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Anambra Governor, Churchill, Johnbosco, Don Okonkwo, Canadian Philanthropist, Rosaline Meurer Attend Alexreports Wedding


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Governor of Anambra state, HE Governor Obiano(well represented) by Commissioner for Land, Hon. Bonaventure Enemali, Billionaire politician, High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo, the Honorary Counsel of Congo DRC to Nigeria, His Excellency, Prince Don Okonkwo, Popular Entrepreneur, Dr. Olakunle Churchill and Canadian Philanthropist, Mr Peter Kilgore have on Saturday led other top government officials and captains of industry, among others, to attend the wedding of Nigeria popular Journalist and award winning PR strategist, Alex Nwankwo who tied the knot with his lovely damsel Mrs Esther Nwankwo in Anambra State.

The wedding of Alex Nwankwo and his bride, Esther Ezenwonye, was held over the weekend at Aguata local government Area of Uga in Anambra state, with the distinguished presence, notable and iconic billionaire personalities in Nigeria and across the globe.

The event witnessed the dramatic traditional rites as required under the Uga Tradition, as well as other joyful activities which includes the dance performance by the couples and family members, spreads of lots of money on the couples and massive presentation of gifts.

Speaking to the Groom few minutes after the couple dance with his wife. Mr Nwankwo appreciated the presence of the Anambra state governor, who was well represented, stressing that it was indeed a reflection of his responsive leadership. He also thanked High Chief Johnbosco for making such a distinguished and honorable appearance at his wedding, Alexreports noted that his loyalty to the High Chief will remain undaunted.

He also thanked Dr. Onyeka Eze for his financial support that ensured the success of the Traditional marriage ceremony. He further appreciated everyone who came from far and near to witness the conjugal bliss of his marriage with his delightful wife. He expressed maximum excitement, as he danced his way back to his seat.

The PR strategist AlexReports, whose wedding has been the talk of the town, had arrays of beauty queens that he had managed and promoted, on ground to glamour the event among who are Roseline Muerer, and DJ Barbie who was behind the wheels of steel.

Popular Nollywood actress, Juliet Ibrahim who couldn’t make it to the traditional wedding used her social Media Platform to congratulate one of her publicist AlexReports. Also congratulated the couple is top Comedian AY who posted the video on his Instagram. However, prior to the wedding, Kebbi First Lady, Honorable Tony Nwulu, Hon. Shina Peller, Hon. Ned Nwoko among other top politicians in the country sent a congratulatory message to AlexReports on his wedding.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdrET7VBKRI

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Popular Nollywood celebrities and top stars in the Nigeria movie Industry have been signed into a multimillion naira Ambassadorial deal with BSTAN Group, one of Nigeria's leading real estate, housing and infrastructure development Agency.

BSTAN Group signedup these new Ambassadors from the film industry, during the Bstan Ambassadors Endorsement Ceremony held in Abuja few days ago at its headquarters in Abuja. The ceremony was well attended by top media agencies across Nigeria, members of staff of Bstan Groups and was hosted by Bstan Group Managing Director, Engr Becky Damilola-Oke.

Speaking to the press, at the endorsement ceremony, Engr. Becky Damilola Oke noted that the new Bstan Ambassadors were some of the best actors in the industry that could project the brand profitably and are also business oriented. She stressed that they are not the regular nollywood stars, but have shown their resourcefulness at improving Bstan group.

Engr Becky also highlighted the spotlights of their achievements, ongoing projects and also their newly unveiled Bstan Kiddies Legacy Investment. She stressed that the housing initiative for kids was to further help parents and guardians to make a stress-free investment into the future of their children, she called it land-banking for kids with just N33,000.

Amongst the endorsed Nollywood celebrities are Chief Femi Branch, Yewande Adekoya, Abiodun, Ayo Adesanya, Muyideen Oladapo A.k.a Lala and Funsho Adeolu Fynest who promised to ensure that the partnership with this brand will help to improve the visionary interest and visibility of the brand across Nigeria.

Speaking during the endorsement ceremony, one of the new Ambassadors noted that they would use several strategies and channels to draw big deals and businesses that will promote and improve BSTAN group, especially in areas of producing skits, engaging referrals and ensuring that their large fan-base is explored with awareness on the activities and provisions of Bstan Groups.

The newly endorsed Ambassadors of Bstan Group have expressed appreciation to the real estate agency for the recognition, endorsement and engagement. They assured the organization that the essence of this endorsement deal will be impressively gainful and profitable to the agency.

Bstan Group also introduced the National Housing Fair holding in October 2nd to 4th. The 3 days event will witness the 10,000 participants where 5 winners will be given 5 plots of land. The exercise is aimed at enhancing national building projects.


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Non Governmental Organisations Hold Mega Charity Campaign Outreach Give Out Walking Aids, Health Intervention

The people of Ketting Bendi at Obanleku Local Government Area in Cross River state have been graced with the humanitarian intervention of Anneozeng Ogozi Aid Foundation in partnership with Apkanke Foundation, in a mega charity campaign outreach that cuts across medical interventions, skills acquisition program and funding supports to residents and participants of the community development initiative.

The campaign by the duo charity organizations witnessed a seven days mega outreach which included eyes tests, as well as distribution of medicated eye-glasses to patients; training of over 500 women on skills like, soap making, Vaseline manufacturing, Dettol manufacturing, pastries of all sort, distribution of wheel chairs and clutches to the physically challenged, distribution of over 150 wrapper and startup funds for those who have already been trained.

According to the organiser, she appreciated its development partners for their earnest contribition at making the program a huge success. In her words, she says, "You guys are so amazing so selfless, You guys are always ready when it comes to serving humanity and God bless you all Giving back to the society, the less privilege and most of all, the needy, Torching lives is key; Passion for humanity and the fulfilment of life’s assignment.

She stressed on saying, "Am living the life God has called me to. This is my calling; I am born for this reason, I am fulfilling destiny and and I am living my dreams". She appreciated the AOSF Team, TAF team, people of Obanleku, cross river state government and all those who volunteeredvand participated in the service to humanity.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGOHVMR6BrM

My attention has been drawn to media reports citing claims by Oke Epia, a politician and publisher of Order Paper stating that I am using the Nigerian Police to attack or persecute him. This is false.

Epia is not a journalist but a political hatchet man simply doing the bidding of his sponsors under the umbrella of the press. He has been whipping up sentiments, hiding under the false allusion that he is a journalist and tagging media houses both locally and abroad. But the truth is, he is not a journalist. He is a politician that has held political office as the Chief Press Secretary to Emeka Ihedioha, the incumbent governor and my rival during the last governorship elections in Imo State.

I have a lot of respect for journalists and the media as the fourth estate of our democracy, especially in the face of the risk that they undertake on a daily basis to keep us informed. I say this with special tribute to the late Precious Owolabi, a corper who served as a correspondent with Channels TV but was shot dead while on duty.

The Not Too Young to Run bill that I sponsored enjoyed the greatest media support because of the tireless efforts of journalists who supported me. But I charge journalists to device means of identifying those I call wolves in journalist’s skin. As a major stakeholder and beneficiary in journalism, I can never undermine a journalist. I believe in freedom of the press.

Rogues claiming to be journalists must be identified and shamed. Some are nothing but grant hunters that set up projects to defraud unsuspecting development partners and NGOs. Journalists must be careful to identify those that are truly their colleagues otherwise such individuals will undermine the daily sacrifices being made by genuine journalists across the world who leave their families unsure if they will return alive and others who fled their countries and are today exiled because they dared to speak the truth. No one should be allowed to rubbish their sacrifices, certainly not a criminally minded fellow.

I am aware Epia has equally alleged that I have issued threats to his life. Nothing could be further from the truth and I challenge him to produce any evidence of such threats. These are barefaced lies calculated to court public sentiments.

I am the one who went to the Police. I did this to exercise my constitutional rights as someone who has been defamed under the guise of “journalism”. I reported this issue to the Police because of the weight of the allegations made against me. These allegations are unsubstantiated and no responsible media house anywhere in the world should use words like “missing funds” or “tens of millions” without any shred of evidence to back up such claims. It is against the tenets of professional media practice just as it is a common principle of law that he who alleges must prove.

It is my hope that at the end of this whole process, the law takes its course and the truth is allowed to prevail. I also hope that this will serve as an incident that enriches broad conversations around the professional ethics that guide the practice of real journalism.


Signed

Hon. Tony Nwulu

31st July 2019

http://www.alexreports.info/2019/08/epia-is-politician-hiding-under.html?m=1

SHOCKING BREAKUP!!! Popular Nigeria Social Group, OMC Clan Crashes As Leader (0.1) Abdicates Throne

Popular Nigeria Social group, OMC Clan may have crashed suddenly, as the national Leader abdicates his seat and position as the leader of the group over some basic issues that have choked the rationality of activities and operations of OMC Clan. He made the announcement via an official release on the group chat of OMC Clan, few days after he celebrated his birthday in Abuja.

In a post from the National Leader, he noted that Clan-restructuring is key to any unaguable achievement for the
OMC clan. He stressed on his uncomfortability to the recent developments of irresponsibility displayed both my members and friends of the clan.

He expressed unfeeling at the isolation of members from tasks and responsibilities that should be approached collectively, but instead ends up to be an individual battle. The national chairman had however announced that he was stepping aside momentarily as the 0.1 of the OMC, stating that or would allow him reflect on a positive and best ways to move the clan forward.

According to indoor sources, insinuations have it that the fall of OMC clan may have started after one of their members resorted to insults and abuses of other members who shared condolence with him during the brief illness of his mum, which eventually led to her death. Our sources reported that the member was agrieved over the alledged silence and inactions of some of the members during times when he needed their help the most, especially as regards the required blood donation for his mother even though his request for support was done through message instead calls as expressed by the members in a case of those not usually disposed to reading group interactions.

Since then all efforts to put the clan together by several members has been proved abortive until the abdication of seat by the national leader few days ago. The national leader has thanked all members for their support and believe in hiq1s leadership over the period, in his words, he says, "I immensely thank you all for your support and consistent believe in my leadership over the period, which is essentially why I need to step aside for a possible restructuring of the OMC. I love you all & look forward to a more productive and happier days for us. Bless Up, I humbly delete myself. Permit me".

Active Clan-Members of OMC, in the likes of Hon Victor, Amb. Anderson and Amb. Daniels who also lost his mum few days ago made valuable efforts to ensure the Clan remains unified and bonded in love, may not have achieved much as the proud OMC Clan have collapsed, regardless. Some other persons in the clan like MC Bob made relevant suggestions on a change of name for the group, as well as a required emergency meeting for a prompt resolution of the developing collapse as suggested by Amb.Daniel. The last straw that eventually killed the camel was the sustained loggerheads and flexing of intellectual muscles between Amb. Kingsley Amafibe and Mr Destiny over the former silence at the general attack and disrespectful comments of the member who lost his mother, who is assumed to be the close friend of Amafibe.

Notably, OMC Clan is one of the most influential and reputable social clubs in Nigeria, with members that cuts across all sheres and structures of livelihood. It is unfortunate that the Clan has now been confronted with challenges emanating from individual differences and other social-care issues

https://www.statepress.ng/2019/07/fct-abuja-shocking-breakup-popular.html?m=1

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Dino Melaye, E-money, Escoba Smith, Shina Peller, Others Cracked Up At Funnybone Livewire In Abuja

It was indeed a night of glamour, humour and merriment, as Abuja city came to a stand-down to host the most anticipated Funnybone Livewire Concert held on sunday at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, with top Nigeria celebrities, politicians, entertainers and prominent figures across several sectors in the country.

Amongst the distinguished personalities that guested the glamour/humour concert are E-Money, Senator Dino Melaye, Escobar Smith, Shina Peller and other outstanding billionare socialite across Nigeria.

Some of the performing musical arts were, popular Nigeria Afro-singer and rapper, Kcee, Afro Singer and Producer, Duncan Mighty, singer Rema and other notable Abuja based entertainers thrilling the crowd with back to back performance that illuminated the atmosphere of the humorous Funnybone livewire Concert.

The concert has been reffered as one of the best comedy event, recording the presence of top Nigeria politicians, enterprenuers, socialites, celebrities and senior executives from and across Nigeria. Speaking with guests at the event, they described the concert to be entertaining, lively and also an explication of what a comedy concert should actually be.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idjnUzrcd-I

http://www.alexreports.info/2019/07/dino-melaye-e-money-escoba-smith-shina.html?m=1

Hon. Vincent Ekene Ofumelu Visits Former President Good luck Jonathan, Gets Commendation

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and active trustee of the Peoples Democratic Party, His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received Hon. Barr. Vincent Ekene Ofumelu, the House of Representative Member for Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency in Anambra state.

Hon. Barr. Vincent paid the former president a courtesy visit to discuss basic party issues as well as seek council on how to chart a plausible way through better leadership and active representation for the people of Oyi/Ayamelum Constituency and the entire Anambra state.

His Excellency, Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan also congratulated him for his emerged victory at the just concluded elections. He stressed that Barr. Ofumelu has remained a dedicated patriot, a committed leader and an agent of positive change.

According to our correspondent, Barr. Ofumelu expressed appreciation to the former president for the warm and encouraging reception he was received. He stressed that, his administration as the Member, representing the Oyi/Ayamelum Constituency will continually uphold the image and impact of PDP in the 9th Assembly. He noted that the impact of former President Goodluck Jonathan will continue to bare more potentials fruits to the sustenance of peace and development in Nigeria.

http://www.alexreports.info/2019/07/hon-vincent-ekene-ofumelu-visits-former.html?m=1

I felt heartbroken hearing the death of DCP Umar Usman, who was killed by El Zak Zaky's Shi'te violent oriented protest, which occurred at the centre of Abuja yesterday, July 22nd 2019. Umar who was Ambassador coomassie's personal friend was killed while discharging his lawful duty. Amb coomassie urged the IGP & other security chiefs to crack down on shi'te with iron fist before it
metamorphosis into another boko haram, which nigeria is battling seriously with, over a decade now.

The Ambassador who is the Chief Executive of Association for Good Governance Network & Deputy National Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organization, was at the residence of the deceased late yesterday, he pleaded with president Buhari led Federal Govt to ban Shi'te movement in Nigeria, as they are gradually graduating into a terror group, Shi'te activities is the same as IPOD and the rest, I can't see why the Govt delayed so long in proscribing such a deadly group disguising under the umbrella of Islam.

Even Iran, �� the HEADQUARTERS of shi'te worldwide, distanced themselves from El Zak Zaky led Shi'te in Nigeria, so why are we still romancing them knowing fully well they don't recognize the constitution of Nigeria & the rights of other citizens? Coomassie added.

https://www.abujapress.com/2019/07/amb-hussaini-coomassie-consoles-igp.html?m=1

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The Youth Wing of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group has conferred on Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo as grand patron of the group.

The conferment which held in Awka yesterday was highlight of the poltical summit of the group with its theme as : The Fate of Igbo Youth in the Present Day Nigeria. The summit had in attendance representatives of the group from the five South-Eastern states and equally from Delta and Rivers state.

On the choice of Onunkwo as Grand Patron, the Ohaneze Youth Council President, Mr. Arthur Obiora explained that Onunkwo emerged the choice candidate to be bestowed such honour after careful scrutiny by members of the executive.

Mr. Obiora described Engr. Onunkwo as a young man who has carved a niche for himself through unparalleled philanthropic gestures regardless of which part of Nigeria the beneficiary hails from. He posited that Onunkwo’s free medical care for various communities in Anambra state is testament of his love for mankind.

In his words, “Johnbosco is not one o f the richest in Igbo land but his philanthropic gestures has placed him on high pedestal and he is never relenting in doing more especially for the youths”.

In his reaction, Engr. Onunkwo expressed his gratitude to the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group for deeming it fit for the honour. “I am very deeply grateful for this uncommon honour bestowed on my humble self today. This would go a long way in spurring me to do more and I promise Igbo youths that I will not disappoint. Time has come for the Igbo youths to make bold statements as it concerns issues bedeviling our country. To pursue a common interest, we must first unite, reconcile, then reposition ourselves towards making bold and consensus statements for our collective good as a people.

“We need to shun bribe, division of all sorts if we intend to overcome stumbling blocks to our progress. We should at all times stand and speak with one voice and believe you me, Ohaneze youth remain the saving grace of our people. I sincere appreciate the honour and would continue to support the progress of this group”, Engr. Onunwo stated.

http://www.alexreports.info/2019/07/ohaneze-ndigbo-confers-grand-patron.html?m=1

JUST-IN: Hon. Victor Ngumah Ihochi Nominated For 2019 Peace Achievers International Awards

Nigeria politician and philanthropist, Hon. Ngumah Victor Ihochi, a vibrant Intellectual, who doubles as the CEO of Lumen Media Inc. and Founder of Lumen Foundation, has been nominated for the prestigious Peace Achievers International Awards holding on the 21st of September at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

According to our correspondent, he was nominated in the award category of a Peace Builder/Award for Excellence in Community Development and Leadership Skills. This nomination is premised on the in-depth research and investigation into the works of Hon. Ngumah, this however exposed us to the outstanding significance and the strategic leadership approaches, especially with emphasis on his commitment to community development and leadership.

Overtime, the philanthropic and humanitarian works of Lumen Foundation through it Founder, Hon. Ngumah Victor has continued to establish commendable impacts in the lives of people across Nigeria, Ghana and other communities in Africa.

Amongst his countless charity works includes his medical outreach program, the empowerment of less and under previleged persons especially in Imo state where he hails from, as well as other projects on scholarship provisions to support and empower youths across Africa.

The 8th Peace Achievers International Conference and Award 2019 is organized in commemoration of World Peace Day to celebrate those institutions and individuals who has been devoted and dedicated to the sustenance of Peace across the globe. Other nominations for persons and institutions are been confirmed ahead to the most anticipated award event, which will be hosted in Nigeria.

Since the beginning of the Boko Haram crisis in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, thousands have been affected, with many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) forced to live temporarily at camps across the country. These displaced Nigerians continue life at the camps even as they wait to be resettled back to their homes. Displaced from their homes, disconnected from their daily jobs, many Internally Displaced Persons are stuck at the bottom of the economic ladder and remain part of extremely poor Nigerians, estimated at 80 million according to recent reports.

Through the Government Enterprise & Empowerment Program (GEEP), The Federal Government is reversing the poverty levels in the region and helping residents, locals and the displaced persons settle back into productive economic activities. GEEP is part of the Social Investment Programs (SIP) under the National Social Investment Office (NSIO), designed to cater to Nigerians at several levels: unemployed youths, petty traders, artisans, MSMEs and other categories of Nigerians that could do with an economic boost.

In 3 years, Tradermoni, Marketmoni & Farmermoni have provided loans ranging from 10,000 Naira to 300,000 Naira to petty traders, artisans, small businesses and farmers. This has seen over 2,000,000 Nigerians significantly receive boosts to their businesses. GEEP has been implemented in 36 states of the Federation and the FCT with a spread of over 2,600 market clusters. The program has recorded over 240 thousand beneficiaries in the North Eastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states. The region most affected by the insurgency.

GEEP’s achievement – and continued mission – remains to provide access to finance, and sustainable financial inclusion, and to do this at scale.

Over 79% of the 36 states and the FCT have reached a minimum threshold of 30,000 beneficiaries with over 56% of all beneficiaries being female.

Mohammed Lawal has been selling calabash in Gombe Central market for years and has never received any form of financial assistance before now until he heard about TraderMoni and got enumerated. He was really excited he got the interest free loan as it will help him grow his business. He is really grateful to the Federal Government for this great opportunity as his business is in order now.

Adamu Salihu was really happy when he received his TraderMoni Interest free Loan. He sells earrings and blouses in Jimeta Ultra Modern market, Yola, Adamawa State. He mentioned that a relative told him about TraderMoni and he registered. Shortly after he registered, he received the loan. He didn't believe it was real before but after getting the money, he confirmed it was true.

He expresses his gratitude and he said will tell others about it about it. In excitement, he said, “It will turn my business around by helping me buy more goods, increase sales and i'll be able to payback the loan within the stipulated time. I am so grateful to God and the Federal Government, as a privileged beneficiary of this initiative because I have never been this privileged to receive such a laudable assistance in any form in my entire life.”

Sarah Danlami shares her TraderMoni story, “The TraderMoni Enumerators were at Muda Lawal Market and the market executives introduced the empowerment scheme to her and she got enumerated, She registered and thought she won't receive it but she did and she appreciates this initiative by the Federal Government and said, "If only we could have more of such initiative that empowers the less privileged people, a lot of negative vices that are rooted in idleness will be cubed to its barest minimum". She is really excited about the TraderMoni Scheme and her business being empowered as she never thought such an initiative will be possible.

She also mentioned that before now she could only trader with a bag of irish potato, but now she can afford to buy two bags to trader with and that’s progress.

“My name is Ali Ibrahim. I sell foodstuff here in Monday Market. I have been doing this for four years now. On a fateful day, I came into the market to do business as usual, when I saw the TraderMoni team. They were registering people and I got registered too. After some days, I received an SMS from TraderMoni confirming that I can receive the loan. I rushed to the where the people giving the loan were in the market to confirm whether it is true or not. Luckily for me, it was confirmed true and I was so excited. I got the money and I have been using it for my business. What I have to say to the Federal Government is thank you and they should keep up the good work so that other people can benefit from it too. I am grateful to the Federal government and my encouragement to every person that got the money is that they should use it and pay it back on time so that the purpose of the TraderMoni can be achieved.”

Clara Felix is a TraderMoni beneficiary from Mile Six market, Jalingo. She sells soup condiments and other minor items. She had her doubts to the extent that she had to wait for others to collect the money before she went for enumeration. She is very happy and grateful to the Federal Government for the loan.

The interest-free loan has enabled her boost her business. The loan will also help her extend her business to include sale of fish.

http://www.alexreports.info/2019/07/tradermoni-records-success-in-north.html?m=1

See the glory of the honour


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2jXfgqt6_8

Africa CEO'S Merit Award and Business conference To Hold In Abuja On Thursday

Organizer of Africa CEO'S Merit Award and Business conference has assured participants of its readiness for a productive and a glamorous outing come 18th July, 2019 in Abuja.

The Chief organiser and founder, Amb. Chris Odey who gave the assurance during the weekend while speaking with journalists on the billedup to the most anticipated business conference and award gala night said there are no better time to appreciate individuals across Africa for their contributions to building Africa’s economy than now.

Chris added that without the place of private partnership in any administration, no government has a place for all its citizens, as such, private organisation through CEOs are seen to be indispensable in the nation building and should be appreciated for their roles in providing employment and easing the burden on government of youth restiveness that have been causing untold hardship on citizenry.

The 2019 edition which has as its theme “The Connective Business Era" will have speakers on different topics and Nigeria’s Emmanuel Akpakwu, Chairman, Aim Global Nigeria and Dakinda group will mount the podium as a key note speaker.

Others include Prince Osisioma Eze Founder and President, Prince Osisioma Foundation, Engr. Ifeanyi Christopher Oputa, MD, Convi Nigeria Limited, owners of Studio 24 Nigeria, Amb. Mrs Victoria Olatunde-Young, CEO VIENTRIEL school of Entrepreneurs and Mr Junaid Kadiri Chief executive officer of Gladdened Point Concepts Limited.

Amb. Chris who stressed that the award and conference will be impactful urges Nigerian youth to take advantage of this opportunity and learn from well researched resource persons who will be speaking on this day in order to be self reliance and also join to contributing to building the Africa’s economy.

Side attraction will include musical performance, Spoken Words, Dance etc.

https://www.independent.ng/africa-ceos-merit-award-and-business-conference-hold-tomorrow-in-abuja/

TraderMoni records success in the North Central


Jennifer Iorfa, a petty trader from Gboko, Benue state makes and sells the local guinea corn milk called ‘kunu’ in local parlance and fried yam at a government secondary school close to her house in Gboko. One night, she heard about a government loan on TV and wondered when or how she could benefit until one of the teams on the government project came to one of the popular markets in her state capital, Makurdi. She ensured she was enumerated to be a beneficiary of the loan. Afterwards, she received a confirmation text message and subsequently, the TraderMoni collateral free loan of N10,000. With this, she bought ingredients for her business in larger quantities which enabled her to sell more.

Jennifer made decent returns to improve the living conditions of her family and repaid her loan of N10,250 – the extra N250 been the administrative charges on the loan — from her profits. Immediately after her loan repayment was processed, she received a text message informing her that she has qualified for the next loan stage, which is N15,000.

“With this N15,000 loan, I will be able to make more kunu, sell more and pay back,” she says with smiles on her face.

Jennifer’s story is just one out over two million beneficiaries that have received the collateral and interest free government loan called TraderMoni across the country.

According to data from the Bank of Industry, only 0.04% of SMEs in Nigeria could access bank loans despite employing over 80% of Nigeria’s labour force – a staggering statistics that is poor at best if not abysmal. This is one major gap the Federal Government set out to plug with Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) – and so far, the testimonies received have shown significant success in closing this gap.

In 2017, the government of President Buhari launched GEEP as one of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and executed in partnership with the Bank of Industry. TraderMoni, of which Jennifer mentioned above was a beneficiary, is easily the most popular of the three schemes under GEEP which includes MarketMoni and FarmerMoni. It has so far reached over two million petty traders and small business owners across the country.

Before this project, people like Jennifer may never stand a chance at getting loans from traditional commercial banks primarily because of many barriers involved including lack of collateral and/or formal bank accounts – and this has largely excluded people in her category from financial inclusion.

One of the major successes of GEEP is therefore the increase in financial inclusion of the largely unreached population by bringing them onboard and giving them access to the formal financial ecosystem. In fact, it is primarily due to this significant impact that led to the Bank of Industry winning the award for ‘Financial Inclusion’ at the recent Africa Banker’s award in held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

On how TraderMoni is driving financial inclusion, GEEP’s COO, Mr. Uzoma Nwagba has this to say, “For the TraderMoni scheme (for petty traders at the very bottom of the pyramid), we are taking a slightly different approach of not requiring BVNs or bank accounts as our targets are significantly less educated or sophisticated. We need to first solve their problem of access and reduce the barriers to that. So, we use what they have: their mobile phones.”

“It is only on the second loan that the BVN and bank account requirements kicks on, and therefore the digital collateral. As a result, we make a conscious effort with their first TraderMoni loan to make the carrot more attractive than the stick. That is, we make it very simple to get the next higher loan (N15,000) once the first loan (N10, 000). You literally receive a disbursement in minutes when you dial a USSD code after paying your first loan”

Through the TraderMoni scheme, many micro business owners and artisans have been empowered across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

At the International Market, Lokoja is Suleiman Idris Mustapha who sells phones accessories and also charges phones. As a beneficiary, he says, “It was right here in the market they came to meet us, and of course, I registered. Many people didn’t believe that this loan by the government is real but I here am with the N10,000 which is a very good boost and incentive for my petty business. I can also confirm that some of my relatives in Kano state have also received the loan.”

Mrs. Nkiru Success is another TraderMoni beneficiary in Plateau state. According to her, “When I was asked by the agents of the scheme if I am interested in the business loan, and I said yes. So, I was registered and afterwards, I received a confirmation and congratulatory message.”

“I jubilated and started danced, even my children were surprised. This loan that came without so much stress in a good motivation for me to work harder and repay so I can get the next one of N15,000.”

Also, another beneficiary, Ahmed Muhammad who sells shoes at the Terminus Market Jos said he makes an average of N300 to N500 profits daily which is quite small for sustenance both the N10,000 loan will empower him to get more goods at cheaper prices which will increase his profit margins.

At popular Ipata Market, in Kwara state, Risikat Agbeyangi, a pepper seller also received the N10,000 TraderMoni loan, according to her, “We thank the president for his support to us; it was timely and met our personal and business needs, some of us expanded our business with it.

From International Market in Kogi state to Ipata Market in Kwara state to Ultra-Modern Market in Lafia, every part of the North Central was reached and the testimonials of the beneficiaries are evidence of the success of this empowerment programme.

Did You Know?

GEEP has impacted over 2 million small and micro businesses.

Over 56% of beneficiaries are female.

Professions: Artisans, petty traders, farmers and market women.

Over 2600 markets have been activated across the 774 LGAs in the 36 states and the F.C.T.

GEEP has worked with 7000 market cooperatives, farming clusters and field agents.

https://www.abujapress.com/2019/07/tradermoni-records-success-in-north.html?m=1

NWOKO VS NWABOSHI: Regina Daniels Husband Ned Nwoko Loses At Supreme Court

The victory of Delta South Senatorial election has been decided as the Supreme Court in Abuja today the 16th of July ruled on the case between Hon. Ned Nwoko and Peter Nwaboshi in view of the judgment by the Court of Appeal that declared Peter Nwaboshi winner as against the initial federal High court ruling that declared Hon. Ned Nwoko as the rightly elected choice of the people.

Supreme Court sitting in Abuja this morning finally declared Senator Peter Nwaboshi the winner of the Delta State Senatorial elections after a lingering battle for the slot.

More details later

https://www.abujapress.com/2019/07/nwoko-vs-nwaboshi-regina-daniels.html?m=1

@alexreports

IMPRESSIVE!!! Anambra Varsity Lecturer Honoured For Creative Teaching Technique (photos)


A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Dr. Chinenye Nwabueze, has been honoured with two awards for his creative teaching techniques.

Nwabueze was announced for the awards by two different organizations based on his ability to engage his students using a technique he calls lecturetainment teaching approach which combines entertainment and teaching at the same time to make his classes lively and enable students remember topics taught.
The awards are National Impact Merit Award, for Most Creative Teaching Technique, packaged by Amity global network; and Pan-Nigeria Leadership, Peace and Humanitarian award, for Outstanding Contribution To Education, given by Arise O Nigeria.

Recall that Nwabueze who shares some of his lecturetainment teaching methods online was the lecturer that wore Ebola Protective Suit into the classroom in 2013 to enlighten his students on the dangers of the Ebola scourge at that time and preventive measures to take. He also gave his students what he called ‘Zombie Quiz’ in the class while teaching use of costume in environmental awareness creation. The climate change video which he did with his students also went viral online. Nwabueze recently gave his students ‘Anas-themed Mask’ quiz during which all students, including their lecturer, wore a mask just like Anas Aremeyew Anas, the Ghanaian masked journalist, to remind them of the hazards of investigative reporting.

Nwabueze wore boxing gloves to class recently during an investigative reporting lecture. Last year, one of his classes also went viral on social media after he dressed like a transgender into a Ph.D class while teaching Culture shock and Gender Issues in Nigeria. He was recently spotted in a photoshoot with his students using the concept that he was made the classroom king and given 10 maidens to assist him in academic adventures for a whole year. On two different occasions, Nwabueze gave away free text books to all students in two different classes as a way of encouraging attendance to his lecture. He also gives awards to his students who did well in his class quizzes and practical exercises using the platform of massmediang.com, a blog he operates.

While speaking on the award, Nwabueze thanked God for the recognition given to him through the awards, dedicating the three awards to his students whom he said were behind his achievements. “You cannot achieve this kind of feat in any educational institution if the students do not testify that you are doing well. They are the primary purpose of our coming into this system and to do well means to impress them through your pedagogical techniques. But just as the saying goes, the reward of hard work is more work. I pray for God’s grace to give me extra strength to ensure I don’t disappoint the students whose observations attracted this honour.”

One of the coordinators of Arise O Nigeria which gave one of the awards, Miss Chioma Egbo observed that Nwabueze’s achievements in the classroom are impressive. We have monitored him closely for a long while and decided it was time to honour him. We do this as a form of encouragement to other lecturers to keep working hard, that their efforts would be rewarded someday.

The awards were received in Abuja on Saturday, June 8, on behalf of Nwabueze by a representative, Chijioke Benjamin.

https://www.abujapress.com/2019/07/impressive-anambra-varsity-lecturer.html?m=1

TraderMoni Beneficiaries in the North West share testimonies

It was just a regular day – another business-as-usual one, for 28-year-old Suleiman Sanni, a basket seller in the popular Kasuwar Yankaba in Nasarawa LGA of Kano state, North West, Nigeria. Little did he know right there in the market, even without a formal bank account to his name, he’d become a beneficiary of a government micro loan to support his small business. That day he got registered and on the following day, Sanni received a non-collateral loan of N10,000 to support his small-scale business whose total capital at the time was estimated around N5,000.

Suleiman would need a formal bank account and collateral in order to access a loan from a regular commercial bank in any part of the country. His story is just one of over two million petty traders across the country who have become beneficiaries of the government scheme. This is the success story that GEEP has become today.


It was in 2017, when the President Buhari’s administration launched the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), as one of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and executed in partnership with the Bank of Industry. TraderMoni is perhaps the most popular of the three schemes under GEEP including MarketMoni and FarmerMoni, and has so far reached over two million petty traders and small business owners in Nigeria.

In a remarkably short period, GEEP’s impact has been felt across the country but even more significant is its impact in the North West, a geopolitical zone with relatively low access to financial inclusion. The ‘no-barrier’ access to the TraderMoni loan ensured that tens of thousands became beneficiaries of the government loan. All they needed were just a working mobile phone and a verifiable business.

In a media chat with journalists, the Executive Director, Micro Enterprises, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji, said, “Trader-Moni is a microcredit loan for petty traders designed to meet the need of the larger population of Nigerian micro-enterprises that do not meet the more stringent starting requirements of the bank verification number and bank accounts.

According to her, “Qualified petty traders start at N10, 000, they progress to N15, 000, N20, 000, N50, 000 and then N100, 000. And as they pay back the preceding amount, they automatically qualify for the next loan.”

The loan repayment period is 6 months but records have it that many have repaid their first loan before the expiration tenure.

A GEEP Activation team travelled round the zone in 2018 ensuring every state was reached. From Kano to Kaduna, to Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa, visiting local markets in each of the state to enumerate and disburse the loans to traders.

The stories and testimonials were largely the same for the beneficiaries of the loan – they have been given an opportunity to expand their business – and ultimately, enhance their living conditions. And for many of them, it was the first time benefiting directly from a government scheme of such.

For most traders interviewed, the ease of access to the loans, non-discrimination of beneficiaries and convenient repayment plans were major attractions to them in contrast to the many hurdles of getting commercial bank loans.

Aisha Umaru, a roadside trader in local foods like kulikuli and mai in Gusau Central Market and 22-year-old Aliyu Umar Kwaruru, who sells local groundnut in a wheelbarrow in Kebbi Central Market are grateful for this intervention. For them, it was a good stepping stone to gradually scale their petty businesses.

According to Suleiman Sanni mentioned earlier in this article, “I came into the market a bit late and saw the TraderMoni people registering small businesses, and I was privileged to be part of those registered. It is indeed a blessing and I am grateful because this money will in-crease my business capital a great deal. Rather than buying fifty baskets, I can now afford to buy a hundred.”


Image: Suleiman Sanni, a basket seller and TraderMoni beneficiary in Kano state.


In Sheikh Abubakar Gumi (Central) Market, Kaduna, another beneficiary, Sefiani who sells onions from a wheel barrow said, all he wanted to do with the loan was to get a small roadside kiosk for his business and stop using wheelbarrow. He believed the N10,000 loan will help him increase profit which he can save to up to actualize his goal of renting a kiosk.


Many would easily dismiss what impact N10,000 could have a trader in present day Nigeria but the stories were different for many beneficiaries of TraderMoni. In Gusau Central Market, a beneficiary, Mogbelade Jejeniwa sells small plastic products and local food stuffs. For her, the loan is a significant addition to her business which will aid her growth and expansion. And for many like Mogbelade, N10,000 loan without a collateral is a good stepping stone to gradually scale their petty businesses.

Image: Mogbelade Jejeniwa, a beneficiary of TraderMoni in Zamfara state.


In Central Market, Katsina, another beneficiary is Martina James, a widow who has been struggling to make ends meet along with her aged mother. She sells foodstuffs from a roadside shed and said she wanted to do with the loan was to add it to her business capital to buy and pay for the produce she sells rather getting them on credit which is how she had been getting by. She said it’d be easier for her to make more profit that way. A visibly happy Martina promised to pay up her loan as fast she can in other to access more loan from the government.


Image: Martina James, a TraderMoni Beneficiary in Katsina Central Market.


To validate the scheme’s extensive reach across the country, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said during one of his visits to the markets, “The Trader Moni scheme is one of the Government, Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) micro-credit products.


“MarketMoni and FarmerMoni are still very much in operation. We have a target of 30,000 minimum beneficiaries per state, and we have achieved this in majority of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”


The immediate impact of the scheme was for small business owners to grow their businesses but the larger success of GEEP is deepening access to financial inclusion in the North Western region with many beneficiaries having to open a formal bank accounts as one of the requirements to qualify for the phase two of the loans.

With the increasing access to the loans, government is creating a more enabling environment for the growth of small-scale businesses and reduction in the overall poverty rate.

Did You Know?

GEEP has impacted over 2 million small and micro businesses.

Over 56% of beneficiaries are female.

Professions: Artisans, petty traders, farmers and market women.

Over 2600 markets have been activated across the 774 LGAs in the 36 states and the F.C.T.

GEEP has worked with 7000 market cooperatives, farming clusters and field agents

http://www.alexreports.info/2019/07/tradermoni-beneficiaries-in-north-west.html?m=1

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