DHQ REFUTES ALLEGATION OF GUARDS BRIGADE PLACED ON HIGH ALERT OVER SUSPICION OF COUP PLOT IN NIGERIA
The attention of the Defence Headquarters @DefenceInfoNG has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded article published online by SaharaReporters on 25 February 2024 claiming that the Guards Brigade has been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria. The publication also asserted amongst other things that the suspicion prompted emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President and Commander of the Guards Brigade.
The Defence Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false. For the avoidance of doubt, the Guards Brigade has been statutorily assigned the responsibility of protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and by extension the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. Hence, it is to be noted that the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively executive its assigned tasks.
It will be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR had in various fora reiterated the unalloyed commitment of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Therefore, the Defence Headquarters strongly condemn this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of imagination of the publisher and enjoins members of the public to disregard it.
Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters calls on relavant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the Sahara Reporters for this unpatriotic action. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters will seek legal redress on the issue which has the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country.
TUKUR GUSAU Brigadier General 25 February2024 Acting Director Defence Information
EFCC officials are caught on camera assaulting ABU Zaria students at a private hostel called Greenhouse at Samaru main campus.
Voice of Hausa
Shared by Sarkin Mota:
My friend and his neighbors were harassed and assaulted by @officialEFCC in zaria.
First of all he’s not a yahoo boy, he owns a clothing brand, earns an honest living and he’s a student. In the first video you’d see clearly he was slapped, quacked and even kicked because he asked why they wanted his phone. The EFCC also broke into apartment of people that were not home and carted away with gadgets. Our forces in Nigeria are now armed robbers with uniforms, harassing innocent civilians.
Something urgently must be done about the rogue manner of operations carried out by the EFCC, we cannot condone such inhuman conducts in the name of a raid. The officer in the first video must also be brought to book after a thorough investigation by the @officialEFCC because the law states innocent until proven guilty.
Video
My friend and his neighbors were harassed and assaulted by @officialEFCC in zaria.
First of all he’s not a yahoo boy, he owns a clothing brand, earns an honest living and he’s a student. In the first video you’d see clearly he was slapped, quacked and even kicked because he… pic.twitter.com/B0O6FI4nyK
Qatar is right in rebuffing Nigeria's plea for a business summit. It has nothing to gain discussing with our policymakers and business leaders.
It has been a fairly long descent to "big for nothing". We could start reversing it today but the political deck is wrongly staffed.
Sam Amadi
No business, investment forum with FG, Qatar Govt refutes claims
The government of Qatar has rejected President, Bola Tinubu’s request to visit the country for a business and investment meeting over legal disagreement.
The Qatari authorities in a letter sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, said that the Middle East country would not be able to welcome Tinubu and hold the proposed forum intended to hold on March 2 and 3.
Qatar said that the rejection of Tinubu’s request for visitation for the business and investment forum was due to the lack of a legally binding agreement between the country and Nigeria for the promotion of investment.
Qatari authorities in the letter further noted that its ministry of commerce had other commitments on the days Tinubu desired to visit.
Qatar was quoted as saying in the letter sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday that “The Embassy has the honour to inform that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar apologises that it will not be able to hold a Business and Investment Forum as proposed by Nigerian side.
“There is no any agreement signed between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection.”
The country further stressed that its Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani “will be carrying out official missions outside the country during the upcoming visit period” which makes him unavailable to meet with the Nigerian leader.
Qatar added that its officials would be too busy because Qatar was hosting its own “web summit” the same time Mr Tinubu planned to visit.
The letter added that “The State of Qatar will be hosting a web summit during the suggested period and the state’s authorities will be preoccupied with this event.”
The Qatari government’s failure to reschedule the business and investment forum with President Tinubu to a more convenient period, perhaps, suggested its unwillingness to enter into any economic alliance with Nigeria.
Recall that in 2023, the government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) debunked an announcement by the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, that a visa ban on Nigerians had been lifted after President Tinubu visited the country’s leader, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Nigerian supporters club are currently in Cape Coast, Ghana where their bus spoilt.
Nigerian supporters club still on the road from Ivory Coast👇🏿🤣🤣🤣🤣. So These Men nor fit pay their transport from there back home. Who wan answer them as things red for Naija now.Them go wait Taya.
The Central Bank of Nigeria is considering increasing the share capital of Bureau De Change operators to N2bn and N500m for Tier 1 and Tier 2 licences.
The currency operators were previously charged N35m for a general licence.
This was contained in the draft paper of a “Revised Regulatory And Supervisory Guidelines For Bureau De Change Operations In Nigeria” published by the apex bank on Friday.
The new guidelines contain several new changes to the guidelines for BDC operations in the country and if endorsed will be effective at a date decided by the CBN.
Recently, operations of the currency operators have suffered heavy backlash following the free fall of the naira against the dollar.
Government officials have severely blamed the black market operators for this fall though liquidity remains a huge challenge.
This week, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision arrested over 250 BDC operators in Abuja and many more in other states of the federation.
Under the minimum capital requirements, the central bank is introducing a two-tier license for BDC operators in the country.
The guidelines read, “A Tier 1 BDC is authorised to operate on a national basis can open branches and may appoint franchisees, subject to the approval of the CBN.
“A Tier 1 BDC (which is the franchisor) shall exercise supervisory oversight over its franchisees. All franchisees shall adopt their franchisor’s name, branding, technology platform, and rendition requirements.
“Also, a Tier 2 BDC is authorised to operate only in one state or the FCT. It may have up to three locations – a head office and two branches, subject to approval of the CBN. It is not permitted to appoint franchisees.”
“Under Tier 1, operators are expected to have N2bn as minimum share capital while also depositing a Mandatory Caution Deposit of N200m.
“The application and licence fee is also N1 million and N5 million respectively.
“Under Tier 2, operators are expected to have N500 million as minimum share capital while depositing a Mandatory Caution Deposit of N50 million. The application and licence fee are also N250,000 and N2 million respectively.”
The apex bank also stated that the prescribed minimum capital of BDCs and any subsequent capital injection shall be subject to verification by the CBN.
Profile of Bandele A.G. Amoo – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Amoo Bandele Alabi Ganiyu, a native of Kwara State, is presently the Managing Director at EcoDonini Solutions Ltd, a private practice he undertook after retiring from the CBN as the Director of Research in 2018.
EcoDonini Solutions Ltd specializes in clearing and forwarding services. His educational background includes a BSc in Economics from the University of Ibadan (1981–1984), an MSc in Banking & Finance from Bayero University Kano (1991–1993), a second MSc in Economics from the University of Abuja (2005), and a Ph.D. in Economics also from the University of Abuja (2012).
Other schools attended are Kwara State College of Technology(Now Kwara State Polytechnic), Ilorin 1978 – 1980; Saka Tinubu Memorial High School, Orile–Agege, Lagos 1973 – 1977; and Ansar-ud-Deen (Primary) School, Alakoro – Lagos1966 – 1971; and the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.
Ganiyu began his career at the CBN in 1986 as a senior supervisor from where he rose to become the Deputy Director of Research at CBN between 2009 and 2018.
While at the CBN, he was a member of, the Micro-Finance Policy Committee (Interdepartmental Committee), CBN Research, Other Financial Institutions and Development Finance Departments; member, CBN/NBS Project Committee on Quarterly GDP and Business Conditions, amongst others.
While at the CBN, he was a member of, the Micro-Finance Policy Committee (Interdepartmental Committee), CBN Research, Other Financial Institutions and Development Finance Departments; member, CBN/NBS Project Committee on Quarterly GDP and Business Conditions, amongst others.
He has also been an Editor, of CBN Bullion Journal since 2019 -till date.
Ganiyu has also contributed to academia, serving as an associate Lecturer at the University of Abuja on financial Management and international finance courses; and as a part-time senior lecturer at the Abuja Business School (2002 -2004).
His professional journey also includes the role of an assistant manager at Niger-Hope Enterprises Nigeria Limited in Lagos (1985-1986); and Clerk, at Union Bank of Nigeria Limited (1980).
Profile of Mustapha Akinwumi – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Mustapha Akinkunmi is a seasoned economist with decades of experience in using data mining and econometrics to decipher and predict financial and economic outcomes.
For ten years, he has served as a Principal Consultant to the CBN assisting the Deputy Governor of Economic Policy in identifying, formulating, and implementing new fiscal and monetary policies.
In 2004, he obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from Fordham University, New York, USA, building on his earlier Master’s degree (MA) in Economics from the same institution. He equally holds an MS in Computer Science and a BSc in General Studies with a concentration in Electrical Engineering, both from the New York Institute of Technology.
Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the American University of Nigeria, Yola, within the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Akinkunmi concurrently holds the position of Senior Research Associate at the Centre for International Policy Studies, Fordham University, Bronx, NYC, since 2017.
Akinkunmi’s diverse professional journey includes his recent role as the Executive Vice Chairman of Funds & Electronics Transfer Solutions Limited (fets) from 2019 to 2023. He was the Commissioner of Finance, the Lagos Ministry of Finance (2015 – 2016).
He is a member of the board of Allied Foods (Franchisee of Burger King in Nigeria), and Non-Executive Director; Wow Creamery (Subsidiary of Ice berry), as Non-Executive Director; Moody’s Group / GCR Credit Rating, as Non-Executive Director, December; and Macrothink Institute as a member.
Akinkunmi’s involvement extends beyond academia and finance; he serves on the boards of Allied Foods (Franchisee of Burger King in Nigeria), Wow Creamery (Subsidiary of Ice berry), Moody’s Group / GCR Credit Rating, and Macrothink Institute in various non-executive capacities.
Profile of Aku Pauline Odinkemelu – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Aku Pauline Odinkemelu is a Non-Executive Director, Board Member, and Audit & Finance Committee Chair with about fifteen years of board-level experience and particular expertise in the Banking, Insurance, Oil & Gas, and Education sectors.
Trained as a lawyer, she currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the board Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, Nord Oil APS & Energy Services Group. She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director at Klasha Technologies Inc. – Lagos and San Francisco-based tech startup company that builds multiple cross-border e-commerce solutions for Africa. She is a member of the Pioneer Board of Trustees, at Spiritan University Nneochi.
Between 2015 and 2019, she served as a board member of, the Audit & Risk Committee, Nigerian Interbank Settlement System, and board member, the Credit and Risk Committee Guaranty Trust Assurance Plc (Now AXA Mansard) between 2009 and 2011. From October 2022 to January 2024, she served as Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Board Credit Committee, Polaris Bank Limited.
A seasoned banker, Odinkemelu served as the Executive Director, South Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc (2014–2020); General Manager and Divisional Head at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (2004–2014) and Deputy General Manager at Access Bank Plc (2000–2004).
She holds an LL.B. Hons from the University of Nigeria (1986). Additionally, she has a Dual Executive MBA, from IMD Business School, Switzerland, and CKGSB, China, and completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP174) at Harvard Business School.
Profile of Aloysius Uche Ordu – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Aloysius Uche Ordu currently serves as the Senior Fellow & Director, the Africa Growth Initiative at The Brookings Institution. He began his career as an Economist at The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) in 1983 where he worked until joining Midland Bank Ltd as an International Economist. By 1988, he joined the World Bank as a Manager until 2007. Following that, Ordu worked at the African Development Bank Group as Vice President from 2007 to 2011, later returned to the World Bank, but this time as a director between 2011 and 2014. In 2015, he became the Managing Partner of Omapu Associates LLC, where he worked until 2020.
Ordu attended the University of Wales in 1976, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Economics and Law. He later went on to obtain a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Quantitative Economics by 1981.
Building on his knowledge and qualifications, Ordu then pursued a Ph.D. (Economics) at the University of Sussex from 1981 to 1990.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ordu obtained a certification in the Corporate Finance Leadership Program from the prestigious Harvard Business School in July 2000.
Profile of Murtala Sabo Sagagi – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Born on October 10, 1968, Murtala Sabo Sagagi, a Professor and board director at the CBN hails from Kano State.
He holds a B.Sc in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), all obtained from Bayero University, Kano, in 1990 and 1996 respectively. He equally holds a a PhD in Strategic Management from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto which he obtained in 2006, as well as Graduate Research in (International Business & Global Economics) from Brandeis University, Boston (2004/2005).
Earlier, Sagagi served as the Adviser for Sustainable Inclusive Economic Growth at FSSP/Global Affairs Canada between 2021 and 2023. He was also a Special Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture (2019 – 2020); Senior Policy Adviser of the ministry in 2020; and Secretary Ministerial Advisory Board (2019 – 2020). From 2019 to 2022, he assisted the Policy Development Team of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development which produced the current National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Plan (NATIP). He was a member, of the Steering Committee on National Agricultural Mechanisation (2019 – 2020); and an Adviser, in Investment Promotion and Investment Climate (2007-2018).
Sagagi was the Pioneer Dean of the Dangote Business School at Bayero University (2014-2019).
He also served as the Director of the Centre for African Entrepreneurship Research and Training (2011 – 2014) and editor-in-chief of the Journal of African Entrepreneurship Research (2015 – 2018), and led the design of the National Entrepreneurship Education curriculum and the creation of Centre for African Entrepreneurship Research and Training to support youth employability and enterprise development, among other engagements.
Serving as Chairman of the Kano State Institute for Entrepreneurship Development (2011 – 2013), Sagagi showcased his commitment to education and entrepreneurship. In the course of his career, he provided professional services to the World Bank, IFAD, British Council, DFID/FCDO, and GIZ, among others in the field of Inclusive Economic Growth, Foreign Direct Investments, Employment, Women Empowerment, and Private Sector Development.
Profile of Jafiya Lydia Shehu – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Lydia Shehu Jafiya, mni was born on 30th July 1967 in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. She attended Central Primary School, Gulak from 1974 to 1980 and Federal Government College, Jos, 1980 to 1985.
She then proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where she obtained a B.Sc. Business Administration (specialising in Banking and Finance) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1989 and 1994 respectively.
Lydia Shehu Jafiya is the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, an office she assumed in January 2024. Born in 1967 in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, she holds a B.Sc. Business Administration (specialising in Banking and Finance) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from same university.
Jafiya joined the Federal Civil Service as Finance Officer II in 1990 under the pool of the Office of Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) and was deployed to Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. She served in various capacities among which were: Assistant Director (Accounts) in The Presidency (OSSAP-MDGs); Deputy Director,(Budget) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Director,(Finance and Accounts) at the Pensions Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and was appointed Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in August, 2022.
Jafiya is an Alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, an Associate of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and a Fellow, Certified National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA); among others. She has attended several courses, both locally and internationally. Mrs. Jafiya is married with children. Her hobbies include reading, travelling, listening to the radio, and mentoring young people.
Profile of Lamido Yuguda – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Lamido Abubakar Yuguda, the Director General of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, has over 3 decades of experience in Banking, Accounting, Finance, Economics and Investment Management.
He spent 32 years at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in various roles. For 16 of these years, he led the team that successfully managed reserve assets that grew to billions of US dollars. In 1997, he joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Washington DC, on a four-year stint as an economist in the Africa Department where he worked on the assessment of economic policies and management of balance of payment support programmes in IMF member countries. He served in several departments of the CBN, and retired in 2016 as Director of Reserve Management.
Mr. Yuguda holds a B.Sc. degree in Accounting in 1983 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria and an M.Sc. in Money, Banking and Finance in 1991 from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. He also holds a Certificate in Financial Asset Management and Engineering from the Swiss Finance Institute, Geneva and a Certificate in Investment Performance Management from the CFA Institute. He is a holder of the CFA charter, and Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
He has attended leadership training programmes at leading business schools including Harvard, INSEAD, IMD, Oxford Saïd, Wharton, Haas, Kellogg, Chicago Booth and London.
Mr. Yuguda has served as Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
Profile of Philip Ikeazor – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Philip Ikeazor, a banker and chartered accountant with a stint in the manufacturing industry, assumed duty as a Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria on October 5, 2023.
Before he joined the Bank, he was a Director at the Tideway Advisory and Greenwich Merchant Bank Limited.
Ikeazor’s banking career spans over 33 years, during which he has held various positions such as the Managing Director/CEO of Keystone Bank Limited; Managing Director/CEO, Ecobank Kenya Limited; Executive Director, Union Bank Nigeria Plc; Director, Union Bank, United Kingdom; and Director Orient Bank, Uganda.
He also served at the United Bank for Africa Plc, as the General Manager, in charge of Corporate Investment Banking and the Director of Wholesale Banking at various times.
Mr. Ikeazor holds a degree in Economics from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom. He is also an alumnus of the Wharton CEIBS-IESE Business School Global CEO programme and has attended various executive programmes at the Harvard Business School, Wharton Business School, and the Henley Business School, among others.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Profile of Emem Usoro – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Emem Usoro is a Deputy Governor at Central Bank of Nigeria.
As the Deputy Governor in charge of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro oversees banking operations, branch operations, currency operations, currency operations, information technology, and reserve management.
Before her appointment at the CBN, Emem was Executive Director of Nigeria North Bank at the United Bank for Africa, with over 23 years of experience as a retail, commercial, public sector, and corporate banking expert.
She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) with solid capabilities in business development, financial and business advisory, strategic planning and execution.
Emem’s passion for banking and finance fueled the attainment of several academic and professional qualifications over the years. She holds an MBA from the Obafemi Awolowo University and has attended several international courses on leadership, marketing, and management from the Lagos Business School and Harvard Business School.
Emem Nnana Usoro, a seasoned banker with over two decades of experience, assumed the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on October 5, 2023.
Prior to this, she was an Executive Director, North Bank, in the United Bank for Africa (UBA). She was a member of the Board of Directors, collectively responsible for Northern Nigeria, supervising and ensuring market leadership. She championed developing and implementing sales strategies and executive management initiatives in seven regional banks and 151 branches across the Northern directorate.
Preceding this appointment, Ms. Usoro served as a regional executive at Bank PHB Plc (now Keystone Bank), in charge of developing commercial businesses and achieving sustainable growth in revenues, customer base and profitability for the region. Subsequently, she became the regional director for the Lagos Island region, overseeing 32 branches, responsible for developing, planning and implementing strategies whilst maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence.
Usoro obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 1995 and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, in 2000. She is an alumnus of both the Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and has attended several other international professional courses on Leadership, Corporate Credit, Marketing and Negotiation skills.
Profile of Bala M. Bello – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Dr. Bala M. Bello assumed office as a Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on October 5, 2023.
Before his appointment at the CBN, Bala was the Executive Director (Corporate Services) of Nigerian Export - Import Bank, as appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 20th April, 2017.
Bala M. Bello has successfully completed the High Potential Leadership Program (HPLP) at Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts and Executive Development Program (EDP) at Wharton Business School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania both in the United States of America. In addition to a certificate in Operations Leadership from the prestigious Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada, as well as Portfolio Management Academy Certificate, New York Institute of Finance, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and an MBA from The Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
A certified strategic management performance system professional by LBL Strategies / George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, Bala holds a Stanford Graduate School of Management Certificate in Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (LCOR). He commenced his banking career with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and later joined the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a Financial Analyst. He was commended several times by both SEC and CBN Training School for outstanding performance. He was a member of the SEC Committee that reviewed the Investments and Securities Act between 2002 and 2003 from where he joined Sigma Pensions Ltd in 2005 as the pioneer Head of Research & Strategy and later Head, Investment and Treasury Department.
He was appointed the first indigenous Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of Sigma Pensions in January 2011 and Executive Director (Operations) from January 2013 to December 2014. In this capacity, he had direct administrative oversight and managerial responsibility of over $1.5 billion of pension funds/assets under management (A-U-M), Budget preparations and other financial activities of the Company.
A Fellow Chartered Certified Forensic Accountant/Auditor (FCCrFA), Bala is an honorary senior member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, a fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration, a member of the Institute of Directors, the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria, and Nigerian Institute of Management. He has successfully completed the Bank Examiners Course (BEC) organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria. While at Guaranty Trust Bank Training School, he was the overall best participant in Economics. He also won The Okonjo Iweala Award as the Best Treasurer in FHDL Bond Simulation and Fixed Income Training, Lagos in 2006. He was also conferred with Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) by CommonWealth University in conjunction with London Graduate School and Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Leadership and Management by ESAE University, Republic of Benin.
Bala was recently awarded the Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation / International Federation for world Peace (UPF / IFWP), a global award for those individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others.
An expert in CandleSticks (Technical Analysis), he has attended several courses on Investment Management, Wealth Creation, Portfolio Construction, Strategic Management Systems, Technical Analysis, and Financial Sector Surveillance both locally and overseas. He holds a certificate from Beafort Institute (Sandton, South Africa), Share Direct (Midrand, South Africa), West African Capital Market Institute (Accra), EITC Leadership Initiatives (Ontario, Canada) and European Management Development Institute (EMADIN - Brussels, Belgium) among others.
With over 21 years meritorious service (the last 10 years at Executive level) in the financial services sector spanning through Banking, Capital Market, Development Finance and Pensions Funds management, Bala co-founded Marine Capital Limited, a private sector driven project finance, real estate development and strategic business advisory firm based in Abuja. He was the pioneer CEO of Marine Capital Limited from where he joined Apricot Investments Limited in March 2016 as the pioneer Managing Director/CEO.
He is a Member of the Finance Committee of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and an Honorary Senior Member of the Institute.
A native of Taraba State, Dr. Bala Mohammed Bello is an industry leader, whose career has spanned Banking, Capital Markets, and Pension Fund Management:
Bello is a well-respected public official and a renowned accountant. In April 2017, Bello was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank
Bello has an excellent performance record brimming with excellence. He is well known for surpassing his competition to achieve the greatest level of success in his field.
Profile of Muhammad Sani Abdullahi – Member of Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a Former Kaduna State Commissioner for Planning and Budget.
Muhammad Sani Abdullahi popularly known as Dattijo is a Deputy Governor of Economic Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Muhammad as Deputy Governor on 15 September 2023, and his appointment was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on 23 September, 2023. Dattijo served as a policy adviser at the Executive Office of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in New York. Dattijo formed the core team that developed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dattijo resigned from this appointment to serve the Nigerian government as the Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Kaduna State. He published a book titled "Disruption Rethinking Governance to work for the Poor." On 2 July 2023.
Early life
He was born on 26 October 1979 in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Sani Abdullahi obtained his master's degree in Development Economics and Policy from the University of Manchester and obtained a second Masters from Ahmadu Bello University where he studied International Affairs and Diplomacy. He obtained certificates including in Public Finance at the London School of Economics; Sustainable Development at Columbia University and Advanced Project Management at Oxford University. He was part of the 2017 cohort of Georgetown University's Leadership Seminar.
Career
Before his appointment as Commissioner in Kaduna State, Abdullahi worked closely with Secretary Ban and UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed. The two share a close mentor-mentee relationship. Earlier he worked as an Economist and Deputy National Program Manager for the Millennium Development Goals at the Nigerian Presidency. He served as Economic Adviser of the Nigeria Governor's Forum after the MDGs. In 2018 he was one of two Nigerians - himself and Sahara Group co-founder, Tonye Cole - appointed to the World Bank Expert Advisory Council on Citizen Engagement.
Political involvement
Abdullahi was involved with the All Progressives Congress Kaduna transition committee in 2015. In 2018 he was appointed as a member of the Kaduna Central campaign directorate for the reelection of Governor Nasir El Rufai.
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Senate confirms the New Monetary Policy Committee Members.
Photo caption (L-R): Mr. Murtala Sabo Sagagi, Mr. Mustapha Akinwumi, Mrs. Aku Pauline Odinkemelu, Senator Abdullahi Gumel (SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters), Mr. Bamidele A.G. Amoo, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, Mr. Aloysius Uche Ordu.
The US Dollar supply turnover at Wednesday’s official foreign exchange market surged by 51 per cent to $240.72 million as the Naira recorded marginal gains.
FMDQ data showed that FX Turnover increased to $240.72 million on Wednesday from $117.32 million on Tuesday.
The figure represented a $123.4 million FX turnover increase at the close of trade on Wednesday.
The development led to the appreciation of the Naira to N1,542.58 per US dollar on Wednesday from 1,551.24 on Tuesday.
DAILY POST gathered that this is the second time the nation’s currency has appreciated against the US dollar at the official foreign market since last Thursday.
DAILY POST recalls that the turnover of US Dollar supply at Tuesday’s official foreign exchange market surged by 76.61 per cent to $117.32 million as the Naira appreciated.
However, at the parallel market, the Naira dropped N1,860 per US dollar on Wednesday from N1,740.00 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, at Binance, a P2P market, Naira appreciated N1,608 per US dollar on Wednesday from N1,936 on Tuesday, amid reported access restrictions in Nigeria.
The development came days after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, raided illegal Bureau De Change operators in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Oyo states.
DAILY POST recalls that in the past weeks, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has rolled out several policies to checkmate the continued fluctuations of the Naira in the FX market.
The Senate on Thursday, February 22, confirmed the nomination of Olayemi Cardoso as the chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This confirmation comes after a report of the Committee On Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions Committee of the CBN was considered during plenary on Thursday.
The Lagos State Government has said the Ikeja Computer Village is a residential area, hence the reason for the proposed relocation of the electronic gadgets village to Katangua in Abule-Egba area of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, disclosed this on Tuesday, during a visit to the electronic gadgets’ centre in Ikeja.
The assessment was conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other pertinent government bodies responsible for such affairs.
Babatunde said that by law, the Ikeja Computer Village is currently located in a residential area, adding that the plan to relocate the centre to Abule Egba has been delayed due to certain reasons.
He, however, said the issues were being addressed already, declaring that occupants of the residential area within the computer village would soon be relocated and settled in Katangua, Abule Egba
He said, “Where the Computer Village is located is, was, and will continue by law to be a residential area, hence we must follow the law. Katangua is the area designated (for such activity) by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, particularly the Office of Physical Planning.
“We chose Katangua because of the good road network, we are certain that we are not going to be having traffic problems once Katangua is ready to receive the people from Computer Village. The expanse of land is such that when you drive in, the person would get lost because of how huge the place is, it is not something that was not well thought of, it is within the model city plan for the area.
According to Bababtunde, it is incorrect to state that the market is congested, adding that no market springs up without the population around the area.
He added, “We are moving the village into a place where their business would thrive while maintaining the status quo, Ikeja Computer Village was a residential area before, it is presently, and I think it will continue to be a residential area., we must ensure that things are being done according to the law, since the law states that it is a residential area, it should remain as such.
“Katangua market will majorly accommodate the traders within the computer village, they would have market stores and outlets, and they would also have secured title to the stores allocated to them so that if they want to take loans from the properties they have within the market, they can use that with any bank. In addition, there would be banking facilities, clinics, schools, crèche, storage facilities, and some housing including hotels where those who come to the place outside of Lagos would be accommodated within the area.”
Speaking on the price outlook, Babatunde asserted the question was difficult to answer at the moment because of the increase prices of building materials.
He stated, “It would be difficult to answer the question presently, I would have spoken on it if it were last year. You know what the price of cement was a few weeks ago, you know what it is today, so I think it is better for the people who would be constructing the facility to drive the cost, but we must control it. In terms of road accessibility, the access is being planned by the government.”
The Special Adviser noted that the relocation was gradual and consultations with market leaders and the development of the katangua site had already commenced.
He disclosed, “We are planning with the people, they are also ready and we will continue to carry them along on the katangua plan.”
Pastor Adeboye’s prayer that Christians of other denominations will bow before RCCG members sparks controversy!
A video clip being shared online shows him making the prayer at the 2021 youth convention of the church.
He made reference to how the sons of the prophet bowed before Elisha after he was endowed with the double portion of Elijah’s power.
Adeboye then prayed that as the prophet’s sons bowed to Elisha, Christians from other denominations would bow before them. The entire congregation roared with an amen response.
Reacting to the video, OO Nwoye wrote:
I don't remember this man being like this. But na im ordain Remi Tinubu, so it's possible his heart has always been wicked.
See as the multitude shout 'Amen' to such an evil "prayer" sha. How Nigeria wan take good?
American police officer thought a suspect that he had searched, who was handcuffed to the car, was shooting at him so he started shooting.
Cop Shoots At Black Man After Mistaking Sound Of Acorn For Gunshot
A Florida deputy has resigned after mistaking the sound of an acorn falling on his patrol vehicle for a gunshot and shooting at a Black man who was handcuffed inside, per WPTV.
Body camera footage shows Deputy Jesse Hernandez yelling “shots fired” as an acorn fell on the roof of his patrol vehicle on Nov. 12 in Fort Walton Beach. Hernandez fell to the ground and repeatedly shot into the back of the vehicle, which held Marquis Jackson, who was accused of stealing his girlfriend’s car earlier that day.
“I’m hit,” the officer who opened fire can be heard saying in the video.
An internal investigation revealed that “an acorn can be seen striking the top of his vehicle” just before Hernandez shot at Jackson, who wasn’t injured.
Hernandez claimed that he felt an impact on his torso and his legs “weren’t working the way I wanted them to be working.” The officer told investigators he thought he’d been shot, adding that he’s “never been shot before, so I, I don’t know what that’s like.”
The investigation determined that there was no damage to the patrol vehicle before Hernandez “made his decision to use lethal force based on the sound.”
“Deputy Hernandez’s response was not objectively reasonable,” the investigation determined. “The only verifiable outside stimulus was the sound Deputy Hernandez interpreted as a suppressed weapon being fired, and that alone would not justify shooting into the vehicle.”
Hernandez resigned in December amid the investigation.
In a statement, Sheriff Eric Aden said Hernandez was “found to have violated policy,” but “cleared, however, of any criminal wrongdoing.”
My question to those on the FG economic team are sealing up of an Abuja Store as reported by @daily_trust is as follows: "Are these types of moves not likely to frighten away investors (local and foreign) ? 🤔" @officialNESG
Politics › Nigerian Army Refutes Coup Rumour by nlfpmod(mod): 9:05am On Feb 26, 2024
