₦airaland Forum

President Bola Tinubu has fired all service Chiefs and upgraded Nuhu Ribadu from Special Adviser, Security Matters to National Security Adviser (NSA).

Willie Bassey, Director, Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced this in a statement on Monday night.

The sacked service chiefs are:

General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff

Farouk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff

Awwal Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff

Isiaka Amao, Chief of Air Staff

Usman Alkali, Inspectors General of Police

Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser, was also replaced.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari had appointed the officers that were replaced by his successors.

Umar Bala, a Personal Assistant to the Area Commander of the narcotic agency National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Special Command, Lagos, has reportedly raped his colleague and best friend’s fiancée, SaharaReporters has learnt.

A source within the command who revealed the alleged crime to SaharaReporters said that Bala, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, intentionally got his best friend and colleague, simply identified as ‘Peter’s fiancée’, drunk and raped her in his (Bala) house.

The source told SaharaReporters that Bala and Peter are best of friends, coursemates and rank mates in the command and that they always go out together to have drinks and relax whenever they are off duty, sometimes alongside Peter's fiancée.

According to the source, Peter's fiancée doesn't drink alcohol because it dulls her senses and Bala is fully aware of her inability to withstand alcohol.

The source said, “Peter took his annual leave and travelled to Abuja for his annual leave, leaving his fiancée behind. Then on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, Peter's fiancée came to the quarters (where both Peter and Bala live but not in the same house) to clean Peter's room, as usual, to avoid the room being dusty.

“After cleaning the room, she was about to leave when she decided to go to Bala's room to greet him as her fiancé’s best friend. When she entered Bala's room, she met Bala drinking and smoking inside his room.

“After exchanging pleasantries, she wanted to go, then Bala offered her drinks but she told Bala that he knows she doesn't have the brain to take alcohol but Bala told her not to worry. He said she should take it and even if she gets drunk, he would take her to Peter's room to sleep.

“At that point, she felt relaxed and collected the drink from Bala and drank it. Immediately after she finished taking the drink, Bala put on music from MP4 and raised the volume to the highest level and both of them started dancing.

“At this point, she was no longer in her normal sense as the drink Bala gave to her had started to affect her. Bala realised that she was no longer in her right mind due to the alcohol he gave her, then he took advantage of her being drunk and had sex with her.”

The source explained that Peter’s fiancée slept off in Bala's room and woke up at exactly 12:20 am to find herself naked, and when she checked her private parts, she discovered that Bala had had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.

“She immediately took her phone to call Peter but Bala started begging her not to inform anybody about what happened.

“Bala knowing full well that she has a light brain towards alcohol induced her, raped her and above all, betrayed his best friend Peter. These are some of the reasons why you hear of accidental discharge in the military and paramilitary if such things are not properly handled.

“My prayer is that the management of NDLEA should investigate such crime and if found guilty, the officer involved is adequately disciplined to serve as a deterrent to other men in uniform that use their positions to commit such crimes because the matter has been reported to the command but they are trying to cover it up,” the source said.

When SaharaReporters got in touch with the spokesperson for the command, Abdul Maiyaki, he didn’t confirm or deny it.

"I am presently out of the station, but promise to get back to you as soon as possible, thanks," he said.

He had yet to get back at the time of filing this report.

Breadandpeppers:
What's wrong with this YouTube people and talking/explanation self?

The Managing Director /CEO at Financial Derivatives Co Ltd (FDC), Bismarch Rewane, has said the fair value exchange rate to the dollar should range between N640 and N680/$. He said this during an interview on Arise TV.

He said from every model he has seen; inflation would begin to taper down at 27 or 28% because the demand for goods will begin to drop and the supply of goods will begin to increase. He added that the currency will soon begin to appreciate.

“Today, everybody is buying the dollar-priced at between N750 and N800/$. Our purchasing power parity (PPP) model value shows that the naira should be trading at about N654 to N680/$. Currencies normally move towards their PPP value over three to five years,” he said.

He added that if you add speculative activities, you add another 20%.

“So, if you take 20% of 800, it brings you back to N640. So, the true fair value is about N640 to N680/$. That’s where there is unification,” he said.

He stated that the discipline to intervene at fair value to make sure that currency is not overpriced or underpriced is what goes into the institutional reforms so that there is a discipline rather than creating different windows for arbitrage and regulatory trespass.

He noted that palliatives and other interventions are to help clean up the distortions that take place from time to time, but the global economy is not run on a distortionary basis, but on a normal basis, stressing that you only have cyclical downturns and upturns.

Benefits of needed reforms on the economic system

Citing the benefits of needed reforms in the economic system, he said the Nigerian economy is the largest in Africa, producing about 19% of the continent’s goods and services. He said Nigeria will benefit significantly from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) by exporting cement and other aggregates to other countries.

He noted that Nigerian banks have a presence in many African countries and export cash crops to countries on the continent, stressing that there are so many opportunities out there to latch on to.

He, however, said those opportunities will either never come to fruition or will come to fruition sub-optimally as long as the country keeps suffering the distortions and bottlenecks in the economy.

“We’re going to dismantle it little by little, followed by institutional reforms. A few people that have deviated from the norms of society out of all of the abuse that has taken place need to be brought out and penalized so that it becomes a deterrent to others who may have that tendency in the future,” he said.
He said that generally speaking, the future looks a lot brighter than before because the government is now dealing with the structural problems, adding that the challenge is to maintain the discipline to just take it from the contemporary problem and get the people’s confidence back.

Rewane also noted that from the projection of FDC, with the price of fuel being put N511, from N200, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation to the states should rise from N712 billion last month to about N1.2 trillion in the coming months.

He said with more resources being allocated to the states, the citizens should begin to see more social goods as they are making all of the sacrifices now. He stated that if the states go on with business as usual and do not deliver the benefits of subsidy removal, then the people will begin to kick back.

Are you a little confused about the #DataProtectionAct ? Here’s all you need to know! 👇

FACTS ABOUT THE DATA PROTECTION ACT

1 The act is the first comprehensive act for Data Protection in Nigeria as it provide a legal framework for the establishment and operation of the Bureau as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

2. The act provides for a National Commissioner for the Commission, who will be appointed by the President for a term of four years which is renewable once. He or she will be responsible for its daily administration and execution of policies.

3. The act provides powers to register 111 data controllers and data processors of major importance; promote awareness on the obligation of data controllers and data processors, as well as sanction those who violate the provisions of the bill.

MISSING PERSON!!!!

CHRISTIANAH DANIA OLOGUN was last seen at Jahi 1, Abuja at about 3pm on the 14th of June 2023. She was in a bolt ride wearing this exact outfit. Please if seen, kindly contact this phone numbers ; 07032999027, 08025763565. Thank you very much

Please guys, my sister is missing. She’s 18 years old and she’s about 5”8 tall. Any information about her is important right now🙏🏽

My sister has been missing for two nights now. If you can, please say a prayer for my family and I tonight. I pray she’s okay wherever she is. Thank you to everyone that took time out to share. It is well.

News Happening Now!
Three persons rescued after collapsing of Soak Away at NPA Quarters, Nyanya Federal Housing.

The three persons were evacuating pieces from the Old Soak away.

News Happening Now!
Three persons rescued after collapsing of Soak Away at NPA Quarters, Nyanya Federal Housing.

The three persons were evacuating pieces from the Old Soak away. pic.twitter.com/ENhW6ORMuA

— NTANetwork (@NTANewsNow) June 15, 2023

I am Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM).

I feel humbled by the level of appreciation I received from well meaning Nigerians on my good works in improving the lives of less privileged in Nigeria.

We all know the story of happy boys and how I intervened by sending them to Cyprus for studies. I felt at their age what they need is education not to work as security.

Because of the Dollar rate, which became a heavy financial burden on me in paying school fees for over 4,000 persons on my scholarship programme, I stopped funding to Wait and see if the dollar will come down.

I also communicated to every parents and gave them options either to return to Nigeria and continue their studies or Benin Republic.

Now Because of God and as a father I have decided to forgive happy boys on whatever thing they Posted against me and the church. On this note I have decided to restore their scholarship to continue in any university in Nigeria or University in Benin Republic.
I have instructed the matron who I employed to take care of them to arrange their ticket to return to Nigeria.

We must all condemn this thoughtless decision to demolish this monument, designed by a young female architect to commemorate Kano’s Golden Jubilee.

I support the ongoing demolishing of private buildings in schools, hospitals, mosques, etc but not wanton destruction of public monuments/buildings, simply because they were built by Ganduje. I do not like the politician in Ganduje but like some of his projects as a governor.

You sent people to abroad and abandon them after using them, you now audition for new people to use when the old people have been abandoned from A to Z, MAKE UNA DE REASON 0. ALL THAT GLITTERS ARE NOT GOLD. NIGERIAN PEOPLE SHOULD BE WISE

Those making negative comments can never understand what we have seen. You contınue to send people on scholarshıps, Show the World the proof of those that have graduated from the schorlashıp and are doıng well for themselves, nobody can use Our stars to rıde prıvate jet and expect us to remaın quıet. You reason wıth your braın and stop beıng negatıve.

Where ıs the transformer boy sponsored to Cyprus too. He has returned to Nıgerıa after he almost dıed here and hıs Mother went to a Prayer House where they told them to return the boy. Things Dey happen, WHO NO KNOW NO KNOW”

PBAT got these accomplished men and women to work with him on his Energy reforms committee.

Austin Avuru - AA Holdings, former CEO Seplat, CEO platform petroleum

Ahmad Zakari - COO GE Nigeria

Abdulrazaq - Chairman/CEO of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited

Tinuade Sanda - CEO Eko Distribution Company

Segun Lawson - CEO Thor Explorations, largest commercial gold producer in Nigeria.

Olu Verheijen - Persistent Energy Capital

Doyin Akinyanju - CEO Ibile Oil and Gas

George Etomi - GEP Law

Bashir Bello - GM Business and Government Relations - Shell

Ifeanyi Ajuluchukwu - Montserrado Investment

This is just one out of the numerous committees but some clowns are on Twitter saying that PBAT is copying Agulu messiah. The most intelligent person on his team is the jester named Kenneth Okonkwo.

The computer science lecturer at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti is organizing the ACA-A-THON event with the aim of surpassing Guinness World Record for the longest duration of lecturing, which is currently set at 150 hours.

Uber has adjusted its base fares. The ride-hailing company says the adjustment was due to the fuel subsidy removal.

TechCabal can exclusively report that Uber has increased its base fares. In an official communication from Uber to its drivers seen by TechCabal, the company adjusted the minimum fare on Uber X from ₦850 to ₦1200. This price adjustment means customers will now pay N25 per minute.

Part of the statement to drivers read, “We are confident that these changes will have a positive impact on your earnings opportunity, and we will continue to work on initiatives which help in making Uber the app of choice for you while maintaining an affordable service for riders.”

Tope Akinwumi, Uber’s Country Manager for Nigeria told TechCabal in an email, “Following an in-depth review of the current fuel subsidy removal, Uber updated fares on the 3rd and 9th June on the app to reflect existing economic conditions. We believe these changes have helped better support drivers in increasing their earning opportunities. Furthermore, we lowered the service fee in February 2022 from 25% to 20% to help enable better-earning opportunities for drivers.” He added that the fare increases are designed to help drivers cover the recent increase in fuel costs, not the entire fuel cost.

An official of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON) confirmed the fare increment. Comrade Idris Shonuga, a national trustee of the union, told TechCabal, “Yes. We are aware. But we are still consulting because the new prices do not reflect the drivers’ demands. So we are still consulting.”

A driver on Uber who spoke to TechCabal also confirmed the new fares. According to him, “The new fares are not 100% okay, but at least they have made some adjustments, so we would go out to work. The rest now is for us to regulate our cars and think about how to conserve fuel.”

This move by Uber is a significant concession because base fares are a bone of contention between drivers and ride-hailing companies. Last week, drivers asked that Uber and Bolt should increase base fares by 200%. The new ask was in response to the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria, which led to an increase in the price of fuel from around N169 to N490 per litre. The midweek protest by the AUATWON saw the drivers ask ride-hailing companies to also reduce their commission. The same week, Uber’s rival Bolt offered drivers a daily bonus of N6,000, amongst other incentives. But the drivers who spoke to TechCabal kicked against the bonus, which had several conditions.

BREAKDOWN OF THE STUDENT'S LOAN

President Tinubu signs the student's loan bill into law which seeks to provide financial solution to Nigerian Students for the purpose of Tertiary Education.

Here are few things you need to know about the bill;

PURPOSE OF THE LOAN

The loan can be accessed for the purpose of paying school fees, accommodation, textbooks, research, education materials or any other purpose that's justified by the institutions. The amount will differ from student to student and department to department. Technical Courses will require more funding than Non-technical.

ELIGIBILITY
Students applying for the loan must;
1. Have secured an admission into any Tertiary Institution (Federal or State Universities, Polytechnics, Collages of Education or any other Tertiary Institutions)
2. Come from a family with an annual income of less than N500,000.
3. Provide at least 2 guarantors (Civil Servant above Level 12 or Lawyer with at least 10 years post-call experience)

DISQUALIFICATION
Students are disqualified from applying if;
1. They have defaulted in any loan before (go to your banks and check your credit history ooh before you come online and be insulting government on top of loan you refused to pay from Kuda, Palmpay or NIRSAL)
2. They have proven case of exam malpractice
3. They have ever been convicted for any offense of dishonesty or fraud (yahoo boys una weldon ooh)
4. They have ever been convicted of drug abuse
5. Their parents defaulted on any loan before (ask your parents to also check their credit history)

METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applications will be submitted to the Students Affairs Offices of the respective institutions alongside relevant documents and qualified applications will be forwarded officially by the institution to the Chairman of the Education Bank in their territory.

WHAT IS EDUCATION BANK AGAIN?

The Student Loan Bill will also establish an Education Bank with the purpose of facilitating the mobilization of funds to provide the students loan and also ensure constant supply of the loans to Nigerians for better Tertiary Education in Nigeria. The Bank will start with a share capital of N1billion at N1/share with FG holding 100% of the shares.

SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR THE BANK
The bill also establishs a Fund called "Students Loan Fund" which will serve as the fund in the bank to be accessible by students. All monies or any contributions to the fund will be managed by the education bank. The fund will get supply from the following sources;

1. Education Bonds
2. All interests arising from deposits of the bank
3. Education endowment fund schems
4. 1% of taxes, levels and duties to FG through FIRS, NIS and Customs.
5. 1% of profits from Oil and Other Natural Resources.
6. Grants, Gifts, and any other endowments.

By the signing of the bill today, legally all profits and taxes due to the fund under the bill will start counting.

DISBURSEMENT AND REPAYMENT

The Loan application will be forwarded to the Minister of Education for approval within 30 days of submission to the Bank. And disbursement will be made immediately after Minister's approval.

The loan repayment will start 2 years after NYSC. Payments will be 10% direct deductions from beneficiaries salary account. If for example you are working with INGAWA Nig Limited and your salary is N100k. Then Ingawa Nigeria Limited will be deducting N10k and remit same on your behalf to the Education Bank being repayment for your loan.

Self employed gradautes will have only 60 days to document their income for deductions. They will also remit 10% of their monthly profits or face penalty.

The bill did not provide assumption of not getting a job or self employment after 2 years when we have graduates of 5-10years without jobs. Even though thats a way of pushing them to be self employed and produce for the nation.

DEFAULTERS

Whoever benefits and refuses to pay back for his younger ones to benefit is liable to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000.

The signing of the Student Loan Bill into law by President Bola Tinubu on Monday has elicited commendations from the public, especially students.

The bill will enable Nigerian students access loans at interest-free rates.

It is also expected to see the establishment of an education bank.

In November 2022, the bill was passed by the National Assembly.

The bill was sponsored by Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.

Checks by The Nation shows the bill seeks the establishment of the Nigerian Education Bank, which shall have powers to supervise, coordinate, administer, and monitor the management of student loans in Nigeria

The board will also receive applications for student loans through higher institutions in Nigeria on behalf of the applicants, screen the applications to ensure that all requirements for the grant of students’ loan under the Act are satisfied.

In the copy sighted by The Nation, “The bank shall also have the powers to approve and disburse the loan to qualified applicants; control and monitor and coordinate the students’ loan account/fund and ensure compliance in respect of disbursement; monitor academic records of grantees of the loan to obtain information on their year of graduation, national service, employment to ensure that grantees of the loan commence repayment of the loan as at when due, among other functions.

“The Bill provides that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in other enactments, all students seeking higher education in any public institution of higher learning in Nigeria shall have an equal right to access the loan under this Act without any discrimination arising from gender, religion, tribe, position or disability of any kind.

“The loan referred to in this Act shall be granted to students only for the payment of Tuition fees. The grant of the loan to any student under this Act shall be subject to the students/applicant(s) satisfying the requirements and conditions set out under this Act.”

Here are things to know before applying for student loan:

1. Students applying for loan must apply to the Chairman of Nigerian Education Bank through their respective institutions.

2. They must have secured admission into any of the Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education or any vocational school established by the Federal Government or the government of any state of the Federation.

3. Applicant must provide at least two guarantors.

4. Each of the guarantors must be a civil servant of not less than level 12 years in service, or a lawyer with at least 10 years post-call experience; of a judicial office of a justice of peace.

5. All applications from every institution must be submitted through the Student Affairs Office of each institution via a list of all qualified applicants from the institution accompanied by a cover letter signed by the vice-chancellor or rector or the head of the institution and the students affairs officer and addressed to the chairman of the board of the bank.

Each application must be accompanied by the following:

1. Copy of student’s admission letter

2. Letter by the guarantors addressed to the chairman, governing board of the bank recommending the student for the loan and stating that he accepts the liability in the event of default.

3. Each guarantor must submit two passport photographs, name of the employer and evidence of being so employed by the named organisation.

4. Each institutions must ensure that all applications from its school reach the bank not more than 30 days after close of admission for the academic year.

5. Where the guarantor is self-employed, he must provide particulars of his business as registered with the CAC or any other appropriate authority.

A student can be disqualified from accessing loan if:

1. He is proven to have defaulted in respect of any previous loan granted by any organisation.

2. He has been found guilty of exam malpractice by any school authority.

3. He’s convicted of felony or any office involving dishonesty or fraud

4. He has been convicted of drug offenses

5. Any of his parents has defaulted in respect of student’s loan or any loan granted to him or her.

For repayment of the loan:

1. Any beneficiary of the loan shall commence repayment two years after completion of NYSC

2. Repayment shall be by direct deduction of 10% of the beneficiaries salary at source by that employer and credited to the students loan account.

Office of the first son...

Incoming!!!!

After 3 years, I’ve finally taken the step for my Guinness World Record 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

Date : December 2023.
Record : Longest software coding time without a break.

Thank you
@GWR
🫱🏽‍🫲🏾🫱🏽‍🫲🏾🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

The Nigeria Police Force, Yobe State command on Saturday said its operatives arrested a traditional chief and his two sons over the murder of one Goni Waje in Dako Kangarwa village, Yunusari Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, in a statement in Damaturu, named the suspects simply as Jalomi, Ciroma and Bulama.

He said the murder occurred on June 7, after the trio accused Mr Waje of having an affair with the wife of Mr Bulama, the local chief and father of Jalomi and Ciroma.

“According to the eyes witness account, the deceased was matcheted with a cutlass and burned to death by the duo of Alhaji Jalomi and Ciroma.

“As narrated, the incident began as a fight that led to the deceased using a knife to inflict injury on the father of the suspects,” Abdulkarim said.

He added that Bulama subsequently instructed his children to go after Mr Waje, which they did by burning him to death.

Abdulkarim said the three suspects turned themselves in to the Yunusari Divisional Police Station after the incident.

“While Bulama was finding ways to treat himself from the wound, he had no option but to involve the police in the process of investigation.

“The victim surfaced as accused, which led to his arrest at the Yunusari Police Division.

“Subsequently, the perpetrators of the heinous offence reported themselves to the Yunusari Division after the arrest of their father,” he said.

Abdulkarim said the three suspects were transferred to the criminal investigation department for further investigation.

The spokesman said the body of Mr Waje was deposited at the Specialists Hospital, Damaturu.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The charges allege that Emefiele authorized payments to terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. Emefiele has denied the charges.

The DSS filed the charges in a Federal High Court in Abuja on June 10, 2023. The charges allege that Emefiele authorized payments of $100 million to the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021. The payments were allegedly made in exchange for the release of two Nigerian hostages.

Emefiele has denied the charges. He has said that he did not authorize any payments to the Taliban. He has also said that he was not aware that the hostages were being held by the Taliban.

The DSS has not released any evidence to support the charges. The agency has also not said why it waited until 2023 to file the charges.

Emefiele's lawyers have filed a bail application. The court has not yet ruled on the application.
The terrorism charges against Emefiele are a serious development. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The charges could also have a significant impact on Emefiele's political career.

It is important to note that Emefiele is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He has the right to a fair trial.

The terrorism charges against Emefiele are a reminder of the challenges that Nigeria faces in its fight against terrorism. The charges also raise questions about the role of the CBN in the fight against terrorism. - IPC JUSTICE

The Customs Service has announced its intention to place a ban on the sale of second-hand clothes popularly called Okrika in Nigeria.

During a recent interview, a Customs Service spokesperson said that the sale of Okrika clothing is injurious to the country.

He said: “Okrika clothes are injurious to the health of the nation. That is why government deem it fit that it should be banned.

“One should be curious. Nobody knows how and who used these clothing. And most importantly smugglers desirous to turn Nigeria into a dumping ground. We should not accept it.

“We are a country well blessed with human and natural resources. Why will someone go and bring used products?”

The development has stirred reactions from netizens.

Reacting to the video, tonia.gram_ said: “Let the poor breaffff. Don’t suffocate us 😭😭😭.”

Babajideedges stated: “I’m sure the same person who raised the fuss about my beloved ponmo is behind this. Don’t worry guys, they failed with ponmo, they will fail with this also.

Insensitive bunch that are paying 30k minimum wage but are here forming National Classism. Asan Oniranu.

Abuse of priority!”

Brandy_ish commented: “These people are so disconnected from the true plights of the people. This is how the really poor are able to afford clothing. Like how are we so blessed with clueless people at the top? Until they deepen the gap between the rich and the poor, they can’t rest. God abeg save this country cos I don’t even understand anymore.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Electricity Act 2023 which was initially passed by lawmakers in July 2022.

The Electricity Act will replace the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act of 2005. It provides a framework to guide the post-privatization phase of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as well as encourage private sector investments in the sector.

Highlighted below are some of the functions the Electricity Act seeks to guide-

State electricity empowerment
The de-monopolization of Nigeria’s electricity generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity at the National level empowers states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

Under the Act, states can issue licenses to private investors who can operate mini-grids and power plants within the state. However, the Act precludes interstate and transnational electricity distribution.

Powers of NERC
Under the Electricity Act 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will be able to regulate the electricity sector within Nigeria without prejudice to the powers of the states to make laws and create electricity markets within those states and to regulate those markets.

The Act mandates how NERC can transition regulatory responsibilities from itself to state regulators when they are established. Until a state has passed its electricity market laws, NERC will continue to regulate electricity business exclusively carried out in those states.

For now, Lagos, Edo and Kaduna states already have electricity market laws and can start regulating their market. But for other states without such laws, NERC will regulate. NERC will still carry out cross-border regulations – generation, and transmission across states will still be regulated by NERC.

Role of lawmakers
The Act grants lawmakers the power to carry out oversight responsibilities and function over the NESI through its respective Committees on Power in the Senate and House of Representatives. This is to be carried out notwithstanding the supervisory powers of any government Ministry over government-owned enterprises or other entities operating in the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

Empowering renewable energy
Electricity generation licensees are obligated to meet renewable generation obligations as may be prescribed by NERC. Under the Act, electricity generating companies will be mandated to either generate power from renewable energy sources, purchase power generated from renewable energy or procure any instrument representing renewable energy generation.

The Electricity Act also mandates the imposition of renewable purchase obligations on distribution or supply licensees.

What you should know
The Act also states that anyone may construct, own or operate an undertaking for generating electricity not exceeding 1 megawatt (MW) in aggregate at a site or an undertaking for distribution of electricity with a capacity not exceeding 100 kilowatts (KW) in aggregate at a site, or such other capacity as NERC may determine from time to time, without a license.

Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (born 9 June 1980), better known by his stage name D'banj, is a Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, entrepreneur and television personality. He has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009, Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards, and Best-selling African Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards, Evolution award at the 2015 MTV Africa Music awards.

Oyebanjo adopted the stage name D'banj, a combination of his first name, Dapo, and his surname, Oyebanjo. D'banj is best known internationally for his 2012 summer hit "Oliver Twist", an uptempo dance fusion of Afrobeats and electronic dance music that topped the African charts in 2011 and was a top 10 hit in the UK singles chart in 2012 reaching No. 2 on the UK R&B chart. He said the year 2021 would be marked in Grand styles and he would release his album tittled "Ikebe" before the end of the first quarter.

D'banj, also known as the Kokomaster or Bangalee, was born on 9 June 1980 in Zaria, the northern part of Nigeria to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a devout church dignitary businesswoman who hailed from Shagamu in Ogun State. Dbanj has twins as siblings.

D'banj married Lineo Didi Kilgrow in June 2016.

I AM BLESSED….
Hence everyday of June is a celebration..
BUT THE KING WAS BORN ON JUNE 9th 1985..

HAPPY 38TH CAKE DAY TO ME.
I AM GRATEFULLY THANKFUL FOR LIFE..

When Mercy Chinwo visited our Assembly not too long ago, she did not charge ₦10,000,000 as her fee. While I won't disclose the exact amount she received, it was significantly less than half of ₦10,000,000.

Out of her earnings, she graciously gave ₦1,000,000 back to the Church as an offering, demonstrating her generosity and support for House on the Rock, Asaba.

Mercy was accompanied by her dedicated team, and it's important to recognize that they deserve compensation for their commitment. It is reasonable to expect payment for their services since they leave their usual responsibilities to support Mercy in her music endeavors. Additionally, Mercy herself deserves to be paid for her work as she operates in the music industry with a focus on Christian music.

I have always believed in the importance of nurturing and empowering local talent within each congregation. After all, we don't typically bring in external ushers to assist on Sundays when the church already has its own ushers.

Similarly, the music department of the church is capable of ministering through songs. However, if the church decides to engage the services of a musician specializing in Christian music, it is only fair that the musician be compensated. Before discussing the argument of "ministry," it is worth noting that the concept of "Music Ministers" has been a subject of debate, with some expressing concerns about biblical support for hiring musicians to minister to the congregation.

The early Church followed a pattern where different individuals contributed their unique gifts, including sharing the word, providing encouragement, presenting psalms, and offering songs, among other forms of ministry. While we don't need to replicate every aspect of the early Church's practices due to the different context and times we live in, we can observe that Pastor Chris of Christ Embassy, for instance, understood this concept and did not rely on external musicians to "bless" the congregation.

Mercy Chinwo is a professional musician, and her music career provides for her livelihood. If she decides to transition to full-time ministry in the future, that will be her personal decision. However, at present, she is a gifted and talented musician operating within the music business. Whether one chooses to label it as ministry is subjective, but it is evident that she operates as a musician and has the right to determine her fees for the services she provides. It's important to note that she is not coming to preach the word or serve as a member of your congregation. If your pastor deems it appropriate to invite external singers to bless the church, the church should be prepared to cover the associated expenses. Nowhere in the Bible does it dictate that ministry must be conducted exclusively by A-list music artists.

If Mercy Chinwo were not to charge for her services, congregations would be inclined to take advantage of her talent without providing fair compensation. Furthermore, it is unfair to compare her situation with that of Nathaniel Bassey, who chooses not to charge but also selectively accepts invitations. Nathaniel Bassey typically ministers in larger churches and receives appropriate compensation without needing to request it explicitly.

One of the reasons musicians like Mercy Chinwo are transparent about their fees is to avoid complications. For instance, if Dr. Paul Enenche or Bishop Oyedepo were to invite Mercy Chinwo to their events, she might not even need to discuss the fee because she knows they would offer her fair compensation without hesitation.

Why should we criticize Mercy Chinwo for conducting her business? Does the person who prints your church flyers do it for free? Are they engaged in a "printing ministry"? Similarly, the individuals who sold your church sound systems, lights, and musical equipment did not provide them for free. These tools are essential for expressing various aspects of ministry, and yet the church pays for them.

Why should we hold a double standard when it comes to compensating musicians?

There are certainly aspects of church operations that are optional and not necessary for ministry but can make it more convenient. We invest in constructing auditoriums, acquiring good sound systems, and other amenities that enhance the church experience. While these elements are beneficial, they are not fundamental requirements. Hiring a musician for your church, despite having a choir, falls into a similar category. These musicians charge for their services because that's their domain.

I recall occasions where I was invited to minister in certain congregations, and after sharing my gifts, I received nothing more than a "God bless you." In fact, on one occasion, I had to borrow money from someone just to cover my transportation expenses. However, as the person I am, I did not take offense at it. In fact, my desire has always been to minister and even contribute something from my own pocket. That's simply who I am.

By sharing my perspective, I hope to shed light on another angle of this conversation.

Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy has customised a diamond necklace in memory of his late friend Gabriel Serenkuma also known as Gambo.

Gambo died in 2015 in an accident. He was the closest friend to Burna boy. Burna boy took it upon himself to have a necklace in memory of his blossom friend.

He was seen in a video with this diamond necklace with the name of his friend Gambo.

This necklace was made by a jeweller.

One word for this 👇