₦airaland Forum

One of the factors limiting financial inclusion among the unbanked is the perception that banks are not safe to store money. This concern increases exponentially with digital banking platforms as the suggested mode of banking.

News headlines such as “Electronic Fraud: I called my bank to block my account but the criminals still cleared my money” and “78,584 e-payment fraud cases recorded in one year” do not help the assertion that digital payments are safe and secure.

However, the truth is that your money is safer in a bank than it is hidden under your bed at home and safer with digital wallets like PalmPay, whose deposits are insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

For your money to remain secure, aside from the security measures put in place by banks and fintechs, you owe it to yourself to take safety precautions by following these eight vital steps to enhance your bank account security.

Create strong passwords

Passwords should be complex but easy to remember. To prevent your bank from being hacked, use a complex password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, for example (GOdsent123@) and avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays, pet names, and names for passwords.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Where applicable, enable two-step authentication for your online banking to ensure an extra layer of security. Because this requires that a second form of verification is sent to your mobile device, it makes hacking your bank account difficult. Users of the PalmPay app can enjoy its built-in safety and security features.

Monitor your accounts regularly

Safety may begin with an ‘S’ but it starts with ‘U’. The human component of safety is as important as the technology side. Bank security measures are not enough to protect your money; follow safety precautions to enhance your account security. You are less prone to financial attacks when you keep an eye on your bank statements and transaction history and immediately report any discrepancies to your bank.

Protect personal information

Your PIN is called a Personal Identification Number for a reason. You must avoid sharing such and other sensitive information and be cautious about sharing your personal information online, especially on social media. Thread carefully when using a bank or making payments through a point of sale (POS). Always stay vigilant and watch out for possible irregularities while patronising POS agents.

Regularly update banking apps

Failure to regularly update your banking app leaves your account open to fraudsters. This is because the latest bank app updates often include security enhancements like PalmPay’s auto-logout feature. This security feature requires users to always input their PIN when they reopen the app after each logout.

Set limits for your bank account

Beyond having biometric features, many banks and fintech platforms like PalmPay have features that enable you to set account limits for specific activities such as large transactions. Stay informed on your bank account activity and peg a withdrawal limit to serve as an alarm bell for unauthorized transactions on your account.

Beware of phishing attempts

There are going to be numerous phishing attempts during this period. Be cautious about emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information. Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources. Legitimate financial platforms like PalmPay won’t call, text or email requesting your personal information.

Education, education, education

Educate yourself by staying informed about common scams and fraud tactics, and be cautious about clicking on links in emails or text messages, especially if they seem suspicious. We are big on financial literacy in PalmPay. Take advantage of our Wallet Safety Workshops to educate yourself on best safety practices.

Let’s say that your bank’s safety measures are top-notch and you’ve done everything advised here to enhance your bank account safety but still get hacked by fraudsters, quickly report any fraudulent activity to your bank’s customer support to help you with quick resolution and recovery of stolen funds.

As the holiday draws near, fraudsters are on the prowl for whom to defraud using dubious shopping websites and posing on social media platforms as customer support agents of legitimate businesses to steal your identity.

While activities of online fraudsters are more sophisticated and are posed to spike during the holiday season, according to reports, other types of frauds that fraudsters are likely to use in defrauding you include digital loan scams, one-time password (OTP) scams, giveaway campaign scams, and free gift or voucher scams.

Aside from the security measures put in place by businesses such as banks, fintechs and online shopping stores, you owe it to yourself to take some safety precautions when conducting financial transactions during this holiday season.

Here are five easy safety tips to save yourself from fraudsters this holiday.

Shop from secure retail outlets

Shoppers this holiday season will see an increase in dubious shopping websites, with some of them offering ridiculous discounts to attract unsuspecting shoppers to input their debit card details which would be stolen by fraudsters.

Do not shop on an online retail store that you don’t trust or haven’t used before, it doesn’t matter whether they are offering the best discount. Moreso, if the discounts they are offering look too good to be true, it’s probably because it is not true.

Shop using verified online websites or payment apps that are secure and seamless. Payment apps like PalmPay have been integrated with different business outlets, allowing you to pay your bills and utilities securely and with ease.

Use only trusted POS machines

Whether you want to withdraw cash to spend this holiday season or make payments using a point of sale (POS), it is good that you thread carefully and only patronise POS agents that have terminals of fintech brands that you can trust.

Stay vigilant and watch out for possible irregularities while patronising POS agents. To ensure that the details of your card are not stolen, hide them and do not input your personal identification number (PIN) in the presence of other people.

Using POS terminals of trusted fintech companies cannot be emphasised enough. For ease of transaction, use POS terminals that offer a good network, a reliable system with less than one percent failure rate, an option to know banks’ network updates in real-time, and 24/7 quick customer dispute resolution.

Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails and texts

Expect to receive several unsolicited phone calls, emails and text messages from scammers claiming to be from businesses that you know. Some of these calls, emails and texts would claim that you’ve won a discount or holiday giveaway from a trusted business and would ask you to pay some money to enjoy the discount or giveaway.

Do not fall for this trick. Legitimate businesses will not ask you to pay money to enjoy a giveaway promotion or require that you send sensitive bank details to be granted access to a discount. Beware! No staff or agents of PalmPay will call or text you to ask for money or sensitive information in exchange for a coupon or a discount.

Research discounts, giveaways

This brings us to the next and one of the most important safety tips to always apply during this holiday season and after. Always do your research on purported discounts and giveaway challenges supposedly coming from trusted brands.

During the holiday, whenever you come across an ongoing giveaway promotion, go to the official social media accounts and websites of the brand to verify. Any discount or giveaway challenge that is not communicated to the public through the official social media channels of a legitimate business should be viewed cautiously.

Every discount and giveaway by PalmPay is usually posted on the company’s social media pages. Follow the right handles on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and LinkedIn, and always look out for the verified check marks.

Avoid fraudulent fintech apps

Do not give out your personal information and bank details to fintech platforms that you do not trust. It is important that we repeat this safety warning. Do not download fintech apps that are not regulated by the government.

Loan or fintech apps that are not regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and whose deposits are not insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) should be avoided completely. Before downloading any fintech or loan app, conduct your research to ensure that they boldly carry the CBN and NDIC badges.

Aside from being regulated by the CBN and insured by NDIC, at PalmPay we go the extra mile to ensure that our over 30 million users and the more than 1.1 million businesses that are part of our payment ecosystem are safe from fraudsters. Follow our social media handles to stay up-to-date on safety guidelines.

BUSINESS- Committed to driving economic inclusion and empowerment in Africa, the leading fintech platform in Nigeria, PalmPay, has gifted one of its customers N500,000 in the first week of the ongoing three-week N300 Million Giveaway Campaign.

Expressing her surprise and heartfelt gratitude to PalmPay for the cash prize, Mrs. Gbolahan Ahmed said, “I was surprised when I won and more surprised when five hundred thousand naira was credited to my account. The joy that I feel is indescribable.”

In its first phase, the giveaway campaign, which began on November 1 and will end on November 21, gives over 30 million of PalmPay’s trusted customers and other Nigerians using the payment platform an opportunity to win cash rewards.

Mrs Ahmed said that she has been using the PalmPay app since its inception four years ago and that her experience has been palatable, adding that “PalmPay service is good. I have been enjoying it for four years and counting.”

She added, “I remember during the period of the cash crunch, I enjoyed using PalmPay for a majority of my daily transactions and was excited that it made the cash crunch not be that much of a stress and burden for me.”

“Since I won, I have been telling my family and friends who do not have the PalmPay app on their phones, and they have agreed to download the app so that they too can participate in the campaign and stand a chance to win,” Mrs Ahmed said.

She called on other Nigerians to use PalmPay for their transactions, especially during this period of the giveaway campaign, pledging that she’ll continue to spread the news and let her family and friends know that “PalmPay dey pay.”

The promotion, grouped into three phases, allows PalmPay users to participate in giveaway tasks on the app, which revolves around transactions like airtime, data, transfers and more.

PalmPay users can win prizes by opening the app daily and clicking on as many falling diamonds as possible to get cash rewards, coupons and diamonds. With the diamonds, you will have a chance to share the weekly cash prize.

Once users complete the giveaway tasks, they can receive extra diamonds to share in the weekly prize pool. Users can find the list of the giveaways on the activity page in the app. The more chances obtained, the more cash and diamonds.

In its second week, there is a whopping N100 million in cash up for grabs. The more diamonds you collect, the more cash prizes you can win!

Over one million PalmPay users have joined the giveaway promotion. In the first week, 300,000 people won cash prizes, with the highest winner being N500,000.

With some days to go, the giveaway promotion is open to all PalmPay users. Also, Nigerians not currently using PalmPay can download the app at https:///4805x0K and join the winning spree.

For more information about the campaign, users should click http:///3QAVwjX or follow the PalmPay social media platforms on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.

Legendary fine artist, Abiola Akintola among others shines at Effects Excellence Achievers Awards in US.

An award night aimed at celebrating excellence achievements, has in attendance movers and shakers of industries, who are working hard to touch lives positively to create a better world.

POLITICS- The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf challenging his removal by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.

Recall that a three-man panel of judges led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay had sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023.

The tribunal declared 165,663 of Yusuf’s votes invalid because they were not signed or stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

However, at the appeal court on Monday, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, the lead counsel for Yusuf, asked that the judgment of the tribunal be set aside.

The senior lawyer said this is the first time in history that a tribunal will annul an election over non-signing of the back of ballot papers.

He argued that the tribunal erred, insisting also that it was the first time that a political party would file a matter without joining its candidate as a party in the petition and the candidate would be declared winner of the polls.

However, Counsel to APC, Akin Olujimi, SAN, countered, saying the Appeal Courts stated emphatically that the non-signing of ballots amounted to electoral malpractice.

The appeal court panel subsequently reserved judgment informing that a date would be communicated to the parties.

Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals has called on governments of Nations to see to the permanent eradication of illicit drugs among its citizens and charged the media industries not to seize in creating more awareness of the process among individuals, companies, and government agencies.

They made the call at an online media workshop in the lead-up to the 10th conference of the parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco WHO FCTC-global tobacco in Panama.

The Civil organization Charges the media not to echo the tobacco industry, and to raise awareness of the final goal, adoption, and accurate implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control FCTC.

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BUSINESS- PalmPay, a leading African-focused fintech company committed to driving financial inclusion through technology, has urged players in the financial services sector to put customers’ safety first.

At the 2023 Nigeria Fintech Week at the Landmark Center, Lagos, Folu Aduloju, Head of Operations, PalmPay, rallied the support of other stakeholders in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem to help drive customer safety in the push for economic inclusion.

“In building solutions to bring more customers from the informal into the formal sector, players in the fintech ecosystem should work on building customers’ trust. This is a key factor because customers have a lot of panic due to past experiences of failed banks.

“Therefore, fintech companies need to create a safety net for customers by creating certain safety measures to enable customers to trust the sector. At PalmPay, we are centred on balancing security and user experience. We employ a closed-loop risk management system that involves continuous monitoring, analysis, and response to security threats. It allows us to detect and prevent risks in real time, reducing the potential impact of security incidents.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Adeloju said, “In PalmPay, we also have Wallet Safety Workshop, a way to educate our users on how to safeguard their wallets, educate them on fraud issues and proffer safety tips to apply to limit fraudulent incidents.

“Lastly, adherence to regulations by government agencies like the CBN and NDIC in ensuring users’ money gives PalmPay users the confidence to trust that their money is safe with us.”

This year’s edition of the Nigeria Fintech Week, themed “Resilience, Innovation, and Diversification,” united over 15,000 financial and fintech executives as well as decision-makers from prominent fintech companies, banks, insurers, technology services providers, venture capitalists, media outlets, government representatives, and regulators in over 80 countries of the world.

The event converges traditional financial institutions with innovative fintech companies in Nigeria, one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech start-up hubs. The event also provides stakeholders from diverse industries with technology integration opportunities to actively engage in essential discussions regarding innovative solutions in the fintech sector.

About PalmPay

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment in Africa. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay brings top-tier products into the pockets of everyday Nigerians.

PalmPay offers money transfers, bill payments, credit services, and savings on its app and via its mobile money agents.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to 30 million users, and 1.1 million businesses including 600,000 merchants and 500,000 agents are part of its cashless payment ecosystem.

The company has disclosed USD 140m of funding. The PalmPay app is available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store in Nigeria and Ghana, with more markets going live in 2023.

NIGERIA- Workers of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) have shut down the head office of the service in Abuja, protesting the appointment of Tola Odeyemi as Chief Executive Officer/Postmaster-General.

Ajuri Ngelale, a Presidential spokesman, announced last week that President Bola Tinubu changed the leadership of communication agencies, including NIPOST.

However, moments after the news of Odeyemi’s appointment broke, there were reports that Adeyemi Adepoju, the sacked postmaster general, had been reinstated.

In a viral video, Adepoju was seen addressing some workers who claimed Tinubu had reappointed him.

TreasureHunter:
Is it available of Google play Store?

Download Poppin on www.poppin.im/Google Play/App Store.

POLITICS- The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi has demanded that President Bola Tinubu come clean on his true identity.

Obi made the demand on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja.

The former Anambra State governor urged Tinubu to reintroduce himself to the nation he governs, and to the world for avoidance of further doubt.

According to Obi, it’s only Tinubu himself through a direct personal statement that could clear every speculation about his true identity.

Obi said, “He should introduce himself to the nation he governs, and to the world for avoidance of further doubt.

“He should let the world know his name, his nationality, his place of birth, his current age, the primary and secondary schools he attended with dates, as well as the actual universities he attended and certificates he obtained.

“He should indicate clearly when and where he did his national youth service. In addition, if he had a change of name, he should state so clearly the time and circumstances.

“This is a simple task that will only take a few minutes. It requires no affidavit, prolonged talk process, spokespersons, agents or surrogates.

“The task is only Chief Bola Tinubu himself through a direct personal statement can perform. He must perform this task urgently. He has to lay to rest many lingering doubts and speculations about his true identity.”

Daily Post.

TreasureHunter:
What's Poppin?

Poppin is a social App, one of the new brands under Transmios. Transmios is a sister company to Transsion Holdings (the owners of Tecno mobile). Poppin App is a youthful avatar-centric chat app specially designed for target audience around 16-35 years of age in order for them to chase boredom, reach out to their friends & even new friends faster using avatar characters to create mood/activities in a more creative and fun manner as against just regular chats. Just like every other business, we are seriously working to add more features and push new versions in the nearest future.

PalmPay Embarks on Campus Tour in Collaborative Initiative with First African Gen Z Avatar-centric Chat Platform, Poppin



BUSINESS- In an exciting collaboration, PalmPay, a leading innovative Fintech platform collaborates with a chat platform, Poppin, to embark on the “Pop&Pay” Campus Dance Competition, a pan-Nigeria campus tour across 10 (Ten) universities in Nigeria. This initiative is set to bring forth a fusion of financial technology and communication solutions to inspire and educate the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

The participating universities include the University of Calabar, University of Ibadan, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Abuja, University of Lagos, and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, among others.

Commencing on October 11 and concluding on December 15, the two-month-long event promises an exciting array of prizes, such as mobile phones, cash awards, special bonuses, and coupons. The grand prize awaits the ultimate champion who will stand out among the talented participants.

The first event will be hosted at the University of Calabar in Cross River from October 11th to October 13th. Enthusiastic students eager to participate can register for free by contacting their university’s Student Union Government (SUG) Director of Socials or the Department Director of Socials.

The joint campus tour is a testament to the shared vision of PalmPay and Poppin to drive innovation and cultivate technological advancements within the Nigerian tech ecosystem. The tour will encompass a series of interactive product demonstrations and workshops aimed at enlightening students. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, this campus tour endeavours to equip students with the necessary tools to thrive in the ever-evolving technology landscape, while also fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

For more information about the joint campus tour and to keep updated on tour dates and locations, please visit PalmPay’s social media platforms – @PalmPay Nigeria, and Download Poppin on www.poppin.im/Google Play/App Store.

About PalmPay

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment in Africa. Through its secure, user-friendly and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay brings top-tier products into the pockets of everyday Nigerians.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator licence, the platform has grown to over 30 million users. Over 1.1 million businesses are part of its cashless payment ecosystem.

About Poppin

Poppin is a social App, one of the new brands under Transmios. Transmios is a sister company to Transsion Holdings (the owners of Tecno mobile). Poppin App is a youthful avatar-centric chat app specially designed for target audience around 16-35 years of age in order for them to chase boredom, reach out to their friends & even new friends faster using avatar characters to create mood/activities in a more creative and fun manner as against just regular chats. Just like every other business, we are seriously working to add more features and push new versions in the nearest future.

EPISODE 1– The world mourns the loss of a martyr, a reflection of the struggles faced by many in society. Mohbad, also known as Imole, represents the streets and the cathedral, embodying the reality of Gomorrah. There is no dispute in the truth that while growing, the Cathedral played a vital role in instilling moral virtues and spiritual values. One would see Imole in this case very familiar to such upbringing in the cathedral. This must have been the exact place he caught the glimpse of the light that shone on him. His existence as “Light” raises questions about the nature of this light. For the son of man goeth as it is written on him.

It is disheartening to witness aged cathedral men, commenting on every trending issue, turning out so quick to cast stones and blame the loss of this light. They forget that their descendants were the ones who brought the Sodomite woman to Jesus to be stoned. It becomes obvious truly that the Cathedral which is meant to be a place of refuge for many had constantly been caught playing the role of the throne of Judgement. They only fail to acknowledge that true judgment lies not in harsh condemnation, but in healing and love. If the fingers are pointed at the street then there is a finger pointed back as regards the loss of a cathedral singer, Sinach, murdered by her “born-again” husband, which remains unresolved, highlighting the high level of hypocrisy within the cathedral just like their descendants of Pharisees and Sadducees.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/street-and-cathedral-mohbad-a-martyr-of-gomorrah-by-dimeji-sodeke/

UPDATE: Adebola Akin-Bright: NMA, Private Medical Practitioners, Others Hail Lagos Assembly

Stakeholders in the Nigerian health sector on Thursday hailed the Lagos State House of Assembly over its investigation into the case of ‘missing intestines’ involving late Adebola Akin-Bright.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, officials of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPNP), Lagos State Chapter and other medical practitioners spoke at a public hearing over the case which led to the death of Master Akin-Bright.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/update-adebola-akin-bright-nma-private-medical-practitioners-others-hail-lagos-assembly/

NIGERIA-The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have suspended the indefinite strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

They made the announcement after a marathon meeting held between the unions and the Federal Government.

The action was suspended for 30 days to allow the government to implement some of its promises

Read More...

https://itrybe.com/why-organised-labour-suspends-nationwide-strike-for-30-days/

BUSINESS- PalmPay, a leading fintech app dedicated to driving financial inclusion, has rolled out its Live Show, a weekly real-time social media livestream designed to revolutionize rewarding customers for their loyalty and engagement following the achievement of the 25 million users milestone in Nigeria.

With PalmPay Live, customers will receive instant gratification for their transactions and engagement with the brand. It is live-streamed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on a periodical basis. Since its commencement, there have been several engagements such as the ongoing PalmPay Bonanza – Recharge Glo and Win, where Glo subscribers on the platform have received various rewards such as 55 inches Hisense Smart TV, PlayStation 5, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Fold 4 amongst others.

During the PalmPay Live, users will immerse themselves in a captivating experience of:

Real-time Rewards: Customers earn rewards when they engage with the platform. Rewards range from instant airtime top-ups, coupons and cash giveaways.
Interactive Challenges: Every session entails various live quizzes and games.
Exclusive Offers: PalmPay Live provides access to exclusive offers, gift items, discounts, and promotions from a wide range of merchants.
One of the beneficiaries of the PalmPay live, Omale Kingsley Ekene from Enugu expressed loud joy and noted that he only recharged his Glo line using the PalmPay app. After this, he received a call from PalmPay live about being the winner of the weekly raffle draw. He appreciated Glo and PalmPay for rewarding him with a brand-new Hisense Smart TV.

Commenting on the introduction of PalmPay Live, Kevin Olumese, Senior Marketing Manager of PalmPay, said, ‘We are excited to introduce PalmPay Live to appreciate our loyal customers who have brought us thus far. More importantly, we believe in constant interaction with our users and followers across different social media platforms. We encourage our customers to partake in these rewards via our social media channels.’

PalmPay Live is set to redefine the relationship between the business and users by offering a dynamic and rewarding experience that sets PalmPay apart from the competition.

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment in Africa. Through its secure, user-friendly and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay brings top-tier products into the pockets of everyday Nigerians.

PalmPay offers money transfers, bill payments, credit services and savings on its app and via its network of 500,000 mobile money agents.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 25 million users and over 400,000 merchants are part of its cashless payment ecosystem.

The company has raised USD 140m. The PalmPay app is available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store in Nigeria and Ghana, with more markets going live in 2023.

LMAO................

Pierocash:
Someone founded a party, strangers came into the party and expel founding fathers. Tenant dey evict landlord?

POLITICS- A state High Court sitting in Kano has restrained a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from acting and parading themselves as leaders of the party.

Boniface Aniegbulam and eight others expelled from the party by NEC have also been barred from expelling the party’s Presidential Candidate, Sen Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the party.

This is even as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has vowed to use lawful means to retrieve party funds diverted for personal use by the expelled National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Agbo Major.

One of the National Executive Committee (NEC) Members of the party, Chief Kola Tajudeen Bello, had accused Major of being the chief instigator of the crisis rocking the party in a statement.

But the presiding judge, Justice Usman Mallam Na’aba in the suit filed by a party held that the Aniegbulam and eight others should desist from carrying out any action pending the determination of the substantive suit.

A member of the party, Alhaji Hasimu Suleiman Dangurawa, through his lawyer, had sued Aniegbulam and 17 others before the court on Tuesday.

The move is the sequel to a report in national dailies purporting the expulsion of the former Kano State governor from the party.

In his ruling, Justice Na’aba held that “An order of interim injunction is hereby granted, restraining the respondents by themselves, their agents, cronies, and whosoever acting or act through them from parading themselves, issuing a press release or granting interviews as national leaders or members of the applicants, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

Meanwhile, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) Kola Tajudeen Bello on Tuesday, said Major has refused to account for funds given to him during the last general election to execute some party assignments.

“We are sad to note that the NNPP has over the years, harbored some characters with less than noble background to run its affairs.

“These fellows had pretended to be progressives while in actual fact, they are enemies from within. They have finally unmasked themselves for all to see,” the statement reads.

Bello stated further, “We are not unaware of the antics of the expelled former National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Agbo Major, and the damage he has continued to do to our party.

“It is on record that Mr Agbo, who is in cohort with Chief Boniface Aniegbulam has been working day and night, issuing out fake press releases to media organizations in the name of the party with the sole aim of embarrassing our national leader and the former governor of Kano State.

“The said gentleman has been undermining the party for so long and we intend to bring his antics to public knowledge. We are using this medium to urge him to come forward to account for funds given to him.”

While accusing them of sabotage, Bello on behalf of the party, said Major is yet to account for funds given to him to organize the national convention of the NNPP and other activities of the party.

On what the party will do should the ex-spokesman fail to turn up as demanded, Bello said, “We will be forced to involve anti-corruption agencies to help retrieve our funds and very soon, the party will place a disclaimer on them,” he concluded.

OPINION- In a world where opinions fluctuate between truths and falsehoods, where praise and criticism often collide, the name Dayo Israel stands as a beacon of consistency, competence, and unwavering determination for development and progress. As the debate about his suitability for the role of Minister of Youth continues, it is imperative to consider the undeniable impact he has made over the last two and a half decades in Nigeria and across the globe.

Amidst the series of voices both for and against Dayo Israel’s candidacy, it is essential to separate rhetoric from reality, to sift through the myriad claims and counterclaims that surround his persona. What emerges is a picture of a man whose journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, underpinned by an unyielding dedication to competence and self-drive for change and development.

Continue Reading... https://itrybe.com/the-dayo-israel-that-i-know-a-champion-for-nigerian-youth/

OYO STATE- As the planning and the preparation for the maiden edition of the Ibarapa Drum Festival continue to gather momentum, Oyo State Government has thrown its weight behind the festival.

The festival with the theme, “Drumming for Cultural Rejuvenation”, will take place in Ibarapa land.

While acknowledging the receipt and acceptance of the invitation to the festival by Aborode Oyeniyi, convener of the prestigious festival, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Wasiu Olatunbosun said “I am delighted to express my support and endorsement for the upcoming festival.”

“I also wish to salute your sense of bravery, intelligence, and enthusiasm geared toward the revival of African culture and Yoruba cultural heritage. I am proud of you and your team for this noble and legendary initiative aimed at revamping our indigenous tradition and culture. Ibarapa holds a special place in African drums as ibarapa born Sikiru Adepoju received a Grammy Award with Yoruba drum, he said.”

The Convener, Aborode Oyeniyi in response said “Tourism is the world’s largest growth industry with no signs of slowing down in the 21st century. In order to attract its share of this growing market, the Ibarapa region of Oyo State needs to add to its already exciting list of events. Ibarapa Drum Festival is designed to grow into an international festival that will attract people from around the globe. As such, it is one of the few annual events in Oyo State with the potential of a global reach and is geared at becoming a regular fixture on the international festival tourism circuit. Ibarapa Drum Festival is unique. It will help put the vision of the Oyo State – which identifies tourism as one of the engines for economic growth in Nigeria – into practice.

Also present at the meeting were Ayanrinde Opeyemi MC Swagger and Adelowo Micheal Coded

FINTECH- Unified Payment Services Limited, Nigeria’s premier financial technology service provider, has kicked off celebrations to mark its 26th anniversary with a promise to continue to provide seamless payment solutions to its numerous customers.

Established in 1997, Unified Payments has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, excellence, growth, and customer satisfaction throughout its remarkable journey.

https://itrybe.com/unified-payments-the-fintech-giant-at-26/

NIGERIA- Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Monday said President Bola Tinubu spent months since his victory at the February 25 election setting clear goals for each sector and will not tolerate or accept failure from either of his recently inaugurated ministers.

“The President has set the benchmarks,” the Senior Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity noted on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

“The question now is about enforcement and the President has shown, as he did during his time in Lagos State as governor, that he is not someone that is afraid to fire anybody.

Continue Reading... https://itrybe.com/ministers-tinubu-wont-accept-failure-presidential-spokesman/

Dear Mr. President,

In 1978, Steve Jobs raised over a million dollars from the garage of his house through the use of his intellectual collateral, not a property, to develop the largest technology company and the biggest firm in the world today by market capitalization.

The multi-trillion-dollar vision with a backbone of public research funding from the U.S. government was achieved based on the national importance of driving innovation and as a sign that the government’ investment and its initial leg into great companies do not only present tax benefits but also profit the entire ecosystem.

Continue Reading... https://itrybe.com/government-has-no-obligation-to-support-businesses-sujimotos-open-letter-to-mr-president/

SPORT- Defending champion Tobi Amusan lost her world women’s 100m hurdles crown to Jamaica’s Danielle Williams on Thursday in a shock win in Budapest.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/100m-hurdles-amusan-loses-world-title-to-jamaicas-williams/

The Joint Learning Agenda for UHC (JLA4UHC) and the Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP) have commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for its dedication and commitment to implement the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, with the aim of improving access to healthcare services among poor and vulnerable people in Lagos State.

In a joint press release signed by JLA4UHC and LACSOP, the groups expressed their delight with the improvements in the health insurance scheme in Lagos State and the proposed inauguration of the CSO-LASHMA committee, which would ensure citizens’ voices and inclusion in the delivery of the health insurance.

Barr. Ayo Adebusoye, the Chairman, Board of Trustees at LACSOP and the Lagos State JLA Nigeria Focal Point, also emphasized on how the Lagos State Health Scheme tagged “Ilera Eko”, has helped to ensure that vulnerable residents across Lagos State are enrolled into the health plan.

With regards to the LSHS’ alignment to the NHIA, Adebusoye noted that the Lagos State Government needs to improve on the governance and coordination of the LSHS such that an active multi-stakeholder accountability platform, which comprises of representatives from the primary healthcare board, civil society, and other key stakeholders is established.

Adebusoye buttressed that “LASHMA has shown readiness to establish a multi-stakeholder accountability platform especially with the proposed setting up of the CSO-LASHMA committee, which would be inaugurated very soon.”

Olayide Akanni, the Co-convener of JLA4UHC, noted that according to the Lagos State Citizens’ Baseline Readiness and Alignment Scorecard for Implementation of the NHIA Act 2022, the Lagos State Government has fared well in the implementation of the Act, but more action is needed.

Akanni noted that there is a gap in the inclusion of comprehensive multi-level data reporting channels from facility to the NHIA, in the state operational guideline.

She thereafter charged the Lagos State Government to continue to work on its shortfalls, to ensure that the NHIA is fully implemented, and that poor and vulnerable persons in the state have access to quality healthcare services.

She also expressed optimism that the proposed amendment of the LASHMA regulation will incorporate current realities and align with the NHIA Act 2022.

Abba Kyari, CFR, OON! Remember him? Kyari was the Chief of Staff (CoS) to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Born on September 23, 1952, he served in that prestigious position between August 2015 and April 2020.

While in office, little was actually known about Kyari in the public realm. Unfortunately, too, his name actually symbolized an uncanny error of namesake. The Borno State-born lawyer and banker shared a name with somebody who once had a favorable public perception until Satan smiled, and the ‘super cop’ lost it!

Read More... https://itrybe.com/remembering-abba-kyari-by-abiodun-komolafe/

NIGERIA- President Bola Tinubu on Sunday redeployed ex-Governor of Osun State and minister-designate, Adegboyega Oyetola, from the Ministry of Transportation to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The President also redeployed another minister-designate, Abubakar Momoh, from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/transportation-to-marine-tinubu-redeploys-oyetola-tunji-ojo-renames-ministry/

EDUCATION- Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State deserves a pat on the back for instructing the three senators representing the state in the Upper Chamber to “mobilize support for former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s nomination as Minister” during last week’s screening exercise. Of course, it is a gesture that could not be caged!

But beyond sheer propaganda, did the senators’ support amount to anything? Are we saying that, as senators, they cannot reason or talk unaided? If Osun senators have spoken against Nominee Oyetola, would the senate have rejected him and would the president have dropped him? How many ministerial nominees have been so rejected in the past? Just the same, a section of Nigerians are already alleging deterioration of leadership value in the Adeleke-led administration. They are saying that it is nepotistic: a ‘na-we-spend-all-our-money-to-win-the-election-so-we-are-beyond-reproach-from-anybody’ government. This set of Nigerians believes that it’s wrong for the Commissioner for Finance to have come from Ede and that the Ministry of Works, being the biggest spender, shouldn’t have been held by the governor, who is from Ede.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/osun-government-and-politics-of-plurality-by-abiodun-komolafe/

NIGERIA- Former governor of Kaduna state, El-Rufai visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday after the Senate declined to ratify him as a minister-designate, according to reports. And while Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 2pm, Nyesom Wike arrived at the Villa at around 1.40pm.

Despite the fact that the purpose for the pair’s visit had not been officially announced, a source at the Presidential Villa reportedly gave a Punch journalist a clue that it had something to do with Nasir El-Rufai’s confirmation as a minister.

Read More... https://itrybe.com/el-rufais-visit-is-over-the-issue-with-the-senate-presidency/

NIGERIA- In a nationwide address last Monday, President Bola Tinubu announced some palliatives to mitigate the impact of the high cost of living brought about by the fuel subsidy removal.

Great speech! Excellent delivery! So, kudos to Mr President! However, a section of Nigerians frowned at the speech because ‘it was one-sided’. According to this group, the president only pleaded with the masses to persevere without telling Nigerians what the elite and the privileged clique would be sacrificing to make Nigeria great again. Though Nigerians have never doubted Tinubu’s capacity to be to Nigerians what Prophet Elijah was to the widow of Zarephath, they had expected him to talk about, say, a certain percentage of the emoluments and the privileges of the ruling class – beginning with the president, to the governors, the judiciary and other politically-exposed persons – that would be going into a certain purse in favour of Nigeria’s rescue mission. “The president spoke eloquently to appease the masses; but what about the ‘elite of the elite’ who put us in this situation? Won’t there be a probe?”

Read more: https://itrybe.com/thoughts-on-revenue-generation-by-abiodun-komolafe/

By Abdulmalik Suleiman

The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been receiving accolades and praises for turning down the offer to join the Government of National Unity being proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The decision came after citing several reasons that many members of Kwankwassiyya movement and the NNPP consider incompatible with the founding philosophy of the movement and the party.

Both leaders a few months ago had reportedly met in France to concretize arrangements that would ensure the participation of the opposition parties in the Tinubu-led government.

But the major waged between both leaders is that Sen. Kwankwaso is a pro-masses, a selfless leader whose major concern is the general welfare of the people especially in areas of education, empowerment, social reorientation, security, and good government.

The clear differences in their individual ideologies greatly affected the France deal and talks reached after a series of meetings in France which have since evaporated into thin air.

Members of the Kwankwassiyya movement including NNPP have continued to accuse the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government of implementing and carrying out anti-people's programmes and policies which is considered inimical to the philosophy of the NNPP.

They cited the haste removal of fuel subsidies without proper plans on how to cushion the effects by the government as one such which has continued to inflict pains on Nigerians.

Specifically, Sen. Kwankwaso's group flay the poor management of the decision by the government saying it would be bad for their leader to participate in such government or to be part of the current government.

It is also believed that the decision of Sen. Kwankwaso to stay out of the government will remove the belief that Kwankwaso worked for APC in the last round of the general election, an allegation which was untrue and concocted by APC propaganda machine to smear and weaken NNPP base and to hoodwink the electorates in the northern parts of the country.

Another sour point in the relations between the two parties is the decision of the current government to appoint people tagged with engaging in corruption and corrupt practices into government.

Sen. Kwankwaso can't be seen with characters like Ganduje who was caught stuffing dollars in his pocket and is now being appointed National chairman of the ruling party.

In the main time, Sen. Kwankwaso intends to build a virile constructive opposition coalition movement via NNPP and with other like-minds across the country.

These notwithstanding, the personal relationship with President Bola Tinubu who is a long-time political friend with Sen. Kwankwaso would remain cordial and will remain the same despite turning down the olive branch by the President.

HEALTH- Nigeria Medical Association Lagos chapter has called on the government to declare a state of emergency on health care as regards brain drain and health care delivery in the country.

President of the Nigeria Medical Association Lagos chapter Doctor Benjamin Olowojebutu made this known in an interview with our Correspondent in Lagos.

He stressed that brain drain has affected the quality of healthcare delivery in the country and every cadre in the medical department are leaving the country from medical consultants, nurse, senior doctor,and younger doctor.

“every cadre is leaving and it has affected the quality of health care delivery in the country”

However, Olowojebutu said to reduce brain drain the government have to institutionalized and be part of the process, improve the welfare package of all doctors to allow them stay and work in the country.

He urged the government at all level to support private hospitals which are already folding up with loans with low interest rates to help them improve and upgrade there health care facilities.

“Government should please assist and support private hospitals with loans with low interest rates to help them improve health care facilities,at the moment the hospitals that take care of patients are private institutions and they are already folding up due to economy hardship”

Dr Olowojebutu said the government should see healthcare as a major responsibility and also provide basic amenities to its citizens.