No fewer than 300 divorces, widows and indigents got married to their loved ones at a maiden mass wedding sponsored by Kebbi State Government.
The maiden wedding took place at the Abdullahi Fodio palace in Gwandu Emirate, Birnin Kebbi, on Sunday. The wedding was organised by the state government under Hajia Nafisa Nasir Idris, wife of the state governor, through her pet project, Nafisa Nasir Development Foundation, NANAS.  Governor Nasir Idris, who presided over the wedding, advised the couples to be friendly and confidants of each other.
Represented by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman-Ankwe, the governor announced that such mass wedding would be held periodically to assist the less privileged men and women to be joined as husbands and wives.
Mr Idris said his administration provided N21 million as dowry for the 300 brides from the 21 local government areas of the state, with each bride getting a dowry of N70,000.
FG has secured financial partner from EDIB Hong Kong to develop $27.29bn Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex.
2: This project located in Escravos (Gbaramatu Island/ Omadino.
3: FG not Tinubu must provide a written confirmation of the Free Trade Zone. 99years concession. Build, own, operate and Transfer.
4: Delta state to provide 31,000hectares of land.
5: Provision of rail line
6: EISC deep sea port will be able to service all inland ports along River Niger.
EIDB International agrees to finance $27.29billion Escravos Seaport project
The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu got a boost to the Marine and Blue economy initiative as the EDIB International Limited of Hong Kong has expressed its willingness to provide finance for development of the $27.29billion Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex (ESIC) project.
The project located in Escravos (Gbaramatu Island/Omadino) Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State is a development project to be implemented through a Joint Venture Partnership (JVP) with a Nigeria firm Mercury Maritime Concession Company Limited (MMCC).
According to Chief Kwame Springer, Chairman of EDIB International Ltd through their consultancy Blue Dot Wealth Limited headed by Mr Alexander Takpi-Young a Director of BDW dated 15.01.2024, EDIB International Limited is seeking government security over EDIB International Limited’s $27.29 billion funding of the ESIC project.
EDIB International Limited is requesting that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Local Government provide written confirmation of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the country to provide security and confirmation of the project to be financed by EDIB International Ltd [/[b]b] The security sought after is as a result of the fifty (50) years concession deal to Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) the ESIC deep seaport project. On the part of the Federal Government of Nigeria, they will ensure that the financier’s $27.29 billion investment is returned with profit. The concession deal term is to be increased to (99) years for the ESIC project to secure funding from EDIB International Ltd.
It is instructive to note that under the ESIC project deal, the ownership of ESIC deep seaport sub–project of ESIC will revert to FGN at the expiration of the ninety-nine (99) years concession period to be granted to MMCC.
MMCC Rear Admiral Andrew Omaolo .S. Okoja (rtd), told the media that the decision by EDIB International to finance ESIC project is consequent upon the November 2020 provisional approval granted by the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMT) to MMCC to develop the ESIC project and the reviewed FMT Confirmation Letter of August 2023 by the ministry.
“The decision was also consequent upon the May 2022 Delta State Government (DTSG) approval to lease 31,000 hectares of land located at Escravos to MMCC to host the entire ESIC project. ESIC project commenced in 2019 and aims to develop 31,000 hectares of project land in Delta State into a Deep Seaport, Crude oil refinery, Gas Complex, Free Trade Zone/Industrial Park, Independent Power Plant (IPP), Airport, Nature Conservation Park, etc.
“It is a development that promises to massively open up the seven (7) beneficiary States in Nigeria to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the areas of trade, commerce and industry. ESIC will transform the economies of these States from a rural-driven economy with sprinklings of urban development to a metropolis driven economy of international dimension. ESIC Deep Seaport which is the backbone of ESIC project will serve as a gateway seaport with multi – modal transportation connectivity to hinterland destinations in Nigeria and beyond by marine, rail and road means of transportation: thus providing cargo flow multiplier to ESIC deep seaport to effectively serve more than seven (7) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.”
Okoja stated further that as a gateway deep seaport, the ESIC deep seaport will be able to service all Inland ports along the River Niger when the River Niger Canal project in partnership with Suez Canal Authority (SCA) of Egypt comes on stream. “This canal/International marine highway project is a 600 Kilometres ESIC seaport to Baro in Niger State; a project which will open – up the canal to a depth of 10 meters to enable it to take vessels up to 100,000 metric ton.”
The Chairman MMCC added that the seven (7) direct ESIC project beneficiary states plus Abuja (namely: Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Imo, Anambra, Kogi and Niger States) by their contiguous location in and along the road, rail and marine transportation corridor of ESIC project will be admitted as equity partners of ESIC project and thus have the right of use of ESIC project capacity.
GRANT FARMERS, WOMEN, OTHER NIGERIANS IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES THE RIGHT TO GUN OWNERSHIP NOW, SAYS ACTIVIST ADEBAYO
Nigerian activist and author, Raphael Adebayo, has once again called on the Nigerian Government to liberalize gun ownership, especially for farmers, women, and Nigerians living in remote communities that are most affected by extremist insurgency and other criminal activities.
In a statement released on 27 January 2024, the activist criticized Nigeria’s Firearms Control Act of 1959, stating that only wealthy Nigerians and the political class benefit from the privilege it provides. Adebayo noted that the estimated 6.2 million civilian-owned firearms in Nigeria are in the hands of the few people who are rich and powerful and less likely to be victims of Islamist terrorists and Fulani herdsmen. The activist warned that ‘in these desperate times, the right to bear and keep arms should not merely be a privilege for the moneyed class; it should be a right for every ordinary Nigerian who is of sane mind.’
Adebayo insisted that Nigeria must act quickly to avoid becoming the Mexican state of Guerrero where six-year-old boys are taking up arms to defend their families from drug cartel violence.
However, unlike Mexico where over 30,000 people die annually from kidnappings and criminal violence, the author stated that ‘more than 90,000 Nigerians have died yearly since 2016, mainly because of the escalation of violence by religious extremists, violent ultranationalists, and other criminal groups.’ He further added that Nigeria should learn from Mexico, noting that ‘there is nothing romantic or romanticizable about arming six-year-olds, but there are enough lessons here about the tragedies of social disintegration and state failure that may necessitate the transference or inescapable sharing of dangerous obligations between the old and young, even if they are six years old.’
The activist also mentioned that although ‘roughly 50 million or one in every four Nigerians’ suffer from some form of mental illness, it is not so different from the ‘30% of Ukraine’s 43 million people, 30% of the Czech Republic’s 10.5 million people, nearly 25% of Yemen’s 32 million people, over 25% of Guatemala’s 17 million people, and about 26% or over 80 million Americans,’ all of which are countries where citizens have the right to keep and bear arms for self-defence, hunting, and more.
Adebayo urged the Nigerian government not to refuse liberalizing gun ownership because of mental health, insisting that it should instead focus on making sure there is ‘countrywide access to mental health services, mental health awareness measures, and robust gun control.’ He believes this will make Nigeria much better than South Africa, where civilian gun ownership is legal, but ‘92% of people with common and severe mental health condition are not getting any mental health attention.’
In his conclusion, the activist said government should ‘define the ambits within which citizens may use legally purchased firearms to defend their families and properties,’ starting with farmers and other Nigerians in the middle belt where he recommended ‘permitless carry for a specified period, coupled with the liberalization and commissioning of accessible licensed firearms dealers to stem the current tide of fundamentalist and expansionist barbarism sweeping through the region.’
In remote areas of the south where Fulani herdsmen impose levies on farmers and rape women, Adebayo recommended ‘that any firearms regulation be less strictly applied for a given period, after which an assessment of the situation may be done.’ However, the activist urged the government to implement strict gun laws for the rest of the population, ‘including detailed background checks and a robust background check system, prohibition of convicts and those who may deliberately harm themselves from obtaining firearms, limitations on the type and number of privately owned guns allowed per household or individual, childproofing, microstamping, etc., etc.’
In an investigation that spanned three countries and took several months, former Presidential spokesperson and bestselling author, Reno Omokri, has come out with an exposé documenting the exploitative practices of telecommunications giant MTN and their effect on the economies of multiple sub-Saharan countries.
The exposé traced the economic malaise now afflicting the Ghanaian economy partly to the monopolistic policies of MTN, which had led to an unprecedented capital flight from that beleaguered West African nation.
Last year, Ghana was forced to label MTN a monopoly and slammed heavy fines of $773 million on them for damaging the Ghanaian business environment. MTN went to court, but in October, it was defeated at the Appeals Court, which ruled that the Ghanaian government was right in its classification of MTN.
In Omokri's documentary, titled 'How MTN's Monopoly Destroyed The Ghanaian Economy. And Nigeria Is Next!', the renowned author, travelled to Ghana and interviewed government officials, chambers of commerce operatives, and labour union activists, as well as market women and ordinary Ghanaians.
Ordinary Ghanaians were observed lamenting the erosion of their personal economy by MTN, with a market woman saying, 'All of us in this country now work for MTN'.
Labour leaders complained about MTN's use of interconnectivity rates to stifle other telcos, forcing the government of Ghana to slam a fine of $773 million on MTN. MTN responded by suing the Ghanaian government but lost in court.
Omokri pointed out that whereas all the large and medium-sized African nations where MTN is operating have struggling economies, the fastest growing large economies in Africa, such as Ethiopia and Tanzania, both with an average 6% GDP growth rates, do not have MTN operating in their countries. He opined, with data, that this could not be coincidental.
In the documentary, Kevin Ekow Taylor, one of the most prominent journalists in Ghana, had this to say about MTN's monopolistic practices in Ghana:
"MTN is basically monopolising the system. They have taken advantage of the market too much. It is all because government upon government have given MTN too much room to cheat the Ghanaian."
Every day, an estimated $2 million leaves the Ghanaian economy to South Africa, MTN's home country. That is disastrous for a country with a GDP of less than $80 billion.
Omokri also travelled to Kenya and interviewed a well-known Kenyan activist, Bishop Wycliffe Khaemba, who said as follows:
"The type of things that are happening in Nigeria and Ghana in the telecoms sector can't happen in Kenya, because our government is alive to its responsibilities."
He was referring to Kenya's Information and Communications Act (Interconnection). This legislation is light years ahead of similar legislation in other African nations.
The Kenyan legislation specifically targets preventing a monopoly in the telecommunications industry by requiring "dominant providers to adhere to the principle of non-discrimination. A dominant interconnection provider is obligated to determine the interconnection charges based on objective criteria and to observe the principles of transparency and cost orientation. Failure to comply will result in the CA requesting the interconnection provider to adjust the charges or risk the imposition of a default interconnection charge by the CA."
Omokri's documentary, which has since gone viral, features a prominent U.S. Mayor, Mike Arnold, the elected mayor of Blanco, Texas, who urged Nigeria and Ghana to look inwards, rather than outward to foreign goods and services, especially in the telecommunications sector.
Posted By Reno Omokri On X (Formerly called Twitter)
A trailer hit the personal car of Barr. Asue Ighodalo’s vehicle on Saturday evening, barely three days after he declared his governorship ambition at the PDP Secretariat in Benin City.
In what seemed like a scene from an action movie, the trailer, without license plates, rammed into the back of Barr. Ighodalo’s bus on Sapele Road, causing significant damage and forcing it off the road. Instead of stopping, the trailer raced off into a side street. However, luck was not on the side of the getaway driver, as he ran over a motorcycle, damaging his trailer and rendering it inoperable.
Passers-by managed to apprehend the driver as he abandoned his vehicle and attempted to disappear into the surrounding cluster of back streets.
Fortunately, Barr. Ighodalo, who had attended the burial ceremony of the Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor before the incident, escaped unhurt.
The police have detained the unlicensed trailer and the driver; and are investigating the circumstances behind the accident.
Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) Leads Mark Obisesan’s Defense
Mark Obisesan has begun his defense in the EFCC case, presenting compelling evidence to assert his innocence regarding the travellers cheque found in his possession. The court admitted WhatsApp and Facebook messages by Obisesan, revealing his efforts to seek a refund from the second defendant for unwittingly purchasing a fake check.
Crucially, the court also accepted evidence of Obisesan writing to travelex to verify the authenticity of the travellers cheque, receiving an acknowledgment from the company. Although, the prosecution argued against the admissibility, stating that it wasn’t clear what matter was being discussed in the exchange, he was over-ruled by the Judge after Chief Ayorinde argued that not only was it relevant to the case, the collection of the evidence was in accordance with administration of justice act.
During his testimony, Obisesan maintained that he never used the cheque to attempt any purchases until it was discovered in his possession. Mr Obisesan’s lawyer also tendered a statement of account as evidence of payment of funds for the travelers cheque from his stanbic account to that of the second defendant. This bank statement, one which showed a transaction of 1,850,000 and another of 2,150,000 was admitted as evidence by the judge.
Furthermore, he testified that he had no link whatsoever with the third and fourth defendant and had never met them until his detention by the Efcc.
Conclusively, Obisesan asserted that the EFCC raid on his house was not prompted by suspicions of a fake cheque but rather an erroneous belief that he was involved in internet fraud. He claimed that the EFCC stumbled upon the cheques during the search, which he had kept with the intention of returning them to the vendor for a refund.
Hon Akin Alabi Extends Heartfelt Sympathies to Victims of Ibadan Explosion, Appeals for Support.
The Chairman, Committee on Works, House of Representatives and member representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Hon Akin Alabi, expresses deep condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims and families affected by yesterday’s tragic explosion in Ibadan.
The explosion which occurred yesterday, Tuesday, January 16, 2024, has left a profound impact on parts of Ibadan, causing immense grief and distress. Hon Akin Alabi acknowledges the pain and suffering experienced by those affected and stands in solidarity with the residents of Ibadan during this challenging time.
In a statement, Hon Akin Alabi stated, "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families affected by the devastating explosion in Ibadan. This is a moment of immense sorrow for our community, and we must come together to support those in need and work towards the recovery and rebuilding process."
While the cause of the explosion is still being ascertained, Hon Akin Alabi has been actively engaged with local authorities and relief organizations to ensure that swift and comprehensive assistance reaches those affected by the tragedy. He emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation in the face of adversity, urging Ibadan residents to stand strong together.
As part of his commitment to aiding recovery efforts, Hon Akin Alabi is coordinating with relevant stakeholders to provide financial support, medical assistance, and essential supplies to the affected individuals and families.
The office of Hon Akin Alabi encourages the public to join in the relief efforts by contributing to the ongoing initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected by the explosion.
HUNDREDS of students lit up the King Kpadia Royal Square Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State on Saturday, 13 January 2023, when the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation announced more than 1,000 awardees of its 2023/2024 Education Support Scheme, a continuation of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s investment in education and human capacity development, generally, over the years.
The 2023 beneficiaries of the Scheme comprised 300 undergraduates from Bayelsa West Senatorial District; 300 undergraduates of Bayelsa State origin from all the universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in the State, who are on first class or second class upper standing, the high fliers and others the Committee deemed eligible. They got N40,000 each.
Other beneficiaries were students in Master’s degree programmes. They got N50,000 each. PhD candidates, and 80 Nigerian Law School students from Bayelsa State’s three Senatorial Districts received N100,000 each.
A 22-member Committee which Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, Acting Vice Chancellor University of Africa, Toru-Orua, chaired with Professor Tawari Fufeyin, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Hensard University, Toru-Orua, as Co-Chairperson, Professor Christine Odi, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Niger Delta University, Vice-Chairperson, and Dr.
Akpoebi Adesi, Registrar, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Secretary, screened thousands of applications that were received.
A breakdown of the distribution of the awards-
a. Bayelsa West Senatorial District
Sagbama LGA: 150
Ekeremor LGA: 150
Total 300
b. High Flyers (Bayelsans on First Class & 2nd Class Upper Standing)
University of Africa Toru-Orua,129
Niger Delta University (NDU), 51
Bayelsa Medical University, 48
Federal University Otuoke, 25
IJB College of Education, 25
Bayelsa State Polytechnic, 25
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, 25
Total 328
c. Candidates on Master’s Degree Programmes
Sagbama LGA: 46
Ekeremor LGA: 33
Total 79
d. Candidates on PhD Programmes
Sagbama LGA: 29
Ekeremor LGA: 16
Total 45
e. Nigerian Law School Beneficiaries
Bayelsa State origin from the three Senatorial Districts 80.
Other awardees included secondary school students who got special considerations. Jayland Royal Schools, Toru-Orua, a childhood educational centre, in the community, whose standards, Senator Dickson said impressed him, would get support for the development of its facilities.
Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who represented Governor Douye Diri, spoke glowingly of the innovative contributions in education that Senator Dickson made as Governor of Bayelsa.
He tasked the students to make the best use of the opportunities education offers.
The Royal Father of the Day was HRM King Seiyifa Koroye, Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom while High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, a former diplomat, chaired the event.
Senator Dickson challenged the recipients to embrace education for self-development and as the best form of empowerment for it is capable of transforming families through generations.
The former Governor promised more grants and scholarships in agriculture, technology and film-making, areas he said were at at the fore-front of development. He called on individuals and corporate organisations to support the educational programmes of the Foundation.
Awardees were grateful and prayed for successes of their benefactor.
Senator Dickson also announced the commencement of Hensard University, which is located at a shouting distance from the venue of the event. The university, he said, would lead cutting-edge learning, research and practical impacting of skills through its international linkages and collaborations to produce entrepreneurs and wealth creators.
The Senator Henry Seriake Dickson Education Support Scheme in 2022 gave grants to 600 undergraduates and all Bayelsa State students at the Nigeria Law School. It is sponsored by the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, HSDF.
In line with its mission of empowering businesses and young innovators across Africa, HabariPay's Squad has announced the launch of its first-ever hackathon, "Take on Squad Hackathon 1.0." The social coding event is scheduled to hold on January 19th and 20th 2023, at the state-of-the-art GTCO Training Complex, Tayo's Plaza, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Take on Squad Hackathon 1.0 is targeted at young innovators in universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria and challenges competing teams to create innovative solutions to problems within their immediate community as well as the wider society. Essentially, the hackathon is designed to impact young Nigerians positively by providing a platform to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators with transformative technological capabilities, enabling them to collaboratively develop practical, innovative tech solutions and refine their coding skills. Participants in the hackathon will have the exclusive opportunity to leverage Squad's cutting-edge APIs in executing their ideas.
The two-day event promises to be actioned-packed, featuring intense coding sessions on day one followed by product demos, panel discussions and the announcement of winners on day two. The team with the most innovative idea will be awarded N2.5 million, the first runner up will get N1.5 million, while the third placed team gets N1 million. Additionally, the top 3 teams will have the unique opportunity to join the Squad Hackademy, where they will receive mentorship and access internships and job opportunities facilitated by Squad.
Commenting on the inaugural Take on Squad Hackathon, Eduofon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay Ltd, said: "We strongly believe in the power of young minds to drive positive change in the society. This is reflected in our approach to providing simple, innovative solutions to everyday problems faced by small and mid-sized businesses across Africa with Squad. The Take on Squad Hackathon is the first of many initiatives to offer young, enterprising students a platform to engage meaningfully with technology and showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities."
Registration is still ongoing for the Take on Squad Hackathon 1.0. Interested teams (of not more than 4 members per team) are welcome to apply at https://squadco.com/hackathon/
EDO CENTRAL PDP SPECIAL COMMITTEE ADJOURNS SCREENING OF ASPIRANTS; ORDIA, MARCUS SHELVE AMBITIONS – DECLARE SUPPORT FOR ASUE IGHODALO
The Edo Central People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Special Committee has adjourned the screening of the governorship aspirants from the Senatorial zone, originally scheduled for today, to Wednesday, January 10, 2024. This decision was reached during the committee’s meeting, which took place on Saturday at the Igueben residence of the National leader, High Chief, Tom Ikimi.
Among the aspirants present at the meeting were Barrister Anselm Ojiezua, Senator Clifford Ordia, Honorable John Yakubu, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi, and Barrister Asue Ighodalo.
In a press statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, AMB. Tony Okonigene, ANIVS, RSV, High Chief Tom Ikimi, the Chairman of the Special Committee, expressed his appreciation to the aspirants for their dedication to the party and the Esan people. He also read a letter from one of the aspirants, Right Honorable Marcus Onobun, who informed the committee that he had decided to suspend his aspiration and support Barrister Asue Ighodalo instead. It was noted that another aspirant, Honorable Felix Akhabue, also known as Joefel, was absent from the meeting without providing any communication to the committee.
The Chairman then requested the present aspirants to address the committee regarding the outcomes of their further consultations. Barrister Anselm Ojiezua stated that he was still in the process of consulting and was awaiting the committee’s decision. Honorable John Yakubu expressed his willingness to submit himself to the committee’s conclusion.
Senator Clifford Ordia emphasized the need for personal sacrifices in the interest of the party and then surprised the assembly when he suddenly announced his decision to withdraw from the race and support Barrister Asue Ighodalo.
The endorsement of Barr. Ighodalo by Hon. Onobun and Sen. Odia brings to four the number of Edo Central PDP governorship aspirants who have chosen to step down in favor of Ighodalo, a development that significantly bolsters his chances ahead of the PDP’s primaries scheduled for February 3rd. Rt. Hon. Friday Itulah and Hon. Kenneth Ahbulimen had a couple of days earlier announced their withdrawals from the race and had also pledged to support to Barr. Ighodalo.
Barrister Asue Ighodalo thanked Hon. Marcus and Sen. Odia for their endorsements; commended the Committee for their personal sacrifices and pledged his continued alignment with them and whatever decision they arrive at.
Barr. Asue Ighodalo, a banker, lawyer, and former chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigerian Breweries, is fast becoming the leading PDP guber aspirant as his campaign gathers popular support within his party; despite joining active politics fairly recently.
Ighodalo is set to officially flag off his campaign on the 12th of January, 2024.
Hensard University: Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation Rolls Out Agricultural Entrepreneurship Scholarships
THE Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, HSDF, in continuation of its commitment to enhancing human capital development, has rolled out special scholarships in Agricultural Entrepreneurship in the five programmes of its Faculty of Agriculture. Candidates who have written JAMB and are qualified for on-going admission into the 2023/2024 academic session can apply for the scholarships which are tenable for these programmes at Hensard University:
B.Sc. Agricultural Economics and Extension Services B.Sc. Agronomy B.Sc. Animal Production and Husbandry B.Sc. Fisheries and Aquaculture B.Sc. Forestry and Wildlife Management The scholarships cover tuition for the entire programme leading to the award of the B.Sc. degree. Successful candidates are to pay for hostel accommodation and registration fees only.
In a statement, the statement. HSDF said that the scholarships for studies in Agriculture was aimed at fast tracking the eradication of poverty and hunger.
"The vision is to use agriculture, enhanced by modern practices and technologies to ameliorate unemployment, poverty, food scarcity and hunger, the Foundation's statement read. WHY STUDY AGRICULTURE AT HENSARD UNIVERSITY?
· Hensard University programmes are designed to equip students with practical, industry-based experience, in addition to high standards of academic training. · Hensard University students will be prepared for post-graduate life in sustainable development and production of food, wealth and job creation using entrepreneurial and practical training. · Hensard University students will benefit from international linkages and collaborations which will avail them cutting-edge knowledge and technologies. · Hensard University’s international exchange programmes will expose the students to the latest developments and practices in their specialisations. · Hensard University students will be trained to be employers of labour, even before graduation.
HSDF ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HENSARD UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION SCHOOL HSDF also announced scholarships for candidates who want to attend Hensard University Foundation School either to prepare for qualifying examinations such as JAMB, WAEC, NECO, GCE or are not yet placed in a university. Students who pass through the Foundation School could gain admission to Hensard University if they meet the requirements.
The scholarships cover tuition fees for the one-year Foundation programme. Successful candidates are expected to pay for hostel accommodation and registration fees only. There will be qualifying tests for both scholarship programmes. The date will be announced. Applications for the scholarships should be made within 7 days of the publication. Forms are available, free, on Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation website https://henryseriakedicksonfoundation.com/scholarship/agric-scholarship/
$110m Fine: BATN Restates Commitment to Comply with Nigeria’s Laws, Makes Payments
The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has clarified that it has paid the fine imposed on it and its affiliates by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and declared that it “remains committed to operating in compliance with the laws of Nigeria.”
BATN made this clarification yesterday in a public statement titled: ‘BATN’s Response to the FCCPC Fine’.
The statement reads: “In response to recent reports regarding the FCCPC decision, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) wishes to clarify its position as follows:
“BATN previously disclosed the investigation mentioned by the FCCPC in its year-end 2022 Annual Report and most recently in our Half-Year Report for the six months to 30 June 2023.
“In December 2022, the FCCPC entered into a consent order, terminating the mentioned investigation and associated proceedings. British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited and British American Tobacco Marketing (Nigeria) Limited have made payments to settle the penalty.
“BAT Nigeria acknowledges the mentioned monitorship and awareness campaigns and has cooperated fully with the FCCPC’s appointed service providers. BAT remains committed to operating in compliance with the laws of Nigeria.”
Rivers State Government officially recognizes Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaehwule of APC as the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly as seen in Page 5 of the Programme of the Rivers State Banquet that was held at Rivers State Government House on Monday to celebrate the New Year.
Moreover, the resignation of Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie as Speaker and member of Rivers State House of Assembly automatically means that the Rivers State High Court would strike out his case against Rt. Hon. Amaewhule, and pronounce Amaewhule the Speaker of the House.
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has distributed gifts to the representatives of various communities in Bayelsa West Senatorial District on Thursday, 28 December 2023, in Yenagoa, the State capital.
Cash, rice, cooking oil, were distributed to over Ten Thousand of his constituents as part of the 2023 out-reach programmes of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation.
The programme that has been on for years was to alleviate the economic hardship of his constituents in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
“I am aware of how hard the times are. No matter how hard the times, we can help each other participate in the festivities that end the year,” Senator Dickson had said in an interview earlier.
“We have held this programme for years and 2023 would not have been different”. The items were delivered in an inclusive manner that ensured that a certain number of women, elderly people, youths, and special cases were accommodated in every community.
Chairman of Bayelsa West Youth Congress, BWYC, Comrade Ebide Brown appreciated Senator Dickson’s gesture. “We are happy that our Senator has reached out to his people. He has shown again that he is a father to all and this gesture will go a long way to enable our people in Bayelsa West join in the celebration,” he said.
While thanking the former Governor for donating the rice and cash to them, the Ekeremor Co-ordinator of BWYC, Alhaji Letugbene prayed God to bless him and restated the people’s commitment to Senator Dickson.
“This gesture by our leader and father is one that brings so much joy and smiles to the faces of our people. Remember that this period is one that we are supposed to show love and Senator Dickson has done just that. The people love him and are grateful to him for remembering them during the yuletide,” he noted.
Making the presentation of the items, and cash, Mr. Jeff Ebimobowei-Amasuomo said Senator Dickson had shown he was aware of the plight of the people and remained committed to assuaging their pains even during the festive period when people ought to be celebrating. He described Senator Dickson as a father and leader who is dedicated and committed to the welfare and upliftment of his people, saying little wonder he was giving quality representation at the National Assembly.
Receiving the bags of rice and cash gifts on behalf of their communities, Barr. Billy Tobiyei, former Ekeremor Local Government Area Chairman, Barr. Awipi Odudu, Hon. Ebiowei Miller, Chairman, Opuokede Creek Rural Development Authority, Hon. Omoku Pena and Mr. Jonah Gede thanked Senator Dickson for extending his benevolence to Bayelsa West.
They emphasised that the philanthropic gesture by Senator Dickson, who they fondly refer to as The Ofuruma Pepe, The Great White Shark, had placed him in their hearts perpetually, while he called on other individuals from the area and State to emulate him.
Senator Dickson had at different engagements with the people thanked them for their support for him, the Governor, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the recent elections in the State. “Thank you for standing with us during the elections. Without your support the story would have been different,” he had said.
Senator Dickson had at different engagements with the people thanked them for their support for him, the Governor, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the recent elections in the State. “Thank you for standing with us during the elections. Without your support the story would have been different,” he had said.
Senator Dickson, who his successor Governor Douye Diri has praised for his exemplary maturity and leadership that stabilised the politics of the State, as against the succession turmoil in other places, also thanked his constituents for the peace in their various communities and asked them to maintain it.ke Dickson has distributed gifts to the representatives of various communities in Bayelsa West Senatorial District on Thursday, 28 December 2023, in Yenagoa, the State capital.
Cash, rice, cooking oil, were distributed to over Ten Thousand of his constituents as part of the 2023 out-reach programmes of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation.
The programme that has been on for years was to alleviate the economic hardship of his constituents in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
“I am aware of how hard the times are. No matter how hard the times, we can help each other participate in the festivities that end the year,” Senator Dickson had said in an interview earlier.
“We have held this programme for years and 2023 would not have been different”. The items were delivered in an inclusive manner that ensured that a certain number of women, elderly people, youths, and special cases were accommodated in every community.
Chairman of Bayelsa West Youth Congress, BWYC, Comrade Ebide Brown appreciated Senator Dickson’s gesture. “We are happy that our Senator has reached out to his people. He has shown again that he is a father to all and this gesture will go a long way to enable our people in Bayelsa West join in the celebration,” he said.
While thanking the former Governor for donating the rice and cash to them, the Ekeremor Co-ordinator of BWYC, Alhaji Letugbene prayed God to bless him and restated the people’s commitment to Senator Dickson.
“This gesture by our leader and father is one that brings so much joy and smiles to the faces of our people. Remember that this period is one that we are supposed to show love and Senator Dickson has done just that. The people love him and are grateful to him for remembering them during the yuletide,” he noted.
Making the presentation of the item and cash, Mr. Jeff Ebimobowei-Amasuomo said Senator Dickson had shown he was aware of the plight of the people and remained committed to assuaging their pains even during the festive period when people ought to be celebrating. He described Senator Dickson as a father and leader who is dedicated and committed to the welfare and upliftment of his people, saying little wonder he was giving quality representation at the National Assembly.
Receiving the bags of rice and cash gifts on behalf of their communities, Barr. Billy Tobiyei, former Ekeremor Local Government Area Chairman, Barr. Awipi Odudu, Hon. Ebiowei Miller, Chairman, Opuokede Creek Rural Development Authority, Hon. Omoku Pena and Mr. Jonah Gede thanked Senator Dickson for extending his benevolence to Bayelsa West.
They emphasised that the philanthropic gesture by Senator Dickson, who they fondly refer to as The Ofuruma Pepe, The Great White Shark, had placed him in their hearts perpetually, while he called on other individuals from the area and State to emulate him.
Senator Dickson had at different engagements with the people thanked them for their support for him, the Governor, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the recent elections in the State. “Thank you for standing with us during the elections. Without your support, the story would have been different,” he had said.
Senator Dickson, who his successor Governor Douye Diri has praised for his exemplary maturity and leadership that stabilised the politics of the State, as against the succession turmoil in other places, also thanked his constituents for the peace in their various communities and asked them to maintain it.
#AManForChristmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClOyVsEuHz4?si=xZD-Kcb_I0GtBK-L has premiered on YouTube . A @Gillsentertainment Production by @GillsOkeke Join the Gills Glam Christmas challenge to win #50,000 or $50:00 gift cards . 12 winners will be selected . Follow @Gillsentertainment on Facebook and IG Follow @Gills_okeke on Twitter Subscribe to the YouTube page on https://youtube.com/@GillsEntertainment-zr6mh?si=3twq7cQl829uE7LW… Post a picture of you and your sweetheart or bestie watching #AManForChristmas. You should be dressed in your Christmas best. And use the hashtags #AmanForChristmas and #GillsglamChristmas in your caption and comments .
To support the most vulnerable Lagosians, the Lagos State Government has again presented cheques to 103 Lagos indigent residents in line with the present administration's commitment to uplift the marginalised and provide relief during challenging times.
Presenting the cheques to the Beneficiaries on Wednesday at Alausa on behalf of the Special Adviser, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe expressed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's unwavering dedication towards the welfare of the indigent Lagosians. She said that the funds being disbursed through the financial assistance programme will enable the indigents to meet their essential needs such as healthcare, education, housing and small business ventures.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that the financial assistance requests being received at the office daily are numerous, hence the need to meticulously process and identify individuals who fulfil the criteria to aid and ensure that the support reaches those who truly deserve it.
Kosegbe averred that people with health challenges are being given priority in the financial assistance scheme to ensure that they get the required treatment for their health challenges as soon as possible While urging all the beneficiaries to register on the Lagos State Health Management Scheme (LASHMA), she added that the Office is putting plans in place to pre-register all beneficiaries on the Lagos State Health Management Scheme (LASHMA) for maximum and quality health care.
Speaking on other activities of the Office, the Permanent Secretary urged all present to log onto the CitizensGate 2.0 (CGV2.0) Platform and interface with the Lagos State Government by making enquiries, lodging complaints, and giving suggestions as well as commendations.
While explaining how the platform works, Kosegbe further said that the CitizensGate 2.0 (CGV2.0) Platform is tailored towards taking governance to the doorstep of Lagosians irrespective of their social class for all-inclusive governance, bringing governance closer to the governed, delivering political and social benefits to all Lagosians.
The newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to Mr. Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Mr. Saheed Balogun and some Directors in the Office were also in attendance during the presentation of cheques.
Outgoing President of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) Mr Moses Siasia has expressed worry that Nigeria’s political class will in no distant time, face the consequences of the high rate of young people migrating out of the country in search greener pastures abroad.
Siasia who stated this on Friday in Abuja while officially stepping aside in a Hand Over Ceremony of the NYPF leadership to new President David Osadolor, lamented that majority of young people exiting the country do so through illegal routes. “Up to 75% of those who find themselves stuck up in the Mediterranean sea are Nigerians,” he said.
He referenced that the criminal venture of ‘yahoo Yahoo’ (cybercrime) has become almost inevitable because there are “no proper sustainable economic plans for young people”.
Siasia further stressed that young people form the bulk of the weight of those projecting Nigeria’s global image and advancement of the country’s Gross National Product (GDP).
He noted that in its 10 years of existence, the NYPF has spread across 15 countries, uniting over two million young people. He added that at least 2,963 young people have been able to secure employment both home and abroad under the platform, while 886 got access to grants to go into lucrative businesses.
While noting that the NYPF is encouraging young people doing well abroad to come back home and invest, Siasia added that one of the NYPF’s flagship program – the annual Niger Delta MSME Summit, is strategically set out to create opportunities for young people to become self-reliant.
He appreciated former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Dr. Ifie Sekibo, former Managing Director of Heritage Bank, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and many others for their support to the NYPF.
In his breif remarks, the brand new NYPF President noted that Nigeria as a developing nation cannot grow without vibrant SMEs, a sector which he described as critical to the survival of the nation.
He said he is coming on board to expand on NYPF’s sustainability goals, and building on the “three i’s Innovation, Industry and Infrastructure”.
Speaking on the capacity of young Nigerians, Osadolor referenced Victor Osimhen and Assisat Oshoala’s feat at the recently held CAF Awards in which Nigeria made giant strides.
“It is a rare privilege to sit here and receive this handover from the outgoing President, Moses Siasia. I’ve followed the forum closely for the past 10 years and Siasia has been an inspiration to me.My life has always been about service and I see this as an opportunity to serve,” he said.
Other members of the newly constituted leadership of the NYPF are: Zahila Lawal (Vice President North); Victor Sameria (Vice President South); Gerald So-George (Advisor); Mayor Ndukaku (Legal Aid).
Peace Mass Transit (PMT), one of Nigeria's foremost transport companies, has announced the successful completion of a comprehensive refresher training programme for 1,000 of its drivers.
The training, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), reaffirmed PMT's commitment to safety and customer satisfaction during the holiday season and beyond.
The exercise, which commenced on October 19, 2023, and ended on December 6, was conducted at PMT's Emene workshop in Enugu and covered a diverse range of essential topics.
The programme, developed in partnership with FRSC and PMT's safety and customer service departments, focused on defensive driving techniques, adherence to traffic rules and regulations, vehicle maintenance, road signs and markings, speed limits, lane discipline, accident prevention and management, passenger rights and responsibilities, and communication skills.
Mr. Nnamdi Asadu, the head of operations at PMT, underscored the significance of this initiative in ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users.
He stressed PMT's consistent dedication to driver training since its establishment in 1994, with this exercise serving as a timely refresher to align drivers with the latest industry trends and best practices.
During his address, Mr. Asadu urged the drivers to leverage the knowledge gained during the training and apply it diligently to their daily operations. He emphasised PMT's zero-tolerance policy for any indiscipline or negligence that could compromise customer safety or tarnish the company's reputation.
Expressing gratitude to the FRSC for their collaboration, Mr.Nnamdi Asadu commended the drivers for their dedication and professionalism.
He assured them of PMT's continued support through incentives and welfare packages to motivate them to provide excellent service.
Mr. Asadu extended an invitation to the public to choose PMT as their preferred transportation option, highlighting the company's reputation for reliability, affordability, and safety across Nigeria.
PMT boasts a fleet of over 3,000 well-maintained buses equipped with modern amenities such as speed limiters, air conditioning, televisions, and tracking devices.
To further enhance the customer experience, PMT operates a dedicated customer care unit to address complaints and feedback from passengers. The company also offers an online booking platform, allowing customers to conveniently purchase tickets and access information about PMT's services.
As the festive season approaches, Peace Mass Transit remains steadfast in its commitment to providing safe and customer-centric travel experiences.
The successful completion of the FRSC training reinforces PMT's position as a leader in the transportation industry, ensuring passengers can trust in the company's dedication to their well-being.
Dangote Oil Refining Company says its plant is awaiting the second shipment of barrels of crude in three weeks after it received its maiden one million barrels on Friday.
The company, in a statement, said the STASCO vessel sailed to the refinery’s single-point mooring, where it was discharged into the refinery’s crude oil from the Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited.
The PUNCH reports that the first crude feedstock for Dangote’s 650,000 b/d refinery has arrived in the country, according to SP Global quoting market sources and tanker tracking data.
The analytical firm said the development indicated that fuel production at the new $19 billion facility is finally set to start after years of delays.
According to the report; the OTIS tanker loaded a 950,000-barrel cargo of Agbami crude on Dec. 6 and was discharged at the refinery’s terminal on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had said the plant would start production with 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude.
In the statement, the firm said the inaugural one million barrels, representing the first phase of the six million barrels to be supplied to the refinery by a range of suppliers, should sustain the initial 350,000 bpd to be processed by the facility.
The refinery said it will receive the next four cargoes — to be supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited — in two or three weeks.
“The next four cargoes will be supplied by the NNPC in two to three weeks and the final of the six cargoes will be supplied by ExxonMobil.
“This supply will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit.
Edo 2024: LP Aspirant Omorodion Plans Economic Stimulation Through Agriculture
Ahead of the 2024 governorship polls, one of the foremost aspirants on the platform of Labour Party, Prince Egbe Humphrey Omorodion has assured that he would tap into the potentials of the agricultural sector to fight food insecurity, engage teeming youths of the state and attract foreign investment if elected the governor of the state next year.
Omorodion emphasized that the state is blessed with numerous potentials, ranging from arable farm land, human and material resources as well friendly climate that could reposition agriculture as an alternative to oil economy.
Omorodion who is the chairman of Labour Party UK Chapter while speaking with newsmen recently in Benin, Edo State capital took a swipe at previous administrations for not doing enough to increase the IGR through the agriculture sector, rather, relying on allocation from the federal government.
He promised to reduce unemployment by about 70% if elected the governor, attract foreign direct investment and fight youth restiveness, adding that he would deploy modern technology to arouse the interest of youths of Edo in agriculture and attain food sufficiency.
He said, "If by the grace of God the people of Edo benevolently choose me as their next governor, we will hit the ground running by establishing Job Centre Offices which will serve as a point of contact for direct job seekers who will then be enrolled in centres for skills acquisition and employment.
"We will engage in massive agricultural revolution programme to combat hunger, poverty and unemployment. This will birth a paradigm shift in farming methods to attract youth to farming.
"We are aiming to reduce unemployment by more than 70% in two to three years by engaging youth in the agricultural facilities and opportunities around the state.
"My administration will make Edo the food basket of Nigeria by creating several industries around food production and processing, value addition, and marketing. As it is done across the world, we will subsidise food production", he noted.
In the area of health, he promised to adopt the free UK-style comprehensive healthcare for elderly above 65 years old, in addition to putting mechanism in place for affordable healthcare for all Edo citizens irrespective of social status.
He pledged to prioritize the Edo youth in his administration, emphasizing that his agricultural and industrialization plans would be a pivotal step toward emancipating Nigerian youths.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the youths actively participate in and benefit from the state's wealth and blessings.
Operatives of the Tantita Security Services Limited, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have arrested a massive vessel in the coastal waters of Ondo States.
Authoritative sources stated with video evidence that the suspected vessel was sighted off the coast of Ondo State while loading crude from a Well Head.
Investigations revealed that a combined team of Soldiers, men of the NSDC and Tantita operatives accosted the vessel which had naval personnel on board.
It was gathered that the Naval personnel refused a request by the NNPC that the vessel be moved to the NNPC jetty at Oporoza for a joint inspection.
However, a source stated that naval operatives on the vessel resisted the request insisting that the Navy was the one which arrested the vessel and was escorting it to one of its bases.
The source said that the Naval operatives have been shooting all day thereby causing yet another stand-off between Tantita, the Army and Navy.
The source said that the Tantita operatives who are enforcing the a pipeline protection contract with the NNPC and the Federal Government became worried when the Navy insisted that the vessel should not be taken for joint inspection.
Video evidence provided by our sources revealed that the Naval operatives fired barrage of repeated shots to ward off the Tantita operatives and soldiers from accessing the vessel.
Already there is mounting anxiety as of the time of filing this report that the vessel might disappear without trace in the dead of night.
A group of lawyers and activists have submitted a petition to the President of the Court of Appeal, security chiefs, and other relevant authorities on what they described as the party’s anti-democratic moves, which they insisted must not be allowed to stand.
They petitioners had alleged clandestine moves by the Social Democratic Party and its Governorship candidate to file their petition against the outcome of the November 11 poll through the backdoor and backdate same.
According to the lawyers, they insisted that from their investigations at the Registry of the Kogi State Governorship Election Tribunal, at the High Court premises, in Lokoja, no petition had been filed by the SDP candidate as at Tuesday, 5th of December, 23 days after the declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
In recent days, Twitter has been buzzing with a whirlwind of accusations and counter-accusations involving alleged financial misconduct at the highest levels of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). These developments stem from ongoing investigations conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS) and a specially appointed investigator, tasked by President Tinubu, to delve into the operations of the CBN under the leadership of Godwin Emefiele.
The investigations are poised to scrutinize nearly every facet of the bank’s operations, bringing into question the activities of its top officials during their regular duties. However, what has become particularly intriguing is the emergence of smear campaigns on social media platforms. It appears that human nature’s propensity to engage in self-destructive behaviors is on full display.
Social media battalions have commandeered the blogosphere, engaging in a back-and-forth of allegations and counter-allegations. One notable instance occurred when Kingsley Obiora, the Director-General of Economic Policy, was detained for questioning. A vocal faction rushed to his defense, asserting that his detention was motivated by tribal considerations, citing his status as the sole economist on the team. This argument seemed to imply that this fact absolved him or others from any potential wrongdoing.
The situation has evolved into a contest to sway public opinion, with the less discerning readily accepting information without critical analysis. In reality, what is unfolding is a response to a presidential directive to investigate the entire bank, not just individual officials.
Recently, there have been clearly sponsored tweets aimed at tarnishing the reputation of DG Aishah Ahmad, the youngest and only female Director-General at the CBN. These allegations would be shocking if they weren’t so patently false. Aishah Ahmad, a highly educated, renowned banker with an impeccable pedigree, has built a solid reputation for professionalism while leading numerous financial institutions. There’s no reason to believe that her leadership at the Central Bank would be any different.
It’s important to recognize that those vehemently fighting to divert attention from themselves are often those with the most to hide. The public should view these smear campaigns for what they are: baseless attempts to distract from the ongoing investigations. It is imperative to allow the authorities to carry out their duties without undue interference.
The House committee on Works, led by Hon. Akin Alabi hosted a joint committee public hearing on the use of concrete for road projects in Nigeria.
The hearing was well attended by representatives of the Ministry of Works, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Bitumen importers, Nigerian Building & Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Nigerian Society of Civil Engineers, Contractors and other stakeholders.
Chairman of the House Committee on works, Hon Akin Alabi declared in his opening remarks that the committee remains neutral and the hearing is for all stakeholders to provide their input on the issue, if it is necessary and cost effective to move to concrete roads from the more popular asphalt solution. Hon Alabi reiterated that the House will need this fact gathering exercise to appropriate funds to the Ministry in the upcoming budget defense process.
The House Whip, Hon Usman Bello Kumo represented the Speaker of the House at the committee, in the Speaker’s speech, he stated the importance of the public hearing in order to introduce transparency to the process and help the executive receive the required feedback from stakeholders and the public.
The Ministry of Works team led by Engineer Kuti made the first presentation explaining why the ministry opted to move to rigid pavement (concrete) as against the flexible pavement (bitumen/asphalt) on some major roads, he clarified that not all projects will move to concrete but he argued that concrete roads are cheaper to make and more durable in the long run, he also said that the fact that cement can be locally sourced will reduce pressure on foreign exchange.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers team was led by its ex President and Chairman of the board of trustees, Engineer Emeka Eze. In his speech he said the most important thing is the quality control, design, planning and procurement process rather than rigid/flexible pavements. He also stated that the House did not need to wade into the process as it is an executive decision.
The Committee chairman, Hon Akin Alabi then corrected Engineer Eze on the constitutional provision for the House to investigate all executive decisions that require the use of public funds.
Other Stakeholders also contributed to the debate, the Nigerian Building & Road Research Institute (NBRRI) representative stated that we have only 3% rigid pavement all over the world and Asphalt is the most popular choice for governments and contractors even in countries that are under water. He said that Germany had this debate 50 years ago and ended up choosing flexible pavement and we should focus on research on soil type and geographical differences across the country instead.
Gradient Bitumen, a Major importer of Bitumen into Nigeria made a presentation that the bitumen they import are of the highest standards and are certified per global requirements, they added that they do not want to delve into the debate but to clearly state that the standard of the bitumen in use in the Country.
The Founder of Greenville LNG is making his submission stated that Concrete roads is double the cost of Asphalt roads, and anyone that says otherwise is lying, he added that some contractors do not have the equipment or technical know how to switch to concrete overnight and the financial cost of rigid pavement will be too much for Nigeria in the middle of a fiscal crisis. In his opinion it’s important to fund ongoing projects instead of pipe dreams.
Hon Alabi in his concluding comments said that what he has gotten from the hearing is that quality assurance, procurement process, funding, technical know how and design is more important than rigid or flexible. He said during their tour of ongoing projects they saw bad asphalt roads and also cement roads that are already failing in the middle of construction, there are also good asphalt roads and good concrete projects. He concluded that the committee will present a report from the public hearing to the house for a resolution to be made.
In recent days, Twitter has been buzzing with a whirlwind of accusations and counter-accusations involving alleged financial misconduct at the highest levels of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). These developments stem from ongoing investigations conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS) and a specially appointed investigator, tasked by President Tinubu, to delve into the operations of the CBN under the leadership of Godwin Emefiele.
The investigations are poised to scrutinize nearly every facet of the bank’s operations, bringing into question the activities of its top officials during their regular duties. However, what has become particularly intriguing is the emergence of smear campaigns on social media platforms. It appears that human nature’s propensity to engage in self-destructive behaviors is on full display.
Social media battalions have commandeered the blogosphere, engaging in a back-and-forth of allegations and counter-allegations. One notable instance occurred when Kingsley Obiora, the Director-General of Economic Policy, was detained for questioning. A vocal faction rushed to his defense, asserting that his detention was motivated by tribal considerations, citing his status as the sole economist on the team. This argument seemed to imply that this fact absolved him or others from any potential wrongdoing.
The situation has evolved into a contest to sway public opinion, with the less discerning readily accepting information without critical analysis. In reality, what is unfolding is a response to a presidential directive to investigate the entire bank, not just individual officials.
Recently, there have been clearly sponsored tweets aimed at tarnishing the reputation of DG Aishah Ahmad, the youngest and only female Director-General at the CBN. These allegations would be shocking if they weren’t so patently false. Aishah Ahmad, a highly educated, renowned banker with an impeccable pedigree, has built a solid reputation for professionalism while leading numerous financial institutions. There’s no reason to believe that her leadership at the Central Bank would be any different.
It’s important to recognize that those vehemently fighting to divert attention from themselves are often those with the most to hide. The public should view these smear campaigns for what they are: baseless attempts to distract from the ongoing investigations. It is imperative to allow the authorities to carry out their duties without undue interference.
One of the standout features of the itel A70 is its powerful 13MP super HDR camera and its budget-friendly price point.
The More Than Awesome itel A70 has revolutionized the smartphone landscape since its release in October, setting new standards for affordable and reliable smartphones. Redefining your smartphone experience, the budget-friendly itel A70 effortlessly outshines the competition, making it the ultimate choice for users in the market for something affordable.
Affordability Meets Innovation: itel A70’s Key Features
One of the standout features of the itel A70 is its powerful 13MP super HDR camera.
Capture vibrant and vivid details effortlessly, ensuring that every moment is preserved in stunning clarity. The affordability factor is further enhanced by the three memory capacity options available: 128GB ROM + 3GB RAM priced at an affordable 69,700 naira, 128GB ROM + 4GB RAM for only 81,500 naira, and 256GB storage + 12GB RAM for only 85,800 naira.
With such expansive storage options, users can embark on endless adventures, capture priceless moments, and never worry about running out of space.
Boasting a generous 6.6-inch screen, the itel A70 brings your phone’s content closer, providing an immersive visual experience like never before. This feature makes the itel A70 an enticing choice for users who crave a comprehensive smartphone encounter. The sleek aesthetic of the itel A70’s design ensures a smooth and comfortable hold, enhancing the overall user experience. Available in four stunning colors—Stylish Black, Field Green, Azure Blue, and Brilliant Gold—the itel A70 caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
Long-Lasting Power: Unleash Your Day with itel A70’s Robust Battery
Fuelling the itel A70 is a robust 5,000mAh battery, ensuring sustained performance throughout your day. Whether you’re into multimedia, gaming, or work demands, the A70 delivers without compromising longevity. Say goodbye to frequent recharging and hello to a seamless smartphone experience.
Discover Excellence with itel: A True Masterpiece for Android Enthusiasts
itel’s commitment to crafting innovative, budget-friendly devices has solidified its position as a household name. The itel A70 stands as a true masterpiece, offering an unparalleled combination of affordability, reliability, and cutting-edge features. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your smartphone experience with itel A70 – your ultimate choice for a reliable and affordable Android device.
WEMA BANK SIGNS $50million CREDIT FACILITY WITH ECOWAS BANK FOR INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (EBID)
Nigeria’s foremost financial institution and leading innovator, Wema Bank, has signed a credit facility of $50,000,000 with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID); funds reserved specifically to support and promote empowerment initiatives for Wema Bank’s diverse customers. This revolutionary event held on Monday, November 20, 2023, in Lome, Togo.
The $50,000,000 Credit Facility assigned to Wema Bank aligns with EBID’s strategy of impacting SMEs across the sub-region via partnerships with banks and reputable financial institutions that have a significant reach within the subregion. With this facility, Wema Bank will now extend its already functional loan disbursement capacity to positively impact more Nigerians and business owners across the country, driving the shared vision of empowerment.
Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, disclosed that Wema Bank’s unrelenting quest to drive impact and its mission of empowering lives through innovation, were what motivated this partnership with EBID. According to him, “Banking without impact or value is nothing, which is why we continue to find new ways to positively impact the lives of our customers and our society. Our mission is clear—to empower lives through innovation—and over the years, we have developed innovative ways to achieve it. With each solution, partnership, and initiative, we have evolved into a multifarious support system and enabler across different areas of the national ecosystem and through this partnership, more lives and businesses will be impacted nationwide.”
Shedding more light on the allocation strategy for the facility, Mr. Oseni added, “This credit facility is targeted for impact across two major areas—women and agriculture. Beyond creating women-specific solutions, we are critically acclaimed for supporting women and female businesses nationwide and now, we can take our impact to greater heights. It is a personal philosophy of mine that any society that fails to empower women is flying on one wing, so we will not leave anyone behind on this journey of positive impact. Food is another area that can make or break an economy; a country where the majority can feed comfortably has solved a chunk of its problems. With this facility, we will intensify our efforts and multiply our impact across these two sectors towards the creation of a better life for all.”
Describing the partnership as long-expected, George Agyemkum Donkor, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at ECOWAS, emphasized the importance of women empowerment and the need to continue providing actors in the agricultural sector with resources to enhance produce, add value to the ecosystem and increase trade returns for socio-economic growth and development. Acknowledging Wema Bank’s significant role in driving the Nigerian economy, he further highlighted the impact of the credit facility on driving the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]. “It also aligns with SDGs 5 and 2. SDG 2 talks about the fact that we should ensure food security in the subregions and of course the entire world, and SDG 5 talks about gender equality,” he added. Allocated to support the Agro Industry and empower women in the SME industry, this credit facility agreement succinctly and perfectly supports, promotes, and enables the achievement of these SDGs.
Wema Bank has sustained a reputable history of empowering and supporting its customers financially, digitally, and in every other significant way. Through this new partnership, EBID will help strengthen Wema Bank’s capacity to finance loans for SMEs, youth, students, corporates, and every other segment of its customers, beyond its already extensive range of impactful solutions. This groundbreaking partnership is unarguably a step in the right direction towards the continued achievement of Wema Bank’s mission of empowering lives through innovation.
ABOUT EBID
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is a leading regional investment and development bank that finances credible developmental projects and programmes across a diverse range of areas. The financial institution is established by the 15 Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria.
C & I Leasing says leveraging technology for operational efficiency;
declares a profit of N307.7 million for the 2022
Eyes 2024 for dividend to shareholders
C & I Leasing Plc said it will continue to leverage technology to improve operational efficiency and business acquisition for enhanced growth and development.
Samuel Onyishi, chairman, C & I Leasing noted this on Monday while addressing shareholders at the company’s 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos for the financial year ended December 31, 2022.
Onyishi said the company would embrace data & analytics, automation, optimised infrastructure, legacy modernisation and cyber-security.
He said the company would continually consolidate past achievements and seek opportunities to expand its operations and market frontiers.
Onyishi noted that the board has laid down solid foundation for growth, expansion, and diversification, which is already yielding results.
“In 2023, our organisation is focused on achieving all round improvement in the business and delivering a sterling and sustainable performance that enhances optimal returns to shareholders.
Despite the challenges faced in 2022, our company has emerged stronger and more resilient, thanks to the collective efforts of all staff, management, audit committee and the board,” Onyishi said.
The company’s profit before tax increased by 216 percent from N198.5 million in 2021 to N626.8 million in 2022.
Similarly, the group’s profit after tax rose by 1,746 percent from N31.2 million profit recorded in 2021 to N577.3 million profit in 2022.
The company’s profit after tax increased by 257 per cent from N196.2 million loss in 2021 to a N307.7 million in the year under review.
Also, the group’s total assets decreased by one per cent from N58.1 billion in 2021 to N57.8 billion in 2022.
However, the company’s total assets also declined by one per cent from N48.0 billion in 2021 to N47.5 billion in 2022.
Interestingly, the group’s shareholders’ fund grew slightly by 21 per cent from N13.9 billion in 2021 to N16.2 billion in 2022.
Ugoji Lenin Ugoji, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, C&I Leasing said the company would pay cash dividend to shareholders in 2024.
“We know that it has been quite some time since we rewarded shareholders.
Nigeria
“The most important factor for 2024 is going to be the foreign exchange because we think the foreign exchange has an impact on all the other aspect.
“Getting the foreign exchange under control, will help inflation rate, which will impact our business,” Ugoji said.
He, however, commended the Federal Government’s decision to set up tax special committee to look into issues around taxation for businesses in Nigeria.
Ugoji explained that government’s intervention in taxation was needed for business growth.
He stated that involvement in marine business was the primary hedge for C & l Leasing against fluctuation in the exchange rate.
Ugoji said only about 15 per cent of the company’s liabilities were in dollar.
He said that the major challenge faced by the company in 2022 was the instability in interest rate.
“The major thing we have accomplished is being able to keep our staff because there has been a significant attrition of qualified staff in the country, there is an exodus of professionals in Nigeria, and our business is such that requires those that have skill.
“We have been able to maintain a large part of our contract,” he said.
Shareholders present at the meeting commended the board and management of the company for the performance in the year under review.
Bisi Bakare, president, Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria said the company’s performance for 2022 was highly commendable and urged the board to do more in the coming year.
Moses Igbrude, national coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria urged the management to ensure payment of dividend to shareholders in 2024.
Another shareholder, Timothy Adesina urged the company to be careful about cyber fraud.
During the year under review, the group’s gross earnings decreased slightly by one per cent from N18.2 billion in 2021 to N17.9 billion in 2022.
It’s 7a.m. on the morning of 3rd November 2023. I’m at the MKO Abiola International Stadium Kuto, Abeokuta to pick up three of my buddies who are sporting hometown heroes in their own rights. Coach Abayomi Ashipa is a former National High Jump champion and NUGA Games Record Holder; Coach Dele Elegbede is a former National Walking Event champion and 20km Race Walk National Record Holder; Coach Elele (Akinpelu Saheed Ayinde), a former 400m elite runner, NIPOGA and National games champion.
Together, the four of us journeyed to Otunba Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode to participate in the second edition of the Tobi Amusan/Abiola Onakoya Sprints and Relay Tournament.
These two global athletes need little introduction. Tobi Amusan is a World 110m champion and record holder. Abiola Onakoya (to whom I was introduced a week earlier and with whom I had a wide-ranging conversation about athletics and sports in general), is a former National 400m athlete. Both are Ogun State indigenes – raised, discovered, and nurtured in the state. Both have achieved national and global prominence. These two jointly host this yearly athletic event to boost local and national talent.
When we arrived at the stadium in Ijebu Ode, the pre-event activities were well underway. Athletes were registering for their various events and a large crowd of spectators had gathered in the stands. I too was meant to compete in one of the events – the Masters Series Sprint. However, that event was cancelled for logistical reasons. Instead, along with my friends (who officiated at the event) and a 3,000 strong cheering crowd, I got to witness history in the making as about 500 young, up-and-coming athletes from Ogun state and across the country competed in Sprints and Relay events over the course of the morning and well into the afternoon.
The atmosphere was simply electric! Amidst the noise and palpable excitement around me, I got to reflect on the power of sports – its inherent health benefits, it’s capability to channel youthful energy towards positive endeavors, its ability to unlock educational and economic opportunities for the community and for those with exceptional talent, and its role as a unifier of diverse peoples and cultures.
The atmosphere also got me thinking particularly about Ogun State and its sporting history and special knack for identifying and nurturing sporting talents (of which this event’s organizers are just two examples). I pondered on why the state has known much success in this arena. I concluded that four factors have contributed to the state’s chequered sports history and tradition.
The first is a youthful population and one of the highest concentrations of academic institutions - creates a regenerative pool of sporting talent.
I’ll give a few examples that serve as cases in point - At the National Youth Sports Festival held earlier this year, Kehinde Olude won the gold medal in the U-15 1500m girls event; Ayomide Badru won the gold medal in the U-15 800m boys event; Toheebat Jimoh won the gold medal in the u-15 event. A young protege, 16 year old John Caleb achieved a personal best of 10.47sec in the 100m men’s event at this year’s Lagos Athletics series (amongst a field of national elite runners) and finally, Ronke Akanbi set the World and National record in the 3000m event at the World Secondary School games in France with a time of 9mins36.86Secs.
Another factor that advances sporting talent in the state and highlights its sporting history is the availability of top-notch facilities and venues with capabilities to host major professional and amateur events. Ogun State is currently deep in preparation to host the National Sports Festival for a second time (Gateway Games 2024). It will be a veritable opportunity to once again showcase the state’s sporting infrastructure, as well as indigenous culture and talent.
The third and arguably the most important factor that has enhanced Ogun State’s history and tradition of elevating sporting talents is the support and engagement of the community. This includes the government and sports enthusiasts in the community such as school teachers, local coaches, public and private organizations, and philanthropic individuals have been instrumental in mentoring and investing in the careers of talented youth in the state, and catapulting some of them to national and global prominence.
Some examples of such philanthropic individuals are the current Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who “adopted” Tobi Amusan and catalyzed her rise to stardom and who also facilitated the State’s bid and winning of the hosting rights of the next edition of the National Sports Festival, Late Chief MKO Abiola, an Ogun indigene who was known during his lifetime as Africa’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Bukola Olopade, Africa’s number one Sports marketing guru and organizer of International Road Races, Mathematical Segun Odegbami whose Soccer academy is a hotpot for budding soccer talents and Hon Kunle Soname, the proprietor of Remo Stars who has done a wonderful job in putting Ogun State on the continental footballing map.
The final noteworthy factor is the presence of a vibrant sports media industry in the state. The work of veteran sports journalists such as Alhaji Akeem Akintunde, Biodun Alabi and many others in covering and analyzing the sports scene helps elevate the stories of indigenous sporting heroes, animates statewide interest in sports, and provide opportunities and inspiration for budding talent and aspiring sports journalists.
I came away from the Tobi Amusan/Abiola Onakoya Sprints and Relay Tournament feeling proud of Ogun State’s well sustained tradition of identifying and nurturing sporting talents.
This for me, is a reflection of the Ogun state’s dynamic character, inspired leadership over the years, passionate commitment of the indigenes to sports, and pride in its homegrown heroes. I have no doubt that this will continue.
Cheers to the future.
By Tunde Delu Public Analyst and Sports Enthusiast
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