EFCC warns POS operators against aiding fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Point of Sale (POS) operators across the country against aiding fraudsters and money launderers in perpetrating financial crimes.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning when the leadership of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), led by its National President, Oti Obioha, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.

Olukoyede, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, said POS operators were increasingly being linked to transactions involving money laundering, terrorist financing and ransom payments.

He urged AMMBAN to strengthen its regulatory structure and establish a comprehensive framework for monitoring its members.

The EFCC chairman also raised concerns about the level of oversight, training and record-keeping among POS operators, noting that some operators allegedly participate directly in fraudulent activities.

According to him, inadequate transaction records often make it difficult for investigators to trace funds transferred through POS outlets.

Olukoyede therefore urged AMMBAN to ensure that its members maintain proper financial records for every transaction and keep accurate records of operators across the country.

He also assured the association of the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate on training, public awareness and information sharing as part of efforts to curb financial crimes.

Tinubu unveils four-year action plan to end child labour

President Bola Tinubu has declared the elimination of child labour a national development priority, stressing that the menace poses serious challenges to education, poverty reduction, economic growth, food security, human capital development and national security.

Tinubu made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja at the National Dialogue on Advancing the Implementation of Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan 2026–2030.

The event also featured the launch of the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, said his administration would intensify efforts to address the root causes of child labour and protect children from exploitation.

According to a statement by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said the Federal Government would strengthen labour administration and inspection systems as part of measures to curb child labour across the country.

He added that the government would also reinforce child protection mechanisms and implement interventions aimed at tackling poverty, unemployment, inadequate access to quality education and social exclusion, which he identified as some of the factors driving child labour.

The President identified education as one of the strongest safeguards against child labour, noting that children who have access to quality education are better protected from exploitative work and other vulnerabilities.

He said the administration was implementing reforms targeted at reducing the number of out-of-school children, improving education data, strengthening teacher development and expanding skills acquisition opportunities.

Tinubu further highlighted the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme as another intervention aimed at encouraging school attendance and supporting vulnerable children.

According to him, the programme would help address hunger and nutritional challenges among children from vulnerable households while creating an environment that encourages them to remain in school.

The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan 2026 to 2030 as part of broader efforts to protect children and promote sustainable national development…///

Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday. The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy.

Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain before returning to Nigeria.

He later became a prominent figure in Nollywood, earning recognition for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and his work in international productions.

Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. He was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.