public interest beyond petty sentiments. His selfless nature clearly inspired the appointment of Koko on meritorious grounds to head the NPA despite the community of interest from lobbyists.”
As one who has shown an appreciable sense of commitment towards his job and matters incidental thereto, Eze expressed confidence in the ability of Mohammed Koko to always deliver results within record time. He congratulated Koko on his new job and called on Nigerians to show him the necessary supports he needs to succeed in his new mandate.
The Nigeria Ports Authority is one of the key revenue generating agencies of the Nigerian government so, the fact that the task on whoever becomes the MD of the agency is enormous, cannot be contested, hence the Choice of Koko.
Mohammed Koko commenced his banking career in 1996 with FSB International Bank Plc, Port Harcourt, Rivers State where he served as Executive trainee-banking operations till 2004.
He rose to various positions such as Banking Officer-Credit and later Senior Banking Officer, Senior Treasury Officer and later the exalted position of Manager.
In furtherance of his banking career, Koko later joined one of Nigeria’s banking giant, Zenith Bank, where he became the Deputy General Manager, Zonal Head and member, Zenith Bank management team.
In 2016, he embarked on a leave of absence from the bank to take up his appointment as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
A graduate of Management Studies, University of Sokoto, Koko is a Master’s Degree Holder in Business Administration from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto.
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A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
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Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
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