COVER
COVID-9: Chinese Company Detains Nigerian Workers for Four Months
By Gowon Emakpe, Abuja
For fears that it work would be stagnated during the COVID-19 lockdown, a Chinese company with Head Office in Abuja, allegedly detained some of its staff in its office for over four months.
Tyungi Groups, a Chinese company located at No.
105 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi Abuja, DAILY ASSEST investigations revealed, detained over 50 of its Nigerian staff during the lockdown from March to August, 2020 for fear that if they were allowed to go home they might contact COVID-19 and transmit to others in the company.It would be recalled that following the outbreak of COVID-19, President Muhammadu Buhari initially ordered two-week lockdown in the nation’s capital, Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States, towards the end of March as a major step to stem the pandemic.
DAILY ASSEST gathered that the company locked up Nigerians working in the firm and refused to let them go to their houses as they were forced to do dehumanized work from 7am to 7pm during the Lockdown as they were denied going home.
The workers were being held against their wish despite the company owing them months of unpaid salaries.
The staff allegedly slept on one inch sized mattresses placed on double bunks in the makeshift residential accommodation within the office complex.
It was learnt that food were shared to the staff at intervals on a daily basis, while management seriously frowned at any attempt by the employees to visit their residences including those who had families among them.
The company’s management was alleged to have threatened the staff with summary dismissal should anyone violated the strict instructions to remain in the premises.
In the course of the investigations, a letter was sent to the Managing Director of the Company, and acknowledged by one Charlie Edwin on September 4, 2020.
The letter titled “Clarification on news items” was addressed to the company’s Managing Director. It Read:
“Our Newspaper is working on news stories for publication and would like to seek clarification as it relates to your company.
“Accordingly, we request your response on the following issues: How many expatriate staff do you have in Nigeria,? Since COVID – 19 lockdown in March, 2020 your Nigerian staff have been detained in your office. How true is this? Are all the foreign staff having valid work/ residence permits? If not, how many have valid papers? Apart from road construction, what are the other business your company is engaged in? In anticipation of your response.”
When the Newspaper visited the company it discovered that to cover up the alleged unlawful detention of Nigerian staff in a compound, which can hardly accommodate 10 persons, the company conspicuously pasted a notice at its gate, which reads: “COVID-19, no Guesting, Online Working, Thanks for Co-operation”.
When Daily ASSET took a letter to the Managing Director, a security staff at the gate went into the company and called one of the staff who received and acknowledged the letter.
Reacting to one of the questions on how many of your Nigerian staff were detained in the office since the COVID-19 lockdown in March , 2020, one Charlie Edwin, who collected the letter for the Managing Director, and another in the premises who would not like his name mentioned, said though he was not speaking for the company, some staff of the company voluntarily stayed back at the company’s premises during the lockdown for fear that they might not get vehicles that will convey them to work if they went back to their houses as after close of work due to the restriction of movement within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Asked about the number of expatriate staff in the company’s employment and whether they have resident permits, he said it was only the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) that could determine whether their permits have expired or not.
Responding, Charlie Edwin, Human Resource Officer, Tongyi Group Limited, on September 18, 2020 sent an e-mail to DAILY ASSET on the matter. The e-mail is reproduced below:
“Re: Clarification on News Item
Sequel to the letter we received from your company on clarifications on news items concerning our organization. We wish to respond accordingly to the items: “Issues concerning expatriates are handled by the appropriate Nigerian authorities and we have been complying with all regulations concerning expatriates.
“We are a corporate organization and have been doing business with
government agencies and understand fully well the implications of seizing the rights of employees, due to the nature of our job some employees volunteered to stay back during the lock down and they were paid allowances for staying every two weeks.
“Also, all our staffs were paid full salary during the lock down when other organizations were paying fifty percent, some companies did not pay while some laid-off. You must agree with us that the Covid -19 was really a challenging time for businesses globally; your agency we believe must have been faced with one or two challenges during the lockdown.
“Our company take issues with work permit serious and employee due diligence is carried to ensure we hire the right employee who in turn provide the company with all necessary valid document and details in the case of emergencies.
“We are into Construction and Mining, these two industries were hit heavily during the Covid 19 time and remember during this time, the Nigerian Government ordered lockdown of all activities, we were in compliance during this period to reduce the risks of spreading the deadly disease, despite the blow suffered by our organization, we paid salaries to staffs and did not lay anyone off due to low work, this is a commendable feat which most local and foreign companies in Nigeria could not meet.
“In view of this, we hereby put to you that your information source has done a disservice to us and has the capacity of defaming our company’s good image. We hope your office can be guided by genuine information sources for clearer picture.
We appreciate your company for taking out time to seek for clarification of issues of this nature and not working based on hearsay and hope the answers provided will help clear any doubts in the future”. Warm regards.
By David Torough, Abuja
Zenith Bank Plc has assured its teeming customers of exceptional service delivery and improved customer experience following the successful completion of its Information Technology Infrastructure Upgrade.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of the bank, Dr.
Adaora Umeoji in a statement expressed her immense gratitude to all customers of the bank for their patience and support during its recent IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.Umeoji emphasized that the bank was committed to delivering unparalleled service experience, saying “We undertook such an extensive endeavor in other to better position Zenith Bank Plc for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and provide memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints,” adding that the bank now has one of the best technology infrastructure in the Nigerian banking industry, and is well positioned to ensure customers experience exceptional service delivery going forward.
Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices.
The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.
The bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2023 and 2024 in the International Banker Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best
Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
By David Torough, Abuja
The death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has thrown the nation into mourning, casting a heavy pall over official functions at the Presidency and the security services.
The Presidency yesterday announced Lagbaja’s death following what many attributed to his protracted battle with cancer.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja, 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos, “after a period of illness”
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.According to the statement, Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout his service.
He had previously served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion among other sensitive positions.
Incidentally, President Tinubu had, last weekend Wednesday, appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, to stand in for Lagbaja who had been away on medical treatment.
The President had, last Tuesday, gone ahead to decorate Oluyede as Lieutenant General, deepening speculations that Lagbaja was not being expected back anytime soon.
Following the death of the late COAS, the Presidency postponed the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for yesterday in honour of the fallen COAS.
The President also directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast across the country for seven days.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) was also caught in the sombre atmosphere. A joint statement mourning the demise of the COAS was issued by Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana.
The MOD expressed shock over the sad news recalling Lagbaja’s contribution to the Army and his dedication to duty.
The statement said, “He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.
“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.
“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.”
Similarly, there was palpable grief at the Defence Headquarters over the loss with the leadership expressing deep sorrow of the development.
It noted that the COAS, until his death, demonstrated exemplary leadership. He was credited with spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and also playing critical roles in multiple military operations across the country.
On its part, the Nigeria Police Force announced the cancellation of all non-essential personal and social engagements for two days. The Force also suspended non-urgent commitments in honour of the late COAS.
In a statement by Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police authorities described Lagbaja as a highly respected figure, known for his tireless efforts in combating insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism.
“His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General’s gesture reflects the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja’s remarkable service.
“The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy and commitment to Nigeria’s security will never be forgotten,” the statement said.
President Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday joined other leaders across the globe in congratulating America’s President-elect, Donald Trump.
The world leaders sent their congratulatory messages hours before Vice President Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Trump.
Tinubu expressed his eagerness to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
The Nigerian President’s message was conveyed through a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.
”According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.
The Nigerian leader congratulated the American electorate on their commitment to democracy.
“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th President will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” the statement said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, trusting that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
Atiku, in his message, described Trump’s victory as “a lesson in the art of rising after every fall,” apparently seeing possibilities of his own victory in future elections amid a string of past losses.
Atiku, who contested in the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress (APC).
He has recorded a string of losses in previous election cycles on different political party platforms.
Atiku commended the process that led to the outcome of the US presidential election, hailing the American citizens for their unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot.
He appealed to Trump to stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and the world in general.
“I closely followed the presidential election in the United States of America, watching with bated breath as the nation decided its future.
“It is with even greater satisfaction that I now reflect on the result, which heralds a resounding victory for President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party.
“This triumph, without a doubt, will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process – a timeless reminder that democracy, with all its trials and tribulations, remains a force for good in the world.
“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious.
“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.
“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.
“I also extend my warm congratulations to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice”, he said.
Meanwhile the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, has called Trump to congratulate him on winning the presidential election.
Associated Press (AP) report quoted a campaign aide of Harris’ as having had a discussion with Trump on the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.
Harris was billed to make a public concession speech later Wednesday night, which would be her first appearance since she lost the election to Trump.
Further report said she would be delivering her speech at Howard University, Washington DC.
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